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Jazz Forward Award Nominees
Recognizing jazz industry movers and groovers!
All About Jazz, a driving force for jazz music since 1995, is thrilled to honor and celebrate industry trailblazers who actively promote jazz awareness, discovery, and culture through its prestigious Jazz Forward award program. For more information about Jazz Forward, go here.
Seattle Jazz Fellowship
Seattle Jazz Fellowship: Reviving Jazz Culture, One Night at a Time
The Seattle Jazz Fellowship (SJF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz at the local level. Founded by renowned Seattle trumpeter Thomas Marriott, SJF has become a lifeline for the city’s jazz scene, operating a vibrant live music venue in Pioneer Square—Seattle’s first neighborhood—helping to breathe new life into an area long affected by gentrification and cultural displacement.
What makes the Seattle Jazz Fellowship unique is its deep commitment to accessibility, mentorship, and community. The organization presents live jazz four nights a week, including weekend residencies, special events, and a weekly all-ages jam session that fosters cross-generational learning. In a city where key jazz clubs like Tula’s and The New Orleans have been lost to rising real estate costs, SJF has emerged as a much-needed clubhouse for musicians and fans alike—a space where Seattle’s jazz community can gather, grow, and thrive.
Funded primarily by donations and memberships—with annual memberships starting as low as $60 and public cover charges held at just $20—SJF’s model prioritizes equity and access. Musicians are paid a living wage regardless of door or ticket sales, removing economic pressure from both artists and audiences. This sustainable, community-driven approach helps retain local talent and encourages innovation. The two-night weekend residencies give artists the chance to stretch creatively and truly give their best.
But the Seattle Jazz Fellowship is more than just a venue—it’s a dynamic cultural institution. In addition to live performances, SJF offers a range of community programs designed to help musicians build sustainable careers. Workshops cover everything from touring logistics to recording and financial literacy, providing essential tools for professional development.
One of the Fellowship’s cornerstone programs is Julian Speaks, a mentorship initiative led by trombone legend and SJF artist-in-residence Julian Priester. In intimate listening sessions, Priester shares stories and insights drawn from his decades-long career—including firsthand accounts from iconic recordings in which he played a central role. These gatherings offer young musicians unparalleled access to historical knowledge, artistic philosophy, and personal mentorship—bridging the gap between Seattle’s jazz legacy and its future.
The spirit of "fellowship" isn’t just in the name—it’s the organization’s heartbeat. Largely volunteer-run, SJF is powered by community pride, reverence for Seattle’s jazz history, and a shared vision for what it can become. The venue’s welcoming atmosphere makes it more than just a stage—it’s a home for artists, listeners, and everyone in between.
Looking ahead, the Seattle Jazz Fellowship plans to expand its reach by launching a new jazz festival in Pioneer Square, with the inaugural event slated for 2025. With strong roots and an ambitious vision, SJF is not only preserving jazz in Seattle—it’s shaping the future of the genre in the city and beyond.
