Seattle Jazz Vespers

Ben Thomas – bandoneon; Eric Likkel – clarinet; Libby Phelps – violin; Gabe Hall-Rodrigues – piano; Steve Schermer – bass

Dr. Ben Thomas is one of the most in-demand vibists in the Pacific Northwest. Known for combining virtuosic technique with flowing lyricism, Thomas’s music spans from pyrotechnic improvisations to delicate soundscapes.

In addition to leading jazz and tango ensembles, he performs as a sideman on mallets, percussion, and bandoneon with a wide variety of groups throughout the United States, including the Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto and the Atlas Tango Project. He currently has five albums of original compositions available on Origin Records: “Triskaidekaphobia”, “The Mystagogue”, “The Madman’s Difference”, “Yet What Is Any Ocean…”, and “Eternal Aporia”.

After falling in love with both tango music and dance, Thomas started playing bandoneon in 2006, traveling to Argentina and working with tango musicians from across the world. He was guest artist with the Eugene Opera in 2018 as the bandoneon soloist for Piazzolla’s “Maria de Buenos Aires”. He tours regularly with the Atlas Tango Project and can be heard on their most recent album, “Estaciones y Sueños”.

Thomas completed his Doctor of Musical Art in Percussion Performance at the University of Washington in 2007. His dissertation was on the development of Cal Tjader’s early Latin Jazz vibraphone style. Thomas received his Master of Music with Honors in Improvisation from the University of Michigan in 1994. While in graduate school, he directed the University of Michigan’s Jazz Composers Orchestra and worked with composer Stephen Rush. Thomas also graduated from Swarthmore College, where he majored in mathematics and music.

Over the years, Thomas has performed at the Stowe Tango Music Festival, Ballard Jazz Festival, Earshot Jazz Festival, Detroit-Montreux Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot Arts Festival, Issaquah Jazz Festival, Anacortes Arts Festival, Ellensburg Jazz in the Valley Festival, Tacoma Maritime Festival, Bellingham Art of Jazz Series, and the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival.

As a composer, Thomas has written for chamber groups, big bands, jazz combos, dance and theater. Thomas is currently chair of the Music Department at Highline College, where he teaches music theory, composition, and performance.

Nancy Erickson Lamon – vocals; Shawn Schlogel – piano; Chris Symer – bass; Max Wood – drums

Nancy Erickson Lamont, a seasoned jazz vocalist who studied with the renowned jazz instructor Frank DeMiero, has been leaving her mark on Seattle’s music scene for over three decades. Her impressive vocal range, lush alto, and distinctive approach to the jazz tradition have captivated audiences and earned her a reputation as one of the city’s most engaging and natural vocalists. On May 10, 2024, Nancy unveiled her fourth studio album, Through the Passages, produced by the acclaimed Grammy-winning, twice nominated vocalist and producer Johnaye Kendrick.

Featuring an array of jazz talent, including lauded pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson (Natalie Cole, Sara Gazarek), Sean Jones (Jimmy Heath, Dianne Reeves), pianist Shawn Schlogel, bassists Chris Symer and Michael Glynn (Cory Weeds, Dave Grusin), and drummer Stefan Schatz (Jon Hendricks, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), Through the Passages is a contemplative collection of original songs exploring life’s miraculous and mysterious seasons. Nancy’s first record of originals, written in collaboration with Schlogel and pianist Darin Clendenin, Through the Passages draws its lyrics from poems Lamont has written throughout the last 10 years of life transitions.

Through the Passages features her wistful, immersive stories of new love, motherhood, aging, and the state of the world, propelled forward by Nancy’s nimble vocal stylings and her tight, masterful band. As each vignette sails life’s currents, Nancy’s artistry and heartfelt storytelling invites listeners to lean into a rich, disarming sonic world.

Kelley Johnson is an international award winning jazz vocalist who is known and respected as an arranger, poet and lyricist with a personal body of recordings. Kelley’s lithe velvety voice mixes with a dynamic delivery and tricky colorful arrangements to showcase her interpretive finesse and inspired soloists. An organic groovy singer with a direct approach, Kelley reaches her audience with storytelling, subtlety, soulfulness and swing.

