By Michael Swanger michael@dmcityview.com

Like trips to the swimming pool, grilling outdoors and late nights spent sipping suds on a patio, Jazz in July is a telltale sign of summer in Des Moines. But it's also one of biggest live music events found in the Capital City.

This year, more than 15,000 Des Moines area residents are expected to flock to a number of venues to see approximately 30 bands performing free jazz concerts that range in style from Dixieland and Big Band, to bebop and fusion, at 22 sites throughout the metro.

Tracy Levine, executive director of Metro Arts, says as Jazz in July grows in size, it also grows in quality.

"We are so delighted to bring a lineup like no other," she says. "As an organization that works 12 months a year with artists from all disciplines, music, theater, dance, and the visual arts, we are rounding out the concerts with touches from other artists and art forms."

One of the finer touches to the 2006 series is the return of Giants of Jazz showcases peppered throughout the lineup where local musicians will honor six jazz legends - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Billie Holiday and Scott Joplin. Interactive workshops designed to teach young people about the performers' lives and music will be included.

"These activities are designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of jazz," Levine says. "Metro Arts believes such a program meets and exceeds the necessary community impact criteria. The program continues to grow by responding to the needs and interests of our metro area.

"Jazz Giants is like no other summer arts program currently offered. We are creating collaborations that have not existed before and breaking into areas that have been previously underserved. Working with organizations that already have children's programming in place, our aim with this program is to reflect the core vision of Metro Arts: to create, collaborate, and educate in order to build our community through the arts."

Though the free concerts are the main attraction of Jazz in July, the Metro Arts Alliance of Greater Des Moines, which is organizing the series for the 24th year, will host a picnic fundraiser "Jumpin' Jive on the Green" on the patio at the Embassy Suites on the River on July 1. The 5:30 p.m. picnic will be followed by a performance by the Des Moines Big Band at the Simon Estes Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the picnic are $40 and may be purchased by calling the Metro Arts office at 280-3222.

Levine says Jazz in July is another way for Metro Arts to foster a relationship between the public and local artists.

"This connecting of artists with the community is the strength of Metro Arts and our role in the community," she says. "We have a wide range of talent here in our own backyard."

Fans are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to the shows. Some of the concerts will also include mini-art markets, dance performances and vendors.

As one of Jazz in July's sponsors, Cityview has secured the exclusive lineup for the event. You can also download it from our Web site, www.dmcityview.com, by clicking on this week's "City Sounds" section, or by visiting the Metro Arts Web site at www.metroarts.org. Check Cityview each week during the month of July for a listing of Jazz in July shows in our calendar, too.

2006 Jazz in July lineup
June 30 - Susie Miget Group, State Capitol Grounds, pre-Pops concert, 6:30 p.m.
July 1 - Des Moines Big Band, Simon Estes Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
July 2 - The Void and Noteworthy, Woodward City Park, 6:30 p.m.
July 2 - Ed Kaizer Quintet, Lion's Park, 72nd Street and Prairie Avenue, 7 p.m.
July 4 - CJC All-Star Band and Soul Searchers, Water Works Park, 1 and 3 p.m.
July 7 - Giants of Jazz: Tina Haase Findlay and Friends performs the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Blank Park Zoo African Boardwalk, 5:30 p.m.
July 8 - Natasha Miller, Roosevelt High School west lawn, 6:30 p.m.
July 9 - Scott Smith Group, Salisbury House, 6 p.m.
July 11 - Giants of Jazz: Scott Davis Group performs the music of Louis Armstrong, behind The Shops at Roosevelt, 6:30 p.m.
July 12 - Keith Nash Quartet, Scott/Four Mile Community Center, 3711 Easton Blvd., 11 a.m.
July 12 - By Heart and Sam Salomone Group, Heartland Presbyterian Church, 14300 Hickman, Clive, 6 p.m.
July 14 - Giants of Jazz: The Party Gras Classic Jazz band performs the music of Bix Beiderbecke, Copper Creek Lake, Iowa Highway 163 and Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m.
July 15 - R.E. Fusion Band and Brothers & Sons, Beaverdale Park, 34th St. and Adams Avenue, 5 p.m.
July 16 - Peoples Connection, Clive Aquatic Center, 6:30 p.m.
July 18 - Giants of Jazz: Ashanti performs the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, West Des Moines City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Pkwy., 7 p.m.
July 19 - Galactic Assault and Thelonius Assault, Old Main at Drake University, 6 p.m.
July 21 - Belin Quartet, Nollen Plaza, 12:15 p.m.
July 22 - Red Sneaker Jazz Band, Janey Hooper Trio, R.E. Fusion Band, Freestyle and the Tony Valdez Large Band, Railroad Pavilion Park, Valley Junction, West Des Moines, 12 p.m.
July 23 - Giants of Jazz: Kim Fitch with Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra performs the music of Billie Holiday, Hoyt Sherman Place, 7 p.m.
July 25 - Giants of Jazz: Rod Biensen with the Skunk River Jazz Band performs the music of Scott Joplin, Colby Park, 6900 School St., 7 p.m.
July 26 - Saxman Fuzion Mix, Regency West, 4700 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, 11:30 a.m. CV

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