The Austin Big Band is celebrating its 15th year with performances at Freedom Fest and the Mower County Free Fair.

A 17-piece jazz band, the group consists of musicians from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa who play music ranging from big band-era to contemporary jazz numbers.

“We are looking forward to an exciting 15th year,” said Nathan Wradislavsky, band manager.

On Monday, the Austin Big Band will give a free performance at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home for residents and their families from 6 to 7 p.m.

The band will also perform at Freedom Fest in Austin, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, July 4; the Galleries building opening at the Rock County Courthouse Square in Luverne, Minn., 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and the Mower County Free Fair, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.

For more information about the Austin Big Band, contact Nathan Wradislavsky at 433-1384 or e-mail austinbigband@yahoo.com. Their Web site is austinbigband.com.