Local talent combines with guest artists to form exciting musical configurations for the spring 2026 Constellation Concert Series at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). This dazzling array begins Friday, Feb. 20, with a celebration of the Josh Couts Quintet’s new jazz album and keeps on shining with the 12th Annual UAH Keyboard Festival March 1-2.

All programs will be held in Roberts Hall, 1510 Ben Graves Drive, on the campus of UAH.

An evening of original compositions and improvisation will introduce music lovers to Couts’ latest album, “The General Dance,” Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Roberts Recital Hall. The album combines elements of classic hard bop with modern jazz and Brazilian choro.

“With ‘The General Dance,’ I wanted to record my original compositions and explore my broad range of musical interests with an adept group of musicians that share those interests,” said Couts, a guitar instructor in the UAH Department of Music, Theatre and Film.

“We got to rehearse a fair amount and play the tunes live a good bit before going into the studio,” he said. “This is really beneficial for seeing what directions the music wants to go. Writing music that incorporates improvisation requires trusting in the musicians you’re playing with in order to give those notes on the page shape and life. While I wrote the 11 tunes on the album, Gary Wheat, Choko Aiken, Nick Walker and CJ Brown were essential to bringing the songs to life with their brilliant interpretation, musicianship and improvisation.”

In Couts’ opinion, these four performers are “some of the most creative and supportive improvising musicians in our region.” Saxophonist Wheat and pianist Aiken are staples of the Birmingham jazz scene while drummer Brown and UAH bass instructor Walker are among Huntsville’s best.

Friday’s show will also include selections from Couts’ two previous albums plus some other new tunes.

Tickets are $10, general; $5, students and seniors. Livestream access to the concert is $10. All are available for purchase at the Josh Couts Quintet event page on the UAH website.