Earshot Jazz

09/04/2026

🎺 An epic, intimate new work from Ahamefule J. Oluo.
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, writer, comedian, and performer Ahamefule J. Oluo celebrates the release of “Where Time Does Not Ache” with a Seattle all-star ensemble featuring D’Vonne Lewis, Marina Christopher, Josh Rawlings, Izaak Mills, Skerik, okanomodé, and Oluo on trumpet. Five years in the making, this expansive new work brings together Oluo’s many creative worlds in one unforgettable performance.

👉 Gold Passes and individual tickets are on sale at earshot.org/festival

Photo of Ahamefule J. Oluo by Naomi Ishisaka

09/03/2026

Nduduzo Makhathini at The Triple Door
Presented by The Triple Door, internationally acclaimed South African pianist, composer, improviser, and scholar Nduduzo Makhathini comes to Seattle September 19. 🎹

A multi-award-winning musician signed to the prestigious Blue Note Records, Makhathini is one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary jazz. His latest album, “uNomkhubulwane” (2024), explores Nguni mythology and the connections between music, nature, and the cosmos.

🎶 Nduduzo Makhathini Trio
📅 September 19, 7:30 PM
📍 The Triple Door

🎟️ Tickets and more information through The Triple Door.

Read about the event preview in this month’s Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_09_2026/ =11

Photo of Nduduzo Makhathini by Lisa Hagen Glynn

Volume 42, No. 9Seattle, Washington

09/02/2026

✨ Two bold perspectives on jazz and beyond.
Elsa Nilsson brings her Band of Pulses to the festival with “Liminal”, a new work exploring the inner process of navigating life-altering decisions through music inspired by the writings of Clarissa Pinkola Estés and James Baldwin.

Originally from Seattle, pianist and composer Carmen Staaf is known for her fearless approach to the unknown. Her latest album, “Sounding Line”, explores the musical connection between two revolutionary pianists, Thelonious Monk and Mary Lou Williams.

👉 Gold Passes and individual tickets are on sale at earshot.org/festival

Photo of Elsa Nilsson courtesy of the artist and Carmen Staaf by Christopher Drukker

09/01/2026

🎷This month in Earshot Jazz Magazine:
Earshot Jazz Festival Resident Artist: Sidney Hauser
Sidney Hauser is a prolific Seattle saxophonist, composer, visual artist, and designer—and this year’s Earshot Jazz Festival Resident Artist. In this month’s profile, learn more about how the Seattle-based artist brings her spirit of creative exploration to three festival performances that showcase distinctly different sides of her artistry.

Also in this issue: in memoriam of vocalist Pat Johnston; the 2026 Earshot Jazz Festival schedule of events, a feature on Seattle Jazz Vespers celebrating its 25th season; previews of Nduduzo Makhathini Trio, 5th Annual Seattle Jazz Offering / Tula’s Reunion, Don Berman Ascension Northwest and Mandyck / Keplinger Duo, and Seattle-Kobe Sister City Female Jazz Vocalist Audition; book review of The Sidney Porter Legacy Project and album reviews of Jun Iida’s “Bellflower” and Greg Kramer’s “Heat Check”; an introduction to another one of Earshot Jazz’s newest board members; plus the latest Jazz Around the Sound calendar. 🎶

Read now → www.earshot.org/current-issue-flipbook or pick up a copy today

Photo by: Daniel Sheehan
Profile by: Samuel Feehan

08/31/2026

Want to help shape the future of jazz in Seattle? 🎶

Earshot Jazz is seeking a Development & Stakeholder Engagement Manager to help grow support for our mission and strengthen connections with the people who make our work possible—from donors, members, and patrons to artists, volunteers, and community partners.

This role supports fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, membership, events, and community engagement while creating welcoming, meaningful experiences for Earshot’s audiences and community. ✨

Join our small, mission-driven team and help build a thriving jazz community.

