Beating the heat Sweltering temperatures that reached nearly 100 degrees this week were enough to convince Donovan Walker to cool off by jumping into the Hotchkiss Pool at 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. in North Side. Periods of heavy rain brought some brief relief, but it didn’t last long. Weather forecasters predict slightly lower temperatures over the next few days. Highs are expected in the mid- to upper 80s with scattered thunderstorms.

Spectators have a ringside seat last Sunday as workers use powerful machines to de- molish the parking deck of the vacant Richmond Plaza building at 7th and Cary streets in Downtown. Clearing the parking deck and building is the first step toward building the planned 20-story office space for Dominion Resources. Demolition is expected to take four months, including creating room for four levels of underground parking. The next phase of two years involves construction of a 413-foot-tall facility that is expected to cost more than $100 million to build and outfit. The new building’s opening is planned for early 2019.

Crape myrtle on North Side

Hot summer jazz // More than the summer heat sizzled last Saturday and Sunday as thousands of people flocked to the West End to enjoy the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont. Fans were immersed in the sounds of jazz, R&B, zydeco and funk as artists,

Hot summer jazz // Longtime singer Stephanie Mills, right, performed on three stages throughout both days. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, the Richmond Jazz Society and the Maymont Foundation.

Singer Al Jarreau reacts to an appreciative audience applauding his signature style.

South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler gets into the groove.

Saxophonist Gerald Albright plays with soul.

Fans brought blankets and chairs and spread out on the lush lawns at Maymont to soak in the music. From left, Dennis and Sabreen Friday lounge with Stella Rose

Bonnie and Dwayne Radden get up and dance during one of the acts.

The Roots, with percussionist Questlove, were among the headliners.

Ladies picked from the audience show off a few moves with Morris Day and The Time.

Fruity fun in Carytown // With the weekend temperatures soaring, thou- sands of people enjoyed a cool summer favorite — watermelon — at Sunday’s 33rd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival. Several blocks of West Cary Street were trans- formed into a large street party filled with the sounds of bands, entertainers and food. Right, Connie Chisholm, left, and Pat McKenzie with the ACCA Temple Shriners serve bowls of the refreshing fruit. Proceeds from the watermelon sales benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides care for youngsters without charge. Organizers said several Richmond area children are being helped at the hospitals, the closest of which is located in Greenville, S.C.

Big thanks for big fans // The Washington NFL team wrapped up its Richmond training camp Sunday, but not before hosting its traditional Fan Appreciation Day last Saturday. With the line of fans wrapped around West Leigh Street, the Bon Secours training center was mobbed with autograph seekers of all ages. Cornerback Greg Toler, left, a graduate of the former St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, signs a hat for Aniya Neeson,

Big thanks for big fans //Willie Jefferson, right, hands an autographed mini football to another fan. The event featured musical performances and dance competitions before the team’s practice. After practice, team members mingled with the crowd.