At the Opera House on Friday, July 20, the Lincoln Arts Festival joyfully welcomes back Mark Tipton, this time playing with his outstanding quintet, performing classic and original jazz.

For those of us who have heard Tipton perform, this is musical magic.

Tipton, whose name is already legendary, has thrilled us for several years, playing to a sold-out audience with the State Street Traditional Jazz Band. This time the spotlight is on his wonderful quintet, and a sensational show is confidentially expected.

Tipton is the trumpeter/vocalist of the group, along with bassist Chris Sprague, drummer Gary Gemiti and two of his talented, colorful friends.

On Saturday, July 21, it's the Royal River Philarmonic Jazz Band. This is Dixieland at its finest, performed by a colorful, rowdy musical group that has performed all over the coast of Maine. Come on along and listen to Jeff Grosser on banjo, Paul Monet on clarinet, Eric Anderson on tuba, our old friend Bill Rayne on trombone, Bob Pillsbury on clarinet and Olie Sawyer is on the newly tuned piano.

Be ready for anything from comedy routines to marches, two-steps, blues and ballads – it's a wild variety of musical delights.

Both shows are at the Opera House at 8 p.m. Tickets at Sherman's Bookstore, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, the Boothbay Information Center, A Silver Lining, and at the door on the evening of performances if any are left!

For more information, call the Lincoln Arts Festival's office at 633-3913, or go to www.lincolnartsfestival.net.

Sunday, July 22, at 10 a.m. Lincoln Arts welcome the traditional and beloved Jazz Service at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Founded more that 18 years ago by Ned Freeman, the program is led today by Barney Balch of the Sheepscot Jazz and Swing, who carries on this glorious tradition with enthusiastic joy and professional expertise.

This service has become a proud tradition in Boothbay Harbor, so come early and prepare to be happy – it's usually standing room only!

And in August look for Doris Feyling with Tea and Stories at St Columba's Episcopal Church, then the Lincoln Festival Chorus at the Congregational Church on Aug. 17 and 19, and Art For Arts' Sake, a Boatyard Show and Sale which begins with a great reception on Aug. 23. The show continues through Aug. 26.