The Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival has become one of the city's biggest annual events during its 29-year run.

The outdoor festival, which has drawn 40,000 in recent years, has evolved into a solid mix of national and Arizona acts that music lovers can see for free.

That is attractive to jazz and blues fans both inside and outside Arizona, said Martin Dickey, special-events manager for Glendale.

"People travel from quite a ways to stay here and go to the festival," Dickey said. "With free admission, they can afford to attend."

We asked Dickey to talk about the four national acts that will headline the festival, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

Carmen Lundy -- "She is a real find for us, with current (albums) and an incredible reputation as a jazz vocalist," Dickey said. "Two of her singles ("The Night Is Young" and "Night and Day") are currently being played on KJZZ (91.5 FM)."

Lundy has homes in Los Angeles and New York. Her new CD is called "Changes." (8:30 p.m. Saturday, jazz stage)

Bernard Allison -- "Bernard is incredible technically (on guitar), and also from a personality point of view," Dickey said. "He's a real strong blues guitarist. We have tried to get him before, but this is the first time our schedules lined up."

The son of blues guitarist Luther Allison, Bernard cut his teeth backing up vocalist Koko Taylor in the 1980s. (8:30 p.m. Saturday, blues stage)

The Kenny Garrett Quartet -- "He's a professor back east and a very accomplished musician," Dickey said. "His new album is called 'Seeds of the Underground.' The reviews have been exceptional."

The alto saxophonist gained recognition early in his 30-year career by playing with Miles Davis and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. (4:30 p.m. Sunday, jazz stage)

Marcia Ball - "She has headlined a lot of festivals around the country and in Phoenix," Dickey said. "She is a Texas boogie-woogie piano player (and singer) who really gets the crowd going. She has so much class and personality."

Ball received a Grammy nomination for best blues album this year for her latest release, "Roadside Attractions." (4:30 p.m. Sunday, blues stage)