Jazz and Oysters in Ocean Park

Saxaphone player Reggie Houston thrills the crowd during a previous festival.

For the 30th year the jazz beat continues at the Jazz & Oysters Festival in Ocean Park. The event will be held August 15 for an afternoon of funk, bop and rhythm and blues.

This landmark year showcases talented musicians from noon to 5 pm at Wilson Field's open-air gazebo on Sandridge Road. Bring a comfortable lawn chair or blanket and relax into the sounds of the funk and jazz group The Mel Brown B3 Quintet, the classic and neo-soul band Geno Michaels & Soul City, and the Dan Balmer Trio, master of top-fuel solos and fast-fingered octave runs.

If mainstream jazz is your bag, the Mel Brown Quintet brings you bop, ballads, blues and scintillating originals making you glad you have ears. With over 100 years of collective experience, here's a group that knows the tradition and brings it boldly to the bandstand on every gig.

GENO MICHAELS & SOULCITY is an exciting Pacific Northwest group performing classic and neo-soul, R&B, funk, and jazz. Perfect for listening or dancing, GENO MICHAELS & SOULCITY perform classic and contemporary R&B/funk material, covering everything from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan and Prince to Neo Soul artist's like Alicia Keys, Soulive, Ledisi, and much more.

The Dan Balmer Trio has been noted for their rapid finger work, philanthropic performances and intoxicating stage presence.

Admission for the event: ages 6 and under free; 7-18 - $13; adults - $25; no charge to active military members and their families. There will be great food, grilled oysters, beer and wine. Tickets are available at watermusicfestival.com or at the gate and no dogs are allowed at the event.