Jazz and Blues Festival Runs Thursday Through Sunday

Blues and jazz legends will be on hand in the Kawaihae area this weekend for a weekend of music, food and fun.

The Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival running from Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 2, includes a variety of events.

It begins with a festival kick-off “sneak peek” dinner at the Blue Dragon Restaurant Thursday night, followed by a reservation-required VIP reception to meet and hear the legends which takes place at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Friday. Both events are scheduled from 6-9 p.m.

The festival itself takes place from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the hotel’s oceanfront.

General seating is $60 and VIP tickets are available for $100. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Event coordinators request that participants leave their coolers at home.

The festivities will wrap up with a Sunday Jazz Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hotel’s Manta Restaurant. Reservations are required.

Jazz and blues artists participating include Bobby Watson, Grammy winer Delfeayo Marsalis, zydeko musician and Grammy winner Chubby Carrier, Brint Anderson, Paula Fuga, Benny Uyetake, Grammy award-nominated Mark Johnstone of the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, Grammy award winner John Keawe, John Kolivas and more.

Special room rates at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are available for the fest. Tickets can be purchased at www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com. For more information call 808-882-5810.

The second annual festival is already an island favorite. Reserve or purchase your tickets soon to ensure your seat at this lush music event.