LEWISTON – The Tim O’Dell/Sam Sherry Duo will set the jazz background for the Androscoggin Chamber’s Business After Hours at the University of Southern Maine/Lewiston-Auburn, Thursday, March 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event, free and open to the public, takes place in the College’s Atrium Art Gallery which is currently featuring its biennial exhibition “Area Artists 2007.” A selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Aramark, the university’s catering service, cash bar, and door prizes add to the festivities.

The Androscoggin Chamber, the second largest in Maine, provides Business After Hours events to highlight its members and to encourage networking among a diverse membership group. The events are always lively and well-attended.

Tim O’Dell, saxophonist and composer, has been hailed as “a new voice on alto, loose and swinging and broadly expressive” by Cadence magazine. O’Dell composes, performs, and records with several bands in Boston and other New England groups. He also works in Chicago performing at the HotHouse and Jazz Showcase and recording for Southport Records. O’Dell continues to compose and perform in addition to his position as instructor of saxophone and jazz studies at USM.

Bassist and composer Sam Sherry has played concerts on both coasts and in eight countries over the past thirty years. He has performed and recorded with jazz greats, earning him a reputation for “breaking out of the rhythm section’s supporting role to become a leader.”

The University of Southern Maine/Lewiston-Auburn is located at 51 Westminster Street in Lewiston. Website: www.usm.maine.edu/lac. For more information call 753-6500.