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The 2009 Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival brings together the best of both worlds — jazz and blues, once enjoying their own festivals and now combined into one music-packed weekend — on Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, at Johnson's Beach in Guerneville.

This is the first year the two events will be combined into the same weekend. Previously, the Russian River Blues Festival was held in June, while the Russian River Jazz Festival (aka "Jazz on the River") took place in September. Organizers cited the economy and the desire to create something special for attendees as the reasons for change.

Headlining this year's jazz concert on Saturday, September 12 are jazz singer extraordinaire Al Jarreau, "smooth jazz" trumpeter Rick Braun, South African-born guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler, the "high-energy" jazz ensemble Jazz Attack, saxophonist Richard Elliott, and 3-4 additional acts to be announced soon.

For Sunday's blues fest, headliners The Neville Brothers top a day of music that also features Dr. John, Bay Area favorites The Tommy Castro Band, guitarist Bernard Allison (son of the late, legendary blues guitarist Luther Allison), harmonica man and Little Charlie & The Nightcats vocalist Rick Estrin, singer Janiva Magness, and more TBA.

The new combined festival "allows us to keep the Russian River festival tradition alive for its 33rd year, while enabling music fans to still enjoy their love of jazz and blues, outdoors in this picturesque setting," says Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events. "We look forward to welcoming fans back for another year of live music on the river."

This year's concerts begin at 11 am (gates open at 10) and run until 6 pm each day. No glass, cans, alcohol, pets or high-back beach chairs will be permitted; low-back chairs (no higher than 32" in full upright position) are OK.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now; more details on this year's festival will be announced soon.

For tickets or more info, call the festival box office at 707.869.1595 or visit the Russian River Festivals website at www.omegaevents.com/russianriverfestivals.