Jazz should be sharp, but not always gritty. Heat, humidity and humanity en masse might drive us to the 92nd Street Y up where artistic director-pianist Bill Charlap has organized a civilized yet potentially keen six-concert “Jazz in July” series Tuesdays through Thursdays in July.

It’s a mini-fest of pianists with combos of proud traditionalists. Base line: mellow. No scratching or postmodernism allowed. Maybe your parents’ jazz. And so? High order musicianship, air-conditioned auditorium, evergreen tunes, price half a C-note: It’s a perfect night out with (on) the folks. 

The kickoff Duke Ellington “Love You Madly” program on July 18 stars veteran singer Carol Sloane and tenor saxophonist Frank West, recent Jazz Awards-winner Joe Locke on vibes, gentle-bear young trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, plus the seasoned rhythm section of Ray Drummond, bass; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Kenny Washington, drums. “Dick Hyman: A Jazz Life,” July 19, celebrates the multi-talented former “Jazz in July” music director. He’ll preside at the piano with piano pal Derek Smith, clarinetist Ken Peplowski and smooth guitar elder Bucky Pizzarelli, among others. Wynton Marsalis comes to 92nd Street to stretch himself a little—delving the indestructibly marvelous compositions of Thelonious Monk July 20—not with his Jazz at Lincoln Center crew but rather with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, vibist Steve Nelson, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash. 

The noted Brazilian New Yorkers, Trio da Paz, assay Antonio Carlos Jobim’s bossa novas on July 25, singer Maucha Adnet and percussionist Cyro Baptista as guests. July 26 is a “12 hands, two pianos” blowout with Charlap, Walton, Barry Harris, Geof Keezer, Richard Wyands and Renee Rosnes. Charlap’s mom, Sandy Stewart, sings Harold Arlen’s tunes, saxophonist Houston Person and cornetist Warren Vache elaborating on them, July 27. 

In August, the grit sets in.

July 18-27. 92nd St. Y, Lexington Ave. at 92nd St., 212-415-5500; 8, $50.