One of the wonderful things about Ocean Beach is the community’s collective love of music and art. Mixed with the weather and beachfront location, it’s the perfect location for the sauce and sizzle of outdoor events like the annual, all-day Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival, which takes place Sept. 10. The estimated 3,000-person block party is now in its sixth year, with a musical roster of straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, blues and funk. “We feel that Ocean Beach is the ideal place for it because it’s so representative of San Diego,” said Jazz 88 station manager Mark DeBoskey. “(But) it’s a little bit unconventional, if you will, and we’re a little unconventional, too. As a station, that’s kind of cool and hip. We want to be in a cool and hip place, and Ocean Beach is definitely that.” The City College studio downtown has been playing jazz since 1985. Onstage this year will be an impressive lineup of more than 20 national and local artists, topped by iconic New Orleans pianist Dr. John, a.k.a. The Night Tripper. Performing with his band, The 911, Dr. John is best known for his songs like “I Walk On Gilded Splinters” and “Right Place, Wrong Time,” but he’s also been a session legend since the 1960s, having played a part in numerous recordings by everyone from James Taylor to the Rolling Stones. This rare appearance alone makes the event a must for music fans. Other festival highlights include jazz from the saxophone-led Donald Harrison Quartet, hot jazz/western swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown, blues from harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite, Hammond B3 master Dr. Lonnie Smith and a set from multi-Grammy-Award-nominated Latin Jazz artist Wayne Wallace. Meanwhile, San Diego’s own musical community will be well represented, including performances from Nathan James, Steph Johnson, The Danny Green Quartet, The Styletones, Allison Adams Tucker and ESP, with an appearance from legendary guitarist Mundell Lowe in the VIP area. Making this event a unique experience, some of the artists, excluding Dr. John and Dr. Smith, perform twice during the day, giving visitors a better chance to catch the musical magic a second time. The action takes place on three outdoor stages, including one adjacent to Hodad’s Burgers, with six more located in venues along Newport Avenue and Bacon Street, including Gallagher’s Tavern, The Harp, Nicks at The Beach, Electric Ladyland and Winston’s Beach Club. All the performance areas, except the ones in 21-and-up establishments, are open to all ages. Connoisseurs’ of craft beer will also find a beer garden adjacent to the main stage. Meanwhile, there will also be a community stage featuring performances from The MLK Community Choir, Mission Bay High School Dixieland Band and the San Diego School for the Performing Arts Jazz Combo. Additionally, Newport Avenue between Bacon and Cable streets will be the location of an art row, with more than 100 artists displaying their wares. It’s a full day of art and music. Activities will run from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Festival tickets are $30, with children under 12 admitted free. Special VIP packages are available. There is no admission charge to visit the art row area of the festival or the community stage. As much fun as concertgoers will be having at the festival, performers also get a kick out of it. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this,” said award-winning singer Steph Johnson. “Jazz 88 has been so supportive of music and arts in San Diego. I’m happy I’ve been asked to participate, especially on a bill that includes legendary acts like Dr. John and local friends like Nathan James.” Mission Bay High School music director JP Balmat points out the audience is a little bit different than the typical one the Mission Bay High School Dixieland Jazz Band plays for. “It’s a little bit more mainstream,” he said. “You’re getting a more diverse audience. You’re getting a younger audience. I think it’s great for the band to have this diversity of people coming to see them and appreciate their music.” Though student musicians are limited by their age as to which stages they can view, they can intermingle with some of the older, seasoned pros. According to Balmat, this festival experience is a boon to visitors, but especially to the students. “It’s a (wonderful) opportunity for them to see the caliber of musicians out there,” he said. The Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 along Newport Avenue. Adult tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.obmusicfest.org.