The 59th Annual Mundelein Jazz Invitational will be held on Saturday, March 14, at Mundelein High School. This is the longest-running instrumental jazz festival in the Chicago area and will welcome 80 performing ensembles from 46 different high schools and middle schools. The first performance of the day begins at 8 a.m. and continues in five different venues until 6:30 p.m.

Each of the student-performing ensembles receive a clinic with a jazz educator after their performance. These clinics/workshops are a big part of the experience at the festival.

“Receiving a 20-45 minutes session with inspiring jazz professionals is the focus of the Mundelein Invitation,” Mundelein High School Band Director Andy Sturgeon said. “Hopefully all students are able to leave the festival inspired to continue to dig in deeper on their own musicianship.”

This year’s guest artist is the Marcus Carroll Quintet. Marcus Carroll, a leading trumpet player in the Chicago area, will be performing with his latest venture at 12:40 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. This group of musicians have embarked on a recent recording project to record live within four of the most iconic Chicago jazz clubs. The musicians will be bringing their talents to Mundelein High School along with many talented young jazz musicians.

For a full schedule of performances, visit www.mundeleinband.org

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 adults or $5 seniors/students. Families can also pre-order tickets by going to GoFan.