Part 1 of the series, Litchfield Jazz Camp Faculty Concerts, will be at Kent School’s Mattison Auditorium, One Macedonia Road (Route 341), July 6 through July 29.

Part 2, Jazz Around Kent, will feature Litchfield Jazz Camp students performing in restaurants. Concerts will be Wednesdays July 8, 15, 22 and 29, at the Fife ‘n Drum, 53 Main Street (Route 7); and Thursdays, July 9, 16 and 23, at Doc’s Trattoria, 9 Maple Sgtreet (Route 341).

This is a unique opportunity to hear some of the best jazz players in the industry as well as up-and-coming talent in an intimate setting free of charge.

Teaching Artists concerts will be held on Tuesdays, July 7, 21 and 28, Wednesdays, July 15 and 29, and Thursdays, July 9, 16 and 23. Performers will include Litchfield Jazz Camp teaching artists trumpeters Claudio Roditi and Louise Baranger, bassists Mario Pavone, Avery Sharpe and Nilson Matta, pianists Junior Mance, Onaje Allen Gumbs and Rachel Z, guitarists Paul Bollenback, Dave Stryker and Roni Ben-Hur, drummers Alvin Atkinson, Winard Harper and Charli Persip, saxophonists Kris Allen, Claire Daly, Mike DiRubbo, Wayne Escoffery, vocalists Carla Cook, Dena DeRose and many more.

In addition Teaching Assistants will give concerts on Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27. All concerts will be held at 7:15 pm.  Freewill donations will support Litchfield Jazz Camp need-based scholarship students.

The “Jazz Around Kent” series will lead into the Litchfield Jazz Festival on July 31, August 1 and 2 at its new home, the campus of Kent School. The festival line-up includes Jane Monheit, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Poncho Sanchez, Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, Bucky Pizzarelli, Benny Green and many more. The weekend also includes crafters, artists, local and fresh cuisine and performances by Litchfield Jazz Camp students.

Tickets start at $35 and children under 12 are free on the lawn.  For tickets and more information call 860-567-4162 or visit LitchfieldJazzFest.com.