It's hot, it's cool, it's jazz in Lewiston

John Pizzarelli will be one of the performers at the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival this weekend.

Cool jazz will fill the air when the sixth annual Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival counts off this weekend.

The event will feature more than 275 musicians making up 45 bands performing throughout the village. They will provide entertainment in numerous restaurants and pubs throughout the Village of Lewiston, as well as a variety of outdoor sites along Center Street. All performances are free of c harge.

The festival takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24; noon-10:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25; and 12:15-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.

At 8 p.m. Saturday at the Main Stage, Center Street will make way for headliner John Pizzarelli, who will perform with the United States Air Force Band of Libert y.

Pizzarelli has had a multi faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. Internationally, he is known for classic standards, ballads and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings, including his nationally syndicated radio program, "Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli."

The Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival will also feature a showcase of local high school jazz performers as well as many returning festival favorites. For a complete list of performers and a schedule, visit www.lewistonjazz. com.

Last year's festival drew an estimated 30,000 people. In addition to music, festival-goers will be able to enjoy a dazzling and tempting selection of culinary delights from local restaurants, wineries and food merchants. There will also be a car show coordinated by Jag Buffalo that will feature vintage British and European collector cars and cars of special interest. The festival is a family event, and there will be plenty of activities for children, including The Bubble Man and juggler and comedian Nels Cremean.