Blowing jazz wide open

If you thought jazz was some dark, mysterious secret, then think again. The Irish Times OpenJazz 99, in association with IRMA Trust Ltd, is going to unlock the mysteries this Sunday.

At Dublin's Temple Bar Music Centre from 1 to 6 p.m., the open day encompasses workshops and master-classes, performances and jam sessions.

One-hour workshops, for everyone from musicians to interested listeners, focus on individual instruments: guitar (every hour from 1 to 4 p.m.); drums (1, 3 and 4 p.m.); piano (1 and 3 p.m.); tenor sax (1 and 3 p.m.); double bass (1 p.m.); flute, Latin percussion, electric bass and trombone (each at 2 p.m.); voice (3 p.m.); alto sax/clarinet, acoustic bass and trumpet (each at 4 p.m.).

"Gigs" are in the main auditorium: Wind Machine play at 1 p.m., the Newpark Jazz Diploma Showcase at 2 p.m., the Melanie O'Reilly Group at 3 p.m. the Noel Kelehan Quartet at 4 p.m. and then the Latin big-band sounds of the Night Havana Orchestra at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, across the lane at the Arthouse, an "All-Star Jam Session" runs from 2 p.m.

And OpenJazz 99 is all free.