Jazz Masters Ellis and Delfeayo Marsalis, along with modern guitar wizards Russell Malone and John Pizzarelli, and multi-platinum artist Michael Franti, will headline the 18th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Executive director Steve Heckler made the announcement recently.

“I’m excited to have jazz legends like Ellis Marsalis and John Pizzarelli perform the same weekend as Michael Franti and other artists who will be added to the schedule,” Heckler said. “Thanks to the support of so many folks we’re able to keep our event free and open to all.”

The festival, set for June 23-25 in and around Mears Park in St. Paul’s Lowertown arts district, will include headline acts on the Mears Park Main Stage, Sixth Street Stage, Union Depot Stage, and the new stage in Lowertown as well as performances at over 20 clubs, bars and studio venues.

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, established in 1998, is a non-profit organization, with a mission to keep the art form of jazz alive and well in our community. Support for the 2016 Twin Cities Jazz Festival is provided by AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Xcel Energy, Oppidan Investment Company, Custom House, the Knight Foundation through its Knight Arts Challenge, Minnesota State Arts Board Festival Support Grant, NEA, and the City of Saint Paul Cultural Star.