The popular free outdoors Jazz @ The Pond series -- presented by Caretel Inns of Brighton -- returns for the fifth year in downtown Brighton's Mill Pond gazebo (on Main Street). The second show features The Nighthawks Jazz Orchestra.

Lead by saxophonist JOSHUA JAMES, the N.J.O. is one of Detroit's premier musical organizations. While the ensemble's heart beats with the pulse of jazz, the N.J.O. performs original compositions and unique arrangements of jazz standards, pop tunes, and whatever else its musicians can get their hands on. It's entirely possible to hear the music of Oliver Nelson, Charles Mingus, and Tadd Dameron alongside the music of Bjork, Thievery Corp., and John Williams, all in one show! The ensemble blends the music seamlessly, creating a musical experience that is not to be missed.

The N.J.O. - with its 4 woodwinds, 3 brass, and 3-piece rhythm section - delivers a vibrant and fresh sound to all of their unique instrumental and vocal arrangements. With all of the musicians doubling, it's not unusual to witness vocalists taking fevered flute solos, reedmen vacillating from striking soprano sax to burly bass clarinet, fiery pianists exploding into the realms of electronic exploration. No timbre is off-limits to this ensemble as they experiment with a diverse range of sonic colors to match their dynamic arrangements.