Jazz will spill into bars, museums and cultural spaces across downtown Richmond next week as the city kicks off a five-day series of free performances ahead of the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival.

The event, called “Straight No Chaser — A Downtown Jazz Suite,” runs Aug. 6-10 and features straight-ahead jazz sets and late-night jam sessions at venues throughout the city. It’s presented by the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival as a lead-in to the festival’s mainstage weekend at Maymont.

The series opens Wednesday, Aug. 6 with “Satellite Jazz Suites” featuring regional musicians in multiple locations: pianist Calvin Brown and Sam Reed at Bar Solita; Weldon Hill on keys at Tarrant’s; the Chet Frierson Trio at Black Olive; the Charles Owens Trio at the Richmond Marriott; and the Dominion Energy Jazz Café at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, Common House will host “An Evening with John D’earth & Friends,” a signature event that includes music, cocktails by Angel’s Envy and a documentary filming on D’earth’s career in jazz.

Friday’s highlight is Homegrown at the Hipp, held at the Hippodrome Theatre in Jackson Ward. This year’s performance will feature vocalist Kemi Adegoroye performing jazz standards and original works.

The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival follows on Aug. 9-10 at Maymont, with a lineup that includes T.I., Jodeci, Muni Long, Masego, CeeLo Green and Aloe Blacc. Late-night sets on both nights will continue the celebration with pop-up shows and jam sessions at venues across the city.

New to this year’s programming is Pocket JAMZ, a platform spotlighting emerging talent from around the world and encouraging fans to share local favorites. For more details, visit RichmondJazzAndMusicFestival.com.