Seattle Jazz Fellowship, featuring Skerik, D’Vonne Lewis, Geoff Harper, Tim Kennedy, and Thomas Marriott. Photo by Jim Levitt.
Recurring Jazz Series
BY MARIANNE GONTERMAN
The Puget Sound region enjoys a rich and diverse palate of opportunities to enjoy live jazz. From concerts in private homes, nestled in serene settings to shows created by larger collaborative efforts. Between community businesses and arts organizations, there is plenty to choose from. We picked some standouts offered in the area, many of them free of charge. Would you like your favorite series added? Contact us at editor@earshot.org.
FELLOWSHIP WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, 7:30pm
1508 11th Ave
Launched in 2021 this series is thriving under the advocacy of Thomas Marriott’s Seattle Jazz Fellowship, an inclusive space that exists at the intersection of community, fellowship, and learning as it pertains to jazz music, a creation of Black American culture and struggle. A showcase of local jazz excellence, it is held weekly at the Vermillion Art Bar & Gallery presenting bands that represent a different slice of our jazz community, enabling performers and their audiences to build a sense of community through their music. Upcoming concerts include New York-based bassist Ben Wolfe; trombonist Conner Eisenmenger; vibraphonist Ben Thomas; Instrumental Ladies of Jazz with Tobi Stone, Heather Chriscaden, and Ann Reynolds; keyboardist Joe Doria; trumpeter Eric Jacobson; vibraphonist Susan Pascal; and 2022 Earshot Hall of Famer guitarist/drummer Milo Petersen. All ages, $20 suggested donation and free for members. For up-to-date information visit seattlejazzfellowship.org.
SEATTLE JAZZ VESPERS
First Sundays, 6pm
1111 Harvard Ave
The Seattle Jazz Vespers, now in its 21st season, is a secular music series held at the Seattle First Baptist Church, a historic sanctuary. It affords jazz lovers an opportunity to hear Seattle’s foremost groups in a concert setting. Performances are comprised of two sets of music and a short non-sectarian inspirational message during the intermission. Pianist Francesco Crosara delivers music of joy, comfort and escape, joined on stage by Jay Thomas on trumpet, sax, and flute; Phil Sparks on bass; and Milo Petersen on drums on April 2.. On May 7, vocalist Dina Blade leads her quartet with pianist Hans Brehmer, bassist Osama Afifi, and drummer Robert Rushing. Three-time Latin Grammy nominee and master pianist Jovino Santos Neto and his Quinteto wrap up the concert season on June 4. All shows are free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are needed. Free parking is provided for concert attendees. Find more details at seattlefirstbaptist.org.
PIANO STARTS HERE
Various Dates
5000 Rainier Ave S
The Piano Starts Here (PSH) series, curated by Alex Guilbert in collaboration with Wayne Horvitz, pays tribute to some of the most prolific and gifted composers and pianists in jazz. Each show brings together Seattle’s finest pianists to perform on The Royal Room’s Steinway B grand piano. Past PSH concerts have recognized the work of Sonny Clark, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, Bill Evans, Fats Waller, Keith Jarrett, Paul Bley, Herbie Hancock, and Herbie Nichols. Visit theroyalroomseattle.com for more information.
FIRST SUNDAYS CONCERTS
First Sundays, 4pm
370 Brien Dr SE, Bainbridge Island, WA
In 2005, founder Darden Burns lit the flame of the First Sundays Concerts with her spirited dedication to music across the jazz and classical spectrum. This series honors her memory with eight annual concerts, highlighting outstanding artists from the Pacific Northwest. All shows take place at the Waterfront Park Community Center in an intimate setting embellished with excellent acoustics, lighting, and a beautiful grand piano. On April 2, jazz-folk vocalist Jean Lenke takes her quartet on a journey through 21st-century Jazz HerStory, celebrating favorite women composers and lyricists. On May 7, baroque violin virtuoso Tekla Cunningham is accompanied by harpsichord and cello in a rare performance of Heinrich Biber’s “The Joyful Mysteries”. September 10 promises a remarkable solo piano concert with Earshot Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Anschell performing his unique jazz renditions of Beatles classics. A complete list of concerts, tickets, and other information is at firstsundayscon-certs.org.
