April marked the return of the Whale & Jazz Festival, an annual event that stretches from parts of coastal Sonoma County to Mendocino’s south coast. Each year we’re delighted to discover just who we’ll find performing in our local theaters, clubs, and restaurants. While April was filled with some amazing talent, there is more music to come this month, including Stompy Jones and some vintage Rhythm & Blues and Swing. They’ll get the feet movin’ on Saturday, May 12th at Arena Theater in Point Arena. Doors open at 7:00pm with the music coming alive at 8:00pm. There’ll even some swing dance lessons beginning at 7:15pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at Four-Eyed Frog, Sea Trader, Arena Market, and at Twist in Mendocino; youth tickets $10 at the door and online at www.arenatheater.org.

This San Francisco-based sextet is renowned for their jumpin' rhythm, wailing improvisations, hip charm, retro style, and explosive stage show. Whether appearing at a posh supper club, concert hall, festival or cozy tavern, these journeymen of jump deliver the romping, joyous, overwhelming style of jazz that came to be known as Rock and Roll!  For some it will recall the sounds of earlier performers like Louis Jordan and his Tympani Five. The musicians hitting the stage May 12th include Little David Rose's thumpin' stand-up bass, the double-shuffle drumming of Lee Beary, and the bounce piano of William Beatty providing the rhythmic foundation of the band's jump style. Riffing on top is the trumpet sound of Robert Dehlinger and Keith Crossan on the saxophone. These two fellas create the fireworks of vintage rhythm and blues. The charming Hank Maninger on vocals and lead guitar have become a trademark of this Redwood Coast favorite who light up the dance floors wherever they plaTo young to have been around for Jordan? Come to Arena Theater, grab a seat and close your eyes. The sounds will tell you all you need to know about this amazing band and there ability to keep the genre alive and kicking.