Branford Jazz on the Green summer series continues Thursdays, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20, 6 to 8 p.m. on the Branford Green (weather permitting). All shows are free. For more information, email info@branfordjazz.com or visit www.branfordjazz.com or www.blueplateradio.com.

Big crowds are soaking up the notes Thursday nights as the first Branford Jazz on the Green summer series rides a wave of success that's helping downtown sizzle. With two free shows remaining (Aug. 13 and Aug. 20), organizer Ed Tankus said Branford's live jazz experiment's proving to be a winner.

"It's been doing great. We're averaging somewhere between 700 to 1,000 people on a Thursday night…the musicians are very happy. There are a lot of merchants around the Green staying open who are pleased as well," said Tankus.

The founder of New Haven area online jazz station Blue Plate Radio, Tankus said online listener response proved plenty of locals are willing to support events showcasing live jazz. He saw the energy generated by Branford Festival concerts and felt the town Green would also be a perfect venue for a jazz series.

Earlier this year, Tankus brought his idea Branford representatives. The Town of Branford, the Branford Festival, Branford Parks and Recreation, and Blue Plate Radio joined forces to create Branford Jazz on the Green, a series of weekly concerts which kicked off July 9. All shows are free and start at 6 p.m.

Appreciative audiences have already experienced live performances of smooth jazz, "nu jazz," fusion, and jazz standards. On Thursday, Aug. 13, one the state's most exciting Latin Jazz combos, Mikata, brings drums and horns to drive home its brand of hard-hitting salsa, merengue, bachata, bolera, and cha-cha. Putting a contemporary twist on classics which fueled jazz clubs when mambo was king, Mikata delivers a "virtuoso performance," said Tankus.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, the series' grand finale brings jazz industry heavyweights Rohn Lawrence and Jay Rowe to Branford, to front talented musicians for a night of "acid jazz," said Tankus.

"Rohn Lawrence and Jay Rowe are amazing musicians who've toured or recorded with a lot of pros," Tankus said. "This is going to be our biggest show and it's going to draw a crowd. People should come early to get a good seat."

Lawrence is known locally for regular appearances at Toad's Place (New Haven) showcasing his exciting guitar and vocals. He's toured or recorded with dozens of jazz artists including Najee, Alex Bugnon, Will Downing, Freddy Jackson, Brian McKnight, and Boney James (to name a few) and recently became a principal member of Pieces of a Dream.

Rowe's headlined many of his own shows and played sideman with Marion Meadows, Ken Navarro, Eric Draious, and many more. Specializing in piano and keyboards, Rowe currently plays with Chieli Minuicci and Special EFX.

Tankus said response to Branford's jazz series has been so overwhelming; plans are underway to return next year, possibly with more shows. Ideas will be discussed with town representatives at a wrap-up meeting in September.

"It's been a win-win for everybody. It's brought a major influx of people out to hear jazz and more customers to merchants and restaurants on Thursday nights. Right now, our initial reaction is to expand the series and make it even longer, starting in mid-to-late June," said Tankus.