The Performing Arts Amphitheatre at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts will be the best place to be on Sunday, April 29, 2007 if you enjoy jazz. The Jazz in AZ Family Picnic and Battle of the Youth Jazz Bands features a competition for young jazz groups with members up to the age of 17. Former Count Basie Orchestra vocalist Dennis Rowland and KJZZ Music Director Blaise Lantana will emcee the event. The competition will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Youth jazz bands from across Arizona are encouraged to submit an application and audition tape, which must be postmarked by Friday, March 16, 2007 or delivered by 5 p.m. that day to the Jazz in AZ office (7320 E. Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85251). Application forms are available at online or by calling 480-994-0807. Bands selected to participate will be notified by Friday, March 30. One band will be selected as the overall winner and will perform at the Jazz in AZ 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Octpber 13, 2007 at the Celebrity Theatre.