The annual celebration starts tonight with a taster, or aperitif, of jazz and blues.

Tasmanian Singers Do Duke at 9pm is a sample of the fine music to be enjoyed on Saturday in The Music of Duke Ellington.

In tonight's performance, North-West singers Yoly Torres, Denise Sam, Wendy Moles and Steve Hill, accompanied by Viktor Zappner on piano and Nick Haywood on double bass, pay tribute to the man who performed Mood Indigo.

Festival coordinator Elsa Kat said Ellington was regarded as one of the greatest American composers.

"From his early instrumental and orchestral pieces, through to his song writing and some extended compositions, the quality of his music is astounding."

Jan Preston will be starting out with a free taste of blues at 7pm at the Edgewater Hotel.

For those lucky enough to have bought a ticket, the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre is also host to Gospel Song from 7pm.

In this sold-out show, local churches and choirs will perform gospel songs of celebration.

For more information see www.devonportjazz.com