The Allen Jazz Invitational will be Saturday, March 22, headlined by the One O’Clock Lab Band concert at 7 p.m. in the state-of-the-art Allen Performing Arts Center located at 300 Rivercrest Blvd on the campus of Allen High School.

For the past two years, the Allen Performing Arts Center, partnering with the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band, has brought in amazing artists — Denis DiBlasio, Frank Greene, Stockton Helbing, and Wayne Bergeron — who all played in Maynard Ferguson’s band. These concerts were inspired by the music of Maynard Ferguson and his legacy to jazz. We are excited to announce that all four artists will be here for this year’s inaugural event as we take jazz to the next level!

This year we are expanding by introducing the first Allen Jazz Invitational on March 22. Our goal is to create a positive, exciting and educational experience for participating jazz ensembles, the audience and guest artists. This environment will be an opportunity to explore jazz in a comfortable setting that is inviting for jazz enthusiasts of all ages! The “hottest “jazz bands in the state have accepted our invitation for this high-energy, unprecedented event! Featured invitational bands are Plano Senior High, Wylie High School, Newman Smith High School, McKinney North High School, Southlake Carroll High School, Brazoswood High School and Allen High School.

This day will include: 

• Participating high school performances with guest artist’s critique beginning at 9:30 a.m. 
• Guest artist “hands on” clinics with all high school ensembles immediately after each performance 
• Master classes with guest artists (sax, trumpet, bones, rhythm section) at 3 p.m.
• Artist panel discussion including open forum Q&A for students immediately after master classes
• “Outstanding Performance” certificates recognizing exemplary student performance at final concert
• Sherman Jazz Museum exhibit
• Jazz merchandise, Allen Jazz Invitational t-shirts, guest artist and One O’Clock recordings and merchandise
• The UNT One O’Clock Lab Band in concert with featured artists at 7 p.m.