Diana Thompson is jazzed.

“Jazz & Oysters has been a part of my life for many years,” the Long Beach Peninsula resident said. “It is always a challenge to put the pieces together to create a successful event, but with the great (event) committee, we always get it done.”

This year’s event, organized by Thompson and her crew at the Water Music Society, will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Port of Nahcotta.

The site is on the northeast side of the Long Beach Peninsula, with the best access driving north along Sandridge Road.

The gates open at 11:30 a.m. with the Ilwaco High School Jazz Band performing at noon. Pearl Django is on tap to perform at 1:30 p.m. with headliner Patrick Lamb taking the stage at 4 p.m.

As well as the music, Thompson is pleased the students will benefit. The group raises money to help support the art and music programs at the Ocean Beach and Naselle-Grays River school districts in southern Pacific County.

“The joy in doing this comes from bringing great music to the Peninsula and, most importantly, from knowing that the money that we are able to donate to the school music programs enables young people to have outside educational opportunities and experiences that gives them a broader view of the world than what they normally would have,” she said.

Oysters from Willapa Bay, grilled or raw, will be available with other food items, plus wine, beer and other beverages.

Organizers suggest people bring chairs and a blanket. No outside food or drink is permitted.

The Ilwaco High School Jazz Band students are just back from a camp in Blaine, Washington. They are led by Rachel Lake, who was recently awarded regional “teacher of the year” honors.

Pearl Django began in 1994 in Tacoma, Washington, seeking to incorporate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with American swing music.

The current line-up consists of Jim Char on guitar; Michael Gray on violin; David Lange on accordion; Tim Lerch on guitar; and Rick Leppanen on bass.

Lamb’s musical skills were commended by Todd Barkan, a music producer who was designated a “jazz master” by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2018.

“Patrick Lamb is one of the most powerfully uplifting and deeply expressive and swinging saxophonists in the world today,” Barkan said. “He raises the roof and melts our hearts.”

Rhythm and blues stalwart Bobby Caldwell, who died last year, called Lamb “one of the best instrumentalists I’ve ever worked with.”

Two concerts remain later this year.

The Water Music Festival will take place 3 p.m. Oct. 19, featuring The Dan Brubeck Quartet at the Chinook Event Center in Chinook, Washington.

Vocalist Halie Loren will conclude the season with a 3 p.m. concert Dec. 8, at the same venue.

Jazz & Oysters

Jazz & Oysters

A Water Music Society event

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Port of Nahcotta, 3311 275th St., Ocean Park

Admission is $35 for adults and $18 for youth ages 6 to 18; children under 5 are free

www.watermusicsociety.com