The Texas High School Jazz Band and the Texas Middle School Jazz Band are scheduled to perform at a jazzfest at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock later this month.

On April 24 and April 25, the Clinton Presidential Center will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by hosting the Arkansas Jazz Festival featuring "Blue" Lou Marini. Held in partnership with the Arkansas Jazz Educators and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, this free, two-day festival will be held at the Clinton Center Park and will showcase the talent of jazz bands from around the state.

Jazz is an incredibly compelling genre of music, presenting unique opportunities for educators and students alike

“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 also 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 open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from a number of on-site local food vendors and food trucks.

The schedule of performances on Friday will include:

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 performances:

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.

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