Jess Lightner, a tubist with the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass and a native of Garden City, will perform March 12 at Kansas University.

Lightner earned a bachelor’s degree in music with distinction in tuba performance at KU in 2001 and furthered his studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned a master’s degree in tuba performance in 2003.

His career as a tubist has taken him all over the country, performing on NBC’s “Today” show, at the Cooperstown Chamber Music Festival and at the University of Oregon.

Lightner will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at Swarthout Recital Hall.