Findlay, Ohio, Feb. 26, 2001 – The University of Findlay will host its annual Jazz Fest 2001 on Saturday, March 24, beginning at noon in the Egner Fine Arts Center.

The festival will feature seven competing high school jazz ensembles from throughout Ohio.

Awards for top overall bands and outstanding soloists will be presented. Judging the festival will be Jack Taylor, saxophonist and director of bands at The University of Findlay; Norman Damschroder, bassist and an adjunct faculty member at The University of Findlay and the University of Toledo; and David Tippett, trumpeter and free lance musician from Toledo.

The festival will also include a performance by The University of Findlay Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Damschroder and Taylor, at 3:45 p.m. and a guest appearance by the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, directed by Dave Melle, retired director of jazz studies at Bowling Green State University, at 4:30 p.m.

Admission for the festival is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens and students. Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling the Box Office at 434-4531.