The 18-member Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra is presenting its popular annual Holiday Jazz Concert twice next weekend, on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m at the Community Theatre League at 100 W. Third St., Williamsport and on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre, 104 Main St., Wellsboro.

“Back by popular demand, the orchestra returns to Wellsboro,” a news release said. “Audience members are encouraged to reserve a table at the Deane Center. … The Williamsport and Wellsboro concerts will feature big band holiday favorites. Among them are: ‘Sleigh Ride,’ ‘The Little Drummer Boy,’ the Overture from Shorty Roger’s ‘Swingin’ Nutcracker,’ ‘O Holy Night’ with Eddie Severn on trumpet, and beloved holiday vocal jazz classics with Suezie Cioffi.”

“The Williamsport area is rich with jazz musicians, artists, and teachers, and as a vehicle to showcase the local talent, the WCJO was founded as a 501(c)(3) in 2011. Members include alumni of the Glenn Miller Big Band, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Band, and many other famous jazz ensembles,” the news release continued. “The orchestra plays an exciting variety of big band tunes, from the popular and familiar to the obscure and new, and the performances are sure to appeal to all. The vision of the group is to give great musicians an opportunity to play jazz standards, contemporary music, and big band classics to enthusiastic audiences, and to nurture an appreciation of jazz music in future generations of musicians and audiences.

For tickets and table reservations, visit www.deanecenter.com or call 570-724-6220. Rick and Karen Doganiero are sponsoring the Wellsboro performance. Tickets for the Williamsport performance are available at www.ctlshows.com.

In addition to the popular annual Holiday Jazz concert, the orchestra, along with host Lycoming College, presents the annual WCJO Jazz Fest, offering performance and educational opportunities to more than 140 students in our region. The WCJO features nationally known guest artists each spring as well as several other free concerts throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra Facebook page or email wmsptcityjazz@gmail.com.