The Novel Jazz will begin its 2018 season with a concert set for 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Skidompha Public Library atrium, 184 Main St. in Damariscotta. The evening will feature music from the Great American Songbook.

The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom. As for the line-up, the rhythm section will consist of Herb Maine (acoustic bass), Dave Clark (guitar), and special guest, Chris Rogers (drums). The horn section will consist of Mike Mitchell (trumpet), Barney Balch (trombone) and special guest, David Harris (reeds).

Regarding the two special guests, Rogers has been performing on drums with musicians far and wide for more than 40 years. He is a versatile drummer, playing a myriad of different styles; he has toured throughout New England, Canada and overseas to England. Chris’s music is his vocation and he strives for simplicity, purity, and precision in his playing. He has several major label recordings to his credit, and is a requested studio player. Saxophonist David Harris performs regularly in venues throughout New England. In his very early years, Harris received the top score at the New Hampshire Jazz Allstate Festival for tenor saxophone. After deciding to pursue a career in music, he attended the University of New Hampshire where he received a Bachelor’s of Music in Performance.

Admission will cost $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65-plus), $7 for young adults 12-18, and free for younger children accompanied by a parent.

For more information, call 563-5513 or visit skidompha.org or the band’s web site mainejazz.net.