New Lancaster resident Melanie Verdi, also known as Big Mamma, will present "An Evening of Jazz and Blues," along with the Velvet Martinis, on Saturday, May 13, at the Mulberry Art Center, 21 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. The show will be recorded live for Verdi's new jazz album.

Verdi performs a catalog of rock, funk, jazz, pop and gospel favorites and has made her mark as a singer, guitarist, composer, lyricist, producer and entertainer.

Verdi has been sharing her gift of song since the age of 7 singing gospel music. A Baltimore native, she fell in love with Lancaster and all it offers when her husband, Tom DeGroot, whose family are life-long residents of Lancaster, showed her the town. She has immersed herself in the community by volunteering for such organizations as the Lancaster Police Foundation, which has a mission to provide equipment to the Lancaster City Police Department.

Verdi now wants not only to perform but to inspire the arts in Lancaster. Verdi recruited and auditioned only local talent to back her on stage.

Available for the upcoming performance on Mother's Day weekend are reserved tables and seats with a VIP lounge and table seatings for two, four and six persons. Attendees should bring their own beverages and food.

Seating is reserved and extremely limited. Advance tickets are available at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-mamma-presents-an-evening-of-jazz-and-blues-tickets-565173578387. There will be no ticket sales at the door.