Relax on a Sunday evening with the smooth jazz and big band sounds of the M&J Big Band on July 23 at the Walk In Art Center. This is the third stop the band is making at the Walk In’s outdoor space. The concert is free and there will be food and beverage for sale on site.

What started as a high school history project in 2010 has evolved into a full 17-piece big band. Originally started by Mike Denchy and Joe Senawaitis as “M&J’s Big Band” for a “History Night” project on the history of big band jazz at Pottsville Area High School, the M&J Big Band has been under the leadership of Bandleader John Shoener since 2011, with assistance from Associate Bandleader Jacob Shoener since 2013, and Assistant Bandleader Josh Kovich since 2016. The Band Mentor from the beginning has been local jazz legend Larry Koch of Pottsville.

The band features members from Schuylkill, Northumberland, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Adams counties.

Some of the bigger events the group has played include: The York Big Swing Thing, Les Brown Jazz Festival, Opening act for Dave Stahl Band in Lebanon, Valley View Park, Kennedy Park of Lansford, Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah Valley High School, Heisler’s Dairy Bar in the Lewistown Valley near Tamaqua, Pottsville Stage Band concert, and The Majestic Theater in Pottsville.

The band’s mission is to keep the big band music alive into the next generation. The band also aims to play the music of Schuylkill County greats Tommy Dorsey (Shenandoah), Jimmy Dorsey (Shenandoah), and Les Brown (Reinerton).

Gates for the concert open at 5:30 and the band starts playing at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and settle in.

Visit walkinartcenter.org or the WIAC Facebook event page at facebook.com/walkinartcenter for information on upcoming classes, vendor opportunities, family events, and more.

The center is located at 220 Parkway Ave., Schuylkill Haven.