The live spirit of jazz is expected to fill the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center July 8, as Selma High School hosts its annual jazz festival.

Starting at 7 p.m., musicians residing inside and outside of the Dallas County area will be performing to raise money to fund percussion instruments for the Selma High Band. The group is striving to receive about $1,500 to $1,600 this year.

“It’s very important, because we have students in the band program whose instruments, sometimes during shows, half-time performance and even parades, malfunction due to the fact that they’re so old,” Selma High band director Brandon Williams said. “That’s why we desperately need to get new instruments, so we won’t have those problems.’

Concert tickets are $15 for adults and can be purchased at Selma High School.

For more ticket information, visit Williams at Selma High or contact him at 874-1680.

Among the upbeat and smooth jazz tunes to be performed July 8 are Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” and Benny Golson’s “Killer Joe.” Singers will also hit the stage.

Food will be provided.

Normally students perform alongside the seasoned veterans, but this year Williams wanted to provide the audience with a new experience.

“This year I wanted to give people something different to look at,” Williams, who will be performing during the Jazz festival, said. “Some people that come from out of town bring different talents and bring different sounds.”

Anniston High band director Ruben Mitchell said he wanted to support the jazz festival as a performer, because it is a pleasure to play with and for his long-time friend Williams while contributing to a great cause.

“I try to make sure that I help support other bands, because I know how the struggle is trying to get enough money to get uniforms, instruments, paying for transportation and all of that,” Mitchell said.