WSU VoJazz is looking to expand its audience throughout Pullman. Every Thursday night, Rico’s, located on 200 E Main St., hosts VoJazz night at Rico’s, Kathleen Hollingsworth, VoJazz director, said.

“We send several singers each Thursday to Rico’s,” Hollingsworth said. “They’re usually part of the VoJazz group.” The nights usually feature a couple of performers and last from 10 p.m. to midnight, said Ian Skavdahl, a sophomore music major and VoJazz member. Skavdahl is one of the singers who moonlights at Rico’s. “I started singing all the way back in third grade,” he said. “I joined a choir in my elementary school.” Skavdahl started VoJazz during his first semester in Pullman. He is now in his third year with the group and enjoys the time he puts in. “I really like the people, and it’s very fun to sing with them,” he said. “Kathleen is also really amazing to work with.” Rico’s provides a different platform for performers. While with the VoJazz group, Skavdahl sings as part of a group. And at Rico’s, he gets to perform alone with the band, Skavdahl said. “It’s a completely different experience,” he said. “Solo gigs are a very different energy. You’re able to do what you want, and everything is very open.” Another regular on VoJazz night at Rico’s is Kylie Booher, sophomore undecided major and VoJazz member. Like Skavdahl, she also started at VoJazz during her first semester at WSU.

Booher said she started singing at a very young age. “I’ve been singing since I was in fourth grade,” she said. “I joined a choir and dance group. A lot of family sings too. It’s something I’ve always loved to do, and that I’ve grown up with.” Booher continued singing throughout high school in a jazz choir. The music program is the main reason she chose WSU.

Booher then got a music scholarship at WSU, she said. After she met Hollingsworth she tried out for VoJazz and has been with the group ever since.

“Kathleen is so inspirational and just a phenomenal teacher,” she said. “She pushes everyone to become better. The whole group is like a big family. Some of my best friends I met through VoJazz.” The VoJazz night at Rico’s provides her with the opportunity to rehearse her own style and use her improvisation skills. It provides a different challenge that is laid-back and fun, she said.

“As a group, everything is well rehearsed, and you work to be one with the group,” Booher said. “At Rico’s, the band and I kind of play it by ear. I can really express myself.” Both Booher and Skavdahl encouraged students to come watch the two perform at Rico’s or at a formal concert. “We put in a lot of hard work, and it would be really nice to have more people come and see us perform,” Booher said. “It’s always fun, and I think people will enjoy it.”