For all the writing we do about indie rock acts and folky, sad-bastard music in this fine rag, there's a fairly vibrant jazz, funk, blues and big band scene that has remained strong in these parts for years. Saturday is a day to take a dip in those brassy waters - perhaps, dear hipster, a chance to find something off the beaten path that you might never have sought out otherwise - at the 8th Annual Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival. That all of the shows are totally free is a big bonus.

During the day at Freighthouse Square and the Harmon, and in the evening at Stonegate Pizza, expect exhibitions of all the South Sound has to offer in jazz and blues. Familiar names like Little Bill and the Bluenotes and Jerry Miller will make their expected appearances. Closing out the festival will be Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra. I caught up with Wetzel to get his thoughts on the festival and to learn a little bit about the band-leading trumpet player.

"All through school, I played in every band I could possibly play in, whether it was marching band or jazz band or drum and bugle corps," says Wetzel. "I took trumpet lessons in high school with Walt Johnson, who was Frank Sinatra's lead trumpet player. ... Over the years, I've played all kinds of stuff. As a trumpet player, as a sideman, I've played in big bands, I've played in Motown shows, I've played with the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Spinners, Wayne Newton - a bunch of people like that."

Wetzel even played music in the military. Over the years, he's traveled the world as a working musician, finally settling down here in Washington, where he founded the Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival eight years ago.

"The whole festival is free, thanks to the sponsors, so we're hoping to get a big crowd," says Wetzel. "During the festival, you're going to hear a wide range of big band formats. You'll hear Johnny Lewis, who's the traditional old swing style. And then there's MOJO (Meydenbauer's Outrageous Jazz Orchestra), and they're more contemporary swing/jazz."

You best shake that leg, Tacoma.

Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival

Saturday, May 28
Freighthouse Square, 12:30-4:30 p.m., 602 E. 25th St., Tacoma, freighthousesquare.com
Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 12:30-6 p.m., 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606
Stonegate Pizza, after-party starts at 8 p.m., 5419 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.473.2255