Tonight, the State Botanical Gardens will offer an escape from the downtown cold and rain for music lovers when it hosts the Wood ‘n’ Nickel Woodwind Quintet as a part of its free Evergreen Concert Series.

The Wood ‘n’ Nickel Quintet is a classical group that prides itself on not being limited to performing classical music. Tonight’s concert will include selections from the group’s diverse catalog, ranging from rag-style songs of the 1920s and ’30s to the overture of “The Sound of Music.” The group will open with Barbara Streisand’s “Evergreen” in reference to the series’ title.

Wood ‘n’ Nickel has been through various members since 1990, but the current incarnation has played together for only the past two years.

“We all play together either in a community orchestra or band,” said Tom Cooper, clarinet player and original member of the quintet. “We’ve known each other for years, and so we started this.”

Three of the group members – Cooper, Beth Baile (flute) and Barbara Hawman (French horn) – also perform with the Athens Symphony.

When the members are not playing in individual projects, the quintet regularly plays churches, weddings and private events.

This particular show was set up with help from Baile, who has played music at the Botanical Gardens before.

“At this concert we’re going for what’s going to be most entertaining. It boils down to an international group of selections,” Baile said.

One of the international songs to be played includes an Irish folk song medley in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

This piece was arranged by Robert Placek, bassoonist for the quintet and a retired professor of music education at the University.

In addition to the more contemporary songs, the set list will include three traditional classical pieces.

“We’re trying to do things that people will really enjoy,” Baile said.