More than 100 bands participate in Jazz in the Meadows

The Rolling Meadows High School Music Boosters will present the 31st Annual Jazz in the Meadows Jazz Festival on Saturday, Feb. 27.

More than 100 jazz bands and combos representing 60 schools from five states will be participating in one of the largest and most highly regarded jazz gatherings in the Midwest.

The public is welcome to attend performances throughout the day and evening. While this is an educational event, guests will have the opportunity to listen to some of the top jazz bands and combos from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

Many of the jazz bands and combos participate in the competitive portion of the event in an effort to achieve top honors in their specific categories and earn the opportunity to participate in the Grand Finale Concert at the end of the day.

In addition to the highest scoring bands, the Grand Finale Concert will include a performance by a special guest artist The New Standard Jazz Orchestra, a collective of some of the top local jazz performers and educators. There is also a Noontime Concert featuring The Big Bad Bones, a trombone ensemble.

The 31st Annual Jazz in the Meadows will kick off at 8 a.m. with performances every half-hour throughout the day in various locations at Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 Central Road. The Noontime Concert will start at noon. The Grand Finale Concert is scheduled to begin at approximately 5 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door. A $15 ticket allows access to all performances throughout the day, including the Grand Finale Concert. Tickets for senior citizens and students are $10. A family of up to four can purchase a full-day pass for $35.

Tickets to just the Grand Finale Concert are $10, $7 for students and seniors. Breakfast, lunch and snack items will be sold throughout the day. There will also be a jam session throughout the day in the cafeteria.

For information about Jazz in the Meadows, call (847) 718-5752, or visit rmhsmusicboosters.com.