Former Houston Chronicle music critic Rick Mitchell reads excerpts from and signs copies of his new book, Jazz In the New Millennium: Live and Well (Dharma Moon Press in partnership with Da Camera of Houston).

From Randy Weston, Roy Haynes and Wayne Shorter to Jason Moran, Robert Glasper and Esperanza Spalding, Jazz In the New Millennium profiles nearly 60 leading jazz artists who are keeping the tradition alive in the 21st Century. The book includes the musicians reflecting on their own music, as well as on the state of the art form 100 years after its birth, and demonstrates why jazz continues to thrive creatively despite commercial neglect and the deliberate dumbing down of popular culture.

The event also features saxophonist Woody Witt and guitarist Mike Wheeler playing selections from the new album Absinthe: The Music of Billy Strayhorn (Blue Bamboo). Joe LoCascio, who plays on the album with Witt, will be on hand to emcee and sign copies of the CD. Refreshments will be provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Co.

Author Rick Mitchell has been writing about music for 40 years and has published three books, including Whiskey River (Take My Mind): The True Story of Texas Honky Tonk. From 1989 to 1999, Mitchell covered jazz and popular music for the Houston Chronicle. From 2000 to 2013, he served as music curator and artistic director for the Houston International Festival.

Beginning in August, the book will be available for sale in print and ebook formats online at Da Camera and Dharma Moon Press. The print version ($24.95) will be for sale at selected local retail outlets, including Cactus Music.