Salsa Star Willie Colon Performs Free Concert on Boston City Hall Plaza, Thursday, August 30

Nuyorican salsa star Willie Colon is bringing his exciting Latin Big Band sound to Boston City Hall Plaza on Thursday, August 30, 2012, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The concert is presented by the Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events, and is free to the public.

Born in the Bronx of Puerto Rican parents, Colon is considered a master trombonist, composer, bandleader and entertainer.  He has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts at MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Martha's Vineyard Jazz & Blues Summerfest Takes Place on Oak Bluffs on August 31-September 1

The annual Martha's Vineyard Jazz and Blues Summerfest is taking place on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.

Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased online.   The concerts take place at 7:00 p.m. each night, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.  For directions click here.

Presented by Lewis & Kirk Music Productions, this year's performers include Andrea and James Rohlehr and The AndJam Band, Sage, Jay Hoggard, Mimi Jones and Luis Perdomo.

You can find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and Martha's Vineyard Chamber. 

Blues Guitar Legend Lucky Peterson Performs at Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square on August 30

Blues guitarist and singer Lucky Peterson is performing in concert at the Regattabar Jazz Club in Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Peterson, who was discovered by another blues legend, Willie Dixon, is performing with vocalist Tamara
Peterson, bassist Timothy Waites, drummer Raul Valdes and guitarist Shawn Kellerman.

Located at the Charles Hotel at One Bennett Street in Harvard Square, Regattabar has a full schedule of great live music this fall. 

Find year round details on jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Week Two of Boston Restaurant Week - ends August 31

Week Two of Boston Restaurant Week is underway at over 200 restaurants in the greater Boston area.

The event, which started on August 19, ends on Friday, August 31, 2012.

The popular dining feast is organized by Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau and American Express. 

Pat Moscaritolo, head of the Bureau,  says it’s a chance for the city’s best chefs “to get creative and showcase seasonal New England ingredients, farm fresh herbs and produce, and local seafood all at a tremendous value to diners. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the region’s outdoor cafes, patios and harborside dining.”

Numerous restaurants with live jazz are participating, here is a sampling:

• Boston's Downtown: Les Zygomates, Avenue One at Hyatt Regency Boston, BOND at Langham Hotel
• Boston's South End: Beehive Jazz Club and Petit Robert Birstro
• Boston's Back Bay: Skipjack's Restaurant and Top of the Hub Restaurant
• South Boston/Seaport District: Aura at Seaport Hotel, 606 Congress at Renaissance Hotel
• Cambridge: Upstairs on the Square
• Brookline: The Fireplace
• Belmont: Savinos

For more details on Restaurant Week Boston, visit the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau web site at http://www.bostonusa.com/
 
For more information on jazz in Massachusetts, visit http://www.massjazz.com

Jazz Trumpeter Brian Lynch Brings "Unsung Heroes Project" to Scullers Jazz Club on August 30

Grammy Award-winning trumpet player Brian Lynch is bringing his Unsung Heroes Project to Scullers Jazz Club in Boston on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.  Tickets to the show are $30 and can be purchased online or at the door.

The Unsung Heroes Project features compositions by under-appreciated jazz musicians like Louis Smith, Tommy Turrentine, and Idrees Sulieman.

Here is a schedule of upcoming performances at Scullers Jazz Club in September. 

Find year round details on live jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For information on visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Lance Houston Jazz Quartet Performs at Seaport Boston Hotel on Tuesday, August 21

Check out the Lance Houston Jazz Quartet performing at Tamo Bar & Terrace at Seaport Boston Hotel on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, starting at 6:00 p.m.  The band is led by flugelhorn player Lance Houston.  The performance is free and open to the public.

While there, check out Aura Restaurant at the hotel, one of Boston's favorite dining spots, a participant in this year's Boston Restaurant Week, which runs from August 19-24 and 26-31. 

Find year round live jazz and blues in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

Pokey Lafarge and South City Three Perform in Rockport on August 21

Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three, exponents of early jazz, bluegrass and country swing, are performing at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $31-$52 and can be purchased online or at the venue.

Find Rockport Music's schedule of upcoming jazz, folk and world music through the summer and fall.

For year round details on jazz in Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com or NorthofBoston.org