The public is invited to “An Afternoon of Gershwin” at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown, Sunday. Songs by mezzo-soprano Melanie Gritters (center) and pianist Julie Anderson and Rhapsody in Blue by pianist Ron Packard and clarinetist Elizabeth Brewer (not pictured) will highlight the program. The freewill offering benefits Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Fund.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown, 1255 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, presents “An Afternoon of Gershwin” Sunday at 4 p.m.

Ron Packard opens the program with George Gershwin piano selections. Songs like “Summertime,” “Embraceable You” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It” by mezzo-soprano Melanie Gritters and pianist Julie Anderson follow.

In this 100th anniversary year of the premier of likely Gershwin’s most-recognized composition, Packard and clarinetist Elizabeth Brewer will perform Rhapsody in Blue as the finale of the program.

Born in 1898, Gershwin is one of the most significant and popular American composers of all time. He wrote for the Broadway musical theater, as well as orchestral and piano compositions. He was just 38 when he died.

Rhapsody in Blue was a key composition that defined the Jazz Age and began a new era in America’s musical history. It established Gershwin’s reputation as an eminent composer and became one of the most popular of all concert works.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a music concentration, Anderson has taught music classes in public and private schools and is currently an instructor at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts.

A former Infinity student who now teaches there, Brewer was a music education major as a clarinetist at the State University at Fredonia, where she is completing a degree in social studies adolescence education. She has performed with many local ensembles and twice with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gritters has been singing publicly since age 5. She is a past member of Serendipity, the Chautauqua Chamber Singers, and Erie Renaissance. She currently enjoys singing with the First Presbyterian Church Choir in Jamestown.

Packard began piano lessons at age 9 and was a student of applied music at Fredonia State. Following 15 years as a DJ for Princess Cruises, he has taught piano at all levels and ages at Infinity since 2015. Ron studied Rhapsody In Blue under the tutelage of Helga Hulse.

A freewill offering will benefit Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Fund. Infinity recently celebrated 25 years of service to the community. More than 1,000 students take part in music, art, dance, theater, photography instruction and performance opportunities annually, with 30% of membership students qualifying for need-based scholarship support for their membership fees.

A cookie reception follows the free event.

Parking is available behind the church or across the street in the parking lot of Christ First United Methodist Church.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.

Learn more about the UUCJ at UUJamestown.org or on their Facebook page facebook.com/JamestownUU.