Concerts set for free Jazz in the Park series

The free Jazz in the Park concert series welcomes national acts for its 14th year at the Clark County Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, with concerts scheduled 8 p.m. April 26, May 10 and June 7 and 21.

Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets and low-back chairs will begin at 7 p.m. Food vendors also will be available on site. Parking is free. Clark County Parks and Recreation produces the series.

Spyro Gyra kicks off the series April 26 with sounds that have made the group fan favorites for 30 years. Since its first release in 1979, Spyro Gyra's music and style have made it a force in the music industry. It started in 1974 when bandleader and saxman Jay Beckenstein and keyboardist Jeremy Wall developed an ensemble. Its latest CD, "Good to Go-Go," was released in May 2007.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band will bring the New Orleans sound to the stage on May 10. The group got its start in 1975. It released its current CD "What's Going On?" as an tribute to the members' experiences during Hurricane Katrina.

Dee Dee Bridgewater will light the stage June 7 with her "musical kaleidoscope" of everything from vocal jazz to scat. Her latest project, "Red Earth -- A Malian Journey," mixes Malian voices, music and traditional instruments with American jazz music and lyrics.

Nick Colionne rounds out the diverse group with a performance on June 21. The Chicago-bred musician turned professional at the age of 15, touring the country with rock bands as well as icons such as The Staples Singers and Curtis Mayfield.

Those interested in Jazz in the Park can call 455-8200.

The Las Vegas Jazz Society also will sponsor a yet unnamed local group for a May 31 concert.