Seattle's major annual jazz festival, now in its 16th year, is presented by the non-profit jazz-support organization, Earshot Jazz. The festival brings important musicians from around the world and presents many of Seattle's finest jazz artists in a world-class festival setting.
Some of the featured artists this year include: South African pianist Abdulla Ibrahim, NEA Jazz Masters Jim Hall, Randy Weston, and Benny Golson (who will be in residency with Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra); Brazilian genius Hermeto Pascoal; Japan's Yosuke Yamashita; and Amsterdam's ICP. Other African artists include Rokia Traore from Mali, and the Toureg ensemble Tinariwen. Clarinetist Don Byron brings in his new Lester Young Tribute Trio that includes the young piano sensation Jason Moran, and pianist Brad Mehldau performs a rare solo concert. Drummer T. S. Monk also brings his group to town, as will slide trumpeter Steven Bernstein and his band Sex Mob. Adventurous German saxophonist Peter Broetzmann will appear in a new series at the Consolidated Works gallery, as will Tony Malaby and JJA Award winner Vijay Iyer.
There will be several showcases of Seattle jazz and Seattle resident Julian Priester will be honored in a special concert. West Coast beboppers Bud Shank, Bill Ramsay and Peter Christleib, will share a night ranging from duos to Big Band settings. And, following a newly established tradition, Seattle's top high school jazz bands will be featured in a main-stage concert with a nationally recognized guest artist, Nicholas Payton, who will also perform with his own group. More artists and venues are being added.
Praised as “one of the best festivals in America" the Earshot Jazz Festival is eagerly anticipated by Seattle jazz fans. The event is respected for honoring the deep heritage of jazz while celebrating the leading edges of the art form. This year's festival presents more than 200 artists in performance and educational settings, in more than 15 concert halls, clubs, schools, and community centers throughout the Seattle area.
In addition to the festival's traditional “Main Stage" venue, On The Boards in lower Queen Anne, concerts also take place at Nordstrom Recital Hall, Town Hall Seattle, Consolidated Works, the new downtown music club, The Triple Door, and other locations. As always, visiting artists will conduct workshops, panel discussions, and master classes in area education centers.
Tickets for the Earshot Jazz festival will be on sale in mid August through Earshot Jazz, all TicketMaster locations, and various Seattle jazz spots. Complete concert information will be available at www.earshotjazz.org or at the Jazz Festival Hotline at 206-547-9787.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
