OCCC set to host free jazz invitational

Oklahoma City Community College will host a free jazz invitational on April 2 at 7 p.m. at its Visual and Performing Arts Center. The event features performances from the OCCC Student Jazz Ensemble, U.S. Grant High School Jazz Band, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University Jazz Ensemble.

Tuesday, April 1st 2025, 9:01 am

By: Colby Thelen

Oklahoma City -

Jazz fans may want to take note. Oklahoma City Community College is set to host a free jazz invitational featuring musicians at various levels from across the state.

On Wednesday, OCCC's Visual and Performing Arts Center will swing to the sounds of three Oklahoma Jazz groups - the OCCC Student Jazz Ensemble, U.S. Grant High School Jazz Band and the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Jazz Ensemble.

Professor of music at OCCC, Michael Boyle, says the annual show was started by three music educators looking for an end-of-year way for student musicians to connect.

"Having a high school group, a community college group and a four-year university group shows the various levels of local talent and provides networking and recruiting opportunities for the students and educators alike," Boyle said.

The concert and parking are free. The invitational is scheduled to begin April 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets are not needed to attend.

Colby Thelen

Colby Thelen has a passion for storytelling that highlights conservation, culture, and the communities that shape Oklahoma. He joined the team in August 2020, and anchors News 9 This Morning every weekday.