Delaware and central Ohio will soon be surrounded by the sounds of violins, violas and cellos. More than 100 professional and amateur string players will make their way to the 13th annual Creative Strings Workshop and Festival, which runs from Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4.

Founded by jazz violinist and Columbus native Christian Howes, the festival consists of jam sessions, ensemble coaching, professional development and educational workshops, and more 30 live public performances at more than a dozen venues in central Ohio.

“What truly sets the Creative Strings Workshop apart is the opportunity for string players of all ages to perform improvisational music in the community alongside seasoned veterans,” says Howes. Over a dozen renowned artists will team up to provide master classes and small group instruction.

Operating simultaneously with the workshop, the festival provides more than 30 performances in Delaware, Clintonville and Columbus — mostly free to the public.

Additional performances will be presented at Ohio Wesleyan University, the Delaware “First Friday” street festival, the William Street Methodist Church, local assisted living facilities and libraries.

Prospective participants can register online at christianhowes.com/education, or call 614-332-8689 for more information. The event is supported by Music Loves Ohio, the Loft Violin Shop, Yamaha, D’Addario, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the city of Columbus.

The festival is made possible through collaboration with businesses around central Ohio that include Mozart’s Cafe, J Gumbos, Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza, The Loft Violin Shop, Global Gallery, Rambling House Soda Pop, and Crimson Cup.

For more information, visit www.christianhowes.com/education or www.creativestrings.org.