The Newton Jazz Festival: 'It's Not Stuffy. It's a Party.'

Organizers remind us, “it’s not a stuffy event, it’s a party.” This year’s Newton Jazz Festival features three events.

The first celebrates the music of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday with five critically-acclaimed singers from the greater Boston area. Featured are vocalists include award-winning Dale LePage, Lydia Harrell, Newton’s own Tracy Clark, David Thorne Scott, and trumpeter/vocalist Christine Fawson. Also featured are Mark Shilansky on piano, Keala Kaumeheiwa on bass and Steve Langone on drums.

The event takes place at the War Memorial Auditorium at City Hall on Saturday, Sept. 18, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. is the 6th annual Jazz in the Yard, which is an afternoon of free jazz with five great artists performing outside behind the Jackston Homestead. The event features NEC’s Robbie Pate Trio, Jason Anick Gypsy Jazz Trio, Zeke Martin and the Oracle, Newton’s own Isabel Stover Trio, and The Flipside featuring Boston Jazz Legend Harold Layne.

The Newtonville Village Day and Jazz Festival continues the fun on Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. The day, which takes place on Walnut Street, includes music, performances, food, crafts, a silent auction and more. The artists include NEC’s Newton North Jazz Ensemble, Guitarist Phil Steffen Duo, Rollo Tomasi Quartet, NEJazz Festival AllStars, and The Yoko Miwa Trio.