It's official: Salem has soul.
And while many may think that soul is connected to the disembodied spirits rumored to roam the Witch City, organizers of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival say it actually comes from residents' appreciation for music.
The extravaganza, which begins this weekend, was founded last year by a dedicated group of 11 musicians and fans who wanted to showcase the depth of musical talent on the North Shore.
"They are doing it out of a pure passion for music and trying to give Salem something unique," said fan Andy Goldman of Salem. "There is certainly not any money involved. I really admire them for that. I see them really working their hearts out all year-round — that is a beautiful thing for Salem."
Last year the free festival was one day, with a summerlong buildup of free concerts throughout downtown Salem. This year, there have again been pre-festival concerts, featuring some of Berklee College of Music's best students.
The festival itself this year will be spread over the next two weekends.
Organizers estimate that more than 5,000 people enjoyed the events throughout the summer last year.
"The festival was fabulous," Goldman said. "The North Shore has some of the best music around and I don't think people realize."
Henley Douglas Jr. of the Boston Horns, who serves as the music director for the festival, recruited some of the best bands on the North Shore, including The Dan King Band from Cape Ann and The Ken Clark Organ Trio from Swampscott.
"I have known them from years. They are the top musicians on the North Shore, the Boston area, the world, for that matter," said Douglas, who lives in Salem.
Douglas had 11 festival performance slots to fill and found himself with 200 bands vying to play the festival. In coming years, he hopes to have more performers. He'd also like to include some internationally famous acts from outside the North Shore, too.
Mik Mersha of Methuen, a bass player with the local band Los Sugar Kings, was overjoyed by his band's juicy Saturday night spot at the Salem Willows.
"We're pulling out all the stops," said Mersha, whose band normally plays as a four-piece. "We'll have a good eight to 10 people on stage by the end — we are pulling some friends in to kick it up a notch."
Mersha and his bandmates appreciate playing at Salem Willows, which once hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He thinks the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival goes a long way toward sustaining connections to that past, while looking ahead to the future.
"It's a matter of keeping live music alive and keeping the appreciation for it alive," he said.
In addition to the music, family-friendly events include a music education tent, a children's' entertainment area, a display on the history of jazz in Salem and the North Shore, demonstrations by the Boston (Hula) Hoop Troop, and arts and crafters from the North Shore.
Last year the show ended with a stirring performance by the Boston Horns, a highlight of the festival, according to Goldman.
"Everybody was dancing. Kids were having a great time," he said. "This was the whole accumulation of all the effort, and it showed."
For those who can't wait for more jazz, blues and funk, there will be performances throughout the week at many Salem area clubs including the Edgewater Cafe, the Grapevine Restaurant, the Gulu Gulu Cafe, and other venues.
If you go
r What: Salem Jazz and Soul Festival
r When: Begins Saturday, Aug. 9, and continues the following weekend.
r Where: Various locations
r How: Admission is free. Visit www.salemjazzsoul.org.
Festival lineup
SATURDAY, AUG. 9
r 5 to 7 p.m.: Jazz pianist Manami Morita and her trio, Derby Square, downtown Salem.
SUNDAY, AUG. 10
r 1 to 3 p.m.: The Nat Simpkins Band featuring Henri Smith, Derby Square, downtown Salem.
r 2 to 4 p.m.: The Boston Horns with Henley Douglas Jr. and Garret Savluk with special guest Barrence Whitfield, at the Museum Place Mall fountain on the Essex Street walking mall.
FRIDAY, AUG. 15, SALEM WILLOWS
r 6 to 8 p.m.: Dan King Band.
SATURDAY, AUG. 16, SALEM, WILLOWS
r 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Ken Clark Organ Trio, Brothers from Another Planet, Parker Wheeler Blues Party, The Mystix and Los Sugar Kings
SUNDAY, AUG. 17, SALEM WILLOWS
r 1 to 4 p.m.: Follow Hymn Gospel Choir, Marty Rowen and Last Call for Blues.
