According to a press release, the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra will present two free concerts this week in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. The first concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Mansfield University Jazz Festival, with a second performance at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lewisburg Arts Festival.

The concerts mark the WCJO’s debut at both annual events, the release said.

The Mansfield University Jazz Festival is presented by the MU Music Department and will take place at the Butler Music Center on the campus. The festival also features the Mansfield University Jazz Ensemble.

The Lewisburg Arts Festival, presented by the Lewisburg Arts Council, will take place on Market Street, with over 120 artists, food booths, music and dance performances, as well as a variety of activities for all ages, according to the press release. The WCJO’s performance will be on the Hufnagle Park stage.

“The WCJO plays an exciting variety of big band tunes, from the popular and familiar to obscure and new, and the concerts are sure to appeal to all. Big band favorites such as ‘Norwegian Wood’ and ‘Caravan’ will be part of the program,” said the press release. “Band 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.”

For more information on the WCJO and its events, email wmsptcityjazz@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.