Last preparations are under way for the Malta Jazz Festival, running from Thursday, July 21 till Saturday, July 23.

It will feature some top-notch world artists such as Snarky Puppy, Omer Vital and Marcus Roberts.

The Thursday concerts happening at City Gate entrance and opposite the law courts in Valletta are free of charge and will also feature headliners such as the Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio.

The festival will be offering another five concerts for free as part of the Jazz on the Fringe.

Young and veteran jazz artists will perform during the Valletta mid-day concerts from Tuesday, July 19, till Saturday, July 23, in the shade of the Parliament building.

Unfortunately, Mike Stern will not be able to perform during the festival due to a serious injury which has caused him to cancel all his tours.

Stern, who forms part of the Mike Stern/Bill Evans band, was meant to perform on Friday, July 22 at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta. He will be replaced by Dean Brown on guitars.

Brown is a well-known American session musician and composer in the jazz/fusion scene, whose music combines rock, Latin, jazz, funk and fusion into a joyful, soulful, dynamic and intense groove.

He has performed with the likes of The Brecker Brothers, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Billy Cobham and Billy Evans himself.

Brown features in over 200 recordings which include numerous Grammy nominations and four Grammy Award winners.

Last April he released his fifth solo album – Rolajafufu.

• More information may be obtained at www.maltajazzfestival.org.