When Seattle became home in the late 80s, Johnson made a key connection with jazz vocal eminence Mark Murphy at a workshop he was doing. His mentoring both helped her develop her talent and facilitated getting the word out that an impressive new vocalist was on the scene. “Good news for jazz vocal fans!” notified Murphy. “Listen to her sureness of pitch, imaginative song selection and her ability to lyricize to a Joe Henderson theme. Many treats here, my friends. In a world of noise, yahoo, and recorded B.S., the first thing you hear here is none of that. It’s because this girl knows she is a jazz singer and doesn’t have to do anything else!”

Seattle welcomed Kelley. She had the privilege of working with and being encouraged by the greats Buddy Catlett and Clarence Acox until she met and forged a lasting musical relationship with pianist John Hansen. Kelley Johnson and the John Hansen trio with bassist Paul Gabrielson and drummer Jon Wikan gave her the modern roots jazz piano trio sound with a “horn” up front, much like Miles’ early rhythm sections. Having found the sound and the camaraderie she was looking for, her artistry bloomed, as did her arranging and lyric writing. Her first album featured both Hansen and Fred Hersch. Hersch, perhaps the preeminent vocal accompanist extant, produced her first album, “Make Someone Happy” which also featured Larry Grenadier, Steve Wilson and Lewis Nash.

Kelley has served as a professor at Cornish College of the Arts and Director of the Seattle Metropolitan Urban League’s Children’s Jazz Chorus among countless other musical ventures.

“Johnson has an uplifting brightness in her vocal delivery… Her lovely voice stands out for its emphatic clarity and for its direct approach. She pulls the blues out of thin air. It’s genuine. Johnson is a true communicator.” – Jim Santella, All About Jazz

Ben Black – vocals; Josh Rawlings – piano; Marina Christopher – bass; Adam Kessler – drums

Ben Black has been a performer on the Seattle jazz scene since 1985, and spent two years as a music student at Cornish College. His career also spans new opera-theatre, cabaret and African drumming and dance. He studied jazz improvisation for a number of years with pioneer jazz vocalist, Jay Clayton.

Ben is proud of his multicultural background which includes ancestors from Armenia, Slovenia, Germany, Scotland and Ireland. He grew up in a military family in which there were a number of musicians. During a five year stay in Europe as a child, he had the opportunity to cultivate an appreciation for the music of different cultures. As he was growing up, his parents exposed him to stellar jazz vocalists and instrumentalists of the times, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66, and many of the great Broadway musicals of the 20th century.

Ben’s first album on Origin Records, “Remembered Faces/Private Places”, was released in 2001. Previous to the Origin label, he released “In a Mellow Tone”, on MNOP Records, in 1996. He was a featured guest soloist on the album,“Psyche,” by the award winning Fischer ensemble, in 2011, on the 16 Visions label. Black’s newest album “Mystery & Wonder” was one of the biggest gainers-spins according to Jazz Week top 300 chart, December 20, 2021.

Ben splits his time between his music career, dedication to the study and practice of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism, and volunteerism in the LGBTQ2S+ community.

“Ben Black distinguishes himself from the rest of the pack. First, there is his hauntingly beautiful voice capable of hitting high notes that most male singers never reach. Then, there is his treasure chest of surprises and unconventional material.” – Jazz Review (Donna Kimura)

“Ben Black may be the most androgynous voice you will ever hear… He joins the great singer Caetano Veloso in being willing to risk using his full vocal range without filtering it through gender-appropriate sounds. Ben shows that the heart, the soul, and the kundalini energy have no sexual orientation and no gender identity; he has a vocal sound that authentically reverberates in all ears without a definition of either/or.” – Jim Fouratt, for “Listen Up”

Primo Kim – pianist, vocals; Paul Gabrielson – bass; Greg Campbell – drums; Susan Pascal – vibraphone; Marty Tuttle –percussion

Seattle’s Primo Kim has headlined major concerts at Benaroya Hall, The 5th Avenue Theater, the Paramount Theater, and Meany Hall. He was chosen to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, at an Olympic Hotel gala performance in 1997. Primo has played Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco and Taipei, Taiwan. He appeared at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in 1994. He worked the Las Vegas hotel circuit. In Seattle, Primo hosted a music/talk variety show called Baysounds, which aired on KIXI radio for two years.

