Even as the Lansing JazzFest prepares to enter its 16th year – the apex of its surely adolescence – nothing can stop the Old Town staple from bringing a whole lotta soul to its legions of devotees. Commencing August 6 and 7, deep in the heart of the capital city’s favorite boho neighborhood, this year’s JazzFest looks to supply jazz enthusiasts and curious novices alike with an erratic sense of syncopation; swinging, soulful beats; and an overall urban groove guaranteed to have all 15,000 of the fest’s attendees swooning and swaying to the rhythm of a thoroughly American standard.

This year’s performance lineup features a wide range of versatile, nimble-fingered jazz men (and women), from Parliament-Funkadelic alum Orrick Ewing to the gospel-tinged Mt. Zion Soundz of Praize church performance group.

Workshops and clinics, led by contemporary icons of the jazz genre, on jazz guitar, percussion, and singing/songwriting permeate the two-day event, alongside the best in local businesses, artists, vendors, and ethnic food peddlers set to populate the streets of the festival and add a bit of visual splendor to the soaring majesty of the music.

As the only Mid-Michigan festival to increase its attendance every year (a fact proudly posted on the festival’s website), the 2010 incarnation of JazzFest has also dedicated its growing visibility to environmental responsibility, providing attendees with sources of water to refill water bottles and dotting the sidelines with recycling facilities. Coupled with a constantly running riverboat shuttle service for festival goers, a beat tent just for the kids, and a free happy hour on Friday for the parents who’ve just dropped them off, the Lansing JazzFest is an optimal way to get your weekend begun on a roll by soaking in some soul.

Pictured: Andrew Katzat (Andrew Katzat Quartet)