Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre of the Doudna Fine Arts Center the Eastern Jazz Ensemble will perform their final music performance of the school year.

Sam Fagaly, the director of jazz studies, will direct the ensemble to perform a variety of music.

He said the music will range from Count Basie classics, such as “Li’l Darlin,’” to the contemporary sounds of “Sound Garden.”

Jamie Ryan, assistant music professor, will be a guest in this performance along with Andrew Cheetham, assistant music professor.

Fagaly said they will be joined by many music students who will be performing recitals.

“The students have been practicing through the semester.  This final performance will show people who come see it what they have been working hard on throughout the semester,” he said.

Fagaly said the jazz performing ensembles have received recognition for excellent performances across the region.

“In recent years Eastern’s jazz groups have been recognized for their outstanding musicianship at many jazz festivals in the United States, such as the Elmhurst, Notre Dame and North Texas University festivals,” he said.

Dan Crews, director of patron services of Doudna, said the event can be a way for student attendees to relax before finals.

“This is a great way to end the school year and it is perfect that it is being performed the final week of classes before finals week,” he said. “This will get students to take a break from their studying and get relaxed with some good music.”

Tickets are $5 and can be bought online on the Doudna website or at the box office in Doudna.

Stephanie White can be reached at 581-2812 or at sewhite2@eiu.edu