WEST MAUI – Arts Education for Children Group will present Jazz Maui 2013, a celebration of America’s original musical art form, from July 1-7 at various venues on the island.

The event will feature instructional workshops for students and performances by visiting and local professional jazz musicians.

“Jazz Maui 2013 is being presented to provide an opportunity for local residents, including music students, aspiring young musicians, professional musicians and jazz music aficionados, to participate in and/or attend high-quality performances,” said Bryant Neal, executive director of Arts Education for Children Group (AECG).

“We are proud to present world-class musicians playing a variety of jazz genres that spans classical, New Orleans, Latin and more.”

Award-winning pianist Tommy James, music director of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, will headline a benefit concert for AECG and Mana’o Radio on Wednesday, July 3, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Also on the bill are the Louisiana-based Louis Romanos Quartet and trumpeter Jim Seeley and saxophonist Peter Brainin of the Arturo O’Farrill Latin Jazz Orchestra. Pre-show festivities in the courtyard at the McCoy Studio Theater feature a performance by Maui’s own Gabriel Goebbert & Friends. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at the MACC Box Office; call 242-SHOW or visit www.mauiarts.org.

The annual Fourth of July Concert in the Park on the Lahaina Library lawn begins at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, featuring University of Hawaii Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music students performing under the direction of George Kahumoku Jr. The Maui Community Band led by Lisa Owen will then play traditional holiday favorites at the free show.

On Friday, July 5, a free afternoon concert will be held at Whalers Village from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring the U.H. Maui Institute of Hawaiian Music students and cameo performances by the Louis Romanos Quartet and other Jazz Maui performers.

Pau Hana Jazz at Kahana Grill in the Kahana Gateway Center with Ellen Bellerose and Shiro Mori begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. There is no cover charge.

Also on Friday, an exclusive party will be held at a private residence in Kaanapali to raise funds for Jazz Maui’s music education programs.

This intimate evening will feature performances by world-class jazz musicians, fine food by Honu, Kahana Grill, Lulu’s Lahaina and Merriman’s Kapalua, along with wine pairings by Chef Donato Loperfido of Flavors of Italy importers. For reservations, go to www.jazzmaui.org.

Another free jazz performance with special guest musicians will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Whalers Village on Saturday, July 6.

Also on Saturday, from 5 to 10 p.m., Jazz Maui 2013 presents “For the Love of Maui,” a benefit for Community Work Day, at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (see page 2).

The last concert of the series takes place on Sunday, July 7, at Whalers Village beginning at 6:30 p.m. This free Sunset Jazz Concert will feature the Mike Buono Trio and guests.

For music students, a master class with Tommy James is slated at the Maui Music Conservatory in Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on Wednesday, July 3, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted.

In addition, the Jazz Combo Camp will be held from July 1-3 at Maui Preparatory Academy in Napili (see page 7).

Jazz Maui 2013 supporters include Dancin’ Dave Productions, Equity One Real Estate Inc., Lahaina Sunrise Rotary Club, Mana’o Radio, Maui Recording, U.H. Maui Institute of Hawaiian Music, Whalers Village and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

Jazz Maui 2013 is presented by AECG, a nonprofit organization established in 1996 to provide opportunities for artistic and cultural enrichment.

Contact Neal at 283-3576 for information. Go to www.jazzmaui.org for a detailed schedule.