All Weekend

Top middle school, high school and college jazz bands from as far away as Japan will perform and compete this weekend in the Next Generation Jazz Festival. Download this schedule PDF for a complete listing of free concerts, workshops and seminars in downtown Monterey at locations like the Monterey Conference Center, the Portola Hotel and Spa, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Friday

See visual artists and live performances throughout Oldtown Salinas at the First Fridays Art Walk. 5pm-8pm. 100-300 blocks of Main Street and surrounding blocks, Salinas. Free to attend. The National Steinbeck Center commemorates National Humor Month with a performance and discussion from author and humor expert Larry Wilde. 6:30-8:30pm, National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas. Free. Christian punk-rock act theWAY combines intense spirituality with hard-charging drums and raging guitars. See them tonight at Jose's Lounge Underground. 8pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey.

Saturday

Award winning husband and wife magic team The Spencers perform spectacular illusions tonight as they bring their show "Theater of Illusion" to the Sunset Center. 8pm, Sunset Center, Ninth and San Carlos, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets are $39-$58 and can be purchased online. John Michael, lead singer of Celtic metal act Bog Iron, plays an acoustic set tonight at London Bridge Pub. While it may be quieter, it certainly won't be any less intense. 9:30pm, London Bridge Pub, Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Sunday

Wildflowers throughout Monterey County are in bloom, and they're especially beautiful at Garland Ranch Regional Park. Learn all about the park's beautiful flowers, and get some exercise, at today's free "Wildflowers of Cooper Ranch" guided hike. 9am-11am, Garland Ranch Regional Park (call for meeting location), Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. Free; call (831) 372-3196 to reserve.