The Distinguished Events Series will host the New York Voices on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Before their performance the group will be giving a free music workshop in the Choral Music room from 4 to 5 p.m.

Debbie Chaffin, director of Educational Technology Services and one of the coordinators for the Distinguished Events series, said the Grammy-award winning group is phenomenal and absolutely first class.

“This is the kind of performance you pay big money for to see in Atlanta or New York City,” Chaffin said. “And we’re getting them in Florence for free.”

Kim Nazarian, Peter Eldridge, Darmon Meader and Lauren Kinhan comprise the group.

“We’ve been on hiatus since Christmas, so it’s going to be great to get back on the road,” said the group’s tenor, Darmon Meader. “We’re really looking forward to seeing each other as well as meeting new teachers and students.”

The workshop involves educating on numerous aspects of choral performance, including four-part harmonies and the history of vocal jazz, Meader said.

“Sometimes we work with the university’s (choir) as far as repertoire and soloists,” Meader said.

The Distinguished Events Series began in 2005 by President William Cale to encourage, promote and bring cultural influence to the faculty, staff and students of UNA, as well as the community of Florence as a whole.

“These types of events enrich the lives of many,” Chaffin said. “We’re heavily encouraging the attendance of students. This program is for them.”

Student attendance has been down in recent years, and it is the goal of the Distinguished Event Series to increase student attendance, ultimately creating the “well-rounded student.”

“You don’t have to be knowledgeable or a jazz enthusiast to attend,” Meader said. “It’s not just about jazz ensemble. It’s about everything from jazz standards to world music. It’s going to be a really enjoyable event.”

The group will perform for 75 to 90 minutes, and will follow with a meet and greet afterward. They will also have CDs and other items for sale after the concert.

Editor’s Note: Life Editor Kali Daniel contributed to this story.