Jazz Festival set for Feb. 22 Rolling Meadows High

The Rolling Meadows High School Music Boosters’ 29th annual Jazz in the Meadows Jazz Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 22. Performances will kick off at 8 a.m. every half-hour in various locations throughout the high school. The Noontime Concert will begin at noon, and the Grand Finale Concert will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Over 110 jazz bands and combos representing 62 schools from five states are participating in what has become one of the largest and most highly regarded jazz gatherings in the Midwest. In addition to the participants, Jazz in the Meadows is an event local jazz enthusiasts also enjoy. Performances are held throughout the day and evening, and guests listen to some of the top jazz bands and combos from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

While this is an educational event, many jazz bands and combos also compete in an effort to achieve top honors in their specific categories and earn the chance to participate in the Grand Finale Concert at the end of the day. Also performing in the Grand Finale Concert is special guest artist bassist Victor Wooten with drummer Derico Watson, and local guest artist Lowdown Brass Band is the featured artist at the Noontime Concert.

The day’s competitive program features performances in four high school classes, two high school combo classes, a single class for junior high bands, and a class specifically for “second bands” for high schools that support two levels. Each band performs a 15-minute set followed by an evaluation and instruction on specific segments of the selections played by a trio of jazz professionals and experienced educators from Midwest colleges and universities.

Tickets for the 29th annual Jazz in the Meadows Festival are available at the door in several package options. A $10 adult ticket allows access to all performances throughout the day, including the Grand Finale Concert. Senior citizens and students can enjoy the all-access pass for $7, and a family (up to four) can purchase a full-day pass for $25. Tickets to the Grand Finale Concert only are priced at $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Breakfast, lunch, and snack items will be available throughout the day at several locations throughout the building.

There also are numerous opportunities for families to volunteer at the festival, place ads in the program booklet, or become sponsors.

For information, call (847) 718.5752 or visit rmhsmusicboosters.com.