LITTLE ROCK — The Bryant High School Jazz band will perform Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Arkansas Jazz Festival.
The Clinton Presidential Center will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by hosting the Festival, featuring “Blue” Lou Marini. Held in partnership with the Arkansas Jazz Educators and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the free, two-day festival will be held at the Clinton Center Park and will showcase the talent of jazz bands from around the state.
“The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent of some our state’s finest jazz musicians,” said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation. “We encourage jazz aficionados of all ages to come to the Presidential Park and enjoy these free musical performances all weekend long.”
Featured artist, Lou Marini, has been a member of Blood, Sweat and Tears and The Saturday Night Live Band. He is an original member of the Blues Brothers Band. He appeared in both Blues Brothers movies and performed on a number of their recordings and tours.
“Jazz is an incredibly compelling genre of music, presenting unique opportunities for educators and students alike,” said Clay Hooten, president of the Arkansas Jazz Educators. “We are thrilled to come back to the Clinton Center, a perfect venue for jazz, for this year’s showcase.”
The festival is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available, for purchase, from a number of on-site local food vendors and food trucks.
Here’s the complete schedule of performances:
Friday
Central High School Jazz II, 3:30 p.m.
West Memphis High School, 4:30 p.m.
Benton Junior High School, 5:30 p.m.
Harding University, 6:30 p.m.
Bryant High School, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Central High School Jazz I, 9 a.m.
UALR, 10 a.m.
El Dorado High School, 11 a.m.
Arkansas Tech University, Noon
Jonesboro High School, 1 p.m.
Texarkana, TX 8th grade, 2 p.m.
UAPB, 3 p.m.
Pea Ridge High School, 4 p.m.
Texas High School, TX, 5 p.m.
UAM/ Lou Marini, 6 p.m.
*Performances also held April 24-25 on Front Street in Dardanelle.
