Tri-C JazzFest Outdoor Festival

The 40th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland hits Playhouse Square today, and in addition to the ticketed events, there will be free performances from 3 p.m. to midnight today and tomorrow at Playhouse Square. A jury of music industry professionals vetted more than 100 bands while putting together the lineup. The chosen bands represent a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, blues, reggae and swamp pop. Acts such as Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Mike Cady Experience, the Airmen of Note, Rachel Brown & the Beatnik Playboys, Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band, Red Light Roxy, Bobby Selvaggio Quartet and Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta are slated to play. A happy hour with discounted drinks takes place on the plaza at 5 p.m. today. The night will also feature street performers, the Cleveland Museum of Art's Parade the Circle puppets and line dancing. Other free outdoor activities at the festival include the U.S. Bank Kids Club, cooking demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, games, the Chemical Bank Jazz Talk Tent with artist interviews and a morning yoga session. (Niesel)