Anyone thinking they might drop in for just one day of the fifth Anacortes Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend will have a problem.

On Saturday the bill is topped by a Grammy-winning jazz guitarist and a widely lauded, rich-toned male vocalist. Sunday, Dizzy Gillespie’s velvet-voiced daughter performs, as well as a charismatic B-3 organ wizard. On Monday, performers include one of America’s most popular gypsy jazz bands and a soulful — and Juno-nominated — young Canadian chanteuse.

The only possible answer may be to go all three days.

“It’s just an eclectic mix,” said Stephanie Hamilton, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce director of programs and events.

“There is truly something for every taste‚” said Rick Star, chairman of the festival committee.

As in years past, the festival will offer the opportunity to sit out on historic Curtis Wharf and revel in world-class performers, and enjoy fine wine, locally brewed beer‚ delicious seafood and an extraordinary view of the San Juan Islands. In addition, there’s a gala and concert featuring Kevin Mahogany at 6 p.m. Friday‚ Aug. 29 at the Port Warehouse; a joint cover Jazz Walk three nights at downtown venues; and a free community swing dance 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Port Warehouse.

Admission fees remain the same as in previous years as an incentive for people to ignore gas prices and make the trip to Anacortes. The stage will be moved and performers will have plexiglass behind them to shield them from cool sea breezes.

“The audience will face the beautiful San Juans,” Hamilton said.

Star said the festival lineup is stellar, starting with Kevin Mahogany.

“Mahogany is an amazing vocalist. He’s the kind of singer that you hear on the radio and keep listening afterward to find out who it was,” Star said.

At Friday’s gala, Mahogany will demonstrate his talents as a jazz interpreter and improviser. Saturday on the wharf he will explore Kansas City blues.

Mahogany’s great emotion, subtlety and tone are compared to the great Joe Williams. The Los Angeles Times deemed him “one of the first truly gifted male vocalists to emerge in years.” Newsweek called him the “standout jazz vocalist of his generation.”

“Jazz is dominated by female vocalists. There are not a lot of fine and successful male vocalists, and he is one of the top names,” Star said.

Saturday’s schedule boasts a significant late addition — Bill Frisell.

“He’s one of the most respected guitar players in the world. We’re very excited to have him playing,” Star said.

The 2005 Grammy winner for best contemporary jazz album — and a 2004 nominee in the same category — Frisell has collaborated with jazz greats as well as superstars like Bono, Elvis Costello and Ry Cooder.

Appearing with Frisell is Doug Wamble, a renowned jazz and blues guitarist. Wamble has worked with high-profile artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Cassandra Wilson. Also performing Saturday are hometown jazz diva Trish Hatley, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and Dillinger’s Clambake.

After Saturday’s concerts, a free community swing dance with Pony Boy All–Star Mini Big Band is 6 p.m. at the Port Warehouse. Swing lessons will be provided during the show, as well as demonstrations by the “Nosey Joe” Ross dancers.

Sunday’s main stage show features Jeanie Bryson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Clarence Acox, Pocket Change and Gadjo Gypsies.

Bryson’s soulful, sultry, pensive and playful voice is reminiscent of Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee. The daughter of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and songwriter Connie Bryson, she has an impeccable musical pedigree. She is known for her warm, velvety sound, perfect phrasing, lyricism and storytelling, as well as enthusiasm and joy.

Invited back to the Anacortes Jazz Festival by popular demand is Dr. Lonnie Smith, whose upbeat performance on the B3 organ and engaging on-stage antics captivated the crowd in 2007.

“He was the sensation of the festival last year. Everyone was talking about him,” Star said.

Dubbed “the Turbanator” for his exotic head wear, this riveting, soulful and charismatic performer has been a leading force in jazz since Downbeat Magazine hailed him as the top organist of 1969. Still going strong, he was selected by the Jazz Journalist Association as best organist of 2003, 2004 and 2005. An early member of George Benson’s quartet, he has performed with a long list of greats.

Monday’s line-up features Kellylee Evans, Pearl Django, the Tiptons and Mike Allen Trio.

Nominated for Juno and Gemini awards in 2007, singer-songwriter Kellylee Evans is a unique voice in urban jazz. Her calming style is said to evoke Sade, Erykah Badu, Sarah Vaughn and Norah Jones. She slides through jazz, soul, R&B, blues and world music rhythms in her rich, soothing, robust and energizing performances.

Evans was awarded second place in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition in 2004 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., by judges that included Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau. She has been invited to open for Tony Bennett, Chris Botti, Derek Trucks and Maceo Parker.

Also worth a look Monday are the Tiptons, whose dynamic, playful concerts feature fiercely original compositions and high-energy improvisations. The band is named after a female piano player who lived as a man to break into the all-male jazz scene.

“The Tiptons are a very fun act. They’re an all-female sax quartet with a percussionist,” Star said.

Ending the festival on a high note is perennial crowd favorite Pearl Django, with toe-tapping Hot Club-style gypsy jazz.

Pearl Django enthralls fans of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, bluegrass devotees, world music lovers, jazz buffs and aficionados of new swing. It was voted favorite area jazz band in 2003 by Seattle Weekly.

Complementing the festival proper is the Jazz Walk, a joint cover event. Music starts at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at seven venues, and 8 p.m. Sunday at three venues. Star said the third night, at the Watertown, Rockfish and Brown, was added because last year a number of people said they wanted something to do Sunday night.


Tickets are available

Gala tickets are $50. Tickets are $30 per day for the Festival on the Wharf on Saturday and Sunday, $25 for Monday or $75 for all three days. Music starts at 11:30 a.m. each day.

The Full Brass Package, $125, includes tickets to all three days of concerts on the wharf and the gala dinner and concert.

Tickets are available through TicketWeb.com, at the Chamber of Commerce office, 819 Commercial Ave., and at the gate.


Jazz Festival schedule

Friday‚ Aug. 29

6 p.m. — Gala and concert with Kevin Mahogany at the Port Warehouse

9 p.m. — Jazz Walk at seven downtown venues

Saturday‚ Aug. 30

Concerts at Curtis Wharf:

11:30 a.m. — Trish Hatley

1 p.m. — Doug Wamble and Bill Frisell

2:30 p.m. — Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra

4:30 p.m. — Kevin Mahogany

Dillinger’s Clambake plays the breaks on the Food Court Stage

After the concerts:

6 p.m. — Community Swing Dance with Pony Boy All–Star Mini Big Band at the Port Warehouse

9 p.m. — Jazz Walk at seven downtown venues


Sunday‚ Aug. 31

Concerts at Curtis Wharf:

11:30 a.m. — Pocket Change

1 p.m. — Clarence Acox

2:30 p.m. — Jeanie Bryson

4:30 p.m. — Dr. Lonnie Smith

Gadjo Gypsies play the breaks on the Food Court Stage

After the concerts:

8 p.m. — Jazz Walk at three downtown venues


Monday‚ Sept. 1

Concerts at Curtis Wharf:

11:30 a.m. — The Tiptons

1 p.m. — Kellylee Evans

2:30 p.m. — Pearl Django

Mike Allen Trio plays the breaks on the Food Court Stage