The Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra will present its annual WCJO Jazz Fest on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28.

According to a news release, this year’s event features the return of world-class guest artist Mike Tomaro for a dynamic weekend of performances, clinics, and celebrations of local musical excellence. All activities take place at the Trachte Music Center on the Lycoming College campus.

“Mike Tomaro is a highly sought-after saxophonist, composer, arranger, clinician, and adjudicator,” the news release said. “He recently retired as director of jazz studies at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music (a role he held since 1997), following 17 years as a saxophonist with the elite Army Blues Jazz Ensemble (“Pershing’s Own”). His impressive career includes collaborations and arrangements for icons such as Rosemary Clooney, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Terence Blanchard, the Dizzy Gillespie Tribute Big Band, Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. His works have been performed by renowned artists like David Liebman, Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, and New York Voices, as well as by countless school and university ensembles around the world. Tomaro has over 200 published compositions and arrangements, co-authored the acclaimed textbook Instrumental Jazz Arranging: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide, and was recently inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Legends Hall of Fame. He has also released five albums as a leader.”

This year’s festival will bring together more than 150 high school students from regional school districts for clinics led by Tomaro and WCJO members and educators. These young musicians will receive expert feedback to elevate their skills as well as perform alongside WCJO members. The high school band performances are free and open to the public, starting at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, February 27.

A free public concert begins at 7:30 p.m. that evening, featuring the WCJO Quartet with guest Mike Tomaro.

On Saturday, February 28, the festivities continue with a 7:30 p.m. ticketed concert with an admission fee. It opens with Tomaro directing and performing with the All-Star Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble. The All-Stars are Pennsylvania’s first and only such group, drawing top student talent from Lycoming College, Bucknell University, Commonwealth University-Mansfield, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, and Susquehanna University. The WCJO will close the show, also featuring Tomaro.

In addition to support from Lycoming College, the WCJO Jazz Fest receives generous support from grants provided by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, the Williamsport Community Concert Association, Merrill Lynch, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the WCJO, whose members include alumni of prestigious ensembles like the Glenn Miller Big Band, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and Buddy Rich Band.

For more details, check the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra Facebook page or wmsptcityjazz@gmail.com.