BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University will usher in the holidays with its 12th annual Jingle Bell Jazz Concert 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5, a music tradition started by Dr. Steven Konecne as a community celebration of Christmas classics, all presented in jazz arrangements.

Featuring the BSU Jazz Band I and II, as well as a selection of vocal and instrumental soloists, the concert will be held in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts complex. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students K-12 and senior citizens, and free for BSU students.

Jazz I, directed by Konecne, will offer some newly acquired arrangements of Christmas music including Gordon Goddwin’s “Yo, Tannenbaum” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentelmen.” Back by popular demand will be “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with vocal soloists Hyram Price, a BSU graduate, and Emily Wirkus,a junior from Albert Lea.

New vocal arrangements will include Eartha Kitt’s version of “Santa Baby” sung by Karissa Korbel, a senior from Squaw Lake, and “Jingle Bells” as performed by Bing Crosby with the Andrew Sisters. Price will sing the Crosby part while the Andrew Sisters part will be sung by Ashley Bremseth, a sophomore from Fergus Falls; Sara Restad, a senior from Roseau; and Sara Wabrowetz, a senior from Duluth.

Also new will be “O Holy Night” as recorded by The USAF Airmen of Note featuring Bemidji State’s lead trombonist, Ben Fleming, a freshman from Edina.

Jazz II, directed by Craig Haugen, will present a selection of swinging jazz arrangements of holiday favorites, including “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” featuring soloists Brynn Schack, a senior from Grand Rapids, on tenor saxophone; and John Butler, a Bemidji High School student, on guitar.  Also, Steve Pellinen, a senior from Virginia, will solo on flugelhorn in Frank Mantooth’s “Peace.”

For more information, call the Department of Music, (218) 755-2915.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Dec. 5 – 7:30 p.m. – Jingle Bell Jazz presented by Bemidji State University Jazz I and II. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and K-12 students and free for all BSU students.