By Ashley Kahn
Special to MSN Music

Swinging and surprising, energetic and eclectic. Since 1954, that's how jazz has been served in sunny Newport, R.I. The long-running summer festival has become an institution in a community known for blue skies, blue waters and blue bloods. For three days in August, a vibrant and varied musical mix will stretch any definition of jazz, drawing an expected 15,000 music lovers across Narragansett Bay to the seaside destination.

The weekend opens Friday evening, Aug. 11, with a Frank Sinatra tribute that promises jazz at its most urbane and well heeled: Guitarist John Pizzarelli and his big band headline, and Jane Monheit opens.

Two outdoor stages present performers on Saturday: Cuban trumpet sensation Arturo Sandoval, fleet-fingered pianist Cyrus Chestnut, R&B-flavored singer Al Jarreau and guitarist-vocalist George Benson. Other highlights include lesser-known but equally talented artists such as Brazilian singer Luciana Souza (performing duos with guitarist Romero Lubambo); an all-star group including Chestnut with saxophonist James Carter and bassist Ali Jackson (interpreting the songs of indie rock band Pavement); and guitarist Marc Ribot (famed for his rootsy, raunchy approach and his recordings with Tom Waits).

Must-sees for Saturday

The one-man guitar and singing phenomenon Raul Midón with his soulful blend of R&B and flamenco; McCoy Tyner with an all-star septet playing gems such as "Stolen Moments" and "Crescent" from the Impulse! Records songbook; New Orleans' revived traditionalists the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; violinist Jenny Scheinman -- who channels country and klezmer music in an avant-jazz context -- in the company of pianist Jason Moran, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Jim Black.

Sunday's fare also reaches from the popular and well known -- such as pianist Dave Brubeck with his quartet, Latin piano maestro Eddie Palmieri and trumpeter Chris Botti (whose new album conjures the muted, romantic edge of Miles Davis) -- to the avant-garde and edgy (alto saxophonist Marty Ehrlich with a stellar downtown sextet) and down-home (pianist Dr. John with his own blend of New Orleans blues and R&B) and funky (the James Carter Organ Trio.) Add in Japanese piano sensation Hiromi, a creative trio led by bassist Avishai Cohen and the always-intriguing the Bad Plus (drawing on rock rhythms and even covering melodies by Neil Young, Nirvana and the Police) and the day promises to be full of surprise and possibly oversaturation.

Must-sees for Sunday

The deep, mellifluous voice of singer-pianist Andy Bey -- all subtlety and smoky nuance; the Benin-born force of nature, singer Angélique Kidjo, who never fails to release a powerful blend of African rhythms and lilting ballads; tap virtuoso Savion Glover whose jazz chops extend from big band to John Coltrane; George Wein (exercising his prerogative as the festival's producer) performing standards and swing numbers on piano, in the company of big-band veterans such as tenor saxman-flutist Frank Wess and trumpeter Randy Sandke.

Ashley Kahn is an American music historian, journalist and producer. He has toured as road manager with artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and Britney Spears. Kahn has also written books about two essential jazz albums: Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" and John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Downbeat, Jazz Times, Rolling Stone, Mojo, New Statesman and GQ; he's also a regular commentator on NPR's Morning Edition.