ALGONA — New York jazz artist, composer and educator Yvonnick Prene will offer a musical performance, followed by a harmonica teaching session in Algona on Saturday.

Prene and his band will perform at the Ed and Betty Wilcox Performing Arts Center from 7 to 8 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Following the performance, a meet and greet with the band will be held at Billie Jo’s Bar and Grill in downtown Algona from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., along with a harmonica learning experience with Prene.

A limited number of harmonicas will be provided, or participants may bring their own. To reserve a harmonica, contact the Algona Public Library at 515-295-5476 in advance of the event. This event is sponsored by the Algona Public Library and the Stinson Prairie Arts Council.

“This will be a fun event that brings a talented group of musicians to the Algona community,” said Lori Walton, director of the Algona Public Library. “In addition to hearing the jazz performance, this event will provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with the band and enjoy a brief teaching session from one of the most unique and innovative harmonica musicians on the jazz scene today.”

Prene is a professional jazz musician, bandleader, composer, and educator based in the greater New York City area. He has recorded six acclaimed albums as a leader, including Jour de Fete (2013), Wonderful World (2014), Breathe (2015), and New York Moments (2019). His latest recording, the Jeremy Pelt-produced LISTEN!, was released on Sunnyside, featuring new original compositions and arrangements for his quintet.

Prene grew up in Massy, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris. He has earned a bachelor of music (2007) and a master of music degree from Sorbonne University (2011) and a bachelor of music in jazz performance from the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music (2012). To learn more visit https://www.yvonnickprene.com/.