Black History Month events include jazz from Ptah Williams, Denise Thimes, SIUE Concert Jazz Band

As local organizations celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of African-Americans to this country and to the world, jazz music is usually part of the mix at a number of events during the month. Here are a couple that look promising:

On Thursday, February 9, the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band will give a free concert from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center on the SIU-E campus. I haven't heard this particular ensemble, but given that they've had the chance to learn from outstanding local jazz pros such as Reggie Thomas, Brett Stamps and Rick Haydon, I'd assume they're worth checking out. This is just one of a number of events held on the SIU-E campus in conjunction with Black History Month; you can see the whole list here.

And at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, pianist Ptah Williams and vocalist Denise Thimes will appear at Powell Symphony Hall for a concert with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON chorus. According to the SLSO Web site, the program will "celebrate the rich experience of African and African-American culture, which has influenced musical composition over the past three centuries and shaped the lives of people around the world. The second half of the program will feature local jazz superstars Denise Thimes and Ptah Williams in a program that highlights the rich jazz tradition of St. Louis." The concert is free, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Know of any other upcoming Black History Month events featuring jazz? Leave a comment or drop me an email, and I'll update or post additional info as appropriate.