It’s a homecoming, of sorts, for The Towne & Country Players. On Feb. 24, is is hosting “Sing & Swing” at the new Clyde High School Performing Arts Center. The Players have roots in Clyde, explained Ronn Koerper, founder and executive director. “This will be our first time back in Clyde for over 30 years,” he said. “Sing & Swing” is being presented by the Cedarville University Concert Chorale and Stage Band. Dr. Michael P. DiCuirci, professor of music at Cedarville University, a Christian Liberal Arts School of 3,000 in Southwestern Ohio, is co-founder and director of the CU Jazz Band. The CU Jazz Band is “a 20-member big band with five saxes, four trombones, five trumpets and rhythm section,” said DiCuirci. “We also have a vocalist.” “We are a traditional big band,” DiCuirci continued. The group plays both nostalgic selections like those of Count Basie and Glenn Miller, as well as newer music like Gordon Goodwin and Chicago. DiCuirci selects each year’s music based on the abilities of that year’s group. “I use lots of variety,” he said, adding, “I try to pick fun pieces but also challenging pieces.” At the Feb. 24 concert, the CU Jazz Band will be performing “Wind Machine” by Count Basie; “St. Louis Blues March” by Glenn Miller; and “Over the Rainbow,” featuring their vocalist Liz Korcosz from Cleveland; just to name a few. “Members of the ‘Greatest Generation’ will really like the older tunes from the big band era,” said DiCuirci, “and younger folks will like the modern stuff - so we do have a broad appeal.” “Our Jazz Band is high energy and the audience will enjoy the creativity and talent of the students. There will be lots of variety, and if you like big band jazz - this will certainly entertain you.” The CU Jazz Band is quite active, performing 16-20 shows each season. And their Clyde performance with the CU Chorale is a special treat for concertgoers. “This run out venture is different,” said DiCuirci of the combined performance. “We do not often do it, however I am looking forward to it.” The CU Chorale is conducted by Dr. Lyle Anderson, who has been at Cedarville since 1970. According the Cedarville University Web site, “The Concert Chorale ... repertoire is chosen from a wide spectrum of musical styles including choral masterpieces, sacred classics, anthems, spirituals and contemporary works." Koerper calls the CU Chorale “fun,” noting their Clyde performance will include ”Take the ‘A’ Train” (a signature jazz tune of Duke Ellington’s band), Negro Spirituals with a beat, and the patriotic anthem “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” among others. This two-hour event is Cedarville’s first joint concert with the two groups in Northern Ohio. Tickets for this special combined performance of the CU Chorale and the CU Jazz Band are $10 (in advance and at the door.) Tickets can be purchased by calling the event’s host, The Towne & Country Players, at 419-668-1641. “Come out and join the CU Jazz Band for a celebration of the very finest big band swing in Ohio,” DiCuirci said. “You will marvel at the talent level and energy of these college students.” “Don’t miss it because we don’t come to Clyde, Ohio, very often." See you there!”