FREEPORT — Join Highland Community College for an evening of music at the “Jazzin’ it up for PEACE,” a concert celebrating Black History Month. This free event will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 in the Fine Arts Theatre at the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

The concert features Cole and Company with Carl Cole and the SOGN Productions family, as well as a collaboration with Music Instructor Dr. Randy Haldeman and the Highland Chamber Singers.

“We’re always thrilled to celebrate February as National Black History Month with our friends at Highland Community College, where we’re “Jazzin’ it Up for Peace,” Cole said. “This year, we are excited to welcome our SOGN Family, as well as the HCC Chamber Singers.”

“PEACE,” an acronym for Positive Energy and Character Excellence, is the foundation of the “Young Eagles Success” (YES) Club Youth Program Charity, founded by Cole. This concert experience will use the universal language of music to inspire and empower listeners to embrace “Unity in Diversity,” “Healing Racism” and “Community Fellowship.” 

Music styles include Spirituals, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Pop, R&B, and more, complete with facts regarding historical composers and song content. 

The program highlights the talents of the Highland Chamber singers, under the direction of Dr. Halderman, in collaboration with Cole. The Highland Chamber Singers will sing “By and By” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The concert is presented by the Highland Diversity Committee, Highland Foundation and the Humanities, Social Sciences and Fine Arts Division. No tickets are needed for this open event.