The 58th Annual Mundelein Jazz Invitational will be held on Saturday, March 8 at Mundelein High School. This is the longest-running instrumental jazz festival in the Chicago area and will welcome 64 performing ensembles from 33 different high schools and middle schools.

The first performance of the day begins at 8 a.m. and continues in five different venues until 6:30 p.m. Find a full schedule of performances at this link.

Each of the students performing ensembles receive a clinic with a jazz educator after their performance. These clinics/workshops are a big part of the experience at the festival.

“Receiving a 20-45 minutes session with inspiring jazz professionals is the focus of the Mundelein Invitation,” said Mundelein High School Band Director Andy Sturgeon. “Hopefully all students are able to leave the festival inspired to continue to dig in deeper on their own musicianship.”

This year’s guest artist is Chicago saxophonist Alex Beltran performing with his band at 12:40 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. His album “Rift” has received fantastic reviews.

All About Jazz writes, “Rift demonstrates that Beltran is an imaginative composer, mature bandleader and a consummate performer. It is a stimulating album that rewards repeated listenings and balances creative rigor with accessibility, hence appealing to a diverse audience.”

Tickets for the event can be bought at the door for $10 adults or $5 seniors/students. Families can also pre-order tickets by going to GoFan.