John Gilbreath photo by Bill Uznay
Welcome to Earshot Jazz Festival 2024! We launch on October 17 and streak across the next 18 days with more than 35 supersonic concerts and events around the city. Now in its 36th year as Seattle’s Jazz Festival, Earshot has a well-earned legacy as one of America’s most forward-thinking and inclusive festivals, showcasing many of the key artists in the expanding universe of jazz, while organically reflecting the passion and pride of our own home community.
Seattle’s rich history and innovative trajectory are a great match for an adventurous jazz festival like Earshot. Our intention is to weave the ever-changing expressions of today’s jazz into the cultural dynamics of this evolving city. And, as always, much of what is absolutely right about jazz today is brilliantly embodied by Seattle’s artists.
Space is indeed the Place this year. We’ll celebrate the original Afrofuturist, Sun Ra, in film and music (including the Garfield High School Jazz Band playing Ra’s big band music), tap into the cosmic consciousness of the great Wayne Shorter, enjoy the untethered creativity of our featured resident artist, Skerik, and float on the expanse of Shabaka’s wood flute journeys. We’re also proud to include the South Hudson Music Project’s epic, seven-part expedition, What’s Going On: Conduction, Improvisation, and the Culture of Structure, which further honors the music’s imperative to explore beyond its own systems.
Jazz continues to be a music in motion. As Seattle’s non-profit jazz support organization, we’re proud to serve as an advocate for both the artists and the culturally curious music lovers who fuel this city’s incredible creative scene. This year’s festival builds on a long and legendary history of one-of-a-kind concert experiences with many of the greatest artists of our time.
Honoring the Past while creating the Future is also the theme in this exciting time for the Earshot Jazz organization. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about our executive transition plans as I prepare for retirement and make way for Earshot’s new leadership. We’re forever grateful to the thousands of artists and supporters who have helped us build this legacy, and we’re so glad you’ve joined us today. We’re counting on your continued support as we boldly go into our future. Thank you all.
Get your tickets and get on board! We’ll take you out there!
—John Gilbreath, Executive Director
