ATHOL – For jazz lovers, the Athol Historical Society Museum is the place to be the evening of Thursday, Oct. 17.

In what society President Michael Adams hopes will become an annual event, Wanda Houston, Eugene Uman and local talent Weldon Hendricks will offer a night of jazz music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Houston has performed on stage with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Patti Austin, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, Rick Astley and Sam Harris. She also performed with Motown legends Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, and The Platters. Houston is the lead vocalist for Heth, Bradley and Houston, the Wanda Houston Band and Big and Bigger.

Uman has performed with Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Dave Stryker, George Mraz, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Vidala, Pete Yellin and many others. In addition, he is a member of the Vermont Jazz Center Big Band, for which he also serves as musical director. His current working ensembles in the Convergence Project, and is part of the world music ensemble As Yet Quintet.

Adams said Athol’s Weldon Hendricks is a local jazz musician who coordinated the talent for Jazz Night at the Athol Historical Society “and has been an integral part in making this event a success.”

“About 10 years ago, the historical society had Wanda Houston singing. I went to that event, and it was wildly successful. I remember it as such a stand-out event that I thought it was worth bringing back,” Adams said. “Part of our programming goals is to create more a diverse program for the public. Our goal is to bring people who maybe haven’t been to the historical society into it by offering really high-level experiences. And Wanda Houston and Eugene Uman are pretty top-tier performers.”

Adams said he wants people of the Athol region to think of the society as a place where they can enjoy a variety of experiences, including good music.

“It doesn’t have to be all about the past,” Adams said. “What happens today is history tomorrow. So, we’re carving out a spot for that thinking in our programming.”

Tickets for Jazz Night at the Athol Historical Society are $5 for members, $10 for non-members and will be sold at the door. The museum is located at 1307 Main St. in Athol. Adams said the event includes a raffle for “an over-the-top wreath.” Beer, wine and mocktails will also be available, along with hors d’oeuvres.

“I want to see this become an annual event at the society,” said Adams. “It will be our last event of the calendar year. And, again, I want to bring people to this who might not naturally visit it. That’s really what this event is all about.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.