Make a note of upcoming jazz festival in city

Make a note of upcoming jazz festival in city

The Oklahoma Centennial edition of the Charlie Christian International Jazz Festival runs from May 31 to June 10 and is dedicated to Oklahoma jazz pianist Jay McShann, who died in December.

Events

•Jazz guitarist George Benson, in concert with saxophonist Grady Nichols at 7:30 p.m. on May 31 at the Thelma P. Gaylord Theater of the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave. Tickets go on sale Wednesday at the Civic Center box office.

•A traditional kickoff, held in the Oklahoma City Council Chambers at 8:30 a.m. June 5.

•A renaming of Byers Avenue to Charlie Christian Avenue at 3 p.m. June 5.

•Jeremy Thomas, jazz organist, in a traditional jam session at 7:30 p.m. June 6 at Bricktown Brewery, 1 N Oklahoma Ave.

•A battle of the bands at 7:30 p.m. June 7, Bricktown Events Center, 425 E California.

Headliners

For a two-day outdoor festival: Yellow Jackets, All Funk Radio Station and Eldredge Jackson Band. It is noon to midnight June 9, and 2 to 10 p.m. June 10, Regatta Park and Chesapeake Boathouse.

Sponsors

They include Banc First, Chrysler Jeep, the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Centennial Commission and the City Convention and Visitors Bureau.