Jazmyn Scott photo bt Michael B. Maine
2022 Make Music Day Seattle
Make Music Day Seattle, the annual global celebration of music held on the summer solstice, returns to Seattle on June 21. Completely different from a traditional music festival, Make Music Day Seattle celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or skill level. This event is an open invitation for everyone to make, enjoy, perform, teach, learn, and experience music on the longest day of the year. This free, hybrid event boasts an exciting and diverse lineup of virtual and in-person events, including performances, music lessons, jam sessions, and more. Make Music Day Seattle is presented in the U.S. by Rainier Avenue Radio and is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in over 1,000 cities across 120 countries. The daylong musical free-for-all celebrates music in all of its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. Following local requirements, safety protocols will be in place including mask-wearing, social distancing, and limited capacities and group sizes. To view the full lineup or register to participate, please visit makemusicday.org/seattle/.
Earshot Jazz Board Updates
After 10 cumulative years serving on the Earshot Jazz Board, Diane Wah is stepping off. Diane has been an enormous asset and contributor to the organization, previously serving as the board’s vice president on a couple occasions throughout her service. Please join us in wishing Diane the best on her next endeavors! On a related note, we are delighted to welcome two new board members, Kelly Clingan and Alex Dugdale. Both are exceptional musicians, educators, and community organizers and we are thankful for their support in furthering Earshot’s mission. Keep an eye out in upcoming issues to learn more about these two individuals in our Meet the Board series.
We Want to Hear From You!
On April 24, Earshot held a community engagement event at Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute. We are thankful to the community members who participated and shared their honest reflections on Earshot’s work, how we can improve, and the jazz scene as it stands today, both locally and beyond. In our commitment to being ever-growing and responsive to our community’s feedback, we have launched a Google form to anonymously submit your questions, thoughts, and ideas. Additionally, you can request a follow up from us if interested in continuing this dialogue. We are open to how we can learn and grow intentionally and authentically with you all. To submit feedback, please visit
bit.ly/FeedbackEJ or scan the QR code on page 8 using your smartphone.
ARTE NOIR Welcomes Jazmyn Scott
After six years serving as Cultural Curator and former Director of Programs & Partnerships at LANGSTON, Jazmyn Scott moves into a new role as executive director at ARTE NOIR, a new, independent arts and cultural space opening in Midtown Square this summer. On Jazmyn’s appointment, Board Member Eric Parsons had this to say: “Jazmyn Scott has been a powerhouse in the Seattle arts community for many years….A wearer of many hats—arts & culture advocate, leader, and curator—Jazmyn’s approach is consistent, fresh, and grounded. We look forward to her exceptional leadership here.” ARTE NOIR’s brick-and-mortar location will be in Seattle’s Central District, where they will seek to be a gathering place for exploring the dynamic creativity that springs from African and African American culture. Jazmyn will continue to serve on Earshot’s board, in addition to her new role at ARTE NOIR. Please join us in congratulating her on this most deserved next step!
Did Someone Say Festivals?
As we say farewell to spring, we welcome the return of the long-awaited fan-favorite summer festivals. After putting their festival on hold for two years, Westerlies Fest is back for two nights at the Royal Room on June 16 and 18. Night one kicks off with singer/songwriter Haley Heynderickx presenting a collaborative set of music with The Westerlies. Building on their 2020 performance on NPR’s Live From Here, Heynderickx and The Westerlies will preview an original body of music that was recently recorded and will be released on Mama Bird Recording Co. in fall 2022. Night two celebrates the 10th anniversary of The Westerlies, featuring special guests and songs from their earliest days together; the ensemble looks back on ten years of music, friendship, and community.
The Bellevue Downtown Association is proud to announce the return of their 15th annual Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series running from June 1-5. Experience 25+ live performances at 11 different venues across Downtown Bellevue. This year’s featured artists include Grammy Award-winner Bobby Rush and Australian composer, guitarist, and didgeridoo player Blake Noble who will perform at ticketed shows at Meydenbauer Center Theatre.
If you’re up for a bit of travel, we encourage you to check out The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The festival will be held in-person, June 24-July 3, in multiple locations across the beautiful city of Vancouver, B.C. Framed by mountains and the ocean, this idyllic location is the perfect place to get your musical fix. With 1,800 artists, 300 performances, 35 venues, and 150+ free shows—this annual event is not to be missed.
