By Lookout Staff

October 22, 2015 -- Jazz and Classical music will be the focus of six concerts presented at Santa Monica College next month.

The concerts, which include a benefit to support the SMC Applied Music Program, will be held in The Broad Stage or The Edye at the SMC Performing Arts Center at Santa Monica Boulevard and 11th Street. Tickets for the concert are $10.

The month of concerts kicks off Sunday, November 1 at 4 p.m. with a performance of works by Sammy Nestico, Bob Mintzer, and others by the SMC Jazz Band under the direction of Keith Fiddmont. The concert is in collaboration with SMC choreographer Laura Canellias.

“SMC dancers will join the ensemble for a performance of jazz band arrangements by the masters and the dances they inspire,” organizers said. SMC music instructor and bassist Kevin O’Neal will join the band.

The award-winning SMC Jazz Vocal Ensemble conducted by Andreas Preponis and backed by LA-area jazz musicians will take the stage Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. in a program of jazz repertoire specifically arranged for four-part harmony.

On Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m., Bossa Zuzu, a neo-Bossa Nova group featuring sax player and pianist Dan Reckard and guitarist and vocalist Capital, will perform with of “some of LA’s brightest emerging jazz talent reviving the classic Bossa Nova sound for the 21st Century,” organizers said.

A special benefit concert for SMC’s Applied Music Program will take place Friday, November under the direction of Brian Driscoll and Janelle DeStefano.

“Some of SMC’s most gifted music students perform a fantastic concert to support the SMC Music Department’s distinctive Applied Music Program, dedicated to fostering the development of outstanding instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers,” organizers said.

On Sunday, November 22, things take a decidedly Classical turn when the SMC Symphony orchestra takes the stage for a 3 p.m. concert. Now in its 31st season, the orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor (‘Pathetique’) under the direction of James Martin.

Also featured will be “a selection of highly talented youth soloists from the Westside Music Foundation,” organizers said. 

The month will conclude with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet on Friday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, November 28 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 29 at 11 a.m.

“The SMC Symphony once again partners with the Westside Ballet for its annual holiday extravaganza featuring falling snow and a Christmas tree that grows,” organizers said.

The production is made possible with support from Santa Monica College, the SMC Public Policy Institute, Associated Students of SMC and the City of Santa Monica. (For ticket details visit westsideballet.com.)

For tickets and information visit www.smc.edu/eventsinfo or call (310) 434-3005 or (310) 434-4323.