Maria Schneider's lead trumpeter, Ingrid Jensen, and drummer, Clarence Penn, will perform Wednesday night at the Dakota. (promotional photos)

Hurricane Sandy forced the cancellation of this week's concerts by the Maria Schneider Orchestra. But while most of the group was stranded in New York, four of them made it -- and will play Wednesday night at the Dakota.

Trumpet star Ingrid Jensen and powerhouse drummer Clarence Penn, along with trombonist Marshall Gilkes and trumpeter Tony Kadleck, will play with a pickup band of local all-stars, including pianist Peter Schimke and bassists Billy Peterson and Gordy Johnson, starting at 7 p.m.

There is no cover charge but patrons will be encouraged to donate to a hurricane relief fund. The Dakota is also preparing a special hurricane cocktail, with proceeds going to the fund.

Schneider, meanwhile, is still planning to make two Wisconsin college gigs, Thursday night in Stevens Points and Saturday in Appleton.

She and Dakota co-owner Lowell Pickett are talking about possible makeup dates, he said. In the meantime, people who bought tickets can hang onto them, get a refund or raincheck -- or donate the money to the relief fund.