Jazz in the Park at the Clark County Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, kicks off its 12th straight year with a performance by the Charlie Hunter Trio on May 6. The Amphitheater opens at 7 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. The free series, hosted by Nathan Tannenbaum, continues on May 20, June 3 and June 17. Picnics are welcome or food and beverages are available for purchase. Concert-goers are advised to arrive early to get good seating.

Charlie Hunter is a guitarist who crosses boundaries and musical genres. His music encompasses traditional jazz, fusion and rock, appealing to younger audiences as well as fans of straight-ahead jazz.

Emerging from the Bay Area in the mid-90s, Hunter developed a unique style of playing that involved picking bass notes with his right thumb while fretting them with his left index finger (while at the same time finger-picking guitar chords and single notes with his right hand’s remaining four digits as he frets with his left hand’s other three fingers.

Hunter’s new CD, Copperopolis, with his regular trio of tenor saxophone player John Ellis and drummer Derrek Phillips, Is appealingly varied. Recorded in New Orleans, it’s a listener-friendly example of Hunter’s original jazz-funk sound.

Vocalist Jane Monheit performs on May 20 with her 8 piece band. A young phenomenon, she was the first runner-up in the Thelonious Monk Institute competition in 1998 at the age of 20. Since then her reputation has blossomed, and with her sultry good looks she has gained a devoted following. Her 2004 Sony release of standards, "Taking a Chance," garnered rave reviews.

On June 3 guitarist and songwriter Craig Chaquico plays a mix of jazz, pop, New Age and world music. He started playing with Jefferson Starship at the age of 16. Since the 90s he has pursued his own unique sound. His 2002 release, Shadow and Light, was inspired by the tragic attacks of Sept. 11.

The series wraps up on June 17 with the New Orleans Night Crawlers. The Night Crawlers are a dozen musicians from around the Crescent City who work in a number of other bands, including Dr. John and Dukes of Dixieland. Even though they perform together rarely, they have won many awards for their albums in the 90s and later. Their mix of R & B, jazz and funk is as infectious as it is energizing.

Jazz in the Park is sponsored by Clark County Parks and Recreation, with support from Oasis Smooth Jazz 105.7 FM, WB/Gold 33 and Miller Genuine Draft. The Clark County Amphitheater is located off I-15 and Charleston. The Amphitheater features lawn seating and ample free parking. No pets are allowed.

More information is available at 455-8200 or on the web at  www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks, or www.seeyouatthecca.com.