The soothing melodies and sounds reminiscent of a different era are back at one of Athens’ premier venues, as tonight continues the popular Thursday night jazz series at the Melting Point.

Though running since December, the series continues to pick up steam as spring approaches.

“It’s grown since we started it,” said Melting Point talent buyer Troy Aubrey, citing help from national acts such as Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Joshua Redman in attracting larger crowds.

Tonight features SLO3, The Scott Leon-O’Day Trio, whose music fuses the genres of jazz, neo-soul, funk, electronica and blues.

The group’s jazz combinations have been nominated for Flagpole’s Music Awards with a sound reminiscent of John Scofield, Pat Martino, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Pat Methany, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa.

On Feb. 28, the Artie Ball Swing Band will perform for the series in a return to the venue the band regularly calls home.

“We play there many times, so it’s logical then we would play there,” said band leader and vocalist James Cook.

A self-described “mini big band,” the group includes Cook, Joe Ellison on the drums, Dan Horowitz on standup bass and Steve Key on guitar. It performs swing, dixie and bluegrass inspired by music from the 1930s and ’40s.

“It’s an honor to play this type of music,” Cook said. “Looking back, it’s some of the American music that was truly original, and it’s still timeless and relevant today.”

Cook says that this quality and the fun nature of the band creates a show that all ages can enjoy.

“It’s a very mixed crowd,” Cook said. “You can definitely dance to it, tap your feet, you’ll laugh, you might cry.”

According to Aubrey, the series has benefited from a solid combination of its venue and chosen day of the week.

“We decided to find a night where there wasn’t an established jazz night, and we felt like people would want to start the weekend a little early and grab dinner, a bottle of wine and see a great local jazz band,” he said. “Also, the venue is perfect for jazz.”

The Melting Point offers drink specials including half-priced bottles of selected wines to go with the music.

“It’s a really good night,” Aubrey said. “We expect for it to only continue getting better.”