Siue Friends of Music "Hollywood Jazz" Benefit Scheduled for Next Sunday, October 5

Singer Mardra Thomas (pictured) and her group plus the Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band conducted by Jason Swagler will be the featured performers at “Hollywood Jazz," a dinner and benefit for the SIUE Friends of Music Scholarship Fund that will take place starting at 5:30 p.m. next Sunday, October 5 in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom.

In keeping with the Hollywood theme, guests will “walk the red carpet" as they enter the ballroom. A 30-minute visual montage from notable jazz films will serve as backdrop for cocktails and Thomas' performance, which will include jazz interpretations of songs from the movies. Following a formal dinner, the SIUE Jazz Concert Band will play big band dance music until 9:00 p.m.

Tickets for “Hollywood Jazz" are $60 per person or $480 for a table for eight. To make reservations or get more information, you can call the SIUE Department of Music at 618-650-3900 or toll-free at 888-328-5168, Extension 3900.