The Lake Highlands Area Band Club will present “Evening of Jazz” at 7 p.m. Thursday for a one-night-only performance showcasing emerging jazz talent from within the award-winning Lake Highlands band program. LHHS’ Jazz One ensemble will be the featured band, and they’ll be joined by the Jazz Two ensemble and guest artist Drenda Barnett, a local jazz vocalist. We have photos.

Evening of Jazz is a popular spring show with an informal coffee house feel, and coffee, soft drinks, desserts and snacks will be available for purchase. The event will be the first major community concert held in the new Community Hall at Wilshire Baptist Church – a space recently transformed and expanded through a $3 million renovation.

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Guest artist Drenda Barnett is a veteran of the local jazz scene. "This powerhouse knows when to belt out a song and when to keep her voice soft and whispery,” according to the Dallas Observer. “She’s at her best when warbling jazzy, upbeat tunes. Somehow you can’t help but feel lighter on this planet when you listen to her sing."

The LH jazz bands are directed by Mark Lara, a local jazz saxophonist himself and a graduate of the University of North Texas and Texas Christian University’s jazz programs. Advance tickets may be purchased by emailing band dad Chuck Barrineau or via the band website. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $12 for reserved seating and $7 for students.