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The 2010 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 11-12, at Johnson's Beach in Guerneville.

This is the second 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 11 is saxophonist David Sanborn; 3-4 additional acts will be announced soon.

For Sunday's blues fest, headliners The Doobie Brothers top a day of music that also features more blues musicians TBA.

The new combined festival "allows us to keep the Russian River festival tradition alive, 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.