Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library on Main Street in Damariscotta on Friday, June 19 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The band last visited Skidompha on the winter solstice in December, the longest night of the year. As we all know, it was a long winter, indeed, so the band is especially delighted to balance things out and play near the the summer solstice.

The Novel Jazz Septet is celebrating its 22nd year in which they have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond). Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. The musicians of Novel Jazz are Barney Balch (trombone), Bill Manning (drums), Mickey Felder (piano), David Clarke (guitar) and Nate Johengen (saxophone).  For the 2026 season, the band welcomes two new members: Jim Lyden (bass) and Edward Mitchell (trumpet).

Novel Jazz events at Skidompha began in 2004 with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round,” make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.  It was while performing at Skidompha that the band began their unique focus on jazz giants, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, studying their original manuscripts and recordings. This continues to this day. The band has released four CDs featuring a wide variety of compositions by these two jazz icons. 

Admission is free and all are welcome to this special concert, but in lieu of purchasing a ticket, the library requests that attendees bring either a financial donation (suggested $20/person) for the library; or items for Skidompha’s Little Food Pantry, all to support other community members in need. Pantry items must not be expired and must be unopened. But, donations are not required.

As is always the case, parents are encouraged to bring their children, the future of this art form. The library is located at 184 Main Street in downtown Damariscotta. Call 207-887-0919 during business hours for more information or, point your web browser to http://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site www.mainejazz.net .

If you have never attended a Novel Jazz event at Skidompha, come and see why the Novel Jazz evenings at the library have been so popular for over two decades.