Nine lives

Nine is the operative word for the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival - nine days, ninth year, nine stages indoors and out in Boston and Cambridge. Ahmad Jamal gets things started tomorrow for artistic director, Terri Lyne Carrington (yup, the drummer and Berklee prof). The 20 bands and 130 famous and hope-to-be-famous musicians include Branford Marsalis (Sept. 23), Kickin’ the Blues with David Sanborn, Kevin Mahogany, and others (Sept. 25), and the free outdoor festival on Columbus Avenue (Sept. 26). Jamal performs Sept. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. $28. (Festival runs through Sept. 26.) Regattabar, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. 617-931-2000. www.ticketmaster.com. Check www.beantownjazz.org for the complete schedule.