Jazzmouth 2010 descended on Portsmouth last weekend, pulsing with creative energy. For four days, poets, spoken word artists, musicians and their fans came to town, weaving the enthusiasm and creativity into the cultural fabric of the community.

Ever present was festival founder, artistic director and guitar guru Larry Simon and the Larry Simon Ensemble, a.k.a. Groove Bacteria, whose remarkable musicianship was so critical to the festival.

Here’s a quick recap of some highlights from the sixth annual event:

Saturday April 17: Bruce Pingree reads the poetry of Langston Hughes to a group of captivated children at G. Williker’s, accompanied by The Larry Simon Ensemble.

Thursday, April 22: Backed by the Ensemble, Pingree and local poet Sal Sciretto offer readings of Baraka, Kerouac, Kaufmann and Joans as a prelude to a screening of the noted jazz documentary, “Jazz on a Summer’s Day,” at Portsmouth Public Library. During the film, images of Monk, Sonny Stitt, Anita O’Day, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, the ocean and the crowd dance across the screen in a delightful aural and visual kaleidoscope.

Friday, April 23: Following poetry readings for lunch (at Breaking New Grounds) and dinner (The Dolphin Striker), vocalist Chris Humphrey’s solid set of jazz standards opens an inspired evening of music and spoken word at The Press Room, followed by a brief interlude from spoken word artist Eric Mingus accompanied by the remarkable saxophone work of Catherine Sikora. The evening is capped by an absolutely stunning performance by poet and activist John Sinclair and the Ensemble, truly one of the extraordinary events in Jazzmouth history.

Saturday, April 24, morning: Simon and the Ensemble join a large group of talented, aspiring writers for the Jazzmouth Young Writers event hosted by RiverRun Bookstore. As ever, one of the festival’s finest events.

Saturday, April 24, afternoon—Larry Garland, Tom Barron and crew perform two sets of spirited jazz at The Press Room. At the library, Matt Gallant leads an inspired workshop on slam poetry, its beginnings and true meanings. Later, back at The Press Room, the PMAC student jazz ensemble, directed by Matt Langley, gives a thrilling show for a sparse but enthusiastic crowd. Still later, poet and Jazzmouth veteran Young Dawkins reads from his new book at RiverRun.

Saturday, April 24, evening—A large and enthusiastic crowd at The Music Hall enjoys performances by Eric Mingus, Catherine Sikora and Young Dawkins with the Ensemble. Then Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo galvanizes the audience with her dynamic singing and riveting poetry. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky takes the stage for a remarkable and beautifully interactive set of poetry and music. After intermission, the lights dim and poet Michael McClure and pianist Ray Manzarek mesmerize the house with their blend of incisive poetry and music. At times thoughtful and others humorous, the pair of old friends closes out a remarkable evening of creative artistry.

The event seemed to flow seamlessly. Among those working on the festival year-round to create that impression are Bruce Pingree, Jazzmouth cofounder and sage for all things creative in the city, and Jazzmouth executive director Barbara Zulkeiwicz, who is stepping down from her position this year.

Finally, much credit is owed to the generous spirit and considerable artistic gifts of the Larry Simon Ensemble, including local musicians Cynthia Chatis, Don Davis, Scip Gallant, Chris Stambaugh, Frank Laurino, Shawn Russell and Mike Barron. All the Jazzmouth performers stepped up again this year to immerse us in a three-day flow of jazz and poetry, the likes of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Alan Chase writes about Jazz for The Wire and volunteers on the steering committee for the Jazzmouth Festival.