After four concerts that featured three musical director finalists, two things will be certain at the Saint Joseph Symphony's one final concert of the season: The symphony will announce a permanent fixture at the conductor's stand and they'll have a good time doing it.

And the good times will roll thanks to jazz from the roaring '20s for the Saint Joseph Symphony's spring pops concert "A Night on the Town" at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Missouri Theater.

The Saint Joseph Symphony's 2008-09 season began with the sign of changes to come. Concerts focused on programming that featured more familiar classical works and composers, which symphony board of directors member Dr. Robert Spurgat says was a welcome shift.

"I think there's been some concert programming that's been very well received," Spurgat says.

But what seemed to gain the most attention wasn't the classical pieces but who was at the podium conducting them. Throughout the season, the Saint Joseph Symphony auditioned three conductors for its musical director position: Loudoun Symphony orchestra conductor Mark McCoy, Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra conductor Beverly Everett and University of Toledo conductor Rico McNeela.

Derrick Hinds, executive director for the symphony, says this competitive element captured more public attention.

"I think the excitement of looking for a musical director got people interested this season," Hinds says. "Our attendance has been growing over the course of the year, so we've been pretty happy about that."

Those who are wondering which finalist will be chosen as the symphony's musical director won't have to wonder much longer. The new musical conductor will be announced during the symphony's concert on Saturday, along with the programming for the 2009-10 season and a few more changes audiences can expect for next year.

"I'll just say that it will be a new opportunity for people to hear classical music in St. Joe in some new places," Hinds says.

These announcements are one thing that should draw symphony fans this weekend. But even without them, "A Night on the Town" still would be a crowd pleaser.

Especially if you're a lover of jazz from the 1920s. Bill Richardson, the symphony's second trumpet player for the past 10 years, says the orchestra is going to look a little different for this concert.

"It appears that it's going to be more of a studio orchestra, which is kind of like a small big band with strings," Richardson says. "It will be kind of a different sound, but I think it will be something that is really fun."

The concert will have instruments like saxophone take a bit more prominence, and some pieces also will feature guest vocalist Ann Brock and a bit of banjo.

Some of the concert's pieces include the era's jazz staples like "Varsity Drag," "Wabash Blues," "Somebody Stole My Gal" and "April Showers," which Richardson says will give soloists a chance for a bit of improvisation. But the highlight of the concert will be two classic works in jazz orchestration: Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera" and the original jazz band version of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

For the latter work, the Saint Joseph Symphony has brought in acclaimed pianist Hyperion Knight to help bring the piece to life.

"He's considered one of the best interpreters of Gershwin's music in the world, so we're very excited to have him," Hinds says.

For the concert's entirety, the orchestra will be lead by guest conductor Joseph Parisi from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

With the particulars of the conductor search out of the way, Hinds says this final concert will serve as "the first chance to begin bringing in a new era." And Richardson has an equally optimistic outlook on things to come. While he says the Saint Joseph Symphony hasn't achieved that must-see status at the Missouri Theater just yet, with the direction things are going, he isn't counting it out.

"It would be nice to have some sell-out concerts and really get a buzz going in St. Joe ... but I know we're poised for it," Richardson says. "With a new conductor coming in, the opportunity is there."

Tickets for "A Night on the Town" are $10 to $35. For more information, call 233-7701 or go to www.saintjosephsymphony.org.