February 18, 2026

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., the regional jazz band Northern Jazz will present Decades of Jazz in the Gunderson Commons at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The ensemble will perform a variety of jazz classics spanning the 1920s through the 1990s. Admission is free, with a freewill donation welcomed to support the ongoing work of the nonprofit Northwest Minnesota Community Bands, founded in 2011, which supports both Northern Jazz and the Northland Community Band.

The program will highlight America’s national music tradition through eight decades of iconic hits, including:

• “Tea for Two” from the 1920s Tin Pan Alley era
• The 1930s swing standard “On the Sunny Side of the Street”
• The lively 1940s jump swing favorite “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie”
• The cool, film noir–inspired “Peter Gunn” from the 1950s
• The 1960s soul jazz classic “Watermelon Man”
• The 1970s jazz-pop crossover hit “Moondance”
• Selections from The Blues Brothers (1980s)
• The Latin pop/Mambo favorite “Mambo No. 5,” originally from the 1950s and revived in the 1990s

This family-friendly concert invites listeners of all ages. Light snacks and beverages will be available to help you recover from all the dancing you’re sure to do.

Northern Jazz is a community-based instrumental jazz ensemble directed by Linda Samuelson, featuring 23 talented musicians.

Saxophones: Deb Ernst, Amber Samuelson, Lori Sorvig, Michelle Naplin, Dawn Renee, Amanda Hawk, and Tom Hovland

Trombones: Reid Froiland, Jim Lehrer, Sarah Vogel, and Raymond Johannek

Trumpets: Aaron Dahlen, Amanda Kingsley, Mary Ortega, Diane Bach, LeRoy Ose, and Mike Gilbertson

Rhythm Section: Brianna Geer, Regina Goodhall, Leah Wittenberg, Edie Brandli, Jacob Hardy, and Nate LaRoque

Northern Jazz performs throughout the region for both private and public events. For booking inquiries, contact Ms. Samuelson at 218-683-8717 or linda.samuelson@northlandcollege.edu.