The Novel Jazz Septet will be in performance for an afternoon of swinging jazz, outside the Searsmont Town Library on Saturday 23 August, 2025 at 4PM for a free concert. This year marks the 21st anniversary of this Maine-based and swinging group dedicated to the music of Duke Ellington and his musical sidekick, Billy Strayhorn. Combining steady research of original musical manuscripts at the Smithsonian and Library of Congress archives in D.C. along with original recordings, they bring the music of Ellington and Strayhorn back to life. Novel will be presenting their 2025 show of newly-found and arranged compositions by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, as well as other notable members of Ellington’s illustrious orchestra. They have a strong commitment to both musical education and performance; Novel Jazz appeals to jazz lovers (and dancers!) of all ages. FMI about the band, see www.mainejazz.net. Remember, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”

The Searsmont Town Library is located at 37 Main Street South, Searsmont, Maine, 04973 (tel. 207-342-5549)

If the weather is nice, bring your camp chair or a blanket and a picnic. If the weather is inclement, the concert will be in the Community Hall (seating provided).

"Live Outside the Library" is presented free to the public by the Friends of the Library, the library Board of Trustees, and the Onion Foundation.