Jazz events in Healdsburg help you get ready for festival

With the Healdsburg Jazz Festival just over five weeks away, from June 3 - 12, music is already happening big time  in Healdsburg.

A full May jazz lineup (see below) is in place for Friday and Saturday nights at the Also on April 30, two benefit concerts are planned for the Healdsburg Center for the Arts.

Ticket sales for the jazz festival have been brisk so far, organizer said -- especially for the headliner shows. To see a schedule and purchase tickets online, go here.

Here is the May jazz schedule:

Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson Street, 707 431-2800

Jazz in the hotel lobby  

7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights

Friday, May 6

Susan Sutton and Bill Fouty

Piano and Acoustic Bass

Saturday, May 7

David Udolf Trio with Chris Amberger and Alan U’ren

Piano, Acoustic Bass and Drums  

Friday, May 13

Chris Amberger  and Keith Sanders Duo

Piano and Acoustic Bass

Saturday, May 14

Stephanie Ozer Trio with Jim Passarell and Kendrick Freeman

Piano, Acoustic Bass and Drums

Friday, May 20

Ken Cook and Cliff Hugo Duo 

Piano and Acoustic Bass

Saturday, May 21

Ben Stolorow Trio with Noah Schenker and Bryan Bowman.

Piano, Acoustic Bass and Drums

Friday, May 27

Dick Conte and Steve Webber Duo 

Piano and Acoustic Bass

Saturday, May 28

Fred Randolph Trio with Michael Coleman and Greg Wyser-Pratte   

Piano, Acoustic Bass and Drums