Tickets $150-1,000 +ticketing fees
Doors: 5:30PM
Experience the Magic – A Special Evening in Support of Earshot Jazz
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, celebration, and community as we support Earshot Jazz’s future in Seattle.
Featuring a star-studded double bill:
“A strikingly authentic blend” of jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and the Mediterranean, Duende Libre features Alex Chadsey (keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (bass), joined by percussionist Pedro Vargas for a euphoric evening of music.
Opening the night is Gail Pettis, whose classic vocal warmth radiates soul and elegance.
The event will also include the inaugural presentation of the John Gilbreath Service Excellence Award, honoring outstanding service to the jazz community.
Enjoy lavish food fare from Simply Soulful and a complimentary drink, with additional refreshments available throughout the evening.
Proceeds directly support Earshot Jazz’s mission to celebrate jazz as a vital Black American art form—through live performance, artist advocacy, and community connection. Your support helps continue the programs that bring the spirit of jazz to life for our community and beyond.
Can’t attend but would love to support Earshot Jazz? Click here -> to make a donation— thank you!
Alex Chadsey, Farko Dosumov, and Jeff Busch photo by Rachel Bennett
Duende Libre celebrates the connections between jazz and music from Cuba, Brazil, and the Mediterranean. Their stewardship is a natural continuation of decades of dedicated apprenticeship with master musicians from around the world. Theirs empathic on-stage chemistry, formed through years of performing, touring, and recording together, sets the band apart along with their eclectic sonic palette. Duende Libre is a three-time Earshot Jazz Golden Ear recipient, including 2024 “Northwest Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year.” Pop Matters praises Duende Libre—”Globally inspired jazz with dimension.”
Pedro Vargas Oliva photo courtesy of the artist
Cuban-born percussionist and two-time Grammy nominee, Pedro Vargas Oliva boasts over 20 years of artistic experience. His exceptional talent has led him to perform on both national and international stages, accompanying renowned artists and participating in various musical projects. Among his most notable achievements is his collaboration with the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, establishing him as a prominent figure in the music world. Pedro’s passion for percussion and his ability to blend traditional rhythms with innovative contemporary sounds continue to inspire audiences around the globe.
Gail Pettis photo courtesy of the artist
Whether fronting her own ensemble on the jazz scene in Seattle, collaborating on another band’s recording project, or providing her talents for a major motion picture, Gail Pettis, is renowned for her stunning voice and heartfelt delivery. She has been twice awarded a Golden Ear for “Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” in 2007 and 2010. Pettis’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.
Farko Dosumov, Alex Chadsey and Jeff Busch photo by Rachel Bennett. Gail Pettis photo by Steve Korn