A graduate of San Jose State University, Primo started playing piano at age five; he later studied voice with Barbara Streisand’s teacher, Judy Davis; and with David Kyle of Seattle. Jazz piano became his passion. Primo was a teen sensation whose mellifluous voice and elegant phrasing led to a big variety show at the famous Latin Quarter in New York City.

His first major CD, Primo: To Be Near, released in 1997, was arranged and conducted by Joe Kloess, who worked with Peggy Lee and Jack Jones. In 1999, Primo gave a major concert with an 18-piece big band orchestra at Benaroya Hall. In 2000, again at Benaroya Hall, he produced and preformed at the United Negro College Fund’s concert variety show. In 2004, Primo was a special guest of Marvin Hamlisch playing with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall. In 2005, he was a guest artist with the Everett Symphony. He performed in a jazz concert in Tokyo, Japan in 2008. Primo did a major concert at the Kirkland Performance Center in 2008. He appeared at the stately Fairmount Olympic Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel for many years.

Photo Primo Kim guest pianist with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.

Susan Pascal – vibraphone; Bill Anschell – piano; Brian Monroney – guitar; Chris Symer – bass; Mark Ivester – drums

Seattle jazz vibraphonist Susan Pascal has played four tours of Singapore and concerts, workshops and clinics across the United States. Her Pacific Northwest appearances include the Earshot Jazz Festival and Centrum Jazz Port Townsend, and as a special guest artist with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra, and Seattle’s Gypsy jazz group, Pearl Django.

Pascal’s eclectic musical interests are reflected in her own projects. Susan Pascal’s SOUL SAUCE quintet is a tribute to Latin jazz icon Cal Tjader, and her new BRAZIL PROJECT band features the rich rhythmic and melodic traditions of Brazil. Her straight-ahead jazz group, the Susan Pascal Quartet has been nominated twice for Best Acoustic Group by Seattle’s Earshot Jazz.

Read an inspirational review of one of the gigs that Susan Pascal performed at Seattle Jazz Vespers by Jason West, All About Jazz, “Pascal, Matassa spread the good news”

During the interlude, Seattle Jazz Vespers will be awarding the “Shirley Cline Memorial Young Jazz Artist Scholarship.”

Photo by Jim Levitt

Jovino Santos Neto – piano, flute, melodica; Ben Thomas – vibraphone, bandoneon; Kelsey Mines – bass; Mark Ivester – drums

Three-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto, a master pianist, composer and arranger, is among the top Brazilian musicians working today.

Currently based in Seattle, Washington, he has throughout his career been closely affiliated with the Brazilian master Hermeto Pascoal. He was an integral part of Pascoal’s group from 1977 to 1992, where he fine-tuned his artistry, performing around the world and co-producing several legendary records.

Jovino’s personal style is a creative blend of energetic grooves, deep harmonies, telepathic improvisation, lyrical melodies and great ensemble playing, always inspired and informed by the colorful richness of Brazilian music. His compositions include samba, choro, baião, xote, forró, marcha and many more styles, rooted in centuries-old musical tradition while pointing to new and adventurous harmonic languages.

Currently, Jovino leads his Seattle-based Quinteto after teaching piano and composition at Cornish College of the Arts for 26 years. He can also be heard around the world as a piano soloist, working with symphony orchestras, jazz big bands, chamber music groups, and in collaboration with musicians such as his mentor Hermeto Pascoal, Bill Frisell, Paquito d’Rivera, Airto Moreira, Claudio Roditi, David Sanchez, Joe Locke, Marco Granados and many more.

Jovino’s compositions have been performed by the Seattle Symphony, NDR Big Band in Hamburg and by numerous jazz and chamber music groups. Jovino has received commissions by the Cheswatyr Foundation, IAJE, ASCAP, CMA/Doris Duke Foundation, Jack Straw Foundation, the City of Seattle, 4Culture, Artist Trust and Meet the Composer. He has been artist in residence at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world. In 2012 he was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame and in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2018 the Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto won as Best Northwest Acoustic Group in the Golden Ear Awards by Earshot Jazz. He also was awarded an Artist Trust Fellowship in Music in 2012.

