Jazz and blues abound when the Austin High School (AHS) Jazz Band plays the Historic Paramount Theatre at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, alongside the Austin Big Band and special guest, nationally-recognized saxophone soloist, Kenni Holmen,

Now in its second year, this show is a fundraiser for the AHS and Ellis Middle School jazz bands. Due to its rapid growth, the AHS jazz program has expanded into two groups over the past year, Packer Jazz and Jazz One.

Packer Jazz is a new band primarily consisting of underclassmen. They will be featured along with Jazz One, which will perform a variety of classics like Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood,” as well as popular hits like Santana’s “Smooth.”

The Ellis Middle School Jazz Band’s performance will focus on movie music, and the Austin Big Band will perform the Frank Sinatra classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” This concert is the culmination of a residency with saxophonist Kenni Holmen.

He will be spend time working with students on jazz technique and improvisation.

Holmen has performed and recorded with dozens of superstars including Prince, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Lorie Line, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The concert and residency is support by the Artists in Education Grant from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to support the activities of the Middle School and High School jazz programs.

Tickets for Paramount Jazz can be ordered in advance by calling the Paramount at 507-434-0934 or online at paramounttheatre.org. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Also, don’t miss the first movie in the 2014 Paramount Movie Series brought to you by Knutson Construction presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. We are still solidifying the title.

However, in honor of the 85th Anniversary of the Paramount Theatre, the movie will be from the 1930s, the first decade the theatre was open. Tickets are only $5 for this event and can be purchased at the door.