Jazz fans in San Diego have many entertainment options on their annual calendar, but few come close to the excitement, location and sounds of the Jazz 88 Music & Arts Festival, taking place in Ocean Beach on Saturday, Sept. 11. While this is the fifth annual event, the festival actually started six years ago. “It’s a whole reformulation,” said Mark DeBoskey, Jazz 88 station manager and event executive producer. “We did four years and then hiatused last year. The economy was so tough we had to rethink what we wanted to do [to make it happen] the fifth year,” DeBoskey said. “Essentially, what we had before was an outdoor concert,” he said. “It was a single-stage, five-act event, and it had limitations because of the location. But the limitations of the venue said we either had to move out of Ocean Beach — which we didn’t want to do — or reformulate it into a format that could attract larger audiences and hence, hopefully larger financial support from the businesses in the community, because that’s what it takes to make it successful.” Capacity at this year’s event is 5,000. At previous festivals, it was 1,400. Taking place on Newport Avenue between Cable Street and the ocean, 26 musical acts will take part on seven stages. It’s an impressive lineup that includes Bonerama, Maceo Parkers, Marcia Ball, the Charlie Hunter Trio and the Justo Almario Quintet. Local all-stars on the bill include the Holly Hofmann & Mike Wofford Quartet; Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Jazz Quintet; The Four Queens of Boogie Woogie featuring Sue Palmer; Agua Dulce; The Styletones; and Lady Dottie & the Diamonds. DeBoskey said the expanded stage setup allows for more national acts, but also more local artists. “A lot of local bands have significant followings,” DeBoskey said. “Plus, it adds to the eclecticism and the mix of the music. It’s an opportunity to showcase local talent in an entirely new format.” Palmer, a pianist who performed at the first event and has attended several since, said she is looking forward to the chance to play before a large, appreciative audience. “I grew up in Ocean Beach, and it’s just great to be able to sit and play in the ‘hood,’” Palmer said. “This one really sounds exciting with so much going on, but just the fact that you’re listening to music in the open air, sunshine and can see and smell the ocean, makes it special.” According to DeBoskey, the biggest change to the festival may not be in the additional stages and performers. “It’s always been a 21-and-over event,” DeBoskey said. “But this year, all ages will be allowed into three of the stages, and children under 12 are admitted free. A lot of people in the past have told us they would like to expose their kids to this wonderful music and that’s part of our mission. “We do a great deal with the community in terms of music education to make sure kids have the opportunity to learn, play and practice their music,” he said. “It’s very important to us.” Other additions this year include an Art Row. “We’re closing off the street between Cable and Bacon [where we will have] 60 booths,’” DeBoskey said. “They are quality artists. We’re not talking trinkets. When we say, ‘Music and Arts Festival,’ we mean it. There’s a really significant art show.” Meanwhile, the festival is teaming up with the Ocean Beach Restaurant and Entertainment Group, so that many restaurants throughout Ocean Beach will offer significant discounts for patrons wearing a festival wristband. “This is a great event in a great loction,” he said. “It’s already got a regional reputation, and it’s our hope that we can build it into something that has got a national reputation.” The Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Music & Art Festival begins at 10 a.m. General admission for ages 13 and over is $30. For more information, call (619) 224-4906, or visit www.obmusicfest.org or www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.