The Sea and Science Center of East Boothbay held its annual fundraiser on Saturday, catered by Mine Oyster of Boothbay Harbor and featuring the Marcus and Riza Printup Jazz Quartet.

“We have grown and are very excited.” said Sea and Science founder and Executive Director Pauline Dion.

Conceived in 2011, the Center opened in 2013 with 23 students, one instructor and two boats. This year, the program served over 100 students with 17 instructors, said Dion.

Dion's motivation to start the program was to involve younger children, including those who might want to learn to sail without the pressure of racing. The Center serves ages 5 to 17, she said.

In addition, the Center plans a seaweed-growing project this fall reaching out to five area schools, she said. 

Following cocktails and appetizers, the jazz quartet founded by New York City-based trumpet player Marcus Printup played two sets of jazz standards and had interactive exchanges with the audience. 

Harpist Riza Printup demonstrated how the harp produces multiple sounds on a single string and the difficulties in adapting the harp to jazz. The quartet featured solos by bassist Kevin Smith and drummer Henry Conerway III. The quartet is no stranger to Boothbay Harbor, having played in 2017 to benefit Boothbay Area Land Trust.

“They are the best,” said jazz fan Dorothy Gregory who followed the group during previous visits.

“They are stupendous,” said Mary Miller.

Chaplain and BRHS volunteer tennis coach Al Sirois, a jazz enthusiast, had multiple reasons for attending the gala. Sirois’s son Russell and grandchildren Anna and Adam have been instructors in the sailing program. It was also his wife Shirley’s birthday. Sirois said he hoped to dance during the concert.

Photographer Bob Crink said he worked through the night as a volunteer to get 20 of his photos of students of the Center ready to be shown on the walls of the shipyard.

Ralph Smith of Mine Oyster opened oysters. Those and giant shrimp and a table of appetizers were served prior to the show. Intermission featured desserts and coffee.

This article has been updated since its original posting.