Chelmsford, Mass., June 16, 2003 — Now in its fifth season, the Chelmsford Community Band Jazz Ensemble will present free concerts on the Chelmsford town common at 7:00 p.m. on July 8 and August 5. The July 8 concert will be sponsored by ERA Morrison Real Estate of Chelmsford. The August 5 concert will be sponsored by Hardy Doric, Inc. of Chelmsford. Bring a picnic supper and a blanket or folding chair, and enjoy the show! (In the event of rain, the concerts will be cancelled.)

Formed in 1998 to give Chelmsford Community Band concert band members a chance to perform music of the big band era, the Chelmsford Community Band Jazz Ensemble performs a wide repertoire of swing standards and popular selections from noted jazz artists. A typical concert might include a Duke Ellington or Count Basie medley, a bossa nova, or a Dave Brubeck tune. But, whatever they play, the band is sure to keep the audience's feet tapping.

"The ensemble's 17 members are a dedicated group who rehearse at least twice a month, in addition to the concert band rehearsals and other musical endeavors that they may be involved with," says jazz band president and lead alto saxophonist Ken Muzykewicz. "In return, they have a great time playing this music, and our audiences respond to that."

Besides the two summer concerts, the ensemble performs at the Chelmsford Community Band's annual winter and pops concerts, and is also available for hire to perform at private functions.

The jazz ensemble is directed by Paul Combs of Cambridge, Mass. A freelance performer, educator and author, Combs is heard regularly at various Eastern New England venues in combos and with his Pocket Big Band.