This four-day music festival kicks off Thursday with a Local Band Day at new King Street venue Forte Jazz Lounge, offering back-to-back performances from Offramp, Cameron & the Saltwater Brass, and the Lee Barbour Quartet featuring Justin Stanton of Snarky Puppy. On Friday night, hear Regina Carter, widely considered to be the finest jazz violinist of her generation. She brings her signature sound, influenced by Afro-Cuban, swing, bebop, folk, and world music to the Charleston Music Hall. Powerful performances continue Saturday when the Monty Alexander Trio and vocalists Jane Monheit and Freddy Cole take the Gaillard Center stage with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. The festival concludes Sunday with a Family Jazz Day featuring the Charleston All-Star Jazz Band, made up of area youth. Thursday, 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., & 9 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; & Sunday, 3 p.m. $128-$25. (843) 641-0011, charlestonjazz.com
