Jazz Festival's Final Weekend Another Celestial Event

The second and final weekend of the is the headline entertainment this weekend in town, with big events at the Raven on Friday and Saturday nights, preceded by a "tailgate party" and followed by jazz jammin' at the Hotel Healdsburg. Then there's Sunday's finale at Rodney Strong, plus several other events listed in our Events directory.

Even if you've never heard of Michele Rosewoman, the important thing is that you hear her now. With a stellar trio of musicians who can join her for the ride, the composer-pianist will transport the stage at the Raven Performing Arts Theater tonight.

Her collaborators will include long-time Healdsburg Jazz Festival favorite Billy Hart on drums, bringing his warmth and sophistication to the skins; and a prodigiously talented bassist Andy McKee to complete the rhythm section. But that's not all: trombone specialist Julian Priester will guest blow, as he has with Rosewoman on and off for the past 30 years. Priester and Hart played together with Herbie Hancock over 40 years ago. This show has some history! And it's Tickets still available online or at the door.

Saturday night's show at the Raven is "America's guitar laureate," He'll play both solo and with a backing trio (musicians to be announced) in a show scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

Also Friday & Saturday: Before the concert join the "tailgate party" outside the , the so-called Music, Wine and Food Cocktail Hours sponsored by from 6 - 8 pm, with a different jazz trio each night for inspiration. After the concert, head over to the where the Lorca Hart Trio holds court until midnight. Who knows might show up to join them?

The main event Sunday, June 10 is the, to be held at from 2 p.m. on. Featured are two NEA Jazz Masters, an illustrious listing of a handful of musicians who really matter in the field. Singer Shiela Jordan and drummer Roy Haynes will beach play headline sets, with rising star Vijay Iyer to open.

Bring sunscreen and hats for this afternoon concert, there's not a lot of shade on the green there, but there will be great music, good food and award-winning wine.

Incidentally, both Jordan and Haynes have other events in town this weekend, both on Saturday. The vocalist will conduct a in jazz singing at the band room, starting at 11 a.m.; and the drummer and at least two generations of Haynes' will be on hand for a family roundtable at the Raven at 2 p.m., titled "" Honestly.

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival has a pretty robust Facebook page this year, with image galleries of the shows so far. You might want to check it out, add your comments and pictures. It's one event that Healdsburg has every reason to preen about.