Jazz it up at Bull Run Regional

bscarton@insidenova.com

The Dunbar Saxophone Quartet will perform an afternoon of lively music Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas.

The program will feature a variety of works and is open to adults and families with children ages 3 and older.

The quartet is an adult performing ensemble of the Prince William Community Band that provides sophisticated music for many occasions in or near Prince William County.

With a library of more than 280 selections published throughout the last 80 years, including classical transcriptions, jazz, swing, ragtime, folk, patriotic, pop oldies and original compositions for sax quartet, the group can entertain audiences of all ages.

Whether the audience wants "Sentimental Journey," "Maple Leaf Rag" or "Wedding day at Troldhaugen," the quartet library is full of saxophone surprises.

The music of Scott Joplin is a quartet specialty and classical music comprises one-third of their repertoire.

The quartet's performances have included incidental music prior to the graduation ceremony for the School of Information Technology and Engineering at George Mason University, a Christmas concert at Manassas Mall, a selection for the Prince William County's high school honor bands, chamber music for a wedding reception at the Officer's Club at Fort Belvoir, incidental music prior to the Prince William County Literacy Volunteers Annual Recognition Dinner and concerts at area retirement communities.

The group has also performed for library and church Christmas parties and a Manassas Museum fundraiser and open house.

It also often performs at Community Band concerts.

The program is free, but registration is required and can be done by visiting the library at 8051 Ashton Ave., calling 703-792-4500 or by going to the Web at www.pwcgov.org/library.

Also, the library will host the "Bright Star Touring Theatre presents Frederick Douglass" on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.

The public can celebrate Black History month with this tribute to one of America's greatest heroes.

After spending his childhood and youth in the bonds of slavery, Douglass made a heroic escape from Maryland to New York and then on to New England, where he became one of the Abolition Movement's most vocal supporters.

Throughout his life, Douglass made education a priority, teaching himself to read and write, and always placing high value on where an education could take a person. He was a renowned orator and writer, suffragist, presidential advisor, and even a vice-presidential candidate.

This program is for students in kindergarten and older, and adults. Free tickets may be picked up in person beginning Feb. 14.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.