With five saxophones, five trombones, five trumpets, a bass guitar, a set of drums and a piano, the UA Jazz Ensemble will take the stage for their 17th Annual Big Band Concert tonight at Moody Music Hall. The group’s director, Chris Kozak, says the show “Singin’, Swingin’ and Bob” will mesh together swing and contemporary jazz music in a multi-faceted tribute.

“We try to follow tradition but also keep current with standards in the industry,” Kozak said.

This year’s performance is different in that a male vocalist, Marcus Miller, joins the stage alongside the 17-member instrumental ensemble, which is made up of music students, along with one finance major. Kozak believes incorporating the vocalist gives the ensemble great experience.

“This prepares them for the professional world,” Kozak said. “That’s another reason I try to keep current with the music.”

Stacy Morris, a seven-year member of Big Band, says the group has a lot packed into a one hour performance with a musical assortment of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, instrumental tunes and a two-song mini-tribute to Bob Brookmeyer. Overall, he said he is excited about the atmosphere of the show.

“I think Marcus is really going to get into that whole rat pack, Frank Sinatra-type character and maybe banter with the crowd a little bit,” Morris said. “It’s going to be loose and fun but also really good music.”

While the jazz department is expecting an almost full house for the annual performance, both Kozak and Morris encourage all to come.

“It’s going to be something a little different than what we usually do, but it’s going to be fun and everyone should come,” Morris said.

If you go:

When: Wednesday, April 18

Where: Moody Music Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Price: Free, open to public