Jazz takes center stage as the University of North Carolina Asheville’s Music Department continues its spring concert season throughout April. The concerts are open to the public.

The UNCA Percussion Ensemble will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in UNCA’s Lipinsky Hall room 018. Concert highlights will include "Pulse" by Henry Cowell, "Intermezzo" by Dmitri Shostakovich and "Of Thoughts and Thinking" by Antionio Lyman. A $5 donation to benefit the music department will be suggested at the door.

Longtime local favorite, the UNCA Community Chorus, will join the University Singers for a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. A $5 donation to benefit the music department will be suggested at the door.

The UNCA Jazz Lab Big Band will perform in concert from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 22, and Sunday, April 29, in Grove Park Inn’s Great Hall. The Lab Band specializes in the creative side of big band jazz by premiering original arrangements and compositions by students, faculty and community musicians. There will be no charge for these concerts.

The UNCA Community Jazz Band will present its 17th Annual Spring Concert of Big Band music at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. This 18-piece Big Band, made up of students and community musicians, will showcase a variety of musical styles, including arrangements of "Take the A Train," "One Note Samba," and "The Nearness of You." A $5 donation to benefit the music department will be suggested at the door.

Flutist Judi Lampert and pianist Elsa O’Farrell will present a recital at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in UNCA’s Humanities Lecture Hall. The program will focus on the work of 20th century international composers. A $5 donation to benefit the music department will be suggested at the door.

For more information, contact the UNCA Music Department at 828/251-6432.