"Blues is to jazz what yeast is to bread -- without it, it's flat," stated legendary jazz vocalist Carmen McRae.

Well, get ready for your next night of tasty bread. Two of the world's major musical themes merge in a concert April 12, rhythmic blues and swinging jazz, in the concert Big Band Blues.

The performance is the latest annual major event for The Hamilton All Star Jazz Band organization, led by Dr. Russ Weil and now in its 24th year of developing youth through music. Last year's concert was a celebration of Duke Ellington and the band's concert in Hamilton in 1954. This year's event promises to again crowd the 1,000-seat Redeemer College in Ancaster.

The concert will be performed by all three big bands in the organization.

Redeemer College is located at 777 Garner Rd. E. Tickets can be purchased at the Ancaster Community Services, 300 Wilson St. E., Ancaster, or by phone at 905-648-6675. The blues blow in at 8 p.m.