It all started with a cup of coffee and an appreciation for local jazz music.

This may sound like the beginning of a modern blues song, but it actually originated from the annual Jazz in June festival, one of the biggest free music events since Norman Music Festival.

The jazz and blues festival is kicking off its 27th-annual lineup at 7 tonight and continues through Saturday.

With stages set up at both Brookhaven Village on Robinson Street and Andrews Park, Jazz in June spotlights local, regional and national jazz and blues musicians.

This year’s lineup includes an eclectic mix of artists such as JD Thompson & The Big Bad Wolves, Guy Forsyth, Suzanna Choffel, Paul McCandless and the Norman North High School Jazz Choir.

Missing from this year’s line-up is local favorite Ashlee Madison, who was killed in a car accident in April at age 24. In memory of Madison, a special tribute concert featuring her former bandmates will be 7:45 p.m. Friday.

In addition to the main stage acts, there will also be accompanying music clinics taught by several artists during Friday’s festivities. Those attending on Thursday and Saturday will have options as well with late-night jam sessions taking place starting at 11 p.m. at the Brewhouse on Main Street and Sooner Legends Inn & Suites, respectively.

Since its start in 1984, Jazz in June has brought local jazz and blues artists together in one place and allows Norman residents to experience a diverse range of musical artistry at its best.

If this weekend is anything like the previous years’ festivals, thousands will come out with blankets, coolers and lawn chairs to sit back and relax to the smooth sounds.

For those who want to play a more active role in the concert series, volunteer opportunities and applications are still available at the festival’s website.

Regardless of whether residents are participating or simply observing, the Jazz in June Board of Directors and the Norman Arts Council hope this year’s festival will pull in more fans than ever before and also leave an impression that will carry out throughout the state.

Jazz in June’s marketing coordinator Courtney Van Amburgh anticipates great things from the festival and its music this year.

“Each artist has a musical style that makes each different from the other in its own way. This year’s performers will satisfy a wide variety of musical tastes, which offers something for everyone who attends,” she said.

Thursday

Blues Under the Stars (Brookhaven Village)

• 7 to 8:30 p.m.

JD Thompson & The Big Bad Wolves

• 9 to 10:45 p.m.

Guy Forsyth

• 11 p.m.

Blues Jam led by JD Thompson & The Big Bad Wolves (Coach’s Brewhouse)

Friday

Jazz Under the Stars (Brookhaven Village)

• 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.

Ashlee Madison Tribute

• 9:15 to 10:45 p.m.

IDRS Showcase:

Michael Rabinowitz & Bassoon in the Wild

With special guest Paul McCandless

Saturday

Jazz in the Park (Andrews Park)

• 6 to 6:45 p.m.

NNHS Jazz Choir

• 7:10 to 8:35 p.m.

Suzanna Choffel

• 9 to 10:45 p.m.

The Bad Plus

• 11 p.m.

Jazz Jam led by Anthony Nagid and Friends (Sooner Legends Inn & Suites)