John Bishop photo by Daniel Sheehan.
KNKX Seeks Part-Time Jazz Host
KNKX 88.5 Radio seeks a part-time jazz host at their Tacoma office. The Jazz Host is responsible for hosting a weekday jazz program, and other programs as needed including Jazz24. Interested candidates should have basic radio operation skills, demonstrated knowledge of jazz and blues, and a commitment to the KNKX mission. For more information and to apply, visit knkx.org.
Waldo King, Founding Father of Seattle High School Jazz Programs, Passes Away
The renowned high school jazz band programs in Seattle have Waldo King to thank for their ongoing success. He founded the first student jazz band program at Garfield High School in 1960, then Franklin High School, then Roosevelt High School, where he stayed for over a decade before retiring in 1983. Paul de Barros, contributing writer to Earshot Jazz, recounts Mr. King’s life and legacy in an obituary for the Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com for the full report.
Jazz Journalists Association Names John Bishop and Matt Jorgensen 2019 Jazz Heroes
John Bishop and Matt Jorgensen have received JJA Jazz Hero awards in recognition of their dedication to the Seattle Jazz community through Origin Records, founded in 1997, and the Ballard Jazz Festival, founded in 2003. Bishop and Jorgensen are also respected drummers in their own right, making their contributions to the jazz community multi-fold. Jazz Hero Awards are given annually based on nominations from community members and are presented by their local fans and friends. John Bishop’s and Matt Jorgensen’s Jazz Hero awards will be presented on May 31 at 8:30pm at the Nordic Heritage Museum as part of the Ballard Jazz Festival. On behalf of all of us at Earshot Jazz, congratulations to John and Matt, and thank you for all that you do for our community!
Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra Composition Contest
SWOJO’s 7th Annual Jazz Composition Contest for women composers is now open. The contest encourages the composition and performance of high quality original jazz ensemble literature by women. Winning and honor- able mention compositions will be per- formed and recorded live by SWOJO and a guest artist as part of the Earshot Jazz Festival. The project is supported by 4Culture and the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2019. Rules and application instructions can be found at swojo.org.
The New Cool stage at Northwest Folklife Festival
KNKX once again presents The New Cool stage at Northwest Folklife on May 25.
Three Seattle jazz acts are showcased with each ensemble performing a 30-minute set. This year’s performers are DX-Tet featuring Dylan Hayes (pi- ano) and Xavier Lecoutureir (drums); SmackTalk, a majority-female group that includes Kelsey Mines (bass) and Sidney Hauser (alto sax) among others; and the headliner ensemble, Freudian Slurp featuring Ian Hughes (guitar), Dylan Hughes (bass), Adam Robb (trumpet), and Tyler Graves (drums). The New Cool Stage is hosted on the Fountain Lawn Stage begin- ning at 12:30pm. This year’s Northwest Folklife Festival runs from May 24–27. For more information visit nwfolklife.org.
Artist Trust Grants for Artist for Artist Projects
Artists from any discipline who need funds to complete or present new work are encouraged to apply for Grants for Artist Projects. Artist Trust awards 50 grants in the amount of $1,500 each. Applicants must be 18 years of age and a Washington State resident. The application opens on May 20 and the deadline is June 24. Apply online at artisttrust.org
Ballard high School Awarded a National Association of Music Merchants Award
The National Association of Music Merchants has awarded Ballard High School a Support Music Merit Award. The award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in their efforts to provide music access on to all students. A consistently active and high-achieving participant in the music scene, Ballard High School has received local, national and international acclaim for their stellar Performing Arts Program which includes more than ten music ensembles, including two jazz bands and a jazz choir. We salute Ballard High School in their achievement. More information available at ballardperformingarts.org.
4Culture Cultural Equipment Grants
Arts organizations looking to purchase equipment directly related to their work can apply for the 4Culture Cultural Equipment Grant. This grant funds the purchase of fixed asset items like stage lights or computer hardware. Equipment requests should relate to your organization’s mission and priority is given to projects that benefit historically marginalized communities and audiences outside Seattle. Grants range from $1,000-$10,000. Applications close on May 15. Application and information at 4culture.org.
Kate Becker Accepts Position with King County
Kate Becker recently announced she is leaving her position as Director of the Office of Film and Music to join King County as Dow Constantine’s Arts and Culture Strategist. We con- gratulate Becker on her new position. The work of the Office of Film and Music will continue under the over- sight of Randy Engstrom, Director of the Office of Arts and Culture. For more information visit seattle.gov.
Help the Jazz Around the Sound Calendar
Please email news and announcements about jazz gigs, concerts and community events to jazzcalendar@earshot.org.