Tickets $12-35
*In-person
Welcomed by KBCS. Presented in partnership with Town Hall Seattle.
Flat Earth Society (FES), the Belgian mega-big band of 15 players, founded and led by Peter Vermeersch, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It creates riveting, wildly entertaining music, smart and political. The madhouse maximalist juggernaut ensemble, with dazzling chops honed over 25 years, is wildly innovative, complex, incendiary, and as tight as a fine classical orchestra. Expect jazz of unrivaled spirit and verve from this thrilling and friendly eclectic behemoth. FES is touring North America with their new album THE ONE.
They mix the rich Northwest European brass band tradition with oddball topsy-turvy creativity. Taking Belgian whimsy to a logical, irresistible extreme FES straddles the border between multi-color surrealism and savvy skill. Composer, reed player, producer and bandleader Peter Vermeersch, co-piloted by pianist and composer Peter Vandenberghe, have shaped their 15-piece orchestra into one of the most productive and thrilling bands of its kind. While Flat Earth Society’s compositions and arrangements betray 20th century traditions—from jazz to rock, exotica and contemporary music—they embody a decidedly forward-looking 21st century spirit. Quick-witted, effortlessly eccentric and always on the lookout for new challenges, Flat Earth Society is that rare beast: a constantly evolving orchestra that is most in its natural environment at a live show.
The ensemble includes: Gert-Jan Dreessen, drums; Peter Vandenberghe, piano & keyboards; Kristof Roseeuw, double bass; Maarten Flamand, guitar; Wim Segers, vibraphone; Bart Maris, trumpet; Jon Birdsong, trumpet; Peter Delannoye, trombone; Marc Meeuwissen, trombone; Berlinde Deman, tuba; Peter Vermeersch, (bass) clarinet & electronix; Martí Melià, (bass) clarinet; Bruno Vansina, baritone sax & flute; Sylvain Debaisieux, alto sax; and Michel Mast, tenor sax.
With thanks to the Government of Belgium for touring support.
*Earshot Jazz COVID-19 Policy: Earshot recommends that all ticket holders be vaccinated. Policy subject to change. Full COVID policy here.
Flat Earth Society photo by Bas Bogaerts
