Afro-Cuban Music Legend Larry Harlow Performing at Festival Betances in Boston on Saturday, July 16

Pianist Larry Harlow, a legendary star of Afro-Cuban music and one of the formulators of modern day salsa, is headlining this year's Festival Betances in Boston, taking place on July 15-17, 2011.

The three-day celebration of Latino arts and culture, organized each year by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA),  takes place at Plaza Betances, 100 W. Dedham Street in Boston's South End.  It is free and open to the public. 

Harlow performs on Saturday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m.  As producer  and pianist for the legendary Fania All-Stars, Harlow was nominated three times for a Grammy Award and has won numerous awards for his contributions to salsa and Latino jazz.

Another headline performer at this year's Festival is the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, performing Sunday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of performers and schedule, click here.

For more details on jazz concerts, clubs, festivals, campus events and other music events in Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Jazz Flutist Lance Martin Performing Free Concert Today in Downtown Boston

Jazz flutist Lance Martin and his band perform at Summer Street in front of Macys in downtown Boston on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from noon to 2:00 p.m.

The concert is part of the Jazz in July summer series taking place all through the month, hosted by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District.

For a complete schedule of concerts, click here.

For year round jazz in Massachusetts visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Sax Player Jesse Scheinin performs at BOND Restaurant | Lounge at Langham Hotel in Boston on Wednesday, July 13

Standout saxophonist Jesse Scheinin is performing at  BOND Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Boston on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00  p.m.

A native of Santa Cruz, California, Scheinin is at the Berklee College of Music and a regular performer on the Boston jazz scene.

BOND Jazz Experiment is held every Wednesday night.  It highlights emerging artists and accomplished performers covering the jazz spectrum, including classic jazz from the American Songbook, rhythm and blues and funk.  For reservations call 617 956-8765.

Located at the Langham Boston Hotel,  BOND Restaurant & Lounge is open seven days a week, offering gourmet sandwiches for lunch, afternoon tea, and global cuisine for dinner, plus an extensive wine list and distinctive cocktails. A special jazz menu is available on Wednesdays.

For a full schedule of artists performing at BOND this summer, click here.

For year round jazz in concert halls, clubs, hotel lounges and college campuses throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com.

Ray Cavicchio Performs at Jazz in July Series at Boston Downtown Crossing on Tuesday, July 12

Piano accordion legend Ray Cavicchio is performing at Shoppers Park on Franklin Street on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from noon to 2:00 p.m. as part of the Downtown Boston's Jazz in July series. The concert is free to the public.

Cavicchio is a long-time favorite Boston entertainer who has appeared on the Lawrence Welk Show and who performs a unique mix of Broadway, Hollywood, and ethnic music, including Italian, Greek and Jewish tunes. 

Highly regarded as an electronics master, Ray has invented his own instrument, the Cavichord, dramatically expanding the range and sound of the standard accordion by adding over three octaves to the bass line and creating authentic sounds of other instruments.

For a full schedule of Jazz in July concerts, sponsored by Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, click here.

For year round jazz concerts, festivals, campus events and brunches throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Out Trio, Jazz Fusion Group, Performs at Regattabar in Harvard Square on Tuesday, July 12

Drummer Terry Bozzio and his group Out Trio performs at the Regattabar Jazz Club at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $25 and can be ordered online or at the venue.

Bozzio, former the drummer for Frank Zappa, is joined by Australian guitarist Alex Machacek and bassist Doug Lunn. 

For a full line up of jazz concerts at the Regattabar this summer, click here.

For year round jazz concerts, festivals, campus events, festivals and other jazz activities in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com or BostonUSA.com.

Great Jazz Throughout Massachusetts on Friday, July 8, 2011

Looking for a great night out in Massachusetts?  Check out any of these jazz gigs taking place all across the state.

Boston Area
Maggie Galloway & Bob Nieske Trio
Top of the Hub
52nd floor, Prudential Center
Back Bay, Boston

Plena Libre
Regattabar Jazz Club at Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Cambridge

Central Mass
Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache
WICN Presents Jazz at Sunset
Ecotarium, Worcester

South Shore

Superchief Trio
South Shore Conservatory
One Conservatory Dr, Hingham

North of Boston

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Lowell Summer Music Series
Boarding House Park
40 French Street, Lowell

 Cape Cod & Islands

Bart Weisman Jazz Group

Cape Codder Resort

Hyannis, Cape Cod

For a full list of jazz clubs, outdoor festivals, campus events, Sunday brunches and all jazz activities in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com. 

Poncho Sanchez Headlines the Hoop City Jazz & Arts Festival in Springfield on July 8-10, 2011

Poncho Sanchez (photo by Devin DeHaven)

The 2011 Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival is taking place on July 8-10, 2011 in Springfield Massachusetts.

The festival, sponsored by Hampden Bank, features an all-star line up of jazz talent, including Poncho Sanchez, Marcus Anderson, Gerald Albright, Kendrick Oliver and the New Life Jazz Orchestra, Samirah Evans and more. 

For a full schedule of artists over the weekend, click here.

For a great story by reporter Tom Shea on the creation of the Hoop City Jazz & Arts Festival, visit MassLive.com

For full details on jazz festivals, concerts, campus events, brunches and other activities through Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com or Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.