FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama Studio Jazz Band and the Shoals Area Big Band will perform their annual Valentine’s concert Sunday at 2 p.m. in Norton Auditorium.
Alumni vocalists who have performed with the UNA band program and the Shoals Area Big Band through the years will also join the program.
Guests vocalists include Melissa Daniel, Kelli Pearl Udas, Kayla Flannagan Sims, Hannah Jacobs, Holli Jacobs, and Keith Anderson. Under the direction of Dr. Lloyd Jones, the bands will perform music from various genres, including Big Band hits to 1960s and ’70s rock to country selections.
Dr. Jimmy Simpson will join the Shoals Area Big Band on lead alto saxophone and clarinet. Simpson has been the lead sax player since the Big Band was founded in 1979 by Dr. Lyman Mitchell. Simpson also served as the chairman of the UNA Department of Music for 34 years.
“Dr. Simpson has been a mentor and educator who has had a positive effect on so many in our community. He’s a wonderful musician and a wonderful person,” said Jones. “Our guest vocalists will be a big hit with the audience, and they are such talented and important people in the life of the UNA band program.
“We have programmed a literal hit parade of songs, including ‘At Last,’ ‘Can’t Take My Eyes off of You,’ ‘Straighten Up and Fly Right,’ ‘That’s Life,’ ‘Jambalaya’ and more. It’s a really fun program.”
Proceeds from the concert will support the UNA Marching Pride’s trip to the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November and the UNA Band Program.
Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students. All military personnel and children 10 and younger are admitted free of charge.
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