Pianist Deborrah Wyndham and Lake Effect Jazz Big Band are teaming up for Opening Night 2012 of the Howard Performing Arts Center’s 2012–2013 season. This two-concert event will be held Sunday, Aug. 26 on the campus of Andrews University, Berrien Springs.

Opening Night 2012 offers something for all ages with free popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream sundaes and a classic car show starting at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m. This event is a free gift to the community.

Kicking off the evening is ragtime pianist and composer Deborrah Wyndham. Wyndham blends genres of music, creating unique sounds such as the blues arranged with elements of 1930s and 1940s jazz. In concert, she performs many of her original pieces as well as traditional jazz styles, such as ragtime, boogie-woogie and her own arrangements of up-tempo standards. Her sounds also include classically inspired jazz ballads.

Southwest Michigan’s own Lake Effect Jazz Big Band will round out Opening Night 2012 Modeled after famous jazz big bands from the 1950s. Lake Effect Jazz brings together 20 of the area’s jazz musicians.