After a busy summer series of concerts around the state featuring the works of Ellington and Strayhorn, the Novel Jazz Septet will return to the Skidompha Public Library atrium, Main Street, Damariscotta on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 7-9:30 p.m. This evening of music will focus on the Great American Songbook.

Novel Jazz performances at Skidompha began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating around the performance space, make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It was while performing at Skidompha that the band decided to forge deeper into the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Novel trombonist Barney Balch began visiting the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to work in their Ellington collection, digging out gems of these musical icons and performing them in summertime concerts. To add some more musical variety, during the cold winter months, the band broadens their performance program from only Ellington and Strayhorn to the larger “Great American Songbook.”

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. Performing will be David Clarke (guitar), Mickey Felder (piano), Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Bryan Jones (alto), Herb Maine (bass), Bill Manning (drums) and Barney Balch (trombone). 

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $7 for young adults 12-18, under 12 accompanied by a parent go free. We always encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located at 184 Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-563-5513 during business hours for more information or visit the band’s website www.mainejazz.net.