Free Jazz @ The Market shows kick off in Vail on Sunday

The Vail Jazz Festival, now in its 18th season kicks off this Sunday, June 24 with two free performances in Vail. The ever popular Jazz @ The Market and the new Jazz @ Kelly Liken both feature local jazz aficionado Tony Gulizia.

In partnership with the Vail Farmer's Market and Art Show, Jazz @ The Market is held each Sunday in the Jazz Tent at Solaris. The performances take place from 12-3pm and are the perfect way to spend the afternoon in Vail. This week's artist, The Tony Gulizia Trio presents energetic, feel-good jazz for music lovers of all tastes.

Sunday evenings at restaurant Kelly Liken will feature jazz performances by Gulizia, along with a different guest artist each week. Liken's Sunday Harvest dinner showcases the beautiful fruits and vegetables from the Vail Farmer's Market, along with Colorado ranchers, distillers, winemakers and craftsmen, making the evening a true Vail experience. Jazz @ Kelly Liken begins at 8:30pm and guests partaking in the Sunday Harvest dinner are asked to make reservations in advance.

About the Vail Jazz Festival:

With 40 performances from June 24 through September 3, the 18th annual Vail Jazz Festival presents headliners such as Marcia Ball, Byron Stripling, the Jeff Hamilton Trio and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet in a variety of ticketed and free events in intimate indoor and unique outdoor venues throughout Vail. Featuring diverse jazz genres from straight-ahead and new-bop, to Latin, swing and the Great American Songbook, the Festival culminates with the Labor Day Vail Jazz Party featuring more than 30 hours of music in a five-day celebration of jazz.

Jazz @ The Market 2012:

6/24: Tony Gulizia Trio
7/1: Hot Club of Detriot

7/8: Kathy Morrow Trio
7/15: Chuck Lamb & Cohencided

7/22: Ginga Band

7/29: Lionel Young Band

8/5: Justin Allison Trio

8/12: Salsa Con Jazz

8/19: Laura Newman Trio

8/26: Tony G's Jam

For more information about the Vail Jazz Festival and the Labor Day Vail Jazz Party, call 888-VAIL-JAM (888-824-5526) or visit www.vailjazz.org. The Vail Jazz Festival is presented by the Vail Jazz Foundation.

If you go:

What: Free Jazz Sundays

Where: Jazz @ The Market & Jazz @ Kelly Liken

When: 12pm & 8:30pm

Cost: Free