ATHENS — The UGA Performing Arts Center will present the Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Band’s premier jazz ensemble, at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29 in Hodgson Concert Hall.

The concert is free but tickets are required.

The group traces its roots back to the big band era of Glenn Miller. While serving his country during World War II, Maj. Miller created the Glenn Miller Army Air Corps Dance Band, which engaged in hundreds of performances and radio broadcasts.

The U.S. Air Force founded the Airmen of Note in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Miller’s popular dance band. Today, the “Note” features 18 of the most talented jazz musicians in the country and is one of the last touring big bands in the world.

Over the years, the ensemble has performed with such jazz luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson.

In 1990, the Airmen of Note established the Jazz Heritage Series, reaching millions of listeners over National Public Radio, jazz radio stations, satellite radio services and the Internet.

In 2010, the Airmen of Note celebrated 60 years as one of our nation’s most revered musical organizations.

For tickets, contact the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.