By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Local fans of jazz and spending time outdoors will be in for a treat in May, as the Shelby County Arts Council is partnering with the city of Alabaster to host the city’s first Jazz in the Park event.

The event will be on Sunday, May 1, from 4-9 p.m. in the field next to Alabaster City Hall and the Alabaster Senior Center off 11th Avenue Southwest.

Jazz in the Park is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the city of Alabaster, Magic City Smooth Jazz, state Sen. Cam Ward and the Shelby County Arts Council.

During a recent City Council work session, city leaders said the idea for the event came after the Arts Council approached the city about hosting it. The city is paying $4,000 for the event, while Ward provided a $1,000 donation, said Alabaster City Manager George Henry.

Jazz in the Park is the first event of its kind in Alabaster, and will feature Atlanta-based band “The Rhythm Jets.”

The band is composed of Vance Kelly, John Carrozza, Joseph Patrick Moore, Wayne Viar, Steve Cunningham and Nico Gutierrez, and regularly performs at venues across the southeast.

The event will feature food, music and local vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.