The College of the Canyons music department and the award-winning COC Studio Jazz Ensemble and Lab Bands will present their opening season concert “Big Band Swing” on Friday, Oct. 18 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The ensembles will share the stage with dynamic vocalist, Katherine Lench-Meyering and renowned jazz arranger and bandleader, Gary Urwin to fill the PAC with music from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

“One of the pleasures of making music is being able to share it with friends and family,” said KC Manji, COC music director and the jazz band’s director for the performance. “We always love playing music but it is the sharing and smiles we enjoy the most. You will enjoy the energy and musicality Katherine brings to every song and the musical arrangements by Gary Urwin. Dirk Fischer will help relive some the old standards that are sure to bring back memories from years past.”

Lench-Meyering and Urwin will bring fresh renditions to some of the biggest old-time favorites of the Swing era, such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “In the Mood,” and “Tisket -a- Tasket.”

The “Big Band Swing” concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 on the PAC main stage.

General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for COC students and senior citizens. Tickets will be available at the PAC box office on the evening of the concert.

For more information about the COC music department’s “Big Band Swing” concert or to purchase tickets, please contact the PAC Box Office at (661) 362-5304 or visit the PAC website.