The Medford Jazz Festival, which was conducted as a virtual event during the pandemic the last two years, is being presented in person this year on the back patio of the West Medford Community Center. Tonight, Day 1 of the event will start off with Bill Kuklinski and the Beacon Blue Jazz Quintet, followed by Medford poet laureate Terry E. Carter and Jonathan Fagan’s Ally Project featuring Linda Morose.

Admission is free, though donations to support the festival are gratefully accepted. Snacks, sodas, and craft beer will be available for purchase, thanks to local poet, musician, and entrepreneur Max Heinegg.

Day 2 of the festival (Saturday, October 1) will feature Bob Neiske and the Brandeis University Jazz Trio, followed by Medford pianist/composer Leo Blanco and the Leo Blanco Trio.