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The Volcano Art Center 2017 Jazz in the Forest summer series kicks off with performances at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday featuring Bub Pratt with Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones at the center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

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The Jazz in the Forest concert series offers a cool opportunity to hear accomplished jazz performers up close and personal.

The Jazztones, led by Thoma on saxophone and flute, will feature guest guitarist, vocalist and virtual trumpeter Pratt and bassist Matt Spencer, as well as drummer Steve Bader.

Pratt is the creator and leader of Kukuau Studio in Hilo, a center of all the arts with jazz sessions every week. The program for Saturday will include compositions from all periods of jazz history.

The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. Volcano red ale and Mauna Kea pale ale from Mehana Brewing Co. as well as wine and pupu by ‘Ohelo Café be available for purchase. An area will be set aside for dancing.

Tickets for both shows are $18 for VAC members, $20 nonmembers.

Tickets are available online at volcanoartcenter.org/events/registration-workshops-classes or Volcano Art Center’s administration office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The last day to purchase tickets online or at the VAC Gallery is Friday. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door if available.