JVC Jazz Festival

Spread out over five days and numerous venues, this year's JVC Jazz Festival boasts a truly impressive list of talent. The main concert, which takes place at the Jackie Gleason Theater Friday, June 3, is a smooth jazz blowout featuring Norman Brown, Chris Botti, Raul Midon, Peabo Bryson, Brenda Russell, and Everette Harp. But the real action is taking place elsewhere. José Conde y la Ola Fresco, an acclaimed New York ensemble that frequently appears in these parts, returns for a gig at the Van Dyke Café. Most impressive is a free concert at the National Hotel Thursday, June 2, with Nellie McKay, the twenty-year-old cabaret performer whose charming debut, Get Away from Me, was one of last year's most critically acclaimed albums. It's unbelievable an artist of her caliber is performing for free; I suggest you get there early. The JVC Jazz Festival takes place from Wednesday, June 1, through Sunday, June 5, at various locations throughout Miami Beach. For more information, check out www.festivalproductions.net.