The NMHU Jazz Choir will be “Puttin’ on the Ritz” in Ilfeld Auditorium May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by André García-Nuthmann, the singers will present a program of sophisticated Broadway tunes by such giants as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and the Gershwins, along with traditional spirituals. The presentation will be enlivened by several musicians: Jane Warsaw on piano, Mike Campbell on drums, Edward Harrington on bass, and Shawn Woodyard on saxophone and flute. Since jazz and spirituals sprang from the same source, it seemed appropriate to present a program presenting together these two varieties of music unique to the United States. Originally created by African slaves brought to America between the 1600s and the 1800s, both forms were quickly adopted into the music tradition of our country and the world. Russian-born immigrant Irving Berlin is a classic example of what could happen. He quickly became involved in the world of jazz, and, though he sold his first set of song lyrics for 37 cents and never studied music, he went on during his 101 years of life to write some of the most popular jazz pieces. Solos will be handled by Betty Thompson, along with Kassily Karlin, Victoria Evans, Werner Muller, Nita Lujan, Stephanie Salas, and Kaitlyn Sinclair. Joe Cooney is assistant director and Evans is choir manager. General admission is $8, while faculty, staff, senior citizens and children under ten are $5. Students with valid I.D. will be admitted free.