A pair of open-air performances can be enjoyed on Friday and Saturday, courtesy of the Cochrane Music Society.

Friday night, Riverside Jazz will be performing at the Centennial Plaza in the heart of Historic Downtown Cochrane starting at 7 p.m.

Saturday afternoon the Band on the Bow will be performing on the stage of the Cochrane Ranche at 2 p.m.

Band director Adam Mailman says they've been preparing for the performances in recent weeks, and are looking forward to the return of live performances.

"We've taken some time this year to do a bunch of things that were kind of creative and different and explored music a bunch of different ways, but it's time we get back to the reason why we get together most of the time and put on a show. So, we picked some music that we think the players are going to like and we think audiences are going to like."

The jazz band will be performing some jazz standards and classics on Friday night.

The selection for the Ranche performance is ideal for a summer afternoon in the park. 

"It branches into a lot of different styles of music. Somethings you can sing along to, and some things are uplifting and just fun to hear."

The word is a "sweet" song that has become a standard at sports games is among them.

It's been 10 months since we've been able to enjoy this talented group of musicians. The two bands last performed during Culture Fest last September.

The music society is inclusive and welcoming to all musicians. Its mission is to promote shared musical expression and cultural heritage by providing affordable, flexible, effective music education to adults in the community.

You can find out more about how you can become involved here.