After a busy summer series of concerts featuring Ellington and Strayhorn compositions around the state, the Novel Jazz Septet will return to the Skidompha Public Library atrium on Thursday, Oct. 23. There, from 7-9:30 p.m., jazz lovers will spend an evening of music with tunes from the Great American Songbook. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium and the seating “in the round,” make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

The musicians of this group, David Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Bryan Jones (alto), Barney Balch (trombone) and Herb Maine (returning on bass), have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades.

At the atrium show, Novel Jazz will be joined by special guest Bill Manning on percussion. He is currently the Percussion Instructor and Director of the jazz ensembles in Scarborough and maintains a private teaching studio at The Drum Shop in Portland. Manning regularly performs in many Portland theater productions. He is a seasoned musician, with over 30 years experience and plays a wide variety of musical genres from jazz to classical.

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form.

Skidompha is located at 184 Main Street in Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information.