Jazz artists from across the region will take to the stage at Fairmount Park in Riverside this weekend for the 2nd annual "Ultimate Jazz Festival."
Nearly a dozen artists playing smooth jazz, funk, rhythm and blues and Latin jams will entertain during the two-day event, sponsored by Jazz to be Green, a nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency and environmentally friendly lifestyles through music.
Part of the proceeds from this year's Saturday/Sunday festival will benefit the Lupus Foundation. According to festival organizers, some five million people suffer from the life-threatening illness, and 16,000 new cases are reported each year.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder marked by inflammation and pain in various parts of the body. There is no known cure.
Artists slated to play Saturday include jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, guitarist Joyce Cooling and the Latin group Escovedo & Family.
Sunday's lineup includes jazz pianist Gail Johnson, guitarist Stanley Jordan, Latin jazz percussionist Poncho Sanchez and the R&B group ZAPP.
Check out the "Ultimate Jazz Festival" website for more information.
