What does it take to make a music scene? Musicians who want to play. A venue where they can perform. And finally, an audience who will provide support.

Vivian Lee has all three going on at her Sunday Evening Jazz Series at JB's Lounge. This Sunday night, the stylish vocalist celebrates the eighth anniversary of the mainstream jazz club she hosts by presenting her own quintet for the party.

Lee co-founded Sunday Evening Jazz with Glenn Hair, who's no longer involved. She said the longevity of the program speaks for itself.

"It proves there is a place for us," she said. "There are mainstream fans here in Sacramento. They just needed a place to go."

The programming has an expansive focus showcasing all the facets of jazz from big bands to trios, vocalists and Latin jazz as well.

"I look for experienced musicians," Lee said. "That doesn't necessarily mean older because I have lots of young college players in here. They're great arrangers, they're great composers, they're great players, and they come with ideas.

"I want a show where you come dressed to play and you're ready to play."

Some of her favorite shows include the Capital Jazz Project tribute to Duke Ellington with strings, Pamela Rose and the Wild Women and Pete Escovedo, who came in 2005.

Lee hasn't counted up the number of shows she's done over the years, but she does know one thing: "In eight years, we've never gone dark."

The Vivian Lee Quintet with Ron Foggia on piano, Paul Klempau on bass, Darius Babazadeh on sax and Jeff Minnieweather on drums celebrates eight years of presenting mainstream straight-ahead jazz. At JB's Lounge, 1401 Arden Way, inside the Red Lion Hotel, Sacramento. The show starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10, $5 for children 10 and under. Call (916) 723-5517 or go to www.reverbnation.com/vivianlee.

Drum talk

Locally based master percussionist Alex Jenkins is as at home sitting in with an alt-country band as he is laying down a tala for an Indian sitar virtuoso. For his own music, Jenkins' band, Sound Immersion, leans toward a spare, adventurous modern jazz sound he explored on his 2009 release "Generosity."

The new Sound Immersion project, "Perseverance," debuts Saturday at 9 p.m. at Luna's, 1414 16th St. Tickets are $6 for the all-ages show. With Jenkins are Tony Passarell on sax, Michael Dale on sax and clarinet, and Alex Reiff on the upright bass. "Perseverance" is available at www.alexdrums.net.

'Steel Magnolias'

Celebration Arts puts its own distinctive spin on Robert Harling's popular Southern comedy drama "Steel Magnolias." Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Celebration Arts Theatre, 4469 D St., Sacramento. The production runs through July 29. Tickets are $15 general and $13 for students and seniors. Online at mycommunityevents.com. Call (916) 455-2787 for information and reservations.

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Call The Bee's Marcus Crowder, (916) 321-1120.

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