Sacramento State students were treated to a spectacular outdoor jazz concert in the Joe Serna Jr. Plaza Wednesday on one of the hottest days so far this year.

Spectators relaxed in the shade swaying their heads and tapping their pens to the tune of the upbeat and captivating music.

From noon to 2 p.m., three bands played a variety of jazz numbers, ranging from familiar songs to impressive solos.

The first band, the “CSUS One O’clock Jazz Ensemble,” opened with a tune by Dizzy Gillespie titled “Wouldn’t You.”

The song featured a moving trumpet solo by Anthony Coleman and Ken Allen on the alto sax.

The band also played a tune that Frank Sinatra made famous that was arranged for a tribute album called Sinatra Land, titled, “In the Still of the Night.”

The song was arranged by Patrick Williams, and featured Matt McFarland on the piano and Matt Brady on the brushes (drums).

The performers appeared to be having a good time as they smiled and tapped their feet to the melodies.

The second band, the “Cosumnes River College Ensemble,” consisted of 17 band members, and opened with a song by Rob McConnell titled, “Blue Tag.” The song featured Brandon Matthew on the trombone.

One of the highlights of the show was when the vocalist Janet Ray Gather sang “Angel Eyes.”

Gather’s voice was deep and melancholy, a lovely, almost weeping sound.Finishing off the sensational show was the “Spectacular Sax Quartet who performed some well-known songs.

The Quartet began with an enchanting version of the Van Morrison song “Moondance.”Another familiar and well done piece was Judy Garland?s “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”

Wednesday’s hot day didn’t deter anyone from having a great time.

Children ran and played on the grass and made up their own dances to the beautiful jazz music. It was an outstanding show.