The Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra is excited to announce several free performances this month, on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, August 20, 22, and 23.

If you’ve ever been curious how a big band rehearses for a concert, then come to the Trachte Music Center at Lycoming College on Wednesday, August 20 for something different: an evening of “The WCJO Behind the Scenes”. The audience will get a preview of the WCJO program as they prepare for their Central Oak Heights concert on August 23. Fan favorites such as “Blackbird”, “Let’s Fall in Love”, and “Freddie the Freeloader” are among the tunes on the program. This free, open rehearsal begins at 6:30pm.

The WCJO once again will celebrate the Little League World Series at the Williamsport Welcomes the World event on Friday, August 22, 6:30pm-8:30pm. WWTW is Williamsport’s biggest annual street party, presented by the City of Williamsport and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and attended by over 20,000 people. This year the party will feature the WCJO sextet, a condensed version of 6 members from the full jazz ensemble.

On Saturday, August 23, head down to West Milton for the annual WCJO concert in the beautiful open-air Tabernacle on the grounds of Central Oak Heights, 7-8pm. Ice cream will be available after the concert! The performance is free.

The WCJO was founded in 2011 to showcase the immense amount of talent in the Williamsport area. Members include alumni of the Glenn Miller Big Band, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Band, and many other renowned jazz ensembles. The orchestra plays an exciting variety of big band tunes, from the popular and familiar to the obscure and new, and the performances are sure to appeal to all. The WCJO presents multiple concerts throughout the year such as the popular annual Holiday Jazz concerts, the annual WCJO Jazz Fest, and free summer concerts in the area. The ensemble also provides education workshops for students throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra Facebook page or email wmsptcityjazz@gmail.com.