The annual Lakeland Jazz Festival returns for its 38th installment this weekend under a “Journeys in Jazz” banner, touting two headliners any fest would be proud to spotlight. Warren native and trumpeter Sean Jones plays at 8 p.m. Friday with his quartet, and drummer T.S. Monk (son of legendary pianist Thelonious Monk) takes the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday with his sextet, including longstanding members Bobby Porcelli and Willie Williams. Jones, who has released four CDs since his 2004 debut (when he was just 24), is the director of both the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestras and is always a delight to see live — the stretching room and vibe sends his horn into frenzy. Monk, never one to shy away from his heritage, regularly features his father’s compositions alongside those of other bebop and hard bop masters. The festival also prides itself on offering educational opportunities for local musicians, including a stage for college, high school and middle-school jazz bands. One key event for all jazz students will be the free, hour-long clinic given by Monk at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Lakeland Performing Arts Center (7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, 440.525.7526) with a performance by Tomorrow’s Stars, a group of middle-school jazz ensembles. Tickets: $7. The festival continues through Sunday. — Matt Marshall
