Jazz Beat: Jazz in the Woods, at Corporate Woods

The annual Jazz in the Woods festival has been dismissed in recent years by “true” jazz fans for its emphasis on smooth music, but don’t let that deter you from this weekend’s 26th-anniversary celebration. More than 25,000 people came out to enjoy the sets last year, and this year’s lineup isn’t anything to sneer at. The last album from bassist Julian Vaughn, who hails from Kansas City and performs Friday, claimed two top-10 singles on Billboard‘s jazz charts. Najee, Saturday’s headliner, has an impressive résumé that includes a pair of platinum albums and a tour with Prince. Earlier in the evening Saturday, local blues star Samantha Fish and chanteuse Molly Hammer are highlights. Bring a lawn chair. Admission is free.