Summer concert series in Godfrey to feature three jazz big bands

Three St. Louis area big bands will be featured as part of a free jazz concert series this summer in Godfrey, Illinois. The Sessions Big Band leads off the 2008 Jazz in the Park series at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, June 11, followed by the Sentimental Journey Dance Band on Wednesday, July 16, and Shades of Blue, the jazz ensemble of the US Air Force Band of Mid America at Scott Air Force Base, on Wednesday, August 12.

Although the concert series has been known as Jazz in the Park since its inception five years ago, this year's performances will take place indoors in the Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. In a story published in the Alton Telegraph, the president of one of the local groups sponsoring the series said that the move was made because of "unpredictable weather."

Ross Gentile of WSIE (88.7 FM) will serve as host and MC. All three concerts are free and open to the public. Concert goers also may reserve a picnic-style dinner catered by Carver's Barbecue for $15 per person or $27 per couple; plates must be reserved in advance by calling 618-466-6110 no later than the Monday preceding each concert.