Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, which has become one of the premier big bands in southwestern Michigan, returns to Dowagiac this Thursday to play the Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series.

Hosted by the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the summer performance schedule has been underwritten by Huntington Bank.  Lawn chair seating is available for the 7:30 p.m. event.

Now in its 16th year of bringing its unique blend of traditional big band and contemporary jazz arrangements to the summer venues of Michigan’s beautiful southwest region, the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band will be performing music from the classic big band libraries of jazz artists like Buddy Rich and Count Basie, and also showcasing the sounds of more contemporary ensembles and composers like Pat Metheny, Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis and John Fedchock.

The band is led by Steven L. Reed, retired instrumental music teacher for the St. Joseph Public Schools, where he taught jazz ensemble, orchestra, and band for 35 years. Several members of the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band are current or retired music educators and jazz education is a priority for the LEJBB.

The band performs 12 to 15 concerts each summer including Jazz Festivals, feature presentations at Lake Michigan College and Andrews University, full length concerts at the Box Factory in St. Joseph, and outdoor venues in Southwest Michigan cities and townships.  Featured artists that have performed with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band include vocalists Michelle Bythrow, Paul Mow, and Katie Rohrer, as well as local trombonist Ed Bagatini and Chicago vibraphonist Jim Cooper.