Learn more and apply at www.earshot.org/careers

08/28/2026

🎶 From Jazz Walk to Festival
For 13 years, the Jackson Street Jazz Walk has celebrated the Central District’s rich African-American jazz history. Now, the beloved program enters a new chapter as the Jackson Street Jazz Festival—expanding beyond the traditional event with nearly 25 artists performing across the neighborhood and beyond, educational programming, local partnerships, and more.

From jazz and soul to funk and blues, the Festival honors the artists and stories that shaped Jackson Street—and the musicians carrying that legacy forward.

🎶 Jackson Street Jazz Festival
📅 September 12
📍 Various Venues: S. Jackson St, 18th-30th Blocks

🔥 What's waiting for you:
• 20 world-class Seattle acts across 12 vibrant community stages
• Exclusive panoramic rooftop sets
• The New "Listening Room" featuring a "Sacred Conversations" set with jazz master Nathan Breedlove
• Live art & glass-blowing demonstrations with Pratt Fine Arts Center
• Local food trucks and a lively 21+ b**r garden
• Historical exhibits honoring local jazz pioneers

👉 Get Tickets: https://givebutter.com/jackson-street-jazz-festival

Read more about the event preview in this month’s Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_08_2026/ =12

Graphic provided by Eugenie Jones
Adapted from Earshot Jazz Magazine, article by Akshaj Turebylu

Earshot Jazz is a sponsor for the festival

08/27/2026

🎧 Looking for something new to listen to? We’re highlighting two recent album reviews from the latest issue of Earshot Jazz, featuring Rich Pellegrin and Dawn Clement.

🎹 Rich Pellegrin, “Before After”

Pianist Rich Pellegrin and saxophonist Neil Welch explore the uncertain spaces before and after defining moments on “Before After”, a thoughtful follow-up to Pellegrin’s “Topography”. Balancing composition and improvisation, the duo creates a contemplative landscape where tension, silence, and discovery unfold at their own pace.

🎤 Dawn Clement, “Dear Ms. Dearie”

Dawn Clement channels the playful spirit of Blossom Dearie on “Dear Ms. Dearie”, pairing buoyant vocals and lyrical wit with sophisticated arrangements. From intimate duets to full-bodied swing, Clement and her collaborators bring fresh energy to Dearie’s repertoire.

Read more about these two albums in this month's Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_08_2026/ =14

“Before After” album cover design by B Side Graphics
“Dear Ms. Dearie” album photo by Lauren Desberg and cover design by John Bishop
Adapted from Earshot Jazz Magazine, articles by David Benedict and Andrew Meyer

08/26/2026

🥁 Adventurous playing meets soulful piano.
Ted Poor is a New York-born, Seattle-based drummer, composer, and producer whose adventurous, soulful playing has taken him to stages alongside artists including Paul Simon, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Pat Metheny. Joining Poor is acclaimed pianist Orrin Evans, a three-time Grammy nominee and newly appointed artistic director of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.

Presented in partnership with Wayward Music Series.

👉 Gold Passes and individual tickets are on sale at earshot.org/festival

Photo of Ted Poor and Orrin Evans courtesy of the artist

08/25/2026

🎶 For more than two decades, DjangoFest Northwest has been bringing the iconic music of Django Reinhardt to the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA). Our partners at WICA invite you to join musicians from near and far September 15–20 for the 26th annual DjangoFest Northwest, North America’s largest and most celebrated Django festival.

Visit djangofest.com for tickets and to learn more.

🎶 DjangoFest Northwest
📅 September 15–20
📍 565 Camano Ave, Langley, WA

08/24/2026

🎶 Two performances. One night of musical discovery.
Camila Ferrari brings an intense, personal sound shaped by her Uruguayan roots, jazz, and a wide range of musical influences.

Aquiestoy, led by Seattle guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator Carlos Snaider, celebrates the release of “Til We Dissolve”, drawing from creative music, salsa, boleros, hip-hop, rock, and singer-songwriters.

The evening also features an interactive listening library and panel exploring the art of listening.

👉 Gold Passes and individual tickets are on sale at earshot.org/festival

Photo of Camila Ferrari courtesy of the artist and Aquiestoy by Dana Waldron