The Mile High Jazz Band will be joined by singer Jakki Ford and eight award-winning poets and readers for “Long Story Short,” an evening of big-band jazz and poetry at Gina’s Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The community is invited to celebrate Mile High Jazz Band’s 20th anniversary of jazz and poetry events in Carson City. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina’s is a smoke-free, climate-controlled venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

“Long Story Short” features the 17-member band playing swinging songs in the theme of the evening. Poets and readers are Rita Geil, Terri Breeden, Ursula Carlson, Wayne Carlson, Doug Conner, Krista Lukas, Kathy Nelson, and Timothy Rhodes. Each poem relates to the theme, is open to several interpretations, and is followed by a related tune. Several feature Jakki Ford.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by private donations and memberships, and by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.