Written By Jenna H.
Beginning this October 16th and continuing through November 8th, Earshot Jazz is bringing us some of the biggest names in jazz from around the world in this year’s 21st Annual Earshot Jazz Festival. It will feature jazz musicians such as Don Byron, Myra Melford, Matthew Shipp, and Allen Toussaint, as well as jazz bands from two local high schools.
Earshot Jazz is a non-profit arts and service organization formed in 1986 to cultivate a support system for jazz in the community and to increase awareness of jazz. It works through a monthly newsletter and by presenting creative music, providing educational programs, identifying career needs for jazz artists, and networking with the national and international jazz community.
Garfield High School’s multi-award-winning jazz band kicks off this year with performances that will be held at the Triple Door at 7:00 & 9:30 PM on Friday, October 16th, starring guest artist and brilliant saxophonist Miguel el Zenón. A few days later the festival will present Roosevelt High School’s Jazz Band with special guests the Matt Wilson Quartet on Monday, October 19th at the Triple Door starting at 7:30 PM. Other events will be held in locations such as Tula’s, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Town Hall Seattle. The Nothwest Film Forum will also present Seattle-made documentary Icons Among Us, feature film Guy And Madeline On A Park Bench, as well as Animated Jazz Experiments.
This year’s festival includes main stage concerts, club dates, meet-the-artist opportunities, jazz films, and chances for people of all ages to engage more fully with one of America’s most fascinating contributions to world culture. Over the course of 24 days, more than 350 artists will perform in nearly 70 events all around the city. It is an opportunity for us all to redefine our perceptions of and possibilities for music and to pull alongside the ever-expanding universe of jazz. Tickets are available through the Earshot Jazz website in the “Buy Tickets” section, as well as the Festival Hotline, 206-547-9787 and www.brownpapertickets.com.
Let’s help keep jazz alive and thriving! For a complete list of performers, show times, and ticket information visit www.earshot.org or call 206-547-9787. To volunteer your time for general support, visit the website or e-mail jazz@earshot.org.
NovaKnows.com is a journalism website created and maintained by students at Nova Alternative High School. Nova is a small community-orientated alternative program that is part of the Seattle Public School system.
