Clarence Acox photo courtesy of the artist.
City of Music Career Day
Calling all young, aspiring musicians! The Seattle Office of Film & Music will be presenting their free, annual City of Music Career Day. The event is intended for teens and young adults ages 13-26 interested in learning more about the industry and getting the opportunity to pick the brains of a diverse roster of music industry professionals through networking, experiential learning, engaging workshops, and performances. This year’s event will be held virtually on Friday, August 27 from 3-5pm. To RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/mcd21-signup.
A New Name, A New Home
A change is gonna come soon to the streets of Rainier Valley. For his many contributions to the Seattle jazz community, South Hill Street between 21st and 22nd avenues will be updated to “Clarence Acox Jr. Way” to honor local legendary jazz educator and musician Clarence Acox Jr. The street’s naming also serves as a way to celebrate JazzED’s new location in South Seattle. The cherished drummer and pianist is best known for founding and directing the Garfield High School jazz band for four decades from 1979-2019, co-founding The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra alongside saxophonist and educator Michael Brockman in 1995, and co-founding JazzED 11 years ago alongside Laurie de Koch who would eventually become their executive director.
Summer of Sparkling
Argyle Winery has been toasting all summer to celebrate their leadership and history in bringing Oregon sparkling wine to the world’s attention. Summer of Sparkling is in collaboration with various partners, including PDX Jazz to present an intimate, outdoor summer concert series. The series will conclude August 28 with a dazzling performance from singer and songwriter LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends band. For more details visit argylewinery.com/visit/summer.
Call to Compete for the International Blues Challenge
The Washington Blues Society (WBS) is searching for the one band and one solo (or duo) act that will represent the region at The International Blues Challenge. Any and all blues acts residing in WA, OR, ID, MT, BC, or ALB may enter the competition. WBS will be holding semi-finals in various locations and dates around Washington state. Selected semi-finalists will fly out to Memphis in January 2022 to continue competing on the fabled Beale Street. All applications must be received no later than August 25. For more information about the competition, visit wablues.org/music-listings/ibc-info.
In Memoriam: Jerry Granelli
On July 20, Canadian drummer Jerry Granelli passed away at the age of 80 in his home of Halifax, Nova Scotia. For a majority of the 1980s, Granelli lived in Seattle where he taught at the Cornish College of the Arts, alongside trombonist Julian Priester and bassist Gary Peacock. Granelli was famously known and fondly remembered for his drumming on the soundtrack of the 1965 classic film, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Throughout his career, Granelli dedicated himself to the art of jazz improvisation and mentored many young musicians. He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.
In Memoriam: Ed Petry
On June 29, Seattle guitarist Ed Petry passed away in Florence, Oregon. Petry played with some of Seattle’s contemporary classic acts, such as saxophonist Kenny Mandell, avant-garde musician Rik Wright, and guitarist Dennis Rea. Rea respected his fellow guitarist, once admiring him as, “the most unique guitarist in Seattle…But he’s such an extreme wall-flower that very few people get exposed to his idiosyncratic genius.”
Issue Corrections
We would like to correct two editing errors from the July 2021 issue. First, in the Letter from the Director, the artist’s name Suggie Otis should be spelled Shuggie Otis. Secondly, in the album review of Brendan McGovern’s Dreamescape, all songs were written by McGovern with the exception of “Bernie the Cat” by Marc Smason.
