Jazz saxophone faculty member Brad Leali ('90), will offer a fresh take on gospel at Gospel Meets Jazz: A Black History Celebration in February.

The Brad Leali Jazz Orchestra will play original arrangements by guest pianist and composer Claus Raible with a gospel choir made up of voice students under the direction of vocal jazz faculty member Jennifer Barnes.

The performance — including slave songs, traditional and contemporary gospel tunes and jazz — will be coupled with a visual presentation of moments from African American history.

"This celebration will be significant because a lot of jazz comes from the tradition of gospel music," Leali says. "The combination of the two provides a very powerful musical message."

The performance is free and is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 17 in Voertman Hall in the Music Building.