Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble to play at Hemmens Thursday

The U.S. Air Force Band Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will bring its diverse repertoire of traditional swing, modern jazz and more at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, in downtown Elgin. Admission is free. These tickets go fast; call the Hemmens box office at (847) 931-5900.

During a Shades of Blue concert, you are just as likely to hear the music of contemporary composers as you would the classic sounds of Count Basie or Glenn Miller. These musicians have backed many jazz greats, including Sammy Nestico, Bobby Shew, Toni Tennile and Tex Benecke, just to name a few.

Several of the band's members are also gifted writers and arrangers, and their compositions are often featured. They have collaborated with Wilford Brimley on an acclaimed salute to Major Glenn Miller and have recorded several tracks for Macy's annual Independence Day celebrations in New York.

Make a child smile by donating a toy to the Community Crisis Center's annual Toy Giveaway. Just bring one new toy in its original packaging to The Hemmens from now until Dec. 15. Information on the Toy Giveaway is available at www.hemmens.org/calendar.

Local area businesses have joined together once again this year to coordinate the collection of toys for the Community Crisis Center's annual Toy Giveaway. Volunteers are needed.

If you can help in any way, contact the Community Crisis Center by e-mail at toygiveaway@crisiscenter.org or call (847) 697-2380.