Open dress rehearsals as well as performances will highlight the 2013 Jazz Festival at Western Carolina University, with public events April 27 and 29.

Donny McCaslin, tenor saxophonist from New York City, will conduct a jazz improvisation masterclass in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, followed by dress rehearsals with the WCU Jazz Ensemble at 2:30 p.m. and with jazz faculty and guests at 4 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.

Folklorist Gary Carden, assisted by Pam Meister, curator of the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU, will present “Madison,” on the stage of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin, 89 Sierra Drive, Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m.

“Madison” is the life story of Dr. Robert Lee Madison, who in the 1880’s promoted the idea of a school that would train teachers for the mountain schools.

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The Jackson County arm of the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program is presenting the legendary David Holt and Mountain Faith in concert at Coulter Hall, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Opening for these two well known entertainers is the local band Lonesome Sound. The cost of the performance is $10, with tickets sold at the door. All proceeds from the concert will be used to help sustain the JAM program in Jackson County.

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On Tuesday, April 23, 25,000 volunteers in more than 6,000 towns and cities across the country will give away half a million free books.

World Book Night U.S. is an ambitious campaign to give thousands of free, specially printed paperbacks to light or nonreaders across America on one day. Volunteer book lovers help promote reading by going out into their communities and sharing free copies of books they love. The mission of World Book Night is to seek out those without the means or access to printed books.