The Winchester Unitarian Society celebrates the saxophone in jazz music at Jazz in the Sanctuary’s “Saxophone Summit,” Friday, January 24, at 8:00 p.m.

The concert highlights many of the jazz greats who contributed to the jazz saxophone tradition, including John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, and Coleman Hawkins. Featured artists are Mike Tucker on tenor sax, Lihi Haruvi on soprano sax, and Mark Zaleski on alto sax, with John Kramer on piano, Mark Pucci on bass, and Yoron Israel on drums.

The saxophone was invented in 1840s by Adolphe Sax. Capable of playing louder than other woodwind instruments, the sax was used initially in symphony orchestras and military and marching bands. It emerged as a jazz instrument with its adoption in big bands and with swing music in the 1930s. Bebop and small-group post-bebop ensembles in the 1940s established the saxophone as a lead solo instrument in jazz.

A reception will follow the concert. The venue is handicapped accessible, and street parking is available.