The free, family-oriented 6th Annual Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival will fill Civic Green Park with entertainment, arts, a festival marketplace and activities on May 14 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and May 15 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)  Bring a blanket of folding chairs and enjoy.

 Highlands Ranch Concert Band, an organization of volunteer professional, amateur and high school musicians that provides free concerts throughout the year, is the organizer/promoter of the festival.

Musicians and artists from Highlands Ranch and surrounding communities include both amateurs and professionals. Major sponsors are Metro Districts of Highlands Ranch and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, SCFD and the band receives support from local businesses and individuals.

The HRCB jazz ensemble Swing Shift, which is celebrating its 9th anniversary as a nonprofit musical organization, will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday. 

Music will include a wide range of styles:  Jazz and swing fills the program on Saturday, followed by concert and symphonic music on Sunday.

Saturday: listen to Too Many Trombones, Mountain Vista High School, Blue 88s, Rootin’ Tootin’ Dixieland Band, Thunder Ridge High School, Ministers of Swing, Swing Shift.

Sunday: families can enjoy the Colorado VFW Band, John Philip Sousa Band of Colorado, Over the Hill, Denver Concert Band, Castle Rock Orchestra, Golden Eagle Concert Band, Highlands Ranch Concert Band.

The Festival Marketplace offers items by artists, craftsmen and other retail vendors including International Silver, Mountain Glass, Laqueta’s Opals, Out West Gifts, Shawnee Mountain Gallery, Yuthok Tibetan Treasures, Spice Gypsies, Equatorial Enterprises and Artistic Petals.

Food will include barbecue ribs, crepes and hot dogs from Montana Barbecue; Funky Monkey Crepes and Dream Dogs and other selections.

For more information, visit www.hrmafestival.org.