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The City of Beaumont’s Jazz at the Lake series kicks off this month headlined by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University's Cardinal Jazz Orchestra and the Jimmy Simmons Quintet on Thursday, March 24, at 5:30 p.m. Held at the , this concert is free and open to the public.

Conducted by Rick Condit, the 17-member Cardinal Jazz Orchestra consists of the instruments traditionally used during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s: five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, and a rhythm section, including piano, bass, guitar and drums. The current ensemble plays contemporary arrangements of classic and modern tunes.

"The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra has had a busy spring semester performing several concerts around the region," said Condit, an associate professor in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. "Most recently we performed at the Jazz@1900 Jazz Festival at Waltrip High School in North Houston, where we were joined by legendary jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis."

In addition to live jazz, there will be free beer tastings by 2-Row Distributing (the craft beer division of Del Papa).

Jazz at the Lake is an ongoing series that has taken place annually at the Event Centre for three years. The concerts attract those looking for a unique and affordable activity in Downtown Beaumont. Each year, Southeast Texans fill the Event Centre for the indoor concerts, while the outdoor patio and neighboring playground overflow with families.

For more information about the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, call 409-880-8144 or visit lamar.edu/music. 

Pictured
Top: Beaumont's Event Centre at 700 Crockett Street
Right: ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University President Emeritus James M. "Jimmy" Simmons
Bottom: Associate Professor Rick Condit conducting the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra