Seattle has one of the liveliest jazz scenes on the West Coast and a wildly popular event well worth checking out is the 7^th Annual Pony Boy Records Jazz Picnic, which takes place Sunday, September 12 at Seattle’s Sand Point Magnuson Park.

 Pony Boy Records is an independent jazz and swing label and is the happy home for many Northwest recording artists. The jazz picnics began in 2004, when the label was celebrating its tenth anniversary. The picnic was so successful that it became an annual event. This big soiree features performances from Pony Boy musicians, as well as guest artists from the national and international jazz community. The jazz picnics have become a signature event for Seattle music lovers. In 2006, Earshot Jazz gave a special award to Pony Boy head Greg Williamson for his outstanding contribution to Seattle’s jazz scene. Attendance for the picnics has been growing exponentially, and a record turnout is expected for the September 12^th event.

 The 350- acre Sand Point Magnuson Park is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Washington. The park sits on the site of a former Navy airstrip and has been transformed into a lush and spacious gathering space for boating, team sports, kite- flying, swimming and special events. The Pony Boy Jazz Picnic is held at the park’s Garden Amphitheatre. Music starts at noon and there are continuous performances until 5pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and a blanket and to stay all day. (For those unable to put together a basket, gourmet hot dogs are available on site.)

 Pony Boy Records is well known for the sense of community it has built around the label. The annual picnic is a vibrant, lively event that brings jazz musicians and fans together for great music and some seriously fun hang. This year’s performance roster features yet another knockout line-up of some of the best jazz musicians, vocalists and bands around. The Pony Boy Jazz Picnic is always free, and the show goes on, rain or shine. (In the event of rain, the picnic is moved to an indoor location.) For more information about the 7^th Annual Pony Boy Records Jazz Picnic, you can check out the Pony Boy website: www.ponyboyrecords.com.