Quincy Jones photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection at UCLA
In Memoriam: Quincy Jones (1933-2024)
On November 3, Quincy Jones, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 91 years old. Revered as the leading figure in the pantheon of Seattle’s jazz history, Jones became a student of jazz in his youth, even before attending Seattle’s Garfield High School, and went on to become one of the pivotal forces in American popular culture. A musician, bandleader, composer, producer, and activist, Jones was known for his collaborations with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Michael Jackson, among many others. Seattle appropriately celebrated the life of Jones all last month including special tributes by Garfield High School and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, as well as dedicated, extensive and heartfelt pieces through The Seattle Times and KNKX. Jones’ gifts to the world will continue to enrich the lives and careers of generations to come.
25th Anniversary of Roosevelt Jazz “Nutcracker Suite”
Roosevelt High School’s nationally recognized jazz program is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its performance of the “Nutcracker Suite,” Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s innovative interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic, December 6-8. In addition, a new holiday marketplace featuring crafts, treats, and an instrument petting zoo. This unique holiday story combines jazz education, community tradition, and support for unsheltered Seattle youth via Teen Feed. Tickets at rooseveltjazz.org/events/jazz-nutcracker.
Northwest Folklife Accepting 2025 Festival Artist Applications
Applications are open now through January 9 for the 2025 Northwest Folklife Festival this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Northwest Folklife is a non-profit heritage organization that celebrates the diverse tapestry of arts, cultures, and traditions emanating from a global Pacific Northwest. To learn more about the application process visit nwfolklife.org/apply-to-the-festival.
Panama Hotel Jazz Returns One Night Only
Revived for the first time since 2017, the award-winning jazz program Panama Hotel Jazz will be presented at the Seattle Jazz Fellowship on December 7, 2pm. Commissioned by 4Culture in 2012, Seattle composer and saxophonist Steve Griggs created a site-specific program for the Panama Hotel, a historically significant landmark in the center of Seattle’s Nihonmachi, or Japantown. The program of stories and music chronicles the experience of Seattle Japanese Americans during World War II. This performance coincides with the 83rd anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. $20 Suggested donation at the door. All ages welcome. Seating is first come, first served.
2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival,
February 20 – March 1, 2025, celebrating its 22nd year with an exciting lineup of jazz icons, rising stars, and groundbreaking performances. Headlining this year’s festival is Grammy-winning Erykah Badu. Among the diverse international and local Portland lineup, Seattle artists Parlor Greens and Jovino Santos Neto also light up this year’s festival. More details at pdxjazz.org.
