In its inaugural year, the Apex Jazz Festival will hit Salem Street in downtown Apex on Saturday, September 17. One outdoor stage and 10 indoor venues provide ample room for a full day of jazz beats from renowned artists.

The festival, organized by the Apex Downtown Business Association, will run from 2 p.m. until midnight with performances going nonstop. It’s designed with a pub crawl setting in mind, with restaurants and eateries along the street featuring pub bands and headlining acts setting up at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

Silver-level wristbands permit entrance to all pub bands for $20, and gold-level bands allow headliner access as well for $30.

Headlining the event is The Quintessence Orchestra, an improvisation-based group that takes on a variety of styles and genres of music. Other performers include the Back N Time Band, Gary Brunotte, the Jo Gore Duo and many more.

Free of charge, local acts will perform on an outdoor stage at the Apex Chamber of Commerce lot. Selections there include open mic performers, student rock bands from Music & Rock School, and Peak City Sound, the Apex community band.

The Apex Downtown Business Association will be giving away tickets via the Downtown Apex Facebook page beginning this week. Volunteers are also needed for the festival, and will receive complimentary tickets. Tickets can also be purchased through the Apex Jazz Festival website.