JAZZ LIVE AT MARINE VIEW
First Sundays, 5pm
8469 Eastside Dr NE, Tacoma, WA
After a three-year pandemic-related hiatus, Jazz LIVE at Marine View Presbyterian Church has rekindled their popular series of free family-friendly community concerts, presenting the finest jazz musicians in the Northwest in a casual and welcoming environment. Under the stewardship of longtime church member Jim Foster, these concerts have blossomed into an indispensable facet of the Seattle-Tacoma jazz scene. April 2 promises concertgoers an electrifying show with pianist Marina Albero and her quintet. On May 7, the internationally renowned jazz manouche group Pearl Django captivates listeners with their swinging sounds, rooted firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. The series concludes on June 4 with the LA-based pianist/keyboardist Lao Tizer Quartet with vocalist Elliott Yamin. For more specifics check out marineviewpc.org/jazz-live.
JAZZ CENTER OF BELLINGHAM
Second and Fourth Wednesdays (Second and Third Wednesdays in June)
1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA
Founded in 2016, The Jazz Center of Bellingham hosts brilliant regional, national, and international artists in performances at the FireHouse Arts & Events Center, enriching and inspiring the community through jazz by providing affordable programs, educating, and mentoring aspiring musicians. Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame vocalist Greta Matassa and her quintet light up the evening on April 12, followed on April 26 by compelling trombonist and 2012 Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award winner Naomi Moon Siegel with her ensemble. May shows feature The Cyrus Nabipoor Quartet and Arête Quartet with guest guitarist Ari Joshua evoking a ‘60/70s Miles Davis vibe, steeped in groove-oriented acid jazz. The series concludes in June with Seattle’s drummer/percussionist extraordinaire Jeff Busch and his quartet, and drummer Jerry Steinhilber’s Jazz Explosion on stage later in the month. Tickets to all events are $20 general and $10 students. Learn more and buy tickets at jazzcenterofbellingham.org.
THE JAZZ PROJECT
Various Dates
Various Locations, Bellingham, WA
Award-winning jazz drummer and com-munity leader Jud Sherwood founded Bellingham’s Jazz Project in 1997, informed by his vision to promote jazz from a player’s perspec-tive and forming a community of local performers, educa-tors, and students with opportunities to listen and play jazz. Supported by local businesses and the City of Bellingham, the Spring 2023 Art of Jazz Series continues at the FireHouse Arts & Events Center on April 30 with The Jennifer Scott Quartet and on May 21 with The Mark Lewis Quartet. The series is held on the last Sunday of each month (January-May and September-November). The Summer Jazz Series at Samson Estates Winery in Everson launches with The Jerry Steinhilber Trio on June 24. More concerts in this series will be announced soon.
On August 19, The Jazz Project will present the 12th annual Bellhaven Jazz Festival at Samson Estates Winery. Festival details are forthcoming. The Jazz Project also sponsors The Bellingham Youth Jazz Band (BYJB), now in its 23rd year, performing free community concerts throughout Whatcom County in local parks, theaters, schools, and more. Tickets to all shows are $20 general and $10 students, free to Jazz Project members. Further details at jazzproject.org.
JAZZVOX HOUSE CONCERT SERIES
Various Dates
Various Venues in Auburn, Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Camano Island, Woodinville, WA
Curated by jazz enthusiast Nich Anderson, JazzVox brings diligently chosen vocalists from across the globe to small audiences in private home settings across the Puget Sound region. JazzVox creates a unique experience, often pairing acclaimed vocalists with Seattle’s best pianists. Now in its 16th season, JazzVox has emerged from pandemic-induced restrictions and is ready with a full lineup of in-person concerts. Upcoming shows include Australian vocal jazz royalty Michelle Nicolle, returning with LA-based first-call guitarist Larry Koonse. Also, on the April program are Australian Chris McNulty, accompanied by Portland-based Randy Porter, with Aussie compatriot Adrian Galante on clarinet. Concert tickets usually go on sale 1-3 months in advance. A complete list of artists and locations is available at jazzvox.com.
