By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Thompson High School Southern Knights Jazz Band will provide a smooth jazz soundtrack while visitors enjoy steaming coffee and a variety of desserts at the band’s annual Java and Jazz event.

Java and Jazz will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 in the Thompson Middle School cafeteria.

THS Director of Bands Jon Bubbett said this year’s jazz band is a highly talented group, and said many of the musicians will graduate this May.

“All of our jazz bands have been good, but this one is exceptional,” Bubbett said, noting the band recently received all superior ratings at a recent competition in New Orleans and performed at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. “It tends to be a real small affair, so we are trying to get the word out a little better this year.”

For ticket information, email Bubbett at Jbubbett@shelbyed.k12.al.us.