Clarence Acox photo by Bruce C. Moore
Save the Date! 37th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival
Bookmark your calendars from October 10 – November 2, 2025 for the annual Earshot Jazz Festival! We’re back with nearly fifty performances, including local artist premieres, workshops, and special projects in venues like Town Hall, LANGSTON, Hidden Hall and many others. We’ll be sharing a lot of exciting news as the festival continues to take shape, so we invite you to stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. If you’re already a Member or Gold Pass holder, you’ll receive early bird access. More information at earshot.org/festival.
HONK! Fest West – May 30 to June 1
HONK! Fest West is a free, three-day, immersive, community-supported music festival driven by the energetic performances of street bands from around the world. Musical styles representing a range of traditions include New Orleans second line brass bands, punk rock marching bands, European Klezmer, Balkan and Romani music, Samba, Maracatu, Mardi Gras and Carnaval. HONK! is part of a global renaissance of street band culture, with Seattle’s festival occurring since 2008. The spirit of this festival seeks to break down systemic barriers to inclusion for those underrepresented within their community. Temporarily transforming streets and producing the festival in underserved Seattle area neighborhoods increases community access. This year, join the festival around town: Friday, May 30 (Georgetown); Saturday, May 31 (Columbia City); Sunday, June 1 (Pratt Park). Learn more at honkfestwest.org.
2025 Seattle Jazz Hero Award
The Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) recently announced its slate of 2025 Jazz Heroes: advocates who have had significant impact in their local communities. The Jazz Hero Awards, made annually on the basis of nominations from community members, are presented by their local fans and friends in conjunction with the JJA’s annual Jazz Awards honoring significant achievements in jazz music and journalism. Seattle’s JJA Hero Award was presented to Robert Radford by Seattle jazz critic Paul de Barros. Through various public fundraisers and campaigns, Robert Radford raised $106,000 in 2024 for jazz in Seattle — with proceeds going to the Garfield High School Jazz Foundation, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Seattle JazzED, and an ongoing project to erect a statue of renowned Garfield High School band director Clarence Acox, who led the high school jazz band for over 30 years.
SAMA: Music + Art Announces New Executive Director
SAMA: Music + Art, a non-profit founded in 2019 dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue through music and art, has promoted artistic director and co-founder Darek Mazzone to the role of executive director. Darek Mazzone is a filmmaker, producer, and longtime radio host at KEXP and has worked extensively across technology, advertising, and startup ecosystems. With over three decades of experience and connections bridging music, innovation, and global communities across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, Mazzone now steps into the shoes of John Goodfellow, SAMA’s first executive director and co-founder, who will transition into the role of president of the board of directors. SAMA also received its first major grant from 4Culture’s Sustained Support program. The $150,000 award, distributed over three years, will support the further expansion of in-person and digital performances across Seattle and King County. For more information about SAMA’s upcoming programs visit samamusicarts.org.
Fellowship Futures – Open Auditions for 21 & Under
Are you a jazz musician under the age of 21? Audition for the Fellowship Futures, a paid, working band of jazz musicians under 21 years old that meets on a regular basis to rehearse, workshop new music, perform, engage in mentorship with global jazz pioneers, and develop community. Auditions will be held on Saturdays, May 24 & 31, from 12-3pm at Seattle Jazz Fellowship (109 S Main Street). Drums, piano & PA will be provided. The program runs from June 2025 – May 2026 and is free of charge to musicians who are accepted. For more information visit seattlejazzfellowship.org.
Jack Straw Office Space Available
There are currently a number of office spaces for individuals or organizations available at the Jack Straw Cultural Center, located in the University District, just steps from the U District light rail station. Office neighbors include Sound Theatre Company, The UpNUp, KBFG FM, and Floating Bridge Press. To learn more or schedule a visit contact Jack Straw at 206-634-0919.
LANGSTON Offers Space in the Place
Space in the Place is LANGSTON’s new rehearsal platform that offers free, 2-hour blocks of space to prepare for your next show, event, or class. Rooms are available for request every Thursday from 4-8pm. This opportunity is for Black self-identified artists and cultural workers to reserve space at LANGSTON to strengthen their craft or gather with community. To learn more visit langstonseattle.org/programs/space-in-the-place.
