Jazz: The Second Century Series

The Jazz: The Second Century series has always been about exploring the fundamental question: “One-hundred years into the art-form, what sonic shape does jazz take in its second century?” This question has never felt more relevant—or urgent—during these times of physical distancing, where musicians are being forced to explore new and innovative ways to develop and present their art.

Earshot Jazz seeks submissions from Seattle-area individual artists and ensembles for the Jazz: The Second Century series. Projects that question and expand the conventions of the jazz form are welcome. The series brings the progression of jazz into creative motion and is a current and un-sentimental look at our city’s engagement with this diffuse, vibrant art form.

Submissions must include a recorded sample of a project and a written statement between 250–350 words. Our submission format is fluid and flexible. Artists are invited to use the tools and technology available to them to create a response to what jazz is right now.

Artists are selected through a blind-jury process. We’re keeping our options open to have live concert presentations (if it is safe to do so) and/or pre-recorded performances. Either way, we’ll host a watch party in October during the Earshot Jazz Festival via our social media platforms. Selected artists are paid a competitive fee for the performance ($125 per artist for up to 8 artists or contributors per ensemble).

This series—presenting Seattle artists, selected by a peer panel, performing original work—is a continuation of the very first programming initiative of the Earshot Jazz organization and embodies our core values.

Please send submissions electronically to 2ndcentury@earshot.org by August 1, 2021.

Thank you to the artists, our panelists who help curate these concerts, and to audience members who support them. A list of past Second Century artists can be viewed here.