Kim Maguire – vocals; John Hansen – piano; Chris Symer – bass; Susan Pascal – vibraphone; Jeff Busch – drums

Kim Maguire has been a professional performer, educator, director, and producer for the past 30 years. A 2017 Seattle/Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist finalist, Kim is a mainstay in the vocal Seattle jazz scene. Described as a “stunning singer” with an authentic and charismatic presence, Kim’s style is characterized by its joy, technical skill, and a distinctive, silky-smooth vocal texture. Her performance style is a combination of classic swing and contemporary styles, creating a unique sound that is both familiar and fresh, and is known for her creative swing and elegantly nuanced ballads. Kim is a catalyst for inclusiveness and unity through shared musical experiences.

Kim says, “Jazz is my main love and offers me a chance to pull out all the stops, diving into the jewels of the American Songbook and classic jazz repertoire. Duke Ellington, Cole Porter – anything that expresses through great lyrics and engaging melodies. I love singing with the wonderful jazz artists of Seattle. It’s an amazing experience, every time. “Joyful jazz” has become a personality trait of my performances. Recently, here in 2022, I have received many thanks from listeners for giving them a holiday from the hardships of life. That’s a true compliment. I’m always honored to sing. It’s where I live.”

Kim has been seen on many regional and local stages including Houston Grand Opera, Fifth Ave. Theatre, Benaroya Hall, Village Theatre and Town Hall. A regular at Hotel Sorrento, Kim has also sung at Tula’s, Egan’s Jam House in Ballard, North City Bistro, Boxley’s, Vito’s, and Frederick Holmes “Hot Jazz in the Gallery” series.

Seattle Jazz Vespers is proud to present the Nelda Swiggett Quintet – “For The Birds.” A special concert featuring live music, images and poetry that invite reflection on our changing climate.

Nelda Swiggett – compositions, piano; Kate Olson – saxophone, flute; Clif Swiggett – trombone, percussion; Chris Symer – bass; Adam Kessler – drums; and the poetry of Jill McGrath.

Seattle jazz pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett is a repeat performer in the Seattle Jazz Vespers concert series. Past audiences have enjoyed her diverse musical projects, including the Nelda Swiggett Trio, Clif and Nelda’s Little Big Band, “Stringtet” (with cello and viola), the “Sisters” Duo with her sister Karin Kajita, and her high energy sextet, “Megabopolis.”

Sunday, October 6, the Nelda Swiggett Quintet will perform her all-new suite of original music, “For the Birds.” But this is not just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression — live music, spoken words, images and poetry — to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change. Ultimately a story of hope, individuals leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action.

Nelda Swiggett has headlined at many of the Northwest’s top jazz venues, and is an award-winning composer and OA2 recording artist. Her five album releases have received rave reviews and extensive airplay around the globe.

On Earth Day 2017, Seattle Jazz Vespers and Interfaith Climate Action hosted the debut performance of Nelda’s first climate-themed work, The Alaska Suite: a story of beauty, loss and hope. This piece has been performed 36 times to date, touching nearly 2500 people across Washington State with its message of hope and call to action. This included a benefit concert for Green Buildings Now, again at Seattle First Baptist Church, in May 2022. Building on the success of The Alaska Suite, Nelda is excited to debut her new climate piece, For the Birds. And how fitting to present it at Seattle Jazz Vespers hosted at Seattle First Baptist Church.

Danny Quintero – vocals, and Critical Mass Big Band (5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 5 trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, and drums)

A returning Seattle Jazz Vespers artist, Seattle native Danny Quintero has had the opportunity to share the stage with many high profile Seattle musicians such as: Clarence Acox, Overton Berry, Randy Halberstadt, James Caddell, Bill Ramsay, Bill Anschell, Stephanie Porter, Lance Bullar and many more!

Danny’s keen ear for subtle nuances of the Sinatra school of ‘Bel Canto’ singing-articulation, phrasing, dynamics, and breath control have brought a fresh and likeable, personalized approach to the Great American Song book. He has and continues to, make appearances on Seattle radio stations, at various Seattle Jazz clubs, and more notably Danny performs weekly at the prominent 13 Coins “Night Owl Lounge”, one of Seattle’s most respected venues. In addition, Danny has performed with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra in their tribute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes, the Music of Frank Sinatra” at Benaroya Hall & the Kirkland Performance Center in addition to the four time winner of the Essentially Ellington Jazz Band competition, the Garfield High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Clarence Acox on a tour in Italy as well as in Seattle, WA.

