The Arts Council of Moore County and Pinehurst Resort announce Jimmy LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band (ODJB) will open the 26th annual Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz on Friday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. in the Cardinal Ballroom at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst.

"With such a band of historical significance to New Orleans that features many of the most talented musicians performing in the city of New Orleans today, you are sure to have a great time," says a spokesman.

In 1917, under the leadership of Nick LaRocca, the ODJB made the first jazz recording. This first and many to follow were instant sensational hits that were inspirational and influential beyond imagination.

The success of the ODJB recordings was immense and musicians worldwide changed instrumentation to emulate the sound and style they made famous. From 1917 to 1936 they recorded 52 78s that are still sold today on various CD compilations.

The group is now back in full swing under the direction of Jimmy LaRocca, the original leader's son, on trumpet and vocals, with a fine ensemble of New Orleans musicians.

In 2006, the ODJB was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its 1917 recording of "Darktown Strutter's Ball." They have performed concerts and jazz festivals worldwide and have four nationally selling CDs.

To round out this special Valentine's weekend, Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz will present Simone, a Broadway star and daughter of musical icon Nina Simone, on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets for Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz are on sale now at www.ShopPinehurst.com. The $65 ticket (or $110 for both nights) includes a concert ticket, the meet-the-artists dessert reception following the concert and a chance for a door prize.

Pinehurst Resort is offering a special pre-concert dinner in the Carolina Dining Room each night for $40 per person (all inclusive).

In addition, a Valentine's Weekend overnight package starting at $189 per person, per night is available and includes a ticket to the 8 p.m. concert, dinner, admission to the meet-the-artists dessert reception, champagne delivered to your room and breakfast the next day. For overnight packages, call (800) 487-4653.

The major sponsors of Heart 'n' Soul of Jazz are Pinehurst Resort, Progress Energy, American Airlines and King Fisher Society. Sponsors of the dessert reception are Wachovia and BB&T.

Lyne's Furniture Gallery will provide a $1,000 shopping spree as Friday night's door prize for a lucky audience member. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Arts Council of Moore County.

For additional information, visit www.mooreart.org.