Julian Priester photo by Daniel Sheehan
Benefit for Julian Priester
On July 4, Julian Priester experienced a life-altering heart attack but thanks to the skilled hands of the medical team, an emergency stint was placed into his artery, saving his life. However, during his recovery, his family received the difficult news that he has chronic heart failure, a condition that challenges his heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. The road to recovery has been arduous. His children have launched a GoFundMe to ask the community for support in raising funds for outstanding hospital bills, medications, home health, assisted living or personal care expenses, and all aspects of building a comprehensive long-term care plan for him. Their goal is $150,000. In addition, a benefit will be held at Jazz Alley on September 25 emceed by Christian McBride, featuring the Seattle Jazz Fellowship Septet playing a set of Priester’s tunes. Donations, thoughts, and prayers can be offered at gofundme.com/f/support-julians-recovery-after-heart-attack.
In Memoriam: Phil Lofurno
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Phil Lofurno, the owner of the old Lofurno’s Italian Restaurant, a Seattle jazz club favorite in the 80s and early 90s and known for its popular Sunday/Monday night jam sessions. The first Golden Ear Awards were held at Lofurno’s Restaurant and through the years featured artists such as Melody Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Johnny Giffin, Lockjaw Davis Quintet, and more. In an interview with Earshot in 1987 Lofurno said, “I always thought that every musician should have a place where he could go and play…. I knew I had a good idea – and the necessary musicians – to carry jazz, although everyone told me it wouldn’t work. You’ve got to throw the percentages out the window to be a success.”
Job Opportunities: Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall Seattle is hiring part-time/seasonal positions for the following: sound engineers, lightboard operators, videographers, event staff, patron services associates, and house managers. Town Hall Seattle is a non-profit community cultural center, offering a broad program of music, humanities, civic discourse, and world culture events. Formed collaboratively in 1998 as a shared venue, Town Hall Seattle is at once an arts organization and a community resource. Learn more at townhallseattle.org/employment.
DjangoFest NW
The 2023 DjangoFest NW returns to Whidbey Island September 20-24. Among this year’s lineup are the Rhythm Future Quartet, Bistro String Trio, Pino Noir, Duved Dunayevsky (recognized by many as the foremost interpreter of Django Reinhardt’s 1930s guitar style), Nuages (a modern jazz Manouche ensemble), the return of the Hot Club of Troy, Paulus Schäfer Quartet, and more! All shows will be held on the Michael Nutt Mainstage at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Visit djangofest.com for complete schedule and tickets.