Danny was nominated for Northwest Vocalist of the Year in 2011 and continues to bring a modern, yet traditional performance to the stage.

“There are many ‘so-called’ singers that make an attempt to do the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc. Most of these attempts come off with varying degrees of success and as a musician; it sometimes becomes a chore to share their stage. This is NOT the case with Danny Quintero. His sense of phrasing and attention to detail and pitch are impeccable. He studies the music of the greats that have come before him and understands the lineage, beauty and importance of the Great American Songbook. I have watched him grow over the last few years and it is a joy to have him on stage with the band. The young man can flat out sing.” –Clarence Acox, Seattle Jazz legend

During the interlude, Seattle Jazz Vespers will be awarding the “Shirley Cline Memorial Young Jazz Artist Scholarship.”

Jacqueline Tabor – vocal, Martin Budde – guitar, Stefan Schatz – drums, Jonti Siman – bass, and John Hansen – piano

One of our all-time returning favorites at Seattle Jazz Vespers is our friend Jacqueline Tabor, also known as the “Seattle Chanteuse.” Jacqueline is an accomplished jazz, blues, and swing vocalist who enchants audiences with her powerful tones, style, and dynamic stage presence. This 4-time Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year and Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association Award Winner continues expanding her talents to entertain every audience. Tabor’s unique bluesy style and charismatic personality have made her one of the most beloved jazz vocalists and storytellers in the Pacific Northwest. Some call it the “Tabor Sound,” which is drenched in the natural rhythm of everyday life. She brings herself to every performance that encapsulates an authentic feeling of humanity. Tabor combines excitement and professionalism to everything music with a unique ensemble of Seattle’s most talented jazz musicians or local artists when on tour to create a community-centered experience.

Through the struggle of the pandemic, Jacqueline found a new and strong voice that now appears in the form of poetry, original compositions, percussion, and swing dance. She collaborated with the multifaceted, award-winning, and outstanding musician Marina Albero during this time. This dynamic duo created a production called Don’t Explain: A Musical Conversation Between Billie Holiday and Nina Simone which was a part of the 2022 Earshot Jazz Festival and was awarded Concert of the Year by Earshot Jazz and the Seattle Community. This friendship transcended Tabor from singer to musician and created an outlet for the pain and triumphs of this dark period of history.

In February 2020, Tabor performed a powerful tribute to Billie Holiday with multiple standing ovations and accolades and was nominated for Concert of the Year by Earshot Jazz. Since 2019 Jacqueline has been a guest artist for the prestigious Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO). This beautiful partnership will continue for years to come.

Jacqueline Tabor is in the middle of a creative thunderstorm, — empowered, strong, and full of love; this is a moment you do not want to miss. She always leaves an audience with a memorable and spiritual moment, yearning for more.

Saxophonist, Flutist, Composer, Educator Seattle area native Mark Lewis is a well-traveled saxophonist and flutist who has created a large body of jazz music over the past four decades. He’s been a part of jazz scenes from Seattle and San Francisco to Rotterdam and Paris. His latest album, Naked Animals, was recorded in 1990 with his Quartet from the Netherlands. It’s an important historical recording of a working neo-bop Quartet that had an enthusiastic following for more than a decade. His 2017 release The New York Session features piano legend George Cables, veteran bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Victor Lewis. Mark was rated number two for alto saxophone (after Richie Cole) and number three for flute (after Charles Lloyd and Hubert Laws) in the 39th Annual Jazz Station Awards for his work on this album.

Recent awards include Cadence Magazine Top Ten Critics Poll for 2021 for his album Naked Animals, and #2 on alto sax (after Richie Cole) and #3 on flute (after Charles Lloyd and Hubert Laws) in the 39th Annual Jazz Station Awards for his album The New York Session, a collaboration with piano legend George Cables, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Victor Lewis.

Music writer Ted Gioia, known as a leading global guide to music past, present and future, says of Mark Lewis: “You listen to the guys with the primo recording contracts on the very top labels, and in my opinion, they’re not in Mark’s league.”

