Novel Jazz septet plays the 'Live Outside the Library' concert series in Searsmont on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. The concert will be on the lawn (bring chairs and hats), weather permitting, or inside the Searsmont Community Center if not.

2025 marks the 21st anniversary of this Maine-based and swinging group dedicated to the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. 

Novel Jazz combines research about arrangements at the Smithsonian and Library of Congress archives in D.C. with a commitment to both musical education and performance. The band features Barney Balch (trombones), Mike Mitchell (trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn), Nathaniel Johengen (reeds), Mickey Felder (piano), David Clarke (guitar), Herb Maine (bass), and Bill Manning (drums).

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.