Austin High School will come to life this Friday for the annual Spring Jazz Show presented by the AHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Bands.

For the third year in a row, the band and choir programs join forces to bring audiences an exciting variety of jazz standards as well as contemporary hits.

Sophomore Arn Huizinga said his favorite Vocal Jazz selection is “A Day in the Life of a Fool,” due to its sad but complex harmonies, while junior Ashley Harrington said her favorite song by Vocal Jazz is “Georgia On My Mind.”

“It’s a classic,” Harrington said.

On the Jazz Band side, the groups will play some standard swing and blues charts, but also venture into some rock and pop music of the 1970s and 80s.

Packer Jazz trumpeter Cody Berglund is excited to put a a jazz spin on a 1980s rock classic, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

“It’s catchy, and takes you back to another time,” Berglund said.

Likewise, Jazz One will put a jazzy spin on the 1970s Queen classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

But for senior Jacob Burkhart, he is most excited for Jazz One to perform the classic “Feeling Good,” which will feature vocals by Max Deyo in the style of Michael Buble.

This Friday’s jazz show begins at 7 p.m. in Christgau Hall at Austin High School. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.  AHS students are admitted free with ID and all AHS Activity Passes and Music Boosters of Austin passes are accepted for admission.  The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is directed by Brian Johnson and the Jazz Bands are directed by Bradley Mariska.