Jazz, Blues Fest to honor women

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The final day of the Glendale Jazz and Blues Festival at Murphy Park will feature the same smooth sounds and soulful tunes it has in the past. But this year, the 22nd annual music fest has another side to the popular genre.

Organizers will wrap up the three-day event with "Diva Day," a tribute to several female jazz performers from the Valley. "We were looking for something fun and different this year," said Kim Larson, an event coordinator. "We're very excited about the lineup of talent we have this year and decided to highlight the female performers with a day dedicated to them."

Although Sunday's performances will showcase women, today's lineup will be a mix of accomplished male and female artists. The event, which began Friday evening, will include a diverse gathering of food and snack vendors, an arts and crafts fair, and wine tasting.

Festivalgoers also can create their own "party hats," decorated paper bags that give the free, outdoor festival a Mardi Gras feel, Larson said. The city supplies all the materials, glitter, pins and more.

Local jazz and blues icons like Big Pete Pearson, Carvin Jones and Turning Point are just a few of the 18 groups scheduled to perform. Some of the divas on Sunday's ticket are Margo Reed, Khani Cole and the popular Sistah Blue, which will make its eighth appearance.

Larson said the event is more than music and draws a people from across the Valley. Having downtown's Murphy Park as the backdrop only helps.

"It's such a beautiful, outdoor amphitheater. I don't think a lot people know about it," said Debbie A. Young, a fan of the Glendale festival. "The acoustics are great."

The Phoenix resident said she attends the annual celebration for several reasons. She especially enjoys the laid-back, relaxed feeling the event offers because the seating is "bring your own lawn chair or blanket."

"It's a great event that all ages can go to and get something out of," said Young, 43. "There are lots of entertainers who make you want to get up dance, clap your hands or just sway to the music.

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