BRUNSWICK — The Novel Jazz Septet will perform at the Frontier Cafe, 14 Maine St., Mill 3, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.

This year, in honor of the centennial of Billy Strayhorn’s birth, the Novel Jazz Septet is highlighting Strayhorn’s contributions to the creative output of the Ellington Orchestra.

“Billy Strayhorn was one of the greatest composers in the history of American music, the creator of a body of work that includes such standards as ‘Take the ‘A’ Train.’ Yet all his life Strayhorn was overshadowed by his friend and collaborator Duke Ellington, with whom he worked for three decades as the Ellington Orchestra’s ace songwriter,” wrote David Hajdu in his book, “Lushlife.” 

The Novel Jazz Septet will feature both composers but the program will follow the parallel, and sometimes independent, evolution of Strayhorn’s and Ellington’s music. The group will feature some rare Strayhorn pieces, too, songs unearthed during visits to the Smithsonian.

This year, the group’s shows are being listed as part of the official international Strayhorn Centennial Celebration events, based out of Chicago. In honor of this centennial, the band has also released its latest CD, “Novel and Novelle.”

For reservations and general information, call 207-725-5222 or email [email protected]

The cost of tickets is $18 in advance, or $20 the day of the show.