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Experience jazz under the summer stars and enjoy a spectacular evening on the lovely hotel terrace of the Benbow Historic Inn while Northern California jazz artists present a magical experience of traditional and contemporary jazz. Dine on the terrace or enjoy cocktails with friends.

On Thursday, Aug. 16, the Francis Vanek Quartet will play. Vanek, who hails from Fort Bragg, has shared the bandstand with such saxophone greats as Ernie Watts, Tom Scott and Scott Hamilton. His smooth sound was noticed by Jesse Hamlin of the SF Chronicle, who said of him, "...a superb saxophonist."

On Friday Aug. 17, the Sam Maez quartet will play. Sam has led the jazz brunch at Waterfront Café in Eureka for over a decade. He has shared the stage with artists such as Art Pepper and Hank Ballard.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, Humboldt Time will perform, comprised of some of our best Humboldt and Mendocino musicians.

Then on Sunday, Aug. 19, pianist Aaron Garner will take the stage with the Aaron Garner Quartet. Garner, who teaches at Sacramento State, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master of music degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. He has performed with such jazz notables as Eddie Harris, John Handy, Oscar Brown Jr., The Woody Herman Orchestra, and many others.

The music from 6:30 till 9:30, and there is a $20 cover charge for non-guests.

photo captions:

1. Francis Vanek

2. Sam Maez

3. Aaron Garner