Eugenie Jones – vocal, Peter Adams – piano, Jonathan Green – bass, Brian Smith – drums

A returning Seattle Jazz Vesper favorite, Singer/Songwriter Eugenie Jones is an exceptional vocalist and cleverly gifted lyricist who has released highly-praised, primarily original, vocal projects.

Her current release – Players – was a Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy® contender and internationally ranked #7 on Jazz Week’s top 50 charts. Jones is additionally an Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year award recipient and the first vocal recording artist to receive Earshot’s Recording of the Year Golden Ear award.

A warm, engaging entertainer, she’s described by critics as an artist that “can make you feel jazz,” and she and her recordings have received favorable coverage in every major jazz publication, including DownBeat, JazzTimes, JazzIz, The Gazette/NY, and many others. Described as a “deft vocalist,” Jones has also proven to be a skillful songwriter, releasing 29 originals on her recordings.

Previous performances include The Jazz Forum/NY, PianoForte/Chicago, Town Hall Seattle/WA,
The Scat Jazz Lounge/TX, Blue Llama Club/MI, The Cloakroom/NY, Baur’s Listening Lounge/CO, Twins Jazz/DC, Atlanta Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival/CA, Earshot Jazz Festival/WA, The Harlem Late Night Jazz Series, The Royal Room/WA, Seattle Jazz Vespers/WA, and many other notable venues.

In addition to being a singer/songwriter/recording-performing artist, Jones is actively engaged in her community. She serves as the founding Board President of the Music Discover Center, a nonprofit that provides disadvantaged youth access to music instruction. For the last four years, she has also served as the Executive Producer of the Jackson Street Jazz Walk. This annual block-party community event commemorates Seattle’s historic African American music history and artists, such as Quincy Jones and Ray Charles, while raising funds for local nonprofits that feed the hungry and serve the needs of seniors.

Tobi Stone – tenor sax and clarinet, Heather Chriscaden – bass, Nelda Swigget – piano, and Steve Korn – drums.

Tobi Stone, a familiar face in the Seattle Jazz Community presents her jazz quartet. Playing original music and standards, this mostly female iteration takes an interactive, listening approach to the music they play.

The Seattle-based saxophonist has performed, recorded, and toured with several groups in the last 25 years, most notably as a member of Reptet, The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet & Drums, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra and The Jefferson Rose Band. Tobi appeared in last year’s Earshot Jazz Festival with Alex Dugdale’s Big Band, and she has played with featured artists Anat Cohen, Branford Marsalis, Dave Brubeck and Kristen Chenoweth.

Alex Dugdale – sax, Cole Schuster – guitar, John Hanson – piano, Greg Feingold, bass, and Max Holmberg, drums

Alex Dugdale was adopted from Cali, Colombia and raised in Seattle WA. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 2008, Alex studied saxophone performance at the Eastman school of music in Rochester NY. He returned to Seattle in 2013, forming his own jazz quintet and becoming a first call performer with many of Seattle’s finest bands including the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and The Seattle Symphony. In past years, he performed with such bands as The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters and Four Tops as well as with John Legend, Dianne Walker, Chester Whitmore, Wynton Marsalis, David Meder, Najee and others.

Alex is also a passionate educator teaching both tap dance and music as a full time teacher and guest educator for the last decade. He currently teaches elementary band and orchestra for Seattle Public Schools and Tap Dance courses for the University of Washington dance department.

Alex is an Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award as Emerging Artist of the Year winner in 2019.

Jake Bergevin – trumpet and vocals, Milo Petersen – guitar, Dan Kramlich – piano, Michael Glynn – string bass, Matt Jorgensen – drums

Singer/trumpeter/bandleader and educator Jake Bergevin has recorded two albums as leader and has been a featured artist with diverse groups such as the Tacoma Symphony, the Spokane Jazz Orchestra, Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and many more.

He leads his own groups including the Javatown Swing Orchestra and the Jake Bergevin Quintet and can also be heard playing with many other notable northwest bands and musicians.

His first recording as a leader, My Name is Jake, is a combination of sensitive jazz vocals and romping party/dance music. Conceived as a partial tribute to his heroes Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, Jake puts his own stamp on some classic tunes and demonstrates his crooning, blues shouting, scat-singing, and trumpet solo skills in fine fashion.

