Great jazz is very hard to find, especially in the hills of Appalachia. Jazz greats Marian McPartland and Joshua Redman are planning to add a little flavor to Athens on Saturday at Grover Auditorium at 8 p.m.

The show, presented by the OU Performing Arts Series, will cover classical jazz styles with the McPartland Trio and contemporary jazz with chart topper, Redman.

"This is a big show for Athens," said Gretchen Stephens, director of public occasions. "Anyone that knows jazz knows of these performers."

Marian McPartland is an accomplished pianist and an internationally known musician. Performing for over 60 years, she formed her own trio and record company, Halcyon, and composed music for artists such as Tony Bennett. She has received numerous awards, including the Peabody Award and the Duke Ellington Fellowship Medal from Yale University.

McPartland, 80, entertained troops during World War II and has made many television appearances, including a spot as moderator for the series "Women in Jazz" on the Arts and Entertainment channel.

"She is seemingly as comfortable with a modal tune or a piece by John Coltrane as she is with the standards of her youth," according to a New York Times review.

Joining McPartland on stage is jazz saxophonist Josh Redman. He has toured with Christian McBride, refused acceptance into Yale law school and released five best-selling albums, including his latest, MoodSwing, for Warner Brothers. His music often crosses the line of jazz and pop and is popular with younger audiences.

As a musician, Redman said that "variety and diversity are in my soul." He has proven he can stand his ground, performing with the likes of Quincy Jones, B.B. King and Lionel Hampton. In his shows, he leads them on an adventure through the world of musical notes.

Some students, like senior Lacey Stokes, are excited that a jazz show with big names is coming to Athens.

"It offers a musical experience to people who might not have a chance to see it or be familiar with this type of performance," Stokes said. "It's nice that the Performing Arts Series is catering to the diversity of interests on the campus."

The Joshua Redman and Marian McPartland Trio show is sponsored in part by Follett's University Bookstore. Tickets are available at the Haning Hall box office. Prices are $5 for students, $9 for senior-citizens and $13 for the general public.