BRUNSWICK – The Maine Jazz Alliance is gearing up for its 2nd annual auction/concert fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 13, at Maine Sound Stage.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for bidding on auction items, with music starting at 7 o’clock. Robert Skoglund, better known as “The Humble Farmer,” will be master of ceremonies for the evening.

Headlining the celebration of jazz music will be the Maine All-Star Jazz Band, all musicians who have made an impact on the jazz scene in Maine over the course of their lives. Band members are pianist Muriel Havenstein, tenor saxophonist Ralph Norris, bassist Al Doane, trombonist Don Doane and drummer Dick Demers. They will be honored at this event with an award and a lifetime membership from Maine Jazz Alliance for their contribution to this American art form.

Taking the stage for the second part of the evening will be a jazz quartet led by Theo Van Dyke of Brunswick Junior High School, followed by The Conversationalists trio from Mount Ararat High School and Waynefleet School.

Besides many silent auction items, there will be baked goods, a cash bar and a brief awards ceremony.

Some of last year’s auction items included original and prints of jazz artworks, books, old and new recordings on albums and CDs, an acoustic guitar, gift certificates to area restaurants and music stores, two televisions, a DVD player, autographed CDs, and season passes to southern and central Maine theaters, shows and ski resorts. Donations for the auction are now being accepted.

Proceeds will go toward the following four jazz education programs in Maine:

• Jazz Goes to School: a day of jazz education, including an assembly, after-school workshops and an evening concert with students participating for elementary and middle school students in rural areas of the state

• Improvisation clinics: middle- and high-school students have a chance to learn improvising techniques with seasoned professionals in a workshop setting

• Tickets for Kids: tickets to jazz events are purchased for students who would otherwise be unable to attend

• Financial aid for children: to help cover instrument rental costs and/or take jazz music lessons

Admission to the auction/concert is $17 general, $15 for seniors, MJA members and students – at the door only.

For more information, contact via email: [email protected], call MJA at (207) 373-0306 or log on to www.mainejazzalliance.org.