Another brand new event is happening at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts is partnering with the Austin High and Ellis Middle School Jazz Bands for the first ever Paramount Jazz concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20.

The brainchild of Ellis band director Nino Tarara and Austin High’s band director Brad Mariska, the concert will be a fundraiser for both schools’ bands.

Audiences will get to hear a variety of traditional and contemporary jazz selections, including songs like “Beyond the Sea” and “Moondance.”

Both Tarara and Mariska have been working hard to reinvent jazz music in Austin Public Schools. This concert will not only showcase their efforts, but will be a fantastic opportunity for students in both bands.

The students will get the rare chance to perform in a concert focused completely on jazz music. Additionally, they will be able to play in a new venue, and collaborate with a professional music group.

This year’s guest group is the Real Big Band. Based out of Mankato, Minn., the Real Big Band has been performing big band music throughout Southern Minnesota since 1998.

About half the band’s members are band directors, including Austin’s own Tim Davis.

The band plays big band music by artists like Duke Ellington and Count Basie. This will be the Real Big Band’s first formal concert in Austin.

Tickets for “Paramount Jazz” are only $5 in advance for adults, and $3 for students. They are on sale now and can be purchased at paramounttheatre.org or by calling 434-0934.