Concert to Benefit AHS Jazz Band ft. John D'earth, Charles Owens & Friends and Terri Allard Trio

Concert and Silent Auction to Benefit AHS Jazz Ensemble
Featuring John D'earth, Charles Owens & Friends and Terri Allard Trio
With a Special Appearance by the AHS Jazz Combo

The concert will kick off at 7pm sharp with a short set by the AHS Jazz Combo, led by band director Greg Thomas. Following will be Terri Allard performing a full set with her trio (Gary Green on harmonica and Sonny Layne on bass). Jazz favorites John D’earth and Charles Owens will then take the stage together with friends to raise the roof and cap off the evening’s entertainment. A silent auction will be held during the event as well.

Help send the AHS Jazz Ensemble to Savannah! What do you do when your band is invited to participate in one of the most prestigious jazz festival events in the country? You call your friends! Recently, Albemarle High School (AHS) Band Director, Greg Thomas, and his AHS Jazz Ensemble (made up of 30 students) were invited to participate in Swing Central Jazz, a highly selective student program that is part of the Savannah Music Festival. Only 12 high school bands (from all over the country) are chosen to participate in the competition and workshop.

Being accepted to participate in Swing Central--called the “pro bowl of high school jazz bands” by the Florida Sun-Sentinel--is a huge honor and a wonderful opportunity for the students and Thomas, to work with jazz masters (including a Marsalis!), play in Savannah’s Jazz on the River, attend a variety of performances, and compete for the prestigious Faircloth Award and a cash prize. According to renowned jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, associate artistic director of the festival, “I believe that these 12 bands represent the best in high school jazz in America today.”