Toby Jorrin | Special to 210SA Pete Rodriguez (left) and Elias Haslanger play with the Elias Haslanger Quintet at Jazz'SAlive in 2006. This year's festival starts Saturday, Sept. 22.

Free events featuring music, food and drink go over about as well as a Spurs championship run in San Antonio. So it comes as little surprise that last year's Jazz'SAlive festival drew upwards of 60,000 people over the course of two days.

“Jazz'SAlive is such a unique event,” said Teresa Keck, vice president of special events for the San Antonio Parks Foundation. “(Admission is free), but we're still able to offer top-notch national recording artists.”

This year's Jazz'SAlive, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23 at Travis Park, features a lineup of national artists including Chuck Mangione and the Rippingtons.

Mangione, a flugelhorn player and composer who has released more than 30 albums over the past 40-plus years, has appeared on “King of the Hill” and even been referenced on the hit NBC sitcom “Friends.” Then there's the 1978 single “Feels So Good,” which opened Mangione up to a much larger fan base.

The Rippingtons, meanwhile, have released nearly 20 albums over the past 20 years, including Moonlight, which Jazziz magazine has labeled the most influential contemporary jazz album ever.

While both artists' respective careers span decades, Keck said that doesn't deter 20- and 30-something crowds from joining slightly older jazz enthusiasts at Jazz'SAlive, celebrating its 24th anniversary this year.

“It brings out a lot of different people,” said Keck, in her eighth year working with the event. “We see a lot of younger couples come out, spread out a blanket, get a couple glasses of wine and relax. We also see the crowd that's a little bit older that gets there early and sets up their lawn chairs in front of the main stage.”

The event is also family friendly, as Jazz'SAlive will feature a free children's area from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. And, of course, there will be food, ranging from local favorites such as gorditas and fajitas to New Orleans-style delicacies like jambalaya and etoufee.

Sunday's Jazz'SAlive event will be preceded by a champagne brunch at the St. Anthony Hotel, with music from Melani Skybell. Tickets are $35.

“For a lot of people, Jazz'SAlive is a traditional event,” Keck said. “It's a lot of fun and an affordable way to bring out the whole family to experience a great weekend of live music and culture.”

CLINT HALE | 210SA