Thursday, June 24 – Blues Under the Stars at Brookhaven Village from 7 – 10:45 p.m. (located at N.W. 36th and Robinson). This year’s blues performances are anything but ordinary. The richly textured blues of JD Thompson & The Big Bad Wolves from 7 – 8:30 p.m. and multitalented headliner Guy Forsyth from 9 – 10:45 p.m. are sure to mesmerize listeners with their unadulterated authenticity. JD Thompson & The Big Bad Wolves prove you do not have to reinvent the music wheel to stand out, but the heart, soul and traditional influences this band employs in their music set them apart from the pack. For his part, Guy Forsyth’s diverse musical background and multi-instrumental prowess influences a sound so raw and powerful you can feel the passion and genuine devotion to his craft with every word he sings. No matter what, you cannot help but be rocked to the core by these blues artists.

7 – 8:30 PM – JD Thompson

9 – 10:45 PM – Blues Headliner: Guy Forsyth

After Hours Blues Jam at The Brewhouse – 110 W. Main Street

11 PM – 1:30 AM – led by JD Thompson

Friday, June 25 – Jazz Under the Stars at Brookhaven Village from 7:15 – 10:45 p.m. (located at N.W. 36th and Robinson). This year, Jazz in June will give a moving tribute to an artist we hoped to present at this year’s summer festival – Norman’s own Ashlee Madison who tragically passed away in April. In her honor, band members (bassist) Jemar Poteat, (organist) Jeremy Thomas, (drummer) Willie Peterson and (vocalist) Miss Cooki will be among those who will no doubt deliver an unforgettable performance devoted to the life and memory of Madison. In addition, this year Jazz in June has joined with the International Double-Reed Society to showcase Michael Rabinowitz & Bassoon in the Wild with special guest Paul McCandless. Each of these musical talents will demonstrate their expertise in two instruments not typically heard or associated with the jazz scene – the bassoon and oboe. The unique sounds of the oboe and the bassoon in the hands of McCandless and Rabinowitz are bound to amaze onlookers and show how expansive the landscape of the jazz genre truly is.

7:15 – 8:45 PM – Ashlee Madison Tribute

9:15 – 10:45 PM – Double-Reed Showcase: Michael Rabinowitz & Bassoon in the Wild with special guest Paul McCandless

Saturday, June 26 – Jazz in the Park at Andrews Park (Corner of Webster & Daws) from 6 – 10:45 p.m. (located at Webster and Daws). In keeping with the now 11-year tradition, the evening opener is the Norman North High School Jazz Choir (NNHSJC), who gives a fresh spin on old jazz favorites. Following NNHSJC is the versatile and genre-bending vocalist and guitarist, Austin’s own, Suzanna Choffel, who combines her poetic lyrics and sweet, smoky voice with funky, urban rhythms, making her a refreshing addition to the 2010 Jazz in June lineup. Ending the night is jazz trio headliner, The Bad Plus, which features the progressive musical concepts of, bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson and drummer David King. Drawing on inspiration from classic rock, jazz, blues, classical, pop and beyond, The Bad Plus redefine the traditional piano, drums and bass combo typically associated with jazz. This is most evident through their dynamic and experimental interpretations of such iconic rock n’ roll songs as “Barracuda” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” just to name two. With a recipe of equal parts sophistication and innovation, this is not your typical jazz ensemble.

6 – 6:45 PM – Norman North High School Jazz Choir

7:10 – 8:35 PM – Suzanna Choffel

9 – 10:45 PM – Jazz Headliner: The Bad Plus

Throughout the day on Saturday, Blues and Jazz Musician Clinics will be held at Norman Music Institute (2795 Broce Drive) and will feature artists from the Jazz in June 2010 summer festival. The artists and their clinic times are as follows:

12 PM – Michael Rabinowitz, Jazz Bassoon

1 PM – Paul McCandless, Jazz Oboe

2 PM – JD Thompson, Blues is a Feelin’

3 PM – The Bad Plus, Dynamics of Improvisation

After Hours Jazz Jam at Sooner Legends Inn & Suties – 1200 24th Ave. SW

11 PM – 1:30 AM –  led by Anthony Nagid

For more information on Jazz in June, visit www.jazzinjune.org.

These concerts are always free and made possible by a large group of volunteers and generous contributions from area businesses and individuals, plus the Norman Arts Council and the Oklahoma State Arts Council.