Engaging, Enduring
Ahhhhh, summertime. Yes, the living is easier, thank you very much, and there is a lot going on in this incredible jazz community of ours. What’s not to love?
This month’s Earshot issue gives us a chance to focus in on pianist Tim Kennedy, whose notoriety as an engaging presence on our music scene has been steadily growing. Once you’re acquainted with Tim, check our Jazz Around the Sound calendar for opportunities to hear him live in a jazz setting. But don’t stop there: Kennedy wraps a ribbon of sheer fun around his considerable piano chops and keen ability to craft a pop song, and delivers it all in a band called Richie Aldente, with vocalist Jimmie Herrod. Get it.
We also have a chance this month to see and hear the continuing evolution of Jim Knapp’s Scrape ensemble. As a composer and musician, Knapp has been one of our enduring treasures of this region’s respected jazz scene for years. As an educator and mentor, and founder of the jazz program at Cornish College of the Arts, he has virtually defined aspects of Seattle’s well-known jazz education ethic that are still in place today. Jim Knapp received a special award at this year’s Golden Ear Awards in recognition of his impact on Seattle’s jazz history.
This month, you can also find listings and information on some great summer festivals for all ages, including the North City Jazz Walk. We’ll see you out there!
And, yes, speaking of festivals, with this issue we are proud to lift the curtain a bit on the upcoming Earshot Jazz Festival. We’re putting together another one-of-a-kind celebration of the world of Jazz, as it intersects with, and is fueled by, Seattle’s amazing cultural community. We’re excited! We have a LOT of great things in store for you this fall.
Become a member of Earshot Jazz right now! As a member, you can enjoy first choice of seating and early purchase for many of the upcoming festival events. Your membership helps you connect more fully with this vibrant jazz community. Membership donations also support educational workshops, and special initiatives providing free and reduced tickets, so that these incredible jazz artists are available to all.
Join us!!
–John Gilbreath, Executive Director
