Get Ready for 2013 Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival - September 13 and 14

The annual Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival takes place this weekend, offering you two days of fun and great music. Friday, September 13 features an indoor concert by Roy Ayers at Knight Theater in Uptown, for which there's an admission cost. And Saturday features the all-day, outdoor free concert at Symphony Park in SouthPark. The Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival, now in its 22nd year and put on by Pride Magazine, is one of the signature events in the Queen City that help mark the unofficial beginning of fall.

Ayers is a soul and jazz legend from Los Angeles, who's considered by many to be the godfather of neo-soul. His more than 40 years as a musician, composer, and producer has influenced many contemporary artists in jazz, R&B, and hip hop. You can see him live this Friday, 8 p.m. at Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon St.). Tickets are $30-$59.50, available at carolinatix.org.

Roy Ayers. Credit: Facebook

Saturday's festival features fun for the whole family, and with it being free to attend makes it a true community event. You'll want to bring folding chairs and blankets (picnic baskets are allowed too) and grab a good spot on the lawn at Symphony Park (4400 Sharon Road)  for what should be great weather on Saturday. The concert lineup includes: saxophonist Dante Lewis (headliner), jazz bands Groove 8, Bam-Jazz, and Los Trabucos (Afro-Cuban), and vocalist Robyn Springer. The event begins at 2 p.m.

The outdoor concert at Symphony Park. Credit: facebook.com/sunsetjazzcharlotte

The festivities on Saturday also include a "Best Dressed At The Fest Contest," vendors, and prize giveaways. For more details, visit charlottesunsetjazzfestival.com.