FLORENCE, AL - The University of North Alabama School of the Arts, Department of Music, and University Bands will present "Music from the Heart," a Valentine's Day concert Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. The Studio Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Lloyd Jones, will feature the music of Natalie and Nat "King" Cole, Bobby Darin, Bette Midler, Liza Minelli, Michael Buble, W.C. Handy, Spyro Gyra, and more.

Vocalists with the UNA Studio Jazz Band are Janie Clasgens, of Huntsville, and Zach Cleghorn, of Arley. The two will be featured on solo vocals as well as several duets, including Nat and Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable" and "Walkin' My Baby Back Home." Other featured student musicians include lead alto saxophonist, Noah Herchenhahn, of Moulton; flutist, Sarah Arnold, of Harvest; tenor sax, Matthew Siegmund, of Muscle Shoals; and trumpeter, Tiffany Elkins, of Tuscumbia.

"We are delighted to be performing for the Shoals once again," said Dr. Lloyd Jones, Director, UNA Bands. "The line-up of songs for this concert is perfect for a romantic afternoon of social distancing. There is a wide variety of selections which can be enjoyed by all music lovers. We have a marvelous group of student musicians and special guests. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music."

Special guest performers include Mr. Terry Ownby, Dr. Eric Kirkman, and Mr. Drew White. These well-known trumpeters were all lead trumpet players. The UNA Band program will be featured on "A Tribute to Louis Armstrong."

"These three men were all incredible musicians, some of the best to ever pick up a trumpet at UNA," Jones said. "Each of them anchored the UNA Band's trumpet section and served in leadership roles within the band program during their time as undergraduates. Their continued success is evident in their professional accomplishments."

Ownby is Director of Bands at Florence High Schools and President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Kirkman is Principal of Kilby Laboratory School on the UNA campus. White is a professional musician and associate member of the Muscle Shoals Horns.

"The students are eager to be able to bring some musical enjoyment to the area by providing a live performance," Jones said. "They have done a tremendous job preparing a wonderful line-up of titles for the performance, and I'm hopeful we have a nice crowd in attendance. "

Door prizes will be provided by Kaleidoscope Florists and local restaurants, including The Pie Factory, Swamper's, Rosie's, Casa Mexicana, and several others. Atendees may win half dozen roses, dinner for two, or various gift certificates.

Seating in Norton Auditorium is limited. Cloth face coverings and social distancing will be required. There will be couples seating and family seating available. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students. Military personnel and children may attend for free. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the UNA Band Equipment and Scholarship funds.

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences, and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of the NCAA Division I's ASUN Big South Conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: s6nt.36837a.com and s6nt.36837a.com/unaworks/