MARYSVILLE – While most middle schoolers listen to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, those in the 10th Street Jazz Band listen to Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Bennie Goodman.

Director Nathan Sackman has taught them to love the old big band tunes so much that they come to school an hour early each day to play them.

Historically, jazz bands love to show off their flair, and Marysville’s local schools are no different. Since January normally is a slow month for concerts, 10th Street School again is putting on “The Red Hot Jazz Festival.”

Six bands will perform in the Jan. 30 concert that will take place starting at 7 p.m. at the Marysville Opera House.

The evening will include a dessert buffet, silent auction and no-host Italian soda bar.

Sackman is excited about using the opera house as the venue.

“It’s an underused building,” he said. “Hopefully when people get a chance to see it the building will come alive again.”

He said the building is better than he even thought after taking a tour of it. It has a nice stage, sound system and great acoustics.

“It will give the kids a chance to perform in a place that’s a little more special,” he said.

This will be the second year for the festival. It was such a hit last year with 200 attendees that they decided not only to do it again, but also invite Marysville-Pilchuck and Marysville Getchell high schools to participate. Two bands from 10th Street will perform, as will a choir and band from Totem Middle School.

Proceeds will be divvied up among the groups. Each entity spends the funds to purchase music and equipment or repair instruments.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students.

Kamille Norton, a City Council member and president of the 10th Street Middle School Boosters, also is excited about the venue.

“We chose the Marysville Opera House as our venue because of its beauty, its rich musical history, and its connection to our city and community,” she said, adding they want it to be a community event, not just a school event.

“Our band musicians work very hard, waking up extra early in most cases to attend rehearsals before school. So we wanted to provide an opportunity for our student musicians to have a special and elegant night to showcase their talents and perform for their community.”

The jazz bands in middle and high school meet prior to school so they don’t have to compete against other electives.

Sackman said he likes his students to learn from recording artists and to experiment with improvisation until they are comfortable with their own personal style.

“We refresh, learn the tune then do a quick audition right before the gig” to decide who gets to solo, he said.

Parents of band students will bring a variety of desserts. The soda bar will cost $2 each. They are still lining up auction items.

Band representative Karen Davis said they will be happy if they break even.

“That takes the pressure off,” she said. “Our only goal is to create a memorable event.”