Jazz with the Steve Marien Ensemble

One complaint becoming more prevalent amongst musicians today - or maybe it's just an awed observation - is that there is literally no combination of genres or styles that hasn't been explored. Bagpipes and glam-metal? Check. Sousa and Delta blues? Check. Sun Ra and bubblegum? That, too.

In that spirit, consider multi-saxophonist Steve Marien - a veteran of free jazz, R&B, swing, show bands, oldies, fusion musical theater, Top 40 and gospel acts. If Slayer used saxes, he'd probably have played with them, too.

For Friday's engagement at the Norwich Arts Center, the latest in the facility's First Friday series, the Steve Marien Ensemble, featuring his vocalist/wife, Lisa Marien, will focus on jazz standards and classics. Expect a lively, affectionate performance.

- RICK KOSTER

The Steve Marien Ensemble, 8 p.m. Friday, Norwich Arts Center, 60-64 Broadway, Norwich; $20; (860) 887-2789, norwicharts.org.