Musical interludes between courses will flavor the innovative cuisine at Niche restaurant in Geneva when The Mary Hunt Duo stars in two special performances.

Featuring Hunt, a jazz and blues vocalist, and guitarist Brandon Theis, the duo will appear Wednesday and Thursday, July 30 and 31. The three-course menu, prepared by Executive Chef Jeremy Lycan, will be paired with wines selected by sommelier Jody Richardson.

“We will be presenting ‘The Legendary Ladies of Jazz,’” Hunt said. “The four ladies we will be covering are Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. We are making a tribute to these four unbelievable singers of the 20th century.”

The music will be presented in four sets.

“This is Niche’s second ‘Concert Between Courses,’” said its organizer, pianist Larry Dieffenbach of Geneva. “Our first was sold out both nights. This event is a unique match of fine dining, great wine and wonderful music. We are delighted to feature Mary Hunt, a graduate of Berklee School of Music in Boston, and the talented Brandon Theis on guitar. I remember playing for Mary for her audition into music school. I have heard this duo on many occasions; their arrangements are fresh and bring new life to well-known jazz standards.”     

Hunt said the concert will include such songs as “Lullaby of Birdland” and “Days of Wine and Roses.”

She and Theis have performed together for three years and appear every week in St. Charles and Geneva, as well as for weddings and other private events. Both grew up in St. Charles.

Hunt loved singing from an early age. Her first voice teacher was John Stoffel, veteran choir director at St. Charles High School. Since earning her music degree in 2004, she has been performing regularly in the Chicago area and maintains a private voice studio.

Theis attended both DePaul University and Chicago College of Performing Arts, where he studied guitar with John McLean. In addition to his collaboration with Hunt, he performs with several other artists in the region and is a member of the faculty at PM Music in Naperville.

The musical evenings at Niche will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 14 S. Third St. For reservations, call (630) 262-1000. Visit www.nichegeneva.com for more on the gourmet restaurant and its schedule of special events.