Kassa Overall photo by Nayquan Shuler
Earshot Jazz Festival Jobs
We are excited to offer a few paid positions for those interested in joining our team for the festival season! The Production Assistant will support artist and backline transportation as well as stage management; The Artistic Relations/Hospitality Lead will serve as artist liaison and hospitality coordinator; and Production Intern(s) will gain hands-on experience and mentorship under the Production Manager. Apply by August 18. More info at earshot.org/employment-opportunities.
You’re Invited to the KNKX/Seattle Open House!
KNKX’s Seattle studios have officially moved into their beautiful new home on Western Avenue between Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront. With this new location, KNKX will be positioned as a cultural center and community connector, engaging with folks from around the region: listeners, local businesses, neighbors in the West Edge district, Pike Place Market and the waterfront, artists, and civic leaders. The new space also boasts state-of-the-art studios and Studio X (a performance studio). The station is hosting a public open house on Saturday, August 26 with special activities throughout the day including self-guided tours, live music, news Q&As, and chances to meet your favorite KNKX on-air hosts. Register at knkx.org/seattleopening as entries will be timed. You won’t want to miss this!
Kassa Overall, Recipient of 2023 Arts Innovator Awards
Local artist Kassa Overall was recently announced as a recipient of the 2023 Arts Innovator Awards (AIA), which recognizes artists who are originating new work, experimenting with new ideas, taking risks, and pushing the boundaries of their fields. Kassa Overall is a Grammy-nominated musician, emcee, singer, producer, composer, and drummer who melds avant-garde jazz experimentation with hip-hop production techniques to tilt the nexus of jazz and rap in unmapped directions. After 14 years living in New York, Overall has returned to Seattle to continue creating art that speaks to the injustices of the carceral system, the pharmaceutical industry, and anti-black racism. Overall will receive $25,000 in recognition of his artistic practice, who expressed how the financial support means, “FREEDOM to me…. I believe in the work I am doing wholeheartedly, but this award makes me feel seen on a deep level, by the community I come from.” Funding for this award is generously donated by The Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation.
Jazz LIVE at Marine View Returns
Head on down to Tacoma this fall for the return of the Jazz LIVE at Marine View concert series, on second Sundays, 5pm. This series of free community concerts features the finest jazz musicians in the Northwest, presented in the casual and welcoming environment of the Marine View Presbyterian Church. Russian-born vocalist/saxophonist Elena Maque and her quintet kick off the series on September 10. This year also features Portland-based pianist George Colligan and his trio, the flugelhorn master Dmitri Matheny alongside his quintet, and in December the 13th Annual Michael Powers Holiday Jazz. Curated for 13 years now by jazz fan and church member, Jim Foster, this series is a staple within the Puget Sound. Visit marineviewpc.org/jazz-live for more information.
Music at Cafe Red
The south end’s own Cafe Red is bringing back their free summer music offerings with Jazz Night on Wednesdays from 7-10pm, hosted by King Dre. Sit back, relax, and listen to live jazz featuring a rotating lineup of musical guests. Beer and wine available for purchase. In addition, the community-forward coffee shop is also presenting a weekly Open Mic on Thursdays, hosted by the inimitable emcee Dre Anderson. 7pm sign-ups, 7:30pm start. All styles and genres are welcome! Cafe Red is located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way directly across from the Othello light rail station.
