AWC Jazz Ensemble performs Wednesday night

The jazz students and music professionals of the Arizona Western College Jazz 1 Ensemble are eager to show off their musical talents during an upcoming concert Wednesday. Attendees to the event will also be treated to a wine and cheese social as live jazz music fills the spacious ballroom of the venue.

The group of gifted musicians will be live in concert at 7 tonight at the Palms RV Resort, 3400 S. Avenue 7 E.

The performance will also feature a small AWC Jazz Combo group.

The event is free to the public.

For more information call 341-4646 or 344-7573.

"Jazz 1 is our top jazz band here," said Shawn Pollard, professor of instrumental music at AWC. "We have some community members who have played with the band for a number of years, as well as some college freshman and a few high school students. The group is kind of a grab bag."

Pollard said the musicians in Jazz 1 are exceptionally talented.

"The college students are in Jazz 1 because of their expertise and skill. All of the college students in Jazz 1 are scholarship- students, so they are our best players at the college level."

Pollard said the Jazz Combo is not an official AWC organization, but is made up of students.

"The combo is a small group of five college and high school students. The group was formed recently, and plays jazz standards."

Pollard said Jazz 1 will play an assortment of tunes that should be familiar to jazz listeners.

"We have an eclectic assortment of stuff. One of our up-tempo featured tunes will be 'Blue Rondo ala Turk' by Dave Brubeck.We will also perform 'Lisette,' 'St. James Infirmary' and 'Four Brothers' which will feature the saxophone section."

According to Pollard, the concert will feature Jazz 1 musicians Louis Hernandez on the tenor saxophone, and high school student Peter Hoovestal on piano.

"This will be great fun in an informal environment and there will be free food. What’s better than free food and jazz?" Pollard said.

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Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.