Tonight, the Austin Community Band will finish off its summer concert programming with a rousing 20 piece “Big Band” jazz ensemble.

Starting at 7 p.m., the city’s best jazz musicians will be showcased in Bandshell Park, promising to provide a mixture of Classic “oldies” and contemporary jazz favorites. The group will bring back the sounds of Count Basie, Oliver Nelson and Brian Setzer Orchestra along with the smooth sounds of Grover Washington and film soundtracks from the “Polar Express” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” among others.

Director Brian Koser points out, “We look forward to this particular concert each year. It gives us a chance to breakout into a smaller ensemble and feature many of our talented jazz players in the community. This year’s ensembles are easily the strongest we’ve had in years and the group approaches the challenge with great energy, hard work and enthusiasm. They are just an incredible group of people.”

Some of the musicians include: Barry Rush, guitar; Danny Muzik, drum set; Theresa Iverson, bass; and Susan hays, piano- and that’s just the rhythm section. The woodwinds and brass are completed with a combination of players, young and old alike. Some are students or have recently graduated college, and some have years of experience playing in bands of every variety.

The July 2 concert serves as a prelude to the Freedom Fest/Fourth of July celebration, where, along with the Austin Community Band, dozens of other musical performances will take place throughout Thursday and Friday. The Community Band will usher in the July 3 fireworks display with a concert beginning at 8:30 and ending at 10 p.m. sharp. If extraordinary musicianship and the sound of “Big Band Jazz” appeals to you, make sure and check out our local talent at work. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs; the concert is free.