The Hermitage Artist Retreat, the Englewood nonprofit that hosts artists from around the world, is launching a new performance series with Booker High School's Visual and Performing Arts program.

Hermitage @ Booker, as the series is called, will kick off on Friday, Dec. 17, with a performance by jazz bassist and composer Luke Stewart, a Hermitage fellow, at Booker High. The event will include an improvisational performance by Stewart, a jam session with local artists and students and a discussion of Stewart's creative process and career.

Future Hermitage @ Booker events will also connect Hermitage fellows with students at the school. More detail will be announced in the future. The Stewart event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, at Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Registration is $5.