Swinging standards, originals fill Four County series opener

Four County Players will start its first concert series at 8 p.m. Saturday with the music of John Carden and Greenwich Swing Time at Barboursville Community Center.

Carden will sing with pianist George Melvin, saxophonist David Sanborn, guitarist Jason Lyman, bassist Lew Burris and drummer James Howe.

Together, they’ll perform American standards by George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Carlos Jobim.

Original numbers by Carden also will be on the program. Carden has written a jazz musical comedy, “Fabulous Flavio,’’ which will be premiered at Piedmont Virginia Community College under the direction of Raymond Austin.

Carden and Melvin are working on a straight-ahead jazz album to be released in the coming year.

A reception by Blue Ridge Cafe will follow the show in the theater’s bistro.

Tickets are $20. The event is a benefit for Four County Players.

For details, call (540) 832-5355.