The Birch Creek Ambassadors return to the UU Fellowship, Ephraim, for their 11th performance Friday, July 23, 7:30-9:00 PM. The cabaret-style concert will feature refreshments and beverages along with exceptional jazz throughout the evening.

The Ambassadors group was formed in 1999 to serve as Birch Creek’s goodwill ambassadors, acquainting residents and visitors with Birch Creek’s mission and programs, as well as bringing jazz to numerous venues throughout the county. At the same time, these promising young musicians are offered the opportunity to experience the real life of a professional musician, thus fulfilling Birch Creek’s mission.

Performing side by side with Birch Creek’s nationally acclaimed faculty, the student musicians develop technical and improvisational skills that far surpass those developed through ordinary classroom instruction. It is sometimes hard to believe that the performers are only between 15 and 18 years of age. Their repertoire consists of jazz standards, and the group is generally comprised of a saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar player.

Tickets are available at the door, $10 for adults and students 18 and under free. The UU Fellowship is located at 10341 Hwy. 42, Ephraim at the south end of the Shops of Green Gables.

The Ambassadors maintain an intense schedule for the two weeks they are in residence at Birch Creek, sometimes rehearsing for 3 hours in the morning followed by an afternoon and an evening performance. Their repertoire consists of jazz standards, and the group is generally comprised of a saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums and guitar player.