8th-grade jazz band to open Jazz in the Park

This year’s Jazz in the Park event is bringing Homewood Middle School’s jazz band in on the action.

The eighth-grade jazz band will serve as the opening act for the free event, which is presented by the Homewood Arts Council and Magic City Smooth Jazz. David Jones, a soul jazz performer from the Gulf Coast, is the main act.

Jones began singing and playing trumpet at 12 years old in his hometown of Fairfield. He went on to student education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and started teaching and coaching, in addition to performing, in 1986. 

The eighth-grade jazz band has practiced under the direction of John Bradley, a part-time band coach and retired band director. Band director Chris Cooper said the students are excited to show off what they have learned from Bradley.

“The eighth-grade jazz band has really excelled under his leadership,” Cooper said. “I’m thrilled our students have been asked to play for this wonderful event in Homewood.”

Jazz in the Park will be held at Homewood Central Park on Sunday, April 10. The event starts at 3 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic to the event.

For more information on the event, visit the Homewood Arts Council’s Facebook Page or contact Homewood Arts Council Chair Diane Litsey at 213-7866 or diane@thedancefoundation.org.