On New Year's Eve the Cumming Playhouse comes alive with jazz entertainment from singer/songwriter and musician, Rebecca Windham.

"I'm very excited about performing there," says Windham. "I've been living in Cumming for a number of years now and this will be my debut performance."

The jazz concert will be held on New Year's Eve from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the playhouse located in the 1923 Historic Cumming Public School building located 101 School Street.

Performing at the playhouse is special to Windham. "It's near and dear to my heart," she said. "As the daughter of a history professor I value the past and historical architecture. I think it's important to preserve those things in our community."

Concertgoers will be treated to a world-class performance of jazz standards from the 20^th century, including music from Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington song books. There will be tunes from the War Era, as well as, original music from Windham's CD, "To A Warmer Heart." She will be singing the title track and her composition of "I believe In You." The CD will be available for sale after the concert.

In addition, you'll hear music from Brazilian bossa nova to Basie swing, even a few songs performed in different languages. Windham says, "We plan on doing a lot of the music that I think will appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes."

The jazz quintet accompanying this talented singer are pianist Don Discena, born into a musical Italian immigrant family that settled in Cleveland, Ohio, along with bassist Ramon Pooser who has performed with countless artists and has toured Europe, Canada, and the U.S. Also drummer Emrah Kotan, a classically trained percussionist, who came to the U.S. from his native Turkey and saxophonist Eric Fontaine who has been working in Atlanta's jazz scene since 2003 and has performed around the world in such places as Shanghai, Beijing, and Seoul.

Windham is no stranger to touring abroad either. She has performed in Japan, where she learned a lot of her jazz repertoire and in France, as well as venues throughout the U.S.

"I've been very fortunate as a singer, as a musician to be able to work with a lot of really talented people," says Windham.

Some of her career highlights include, opening up for Mel Torme and co-founding the group, South City Voices, a jazz vocal quartet. She also spends time teaching and composing in her recording studio, which she loves doing.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to bring more jazz into the Cumming Playhouse," Windham said. "We are hoping that this concert could be a precursor to exciting events to come - such as a possible jazz series at the playhouse." 

As far as what people can expect? Windham adds, "Expect to have a good time!"

Ring in the New Year with "Rebecca Windham and Jazz Quintet" at the Cumming Playhouse. Tickets for the concert are $30 per person. Concert tickets and dinner at Tam's Backstage are $63.50 per person. Purchase your tickets at www.playhousecumming.com.