Tarik Abouzied photo by Daniel Sheehan
Summer at SAM: Art of Jazz
Olympic Sculpture Park,
2901 Western Ave
This summer the Art of Jazz Series at the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park kicks off July 20 with Latin sextet Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao, featuring Carlos Cascante (vocals), Julio Jauregui (piano), Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Dean Schmidt (bass), and Jeff Busch (percussion). The series continues August 10 with Tarik Abouzied’s Happy Orchestra, the 2016 Northwest Alternative Jazz Group of the Year, getting ready for the official release of their new record this fall. The Art of Jazz series is sponsored by KNKX 88.5 & Earshot Jazz and is part of the Summer at SAM events schedule. Concerts begin at 6pm. Admission is free.
Cornish @ Amazon
Van Vorst Plaza, 410 Terry Ave N
Now in its third year, the Cornish@Amazon concert series in South Lake Union features a diverse selection of music played by Cornish students, faculty, and alumni. From Latin to contemporary jazz, there’s something new every Thursday from June 18 to October 1. Upcoming shows feature the Mark Ivester Quartet on July 9; the Matt Sircely Band on July 23; and En Canto Quintet on July 30. Full schedule available at cornish.edu/calendar/visitingartists.
Out to Lunch Series
Downtown
Now in its 39th year, Downtown Seattle Association’s Out to Lunch concert series now features music every day of the week. This free, outdoor series brings live music to 12 downtown locations from July 5 to September 1. All concerts take place at noon, except on Mondays, with late afternoon entertainment at 4:30pm. The series presents local favorites including Pearl Django (July 6, City Hall Plaza), D’Vonne Lewis’ Limited Edition (July 24, Van Vorst Plaza), and SWOJO with Gail Pettis (August 10, City Hall Plaza). Full schedule of acts is available at downtownseattle.com/Summer/otl.
Dancing til Dusk
Westlake, Freeway, Occidental & Bell Street Parks
Enjoy dancing outdoors in Seattle parks this summer as part of the Dancing til Dusk series, presenting 13 evenings of free music, dance lessons, and dancing. The series kicks off July 11 at Occidental Park, with Billy Joe Show, and features the Portage Bay Big Band (July 20, Freeway Park), gypsy swingers Ranger & the Re-Arrangers (August 1, Westlake Park), and many more acts. Dancing begins at 6pm. Full schedule information is available at danceforjoy.biz.
Interbay Golf Center BBQ Jazz
2501 15th Ave W
Every Monday from mid-July to mid-August brings BBQ and jazz to Interbay Golf Center. Starting July 17 with the captivating vocal stylings of Leah Natale & Ambience, this summer’s BBQ jazz calendar also boasts the bluesy Stickshift Annie with Kimball & the Fugitives, Scott Lindenmuth, and Gail Pettis. Concert seating starts at 5pm, music at 5:30pm. More at premiergc.com/-bbq-jazz.
Jazz on the Lawn at Cedarbrook Lodge
18525 36th Ave S
For a sixth consecutive year, the Cedarbrook Lodge presents Jazz on the Lawn on July 28, a single-night summer concert event suited for jazz and culinary aficionados alike. The evening opens with Kaffeine, followed by the exceptional Forman-Finley Band and headlined by the renowned Pearl Django. Copperleaf Restaurant will feature small plates and appetizers and local/regional sips from the vine, along with craft cocktails and beer. More info & tickets available at cedarbrooklodge.com.
Summer Concerts at Ballard Locks
3015 NW 54th St
This long-running series on the grounds of the beautiful botanical gardens and bustling Ballard Locks features an eclectic mix of performances ranging from big band and blues to Brazilian samba and Latin-funk fusion, and, this year, celebrates the Centennial of the Locks with a jam-packed summer. Happening nearly every day in July and Saturdays and Sundays in August, all shows are free to the public. The 2017 series includes: KNKX “Discover Your Northwest Jazz” Festival, July 3, 1pm; The MoodSwings, July 15, 2pm; MachOne Jazz Orchestra, August 13, 2pm; and many more acts. Full lineup at ballardlocks.org.
