Free jazz concert series in Hollywood to include Poncho Sanchez

Not to be confused with an announcement that various ensembles will be covering Ornette Coleman’s landmark “Free Jazz” recording (though that would be pretty spectacular), free jazz concerts will return to the elephant-adorned complex at Hollywood & Highland this summer for its ninth annual “Wine, Jazz and Moonlight” concert series.

Opening with a performance by Jose Rizo’s Mongorama -- a tribute to Mongo Santamaria that performed last weekend as part of the ramp-up to Playboy Jazz Festival -- the lineup also features a July 3 turn by the ever-rambunctious Pete Escovedo’s Latin Jazz Orchestra, which performed as part of the Playboy festival in 2010.

Other noteworthy acts include vocal great Barbara Morrison on July 17, saxophonist Bob Sheppard on July 24 and percussion titan Poncho Sanchez on July 31.

The shows will kick off at 7 p.m. every Tuesday starting on June 12 at Hollywood & Highland’s courtyard and will run through Aug. 28. Though the music (and, presumably, the moonlight) is free, the “wine” component of the series’ name costs $10 and will be paired with snacks selected by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Proceeds from the food and drink sales benefit Project Angel Food, which provides services to children and adults afflicted with AIDS and other serious illnesses.

Last summer’s series was said to have drawn some 13,000 attendees, and as an alternative for those who work nearby to fighting traffic getting out of Hollywood, it’s easy to see why.

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