In less than four weeks, Madison Jazz will be in China giving its first performance in Shanghai.

“It’s simply amazing to see the departure date on the calendar so close after nearly a year of preparation,” said Director Johnny Nash.

The send-off concert will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 19 at Bob Jones High School. Tickets are $10 per person.

“We are putting the finishing touches on the two-hour show we will perform in China, and we can’t wait to share it with you before we leave,” Nash said. “We hope you will join Madison Jazz, Mayor Paul Finley, and our sponsors and friends for this celebration.”

The group was selected by the U.S. – China Cultural and Educational Foundation to represent the United States on an 18-day, multi-city performance tour in China.

The invitation was issued by former governor Bob Riley and was based on the ensemble’s reputation for excellence and is the first invitation ever issued to any group in the State of Alabama.

The program has the full support of the Chinese Central and Provincial governments, and the tour will be subsidized in part by Chinese governmental, educational and cultural entities.

“We have never been more proud to have the opportunity to represent our state, and we intend to share with the Chinese people,” Nash said. “The tremendous sense of unity and service that has swept Alabama in the aftermath of the area’s recent storms.”

To purchase tickets, call 256-503-5885, or purchase online at MadisonJazz.org.