The Siuslaw Jam Music Celebration

The Florence Events Center will host two evenings of music and comedy, as well as a free young people's concert featuring some of the world's best up-and-coming jazz musicians.  The Siuslaw Jam, will be held Friday, July 7th and Saturday July 8th at the Florence Events Center.

Friday's 7 p.m. performance will feature a casual evening of songs, stories and laughter as jazz Clarinetist and Saxophonist Ken Peplowski and friends share "tales from the road" playing music together, and taking questions from the audience.  Legendary comedian Pete Barbutti opens the show with a performance of his timeless comedy that made him a regular on the The Tonight Show. International reknown jazz and soul performer Claridee will co-host the evening.

Saturday's performances open with a FREE, 2 p.m 'Introduction to Jazz' matinee hosted by Barbutti, Peplowski and critically acclaimed recording and international touring artist Claridee.  Attendees will get a musical education starting with jazz's early origins and taking it all the way up to today. Young musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments, as the concert will finish with a massive jam session for the whole audience.

The mood will sway to a more formal tone on Saturday night beginning 7 p.m. with Ken Peplowski, Claridee, Yaacov Bergman, Ehud Asherie and Pete Barbutti. The Saturday evening show will showcase songs from the American Popular Songbook. A free-wheeling evening of entertainment will feature some of the world's best jazz selections, featuring, "Round Midnight," "The Duke," and "Night in Tunisia." Every combination for the music enthusiast, from solo piano to duets, trios, quartets, quintets, all in the classic Norman Granz "Jazz at the Philharmonic" vibe, will be featured.

Tickets for The Siuslaw Jam, including the free concert, can be purchased at the Box Office or online.

For more information about the jam, performers and performances, visit www.siuslawjam.com or e-mail satchmo@siuslawjam.com.