Frank Anderson – vocals and sangban, Chava Mirel – vocals, Alex Chadsey – piano, Farko Dosumov – electric bass, and Jeff Busch – drums and percussion

Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz group whose original music combines jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa into a “strikingly authentic blend.” Each having apprenticed with direct descendants and master musicians of these traditions, they consider themselves disciples of their teachers. The result: A euphoric new jazz that honors its historical roots, pushing open the boundaries of genre to invoke a powerful sonic freedom.

“Each member’s experiences are vital as they filter West African traditional rhythms through their own hands, voices, minds, bodies, each song as much choreography as a composition,” PopMatters wrote. “Hopeful in sound as well as in ideological foundation, [the band creates music] full of heart and historical multitudes.”

Pop Matters calls it “globally-inspired jazz with dimension.” You will encounter sizzling rhythms and grooving basslines, experimental meters and irresistible melodic hooks, all aglow with the technical virtuosity earned by decades of devotion to their craft.

The trio is joined by the award-winning chanteuse Chava Mirel and inimitable tenor Frank Anderson. Formed by deep connections to Jewish and West African styles, the singers’ ebullient and masterful vocal techniques enrich Duende Libre’s live performance with even greater vibrancy. “To see the band live is to get a sense of the deep respect they have for each other, and the joy they take in connecting with each other and the audience” one critic wrote for Earshot.

The band effectively—and uniquely—calls attention to the space between contemporary jazz traditions and broader musical influences from around the globe. Informed by a cumulative century of devoted study, they answer to this with emphatic (and euphoric) sonic interpretations that effectively enrich the collective language of jazz itself.

LaVon Hardison – vocals, Osama Afifi – bass, Cliff Colon – sax, D’vonne Lewis – drums, and Eugene Bien – piano

Singer LaVon Hardison is known in the business – by musicians, venues, and audiences – as a mesmerizing performer, a reliable collaborator, and an ambassador of joy.
It’s true: listeners love LaVon. She has glowing vocals and an effortless command of the stage. She offers fresh interpretations of classics and has an authentic, true-love relationship with the audience.

One of the most refreshing things about LaVon is that she knows she’s not in it alone. A longtime collaborator with a stable of the region’s most highly regarded instrumentalists, she approaches her shows by working closely with others to create irresistible arrangements for shows that are a really good time.
She rolls out dozens of them each year: Polished, accessible jazz and jazzed-up pop and classical performances in Seattle and across the Pacific Northwest (and beyond).

LaVon’s first love is jazz. But it wasn’t the sound she first knew. Growing up in a Baptist congregation in Boston, LaVon was saturated with gospel music. As a young adult, she trained in opera and musical theater and went on to perform with the Boston Lyric Opera and many other dramatic and musical theaters across the country.

Today, LaVon sings the songs that tell stories, from the worlds of soul, R&B, classical, sacred, and pop – and gives them new life and energy from a jazz perspective. And she is more frequently mixing in her own evocative original compositions.

Audiences come back to hear her again and again. LaVon’s glossy, warm tone and infectious stage presence make her a surefire booking for concert series and festivals.

LaVon was a featured performer at the 2009 Festival of World Sacred Music in New Delhi, India. In 2016, she won the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Jazz Vocalist Audition at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, which took her on three-city performance tour of Japan. And she was the Earshot Jazz 2017 Vocalist of the Year.

Jovino Santos Neto – piano, flute, melodica; Ben Thomas – vibraphone, bandoneon; Tim Carey – bass; Mark Ivester – drums; Jeff Busch – percussion

3-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto is a master pianist, flutist, composer, arranger and conductor from Rio de Janeiro. After 15 years as a member of the legendary Hermeto Pascoal Group, he moved to Seattle in 1993. Since then, Jovino has established himself as a fascinating performer, whether playing solo piano, leading his award-winning Quinteto, or in guest appearances with ensembles and orchestras worldwide. He has shared the stage and the studio with some of the most creative musicians of our times.

Jovino’s compositions have been performed by the Seattle Symphony, NDR Big Band in Hamburg and by numerous jazz and chamber music groups. Jovino gives lectures, clinics and master classes worldwide on a variety of musical topics.

