A Fort Collins Jazz Experience is underway this week, showcasing local, regional, and national jazz musicians right here in Downtown Fort Collins, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. While some people may initially find jazz music intimidating, the FC Jazz Experience lineup has been carefully crafted to be inclusive, educational, and just plain fun – so if you’re among those who are a little suspicious about the genre, this is a great opportunity to give it a try. The majority of the performances are also FREE, which makes it pretty easy to sample the sights and sounds (the only two events requiring tickets are the headlining acts: The Ramsey Lewis Trio and Al Jarreau, performing at the Lincoln Center on 7/9 and 7/11, respectively. Buy tickets at www.lctix.com). A full Jazz Experience schedule is available to download at www.downtownfortcollins.com. My two cents: I’d definitely recommend catching the salsa-sassy Otra Vez (a local Latin jazz group) on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Old Town Square – they always put on a good show, and the mood is fully festive! P.S. if you’re out and about on Friday night, 7/10, many of the local art galleries will be open late to celebrate as well for Jazz Friday Gallery Walk.