August brings the return of the Rockport Music Jazz Festival. This second festival gets underway on August 14 at Rockport Music’s Shalin Liu Performance Center for five nights with a wonderful mix of artists and styles.

The run opens with Roberta Gambarini, whose voice earned her Downbeat’s 2010 Jazz’s Rising Star award. The next night brings the return of The Four Freshmen, who figure prominently in the evolution of jazz. Just listen to their legendary album Voices in Modern.

Next, the weekend segment starts with Grammy award-winner jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, with his sleek style and artistry abounding. Saturday is alive with an old Rockport Music friend, the versatile violinist Regina Carter.

The week concludes with another Marsalis family member on stage at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. This time it’s three-time Grammy’ Award winning saxophonist Branford. For further information about performance times and to purchase tickets, visit www.rockportmusic.org.