The business district along 15th Avenue Northeast in Shoreline, called North City, got its new sidewalks three years ago when the city spent millions to put utility lines underground, widen the walkways and install new light standards.
Inspired by the neighborhood facelift, three local businessmen, one of them a jazz musician, came up with the idea to host a one-day jazz festival in the style of the three-day festival in Port Townsend. The budget and lead time were small three years ago. But from that notion came the first North City Jazz Walk. The festival drew 400 people, who saw shows in four restaurants.
“It even rained that night," said Steve Cook, chairman of the neighborhood business association, and one of the event organizers. “The next year we got 700 people [at the height of the Beijing Olympic Games]. This year we're expecting 1,400."
This year's jazz walk, set for Tuesday, features nine groups in nine venues, including a school and a church. The smallest venue seats 36, the largest 400. Vocalist Greta Matassa, perhaps the best-known performer, will sing at the Vineyard Church with the Critical Mass Big Band.
Other musicians playing that night are singer Stephanie Porter, guitarist Brian Nova, vibraphonist Susan Pascal, organist Jimmy Holden and saxophonist Doug Reid.
The lineup was assembled by local attorney Keith McClellan, who also conducts the Critical Mass band. Apiano player, McClellan has been arranging and playing for decades as a serious avocation.
He knows many jazz musicians from here and from out of town, occasionally hosting some of them for concerts in his home. (Pianist George Cables recently performed in McClellan's house.)
Inspired by the neighborhood facelift, three local businessmen, one of them a jazz musician, came up with the idea to host a one-day jazz festival in the style of the three-day festival in Port Townsend. The budget and lead time were small three years ago. But from that notion came the first North City Jazz Walk. The festival drew 400 people, who saw shows in four restaurants.
“It even rained that night," said Steve Cook, chairman of the neighborhood business association, and one of the event organizers. “The next year we got 700 people [at the height of the Beijing Olympic Games]. This year we're expecting 1,400."
This year's jazz walk, set for Tuesday, features nine groups in nine venues, including a school and a church. The smallest venue seats 36, the largest 400. Vocalist Greta Matassa, perhaps the best-known performer, will sing at the Vineyard Church with the Critical Mass Big Band.
Other musicians playing that night are singer Stephanie Porter, guitarist Brian Nova, vibraphonist Susan Pascal, organist Jimmy Holden and saxophonist Doug Reid.
The lineup was assembled by local attorney Keith McClellan, who also conducts the Critical Mass band. Apiano player, McClellan has been arranging and playing for decades as a serious avocation.
He knows many jazz musicians from here and from out of town, occasionally hosting some of them for concerts in his home. (Pianist George Cables recently performed in McClellan's house.)
