Earshot Jazz

05/29/2026

Big Congratulations to Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra for their new Artistic Director, Orrin Evans! We're excited for SRJO's next chapter

As the new leader of the Seattle-based nonprofit big band, Philadelphia piano-composer Orrin Evans plans to evolve SRJO's sound and foster a sense of community.

05/29/2026

Festival Flashback Friday 🎶

A flashback to the 2015 Earshot Jazz Festival and an unforgettable set from vibraphonist Joel Ross and the Joel Ross Quartet at PONCHO Concert Hall. ✨

We’re revisiting moments from festivals past as we get closer to this year’s lineup announcement.

Were you there?

05/27/2026

🎷Live jazz in Seattle is sustained by community—artists, audiences, and supporters who continue to show up for this music throughout the year.

That support is what makes this work possible. It helps bring artists to the stage, creates space for creative collaboration, and keeps live jazz thriving across Seattle.

The Music Continues. Help sustain live jazz in Seattle. 🎶 https://earshotjazz.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n2L00000jyaZPQAY&

Photo of Dan Schwindt (bass), D’Vonne Lewis (drums), Ayesha Brooks (vocals), and Joe Doria (organs) at the Golden Ear Awards by Lisa Hagen Glynn

05/25/2026

🎶 “Returning” is the stunning debut from the Evan Captain Trio, exploring themes of home, identity, and belonging through fluid, emotionally searching compositions. Joined by bassist Kelsey Mines and drummer Chris Icasiano, Captain approaches the trio as a true collective, allowing each player’s voice to shape the music in real time.

Moving between moments of chaotic energy and quiet reflection, the album balances compositional variety with a deeply personal emotional core. From the live-recorded opener “Tadaima” to the moody indie-rock reinterpretation “Tailspins,” “Returning” traces the complexities of biracial identity, change, and self-acceptance with intimacy and care.

Read more about the album in this month’s Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_05_2026/ =9

“Returning” album artwork by Melanie Lapovich and photo by Drew Martin
Adapted from Earshot Jazz Magazine, article by Rob Moura

05/22/2026

Festival Flashback Friday 🎶

For decades, the Earshot Jazz Festival has brought unforgettable artists and performances to stages across Seattle.

This week’s flashback takes us back twenty years to 2006, featuring moments from Mavis Staples at Meany Hall, Jason Moran at the Triple Door, and Billy Bang with Ritual Trio at On the Boards.

As we count down to this year’s festival lineup reveal, we’re revisiting some unforgettable moments from festivals past.

What artists or performances have stayed with you over the years?

Photos of Mavis Staples, Jason Moran, and Billy Bang by Daniel Sheehan

05/20/2026

As the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra enters a pivotal new chapter, legendary bassist Christian McBride joins the ensemble for a special weekend performance at a defining moment in its history. 🎶

Following Michael Brockman’s final season as artistic director after more than three decades, the orchestra has spent the year exploring its future through a rare public audition process featuring three candidates—each approaching the question of “quality jazz” in a distinctly different way.

McBride’s appearance arrives at the center of that conversation. As the orchestra moves forward, that language may begin to shift, stretch, or hold firm. ✨

🎶 Christian McBride w/ SRJO - A Farewell to Artistic Director Michael Brockman
📅 Saturday, May 30, 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 31, 2:00 PM
📍 Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall

Read more in this month’s Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_05_2026/ =8

Photo of Christian McBride by Ebru Yildiz
Adapted from Earshot Jazz Magazine, article by Emily Steinhilber

05/18/2026

Miles Davis alumni and collaborators bring multi-generational ensemble of master musicians to Seattle this June 🎺

Founded by Davis’s nephew, Grammy Award-winning producer and drummer Vince Wilburn Jr., M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) brings together musicians directly connected to Davis’s musical legacy—including Vince Wilburn Jr., Munyungo Jackson, Jean-Paul Bourelly, Daryl Jones, and Robert Irving III—alongside acclaimed contemporary artists including Greg Spero, Rasaki Aladokun, Antoine Roney, Keyon Harrold, and DJ Logic.

Part of the global celebration of the Miles Davis Centennial, this special performance revisits and reimagines the pioneering electric-era sound that reshaped jazz and influenced generations of musicians across genres.

🎶 The Miles Davis Centennial Celebration with the Miles Electric Band
📅 Thursday, June 18, 8:00 PM
📍 Town Hall – Great Hall

🎟 Tickets available now at earshot.org

Photo of Miles Electric Band by Richie Port

05/15/2026

🎶 Introducing Festival Flashback Friday 🎶

As we count down to the 2026 Earshot Jazz Festival lineup reveal, we’re looking back at unforgettable moments from past festivals.

First up: Brass Queens lit up the Southgate Roller Rink at last year’s 37th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival with a set full of joy, groove, and brass-fueled energy.🎺 🛼

What’s been one of your favorite festival memories?

05/13/2026

Fresh off her induction into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame, vocalist Jacqueline Tabor joins pianist Marina Albero at The Triple Door on May 20 for the release of “Don’t Explain”—a powerful musical dialogue inspired by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. 🎶

Born from pandemic-era musical dialogues and recorded live in a single five-hour session with bassist Jonti Siman and drummer D’Vonne Lewis, “Don’t Explain” explores love, resilience, race, culture, and community through deeply personal expression. Don’t miss this special release performance—and a rare Seattle appearance from Albero since her move to New Orleans. ✨

🎶 Jacqueline Tabor & Marina Albero “Don’t Explain” Album Release
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 PM
📍 The Triple Door

Read more about the event preview in this month’s Earshot Jazz Magazine → https://online.fliphtml5.com/risyt/Earshot_Jazz_05_2026/ =7

Graphic provided by Jacqueline Tabor & Marina Albero
Adapted from Earshot Jazz Magazine, article by Nathan Bluford

05/11/2026

🎶 Whidbey Island Jazz Festival returns May 28–31 at WICA. Experience four days of live jazz featuring Christian McBride, the Brubeck Brothers, and the Whidbey Jazz Residency, plus community events and more.

🎟️ Get tickets and view the full lineup:
wicaonline.org/jazz