Downtown Gainesville will be swingin' to the sounds of live jazz Friday night.
At 8 p.m., the Gainesville Community Jazz Band will perform as part of the Downton Plaza's "Free Fridays" concert series.
The 17-piece ensemble will play various favorites from the 1930s, and '40s, including pieces from Count Basie and best-selling jazz musician Glenn Miller.
"I think it's going to be a nice evening of the old recognized big band hits and traditional swing," said David Ballard, director of events for the Division for Cultural Affairs.
The Gainesville Community Jazz Band was formed in the summer of 2007. The Friday event will mark its first time performing as a part of the "Free Fridays" concert series.
"We are honored and privileged that we were asked to perform," said Marco Thomas, director of the Gainesville Community Jazz Band. "We're looking forward to providing some really good music."
Sponsored by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, "Free Fridays" is held in the Bo Diddley Community Plaza, located on the corner of Southeast First Street and East University Avenue.
The series runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday night through Oct. 30.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity to get citizens to come downtown," Ballard said. "It brings a lot of the local music together with local residents."
