Moorpark College Jazz Ensemble "A" Band under the direction of Bob Aguilar recently earned distinction at the 42nd annual Reno Jazz Festival, described as "one of the largest and most prestigious jazz festivals of its kind in the nation."

Placing in the top three in the two-year college division, the "A" Band competed with some of the nation’s most respected colleges in the Western U.S.

Outstanding soloist awards were presented to Joel Rackerby of Simi Valley on trombone; Michael Blade of Calabasas on tenor saxophone; and Tino Preciado of Oxnard on alto saxophone.

At 8 p.m. Sat., May 15 the Jazz Ensemble will dazzle a local audience with their winning ways at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. Preceding their concert will be the annual Moorpark College Jazz Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. also in the PAC and will feature jazz ensembles from area schools and colleges.

The public is invited to the festival. Proceeds will benefit the jazz program and PAC at Moorpark College. Tickets are $7 for the festival, with an additional $7 ticket purchase required for the 8 p.m. concert.

For information, call the PAC box office at (805) 378-1485.