The annual Evening of Jazz concert, presented by the Lake Highlands Area Band Club, has a new location and a new feel this year.

Also new for 2010, the show is being presented for one night only.

So this Thursday, March 11th, Wilshire Baptist Church is the place to be.

The LHHS Jazz One ensemble, the featured band at this popular spring event, will be joined by the Jazz Two ensemble and guest artist Drenda Barnett, local jazz vocalist.

Evening of Jazz has a long history in our community, says Mark Wingfield, Associate Pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church.

"It's a wonderful showcase of the emerging jazz talent from within the top-rated Lake Highlands band program."

Patrons will enjoy a new atmosphere this year, as well.

"The evening will have an informal coffee house feel," say Wingfield.

"Wilshire couldn't be more excited about hosting the concert. It will be the first major event to be held in our new Community Hall, which was recently transformed through a $3 million renovation."

Guest artist, Drenda Barnett, will be performing with the jazz ensembles and is a veteran of the local jazz scene.

The Dallas Observer recently had this to say about her: "This powerhouse knows when to belt out a song and when to keep her voice soft and whispery."

"She's at her best when warbling jazzy, upbeat tunes. Somehow you can't help but feel lighter on this planet when you listen to her sing."

Due to the concert's one-night-only performance this year, advance ticket reservations are highly recommended.

Patrons can contact Chuck Barrineau at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or through the Lake Highlands Area Band Club Web site at http://www.lhabc.org.

The Lake Highlands Jazz Bands are under the direction of Mark Lara, local jazz saxophonist and graduate of the University of North Texas and Texas Christian University's jazz programs.

Wilshire Baptist Church is located at 4316 Abrams Road.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. Thursday performance.

Ticket prices are $7 for students, $10 for general admission and $12 for reserved seating.