The Venue To Host Student Master Class, Festival With Jazz Band

AURORA, IL — The Venue will host students from across area schools March 8-9 for a jazz workshop and festival with Pete Ellman Big Band and Friends.

The event will culminate with a 7 p.m. performance on March 9, also at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, with the Pete Ellman Big Band performing with several guest artists, including Dave Weckl, Louis Dowdeswell and Bob Reynolds.

The festival is open to the public, with tickets running $25.

More than 240 local students from two middle schools, six high schools and one college are expected to participate in the workshop and festival, which will include clinics and masterclasses, organizers said. The event serves as an opportunity for students to learn from professional musicians and experience performing for the community.

The Fox Valley Music Foundation, the nonprofit that runs The Venue, received a grant from the City of Aurora, as well as sponsorship from John and Maryellen Riley, to host the jazz event.

"In collaboration with Pete Ellman Big Band, the Fox Valley Music Foundation is providing education for young musicians by supplying access to international artists through masterclasses and group instruction as well as a place for students to perform and showcase the skills they learn," Karen Fouts, executive director of the foundation, said in a statement.