Monterey Jazz fest opens on California's coast

Jazz artist Roy Hargrove performs in Monterey, California

MONTEREY, California (CNN) -- The longest running jazz festival in the world kicks off its 43rd year on Friday evening at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Set against a California coast, the jazz festival draws artists from around the world and fans from coast to coast during its run until September 17.

The night begins with an international flare. The self-taught instrumentalist and singer Richard Bona will open on the Jimmy Lyons stage at 8:30 pm (PT). Grammy nominee Dianne Reeves follows Bona and the night tops off with Grammy award winner and Panamanian politician Ruben Blades.

VIDEO Richard Bona performs his new song, 'T. E. Misseya,' for CNN's Showbiz Toay at the Monterey Jazz Fest, September 15, 2000 Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) Keb' Mo' performs 'Lula Lu' from his record 'The Door' (Columbia) for CNN's Showbiz Today, September 15, 2000 Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     CHAT TRANSCRIPT Trumpeter Roy Hargrove on jazz and the Monterey Jazz Festival

The three-day event features 500 artists performing on six stages, panel discussions hosted by the Jazz Journalists Association, a photo exhibition and slide presentation by noted jazz photographer Jimmy Katz.

One of the unique features this year is a celebration of the Louis Armstrong Centennial. Armstrong performed at the first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958. Three groups including the Roy Hargrove Quintet with Strings, Nicholas Payton and the Tom Harrell Big Band will pay tribute to the legend.

Also unique this year is the "Monterey Showcase" featuring guitarist Bill Frisell who will play with different groups at various venues.

Other artists performing include Pat Metheny Trio with special guest Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter Group with the Monterey Jazz Festival Chamber Orchestra, Ruben Blades featuring Editus, Lou Rawls-Les McCann Reunion, Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove Quintet with Strings, Nicholas Payton "Armstrong Centennial Celebration," Tom Harrell Big Band, Michael McDonald, Keb' Mo,' Richard Bona, Charles Ford Band Reunion featuring Robben Ford.

The Monterey Jazz Festival is a non-profit organization which donates its proceeds to musical education. It also funds international tours by student musicians, a summer camp and a variety of jazz education programs.

A weekend pass for the Monterey Jazz Festival costs $80. Daily grounds tickets gare $25 on Friday and $35 on Saturday or Sunday. For more information, call (925) 275-9255 or visit montereyjazzfestival.org.

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