NSU Jazz Ensemble hosts annual Jam-Balaya event

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--Join the Northeastern State University Jazz Studies Program for an evening of great food and exciting music. Now in its eighth year, Jam-Balaya will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the NSU Jazz Lab. All proceeds from this event will help support the NSU Jazz Studies Program and its upcoming cd release by the NSU Jazztet.

The evening program includes a selection of jazz classics performed by the critically-acclaimed NSU Jazz Ensemble featuring its many talented students, as well as a silent auction and a jambalaya-themed dinner. Dinner will be served from6:30-7:45 p.m. and will feature a main course of jambalaya followed by bourbon sugar bread pudding.

Dr. Tommy Poole, director of Jazz Studies will also be performing with the ensemble on a couple selections.

Because of the fundraising aspect ofJam-Balaya, many longtime NSU Jazz donors come out for the concert. These donors know what a special thing it is to have a nationally recognized jazz studies program with the guest artist roster we have right here in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Poole said.

The donors also know that some of these NSU students they hear becoming more proficient year after year will go on to have prolific careers in jazz and/or commercial music. They seeJam-Balaya as an opportunity to show their support.

The ticket price of $20 per person or $35 per couple includes dinner and the concert. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.while the concerts starts at 7 p.m.