Weekend of Jazz back with big names

BEAVERCREEK, OH (WDTN-WBDT) - The 11th annual Weekend of Jazz happens now through Saturday at Beavercreek High School.

It will feature performances by the jazz bands of Beavercreek schools, as well as two-time Grammy winner Jon Secada and the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

The event began in 2001 under the direction of Doug McCullough, Beavercreek High School's director of bands. His idea was for music students to meet established musicians and learn from them.

The event begins at 7 p.m. Thursday as Beavercreek school bands play a concert and receive instruction from guest artist Jon Secada.

At 8 p.m. Friday, Secada will perform a jazz show accompanied by a small combo.

On Saturday, jazz bands from 18 regional schools will work with music educators in a daylong clinic that’s open to the public.

Weekend of Jazz concludes Saturday at 8 p.m. with a concert by the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Tommy James.

For tickets and more information visit, www.WeekendOfJazz.org