Jazz just sounds better when the sun's going down

If it's Friday, and it's summer, that means there's a Jazz at Sunset concert at the EcoTarium in Worcester. This unique setting allows the audience to bring a picnic and sit out on the lawn, bringing blankets, lawn chairs and their favorite snacks.

The 19th annual season, as always, draws an array of styles - all with the thread of jazz tying it together.

Jazz at Sunset concerts run for six Friday evenings, through July 24. (There will be no Jazz at Sunset concert on July 3.) Major support for the series is provided by Commerce Bank and media support is provided by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Living. Concerts are held at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.), rain or shine; in case of threatening weather, concerts are held in a tent pavilion.

Light dinners, snacks and beverages are available at all concerts. Beer and wine are available by the glass. Tickets: $18 per person (includes museum admission), $15 for EcoTarium and WICN members. Free for children under 12. Advance tickets are available up to 4 p.m. the Thursday before the show by calling 508-929-2703, or buy them online at www.ecotarium.org. No refunds. Tickets are also available at the gate on the night of show. Advance Table Seating: reserve one table with seating for up to four people for $80 per table (includes concert and museum admission).

2009 JAZZ AT SUNSET PERFORMER SCHEDULE

June 12: The Love Dogs - Based out of Boston, this hard blowing septet just celebrated its thirteenth year wowing audiences and critics alike with their combination of great musicianship and pure fun. The Dogs combine elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock 'n' roll into their own powerhouse sound.

June 19: Greg Abate - World renowned jazz saxophonist Greg Abate is widely considered one of the best post-bebop alto players around today.

June 26: Sunny and her Joy Boys featuring Duke Robillard - A soft yet powerful rhythm reminiscent of the heyday of jazz of the '30s. Sunny's beautiful voice and the stylings of this talented group of musicians will entrance you while taking you through the Great American Songbook.

July 10: The Worcester Jazz Orchestra - Hot jazz. Cool tunes. Sizzling performances. The Worcester Jazz Orchestra is celebrating more than 13 years of critically-acclaimed Big Band music. This 18-piece orchestra highlights music from Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and others.

July 17: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas - Experience traditional Southern Louisiana Creole roots music without leaving New England through the accordion-driven dance music of these zydeco masters. Fast and furious musical beats with percussion, electric guitars, R & B influences and a definite Caribbean lilt.

July 24: Cassandre McKinley - The rich sound of accomplished vocalist Cassandre McKinley has impressed audiences all across Boston and beyond and has inspired the Boston Globe to anoint her the queen of "jazzsoul." Drawing from a diverse group of influences, McKinley has developed a sound and style that is so unique, there are no comparisons.