WAUKESHA – Following a successful inaugural year, the Festival of Trees returns to the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha campus November 17-18, extending the spirit of Waukesha’s Christmas parade to the whole weekend.

The UW-Waukesha Foundation begins the weekend with a glowing Saturday evening (5:30-10 p.m.) event featuring a silent auction of 30 artistically decorated holiday trees, wreaths and garlands in the UW-Waukesha Commons. The Jazz Express Big Band and Master Singers of Milwaukee will provide musical entertainment. Visitors can sample the buffet and sip beer, wine, or soft drinks while they review the auction items and make bids on their favorites. Bidding will close at 9:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 each. For ticket information, phone (262) 446-3328.

The Jazz Express will perform from 5:30-7 p.m., and the Master Singers will take over from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Both are community groups. Formed in 1979 in Waukesha, the Jazz Express is comprised of teachers, computer technicians, engineers, artists, account executives, band instrument repair technicians, small business owners, and stockbrokers. The 20-piece band delivers original arrangements and compositions as well as works from the libraries of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and from the great dance bands.

The Master Singers are dedicated to the highest possible performance standards of vocal music. They aim to educate, engage and vitalize people through the choral experience.

Free Sunday Post-Parade

Then after the parade on Sunday, November 18, the entire community is invited to continue the celebration and warm up at the UW-Waukesha campus. Students will serve free hot chocolate, cider and coffee, and the Bargain Basement Santas will supply the music. Professor of music Craig Hurst will perform on trumpet, Lauren Bantz on alto saxophone, Chris Blair on tuba, and assistant professor of history Jon Kasparek on euphonium. Several of the decorated trees will still be on display, and one will be given away in a drawing (must be present to win). The Bartolatta Fireworks Company will present an aerial display at 6:30 p.m.

UW-Waukesha has the largest enrollment among the 13 freshman-sophomore University of Wisconsin Colleges campuses. For information about programs, admission, or financial aid, contact the Student Services office at (888) 2UW-WAUK (289-9285) or visit the Web at waukesha.uwc.edu.

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