Indiana State University Newsroom

The 43rd annual Indiana State University Jazz Festival is set for Saturday, Feb. 18.

About 20 middle and high school jazz bands from all over the state of Indiana and eastern Illinois are set to perform, compete and receive clinics in University Hall and the Landini Center for Performing and Fine Arts on the Indiana State campus. Guest artist Victor Rendón is the event's headliner.

A drummer, percussionist, educator, composer and arranger, Rendón of Mexican-American descent, is a sought-after New York City musician who has worked with Mongo Santamaria, Chico O'Farrill, Carlos "Patato" Valdés, Ray Santos, Grupo Caribe, The Latin Jazz Coalition, The "New" Xavier Cugat Orchestra, Los Más Valientes, Grupo Latin Vibe, Rudy Calzado's Cubarama, Henry Brun, the Latin Playerz and many others.

He currently performs with the acclaimed salsa group, Grupo Latin Vibe, as well as his own group, Blue Mambo. Rendón is also author of "The Art of Playing Timbales" published by Music in Motion Films and currently teaches at Lehman College in the Bronx, where he co-leads the Latin jazz ensemble with his long-time colleague, Armando Rodriguez.

Along with the bands performing and competing, the Indiana State jazz ensemble and steel band will be performing noon-1 p.m., followed by two clinics by Victor Rendón and Pat Harbison 1 p.m.-3 p.m. An awards ceremony for the bands that competed will be followed by the final concert featuring Rendón at 6:30 p.m.

This event is open and free to the public. For more information, call 812-237-2771.