Lansing - Sunny skies, smooth jazz and the aroma of barbecued pork filled the air Saturday while Webberville resident Jim Smith thoughtfully munched from a bag of peanuts as the 2003 Lansing JazzFest was swinging into full effect all around him.
Old Town played host to the ninth annual JazzFest during the weekend, featuring performances by the nationally renowned Rumba Club, African-inspired Biakuye and other groups such as Sunny Wilkinson and Raw Silk featuring Beverly Robinson.
The event brought an estimated 12,000 to Lansing's Old Town, organizers said.
Smith said the event brought a positive influence to the district.
"It's in a good, safe area that's not congested," Smith said. "I think they need to keep it up.
"I just wanted to listen to the music," he added, turning his attention back to his peanuts.
Located at Turner Street and Grand River Avenue, this year's JazzFest featured local and national musical acts and also provided patrons with a food court and a handful of vendors.
Terry Terry, president of the Old Town Business and Art Development Association and primary festival organizer, said the event was operating with overall ease.
"It's running smoother than it ever has," Terry said.
Weather forecasts threatened to rain the festival out, but Terry said organizers and crew were prepared.
"We had a little drizzle around 1 p.m. Friday, but we had everything set up already."
Kathy Engen with Steve Frarey took the North stage on Saturday and stirred up the crowd predominantly of couples with Diana Krall covers and a few originals.
Engen said she has been singing since she was a small child and remembers exactly what hooked her into the jazz scene.
"I started listening to Billie Holiday when I was younger," Engen said. "And since then, I've been singing for about 20 to 30 years."
It was Engen's first time playing the Lansing JazzFest, but she said she frequently plays the Lansing area.
She said she often performs at Lansing bars and clubs, such as The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave. ,and the Exchange of Lansing, 314 E. Michigan Ave.
"I would want to stay for the whole day," math graduate student Helen Romelashvili said during Engen's set. "The sax is amazing and her voice is amazing."
Attendees were also able to incorporate shopping into the jazz experience. Sunglasses, handbags and henna tattoos were among a few of the goodies available throughout the festival by area merchants.
And from her enthusiastic reaction to the JazzFest, it appeared most would be back for next year's.
"I like jazz," Romelashvili said. "And there's not much else to do in Lansing. I'm enjoying myself."
