There are many music-related events that take place in downtown San Diego, but none have had the longevity of the annual 98.1 Smooth Jazz Festival. Taking place this year on May 29 with two entrances, one at Fourth and G and one at Fifth and Market, the day-long concert is now in its third decade, putting the spotlight on modern jazz, a sound inflected with soul, R&B and even the occasional dash of pop. This year’s event will feature two stages and sets from saxophonists Jeff Kashawa, Steve Cole, Kim Waters, Mindi Abair and Jackiem Joyner, as well as guitarists Nick Colionne and Brian Culbertson. Closing out the night will be an all-star jam session with guitarists Peter White and Jeff Gulub, with saxophonists Gerald Albright and Kirk Whalum. Meanwhile, 25 venues within the festival’s footprint will also feature a day of jazz and blues. With more than 10,000 music fans expected at the event, it’s clear that jazz will be the soundtrack to downtown’s Memorial Day weekend. “This is a concert that almost takes care of itself,” said Natasha Collins, promotions coordinator with KIFM. “It’s developed a strong following over the years, becoming something that our audience really looks forward to.” She noted that the main stage artists all receive regular airplay on the station. While the emphasis on the two outdoor stages is squarely on national acts, Collins said that with more than 30 local performers taking part in the club stages, all bases are covered. “All the different bands in the various restaurants and bars in the area really add to the experience,” she said. Although other large-scale events have had problems drawing fans in recent years, The Smooth Jazz Festival has seen growth. “Last year was the first time it sold out,” said the Gaslamp Quarter Association’s Heather Ashby. While there are no plans currently to expand the show’s boundaries, Ashby said the additional 25 venue stages, including such area mainstays as Croce’s, Patrick’s II and Dick’s Last Resort, give attendees the opportunity to take in a huge cross section of artists. “Involving the restaurants in the footprint allows for so much more music to be heard and allows listeners to experience the great dining options in the area,” she said. She also considers the Smooth Jazz Festival’s hours to be part of the appeal. “This is one of the few events like this held downtown that takes place largely during daylight hours,” Ashby said. “The fact that it’s a full day, into the evening, happening, really lends itself to taking in what the surrounding area has to offer.” Guitarist Patrick Yandall, appearing at Henry’s Pub, has played the event several times in the past decade. While he wishes some local acts could be showcased on the main stages, he’s more than happy to be a part of the festival. He does see a major plus to playing the smaller venues. “One thing about playing the clubs is that the audience is right in front of you,” he said. “And you feel they are feeling every note.” While Blue Largo guitarist Eric Lieberman, who will appear at Hennessey’s at 4 p.m., considers the day “just another opportunity to play,” he does consider that the crowds at these “special event gigs are often better than a regular club gig.” Meanwhile, local blues legend Len Rainey and his band, The Midnight Players, make their event debut at Patrick’s II (3-6 p.m.) and consider it a major plus for area performers. “I haven’t played this festival before, but I’m sure there will be crossover from stage to stage,” Rainey said. “This is a good event because people from different backgrounds in music get to see and hear something different.”