Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta on Saturday, Dec. 20 for a jazz winter solstice celebration, 7-9:30 p.m.

They will be playing  out of the Great American Songbook, but tunes will be befitting the longest night of the year. Proceeds will benefit Skidompha’s Little Food Pantry. This evening marks the last show of the band’s 21st year in which Novel Jazz has 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 Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Barney Balch (trombone), Bill Manning (drums), Michael Mitchell (trumpet), Mickey Felder (piano), David Clarke (guitar) and Nate Johengen (saxophone).  There also will be a special guest artist  for this show.

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. 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.

In lieu of purchasing a ticket attendees may 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 be unopened and not expired. Personal hygiene products are also needed.

As is always the case, we encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form. 

The library is located at 184 Main St., in 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.