Music for Many Palates

The American debut of a highly regarded European jazz composer and band conductor, and a set by Orange County’s hardest-traveling blues export will highlight the musical schedule at “A Taste of Orange County.”

Rob Pronk, Munich-based leader of the Dutch Metropole Orchestra, makes his performing debut in the United States at the KLON Jazz Festival, which takes place on the Taste Stage 1 from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. (Preferred seating for this concert is available at $25 and $50.)

Pronk will conduct a 51-piece orchestra made up of area session players, including both a jazz band and a string section. Appearing with the orchestra are some high-profile soloists, among them the popular singer-pianist Diane Schuur and Art Farmer, the veteran trumpet and fluegelhorn player. Farmer, now based in Vienna, has performed Pronk’s compositions in the past.

As for pop music, “Taste” has a rootsy slant heavy on blues, soul, R&B;, reggae/World Beat and country music.

The James Harman Band, which will play on Stage 2 Sunday at 2 p.m., has been touring nationally for years and putting out a series of excellent albums: “Those Dangerous Gentlemens,” “Extra Napkins,” and “Strictly Live . . . in ’85.” Along the way, Harman, an Alabama-born Huntington Beach-based singer and harmonica player, has garnered several W.C. Handy Award nominations for blues excellence. Harman and band have another album due out this year on Black Top Records.

Another entry in the roots field is the Zydeco Party Band, which plays jumping Louisiana music--Bonnie Raitt’s old bass-playing partner, Freebo, is a member. The band will play on Stage 1 Friday at 7:30 p.m., and on Stage 2 Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Also in the R&B; field is Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. There is no Jack Mack in the nine-man band, but it does offer a punchy, horn-driven take on Huey Lewis-style good-time rock and R&B.; Jack Mack will appear on Stage 1 Sunday at 5 p.m.

Derek & the Diamonds has a reputation for tearing up the local club scene with hot soul covers played as intensely as if they were the band’s own creations. The group plays will play on all three days of the festival: on Stage 1 Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and on Stage 2 Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

R&B; fans also can check out The Regular Guys, who will appear on Stage 2 Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The colorfully costumed Bonedaddys offer an eminently danceable potpourri of World Beat and rock styles. They will play on Stage 2 Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Local reggae favorites Planet 10 will appear Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. on Stage 1.

Country music fans can look forward to performances by local singer Sandii Castleberry on Sunday at noon on Stage 2, and by the band Crossfire Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on that stage.

The Vic L’Orange Band will play rock oldies Saturday at 7 p.m. on Stage 2 and Sunday at 8 p.m. on Stage 1. The Bond will play original contemporary rock Friday at 11 p.m. on Stage 2.