Mary Halvorson, Lesley Mok, Myra Melford, Ingrid Laubrock, and Tomeka Reid photo courtesy of the artists

Earshot Jazz Festival Tickets On Sale in July

Do you hear the festival bells ringing? Tickets for the 36th annual Earshot Jazz Festival go on sale later this month! We are excited to announce Skerik as this year’s festival resident artist and Freddy Fuego as the recipient of this year’s festival commission. Stay tuned in coming issues to learn more about what they’re cooking up for the festival. Among other local highlights are Gabriel Teodros and Day Soul Exquisite; we’re also jazzed to welcome to Seattle Vijay IyerShabakaMyra Melford, a tribute show on the Legacy of Wayne Shorter with Danilo PérezJohn PatitucciBrian Blade & Mark Turner, and more. Tickets and information at earshot.org.

Jazz on J Street Series Returns

The Jazz on J Street series in Tacoma is back! After the untimely passing of B-Sharp Music Society organizer Dennis Ellis in 2023, assistant organizer Robert Deehan is bringing the series back. The concerts will again be on the third Saturday of each month at 7pm at the same location, Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. Immanuel Presbyterian Church is fully inclusive and only preaches love. The summer series rounds out with Ann Reynolds and Clave Gringa on July 20 and the Marina Albero Trio on August 17. Free; cash donations are welcomed to help pay the professional musicians.inclusive and only preaches love. 

Ballard Locks Concert Series

The Ballard Locks concert series is well underway this summer. Now through Labor Day, free jazz concerts to the public will be in the Locks’ botanical gardens every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. It’s a great way to get your jazz fix, spending time with friends and family in Seattle’s beautiful summers. Upcoming July performances include Centerpiece Jazz Band on July 7; West Seattle Big Band on July 14; Emerald City Sax Quartet on July 21. Even more local gems will brighten the gardens in August and September. Full schedule online at ballardlocks.org/news-updates.html. Donations will go towards volunteer performances, garden upkeep, and educational programs at the Locks.