Jovino has received commissions by the Cheswatyr Foundation, IAJE, ASCAP, CMA/Doris Duke Foundation, Jack Straw Foundation, the City of Seattle, 4Culture, Artist Trust and Meet the Composer. He has been artist in residence at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world. In 2012 he was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame and in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2018 the Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto won as Best Northwest Acoustic Group in the Golden Ear Awards by Earshot Jazz. He also was awarded an Artist Trust Fellowship in Music in 2012.

Come early for parking and best seating. We expect this concert to be a full house. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Also, we will be awarding our Shirley Cline Memorial “Young Jazz Artist Scholarship” during the interlude between sets.

Dina Blade – vocal and guitar, Hans Brehmer – piano, Osama Afifi – bass, Darian Asplund – sax/clarinet/flute, and Jamael Nance – drums

Dina Blade is a singer with a deeply relaxed sense of time and swing who spent her early childhood watching old cartoons with jazz soundtracks and has been enthralled with the music ever since. She has graced stages in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Cuba and Brazil, singing at festivals, jazz clubs.

An effervescent performer with a devotion to the timeless songs from the 1930s and 40s Great American Songbook, Dina has created several thematic shows preserving the work of the master composers and lyricists from that era. For this concert she will be playing classic and romantic songs from Brazil and the Great American Songbook. For this reason she is a recipient of the American Masters Performance Initiative from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Originally from Milan, Italy, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.

“Since 2017, the Northwest can claim his talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz.

Travis Ranney – tenor saxophone, Michael Van Bebber – trumpet, Clif Swiggett -trombone/bongos, Nelda Swiggett – piano/vocal, Max Wood – drums, and Michael Glynn – bass

Swingin’, well-crafted arrangements and tight ensemble work produce a rich “big band” sound from this jazz sextet’s three-horn front line. Megabopolis is led by OA2 recording artist and award-winning composer Nelda Swiggett, and performs many of her original compositions and arrangements.

Megabopolis features some of Seattle’s finest jazz musicians, passionate about their craft, who have collectively performed at many top clubs and festivals throughout the Northwest and beyond, including the Earshot Jazz Festival, the Port Townsend Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., to name a few.

Larry Green – vocal, LaRoi Carter – guitar, Dale Cartlett – drums, Michael Stubblefield – bass, Jim Cochran – keyboards, and Keith Carter – tenor and alto sax

Singer, songwriter, and musician Larry Green serves up a broad range of musical styles with his original compositions and vocal performances.

Influenced by Al Jarreau, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor and Maurice White, Larry identifies as a musician in the broader sense, unconstrained by genre or label.
As a songwriter, he delights in the pairing of funk rhythms and four-part gospel harmonies infused with rock guitar lead licks. Believing that music is the universal language, he also sees music as a uniting expression of invitation. Larry led and directed a gospel choir while an undergraduate earning his pharmacy degree.

He formed and toured with a funk band while on active duty and living in Italy, and recorded two solo albums showcasing his unique, blended style of artistic expression.

Larry has performed with his band Groove Deluxe at clubs and events in the Northwest, including the Bite of Seattle as well as the Taste of Tacoma.

Scott Lindenmuth – guitar, David Pascal – bass, Chris Munroe – drums, Dwight Beckmeyer – keyboards

Scott Lindenmuth is a guitarist with few boundaries. He has been described as “One of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest instrumentalists” and a “Genre-crossing virtuoso”.

Performing with his contemporary instrumental group the Scott Lindenmuth Group, they will be playing jazz standards, Latin, funk, fusion and originals.

Lindenmuth is expanding his reputation as a cutting edge composer, creative and intuitive improviser, and master technician. A master of many styles he is one of the few guitarists in the world today that can easily transition from jazz to electric blues, classical to rock, funk, and fusion displaying fluid technique and virtuosic ability in all genres. His list of influences range from Jimi Hendrix to Wes Montgomery, Andres Segovia to Pat Metheny.

As a composer he has released four albums of original compositions with his group which received rave reviews in major publications including Down Beat, Guitar Player, Guitar World and Jazziz. They have been featured on radio stations throughout the U.S., with sales in countries around the world. He has also composed many compositions for solo guitar.

Scott Lindenmuth is regular performer on the Pacific Northwest music scene and has appeared at the region’s top venues for live music.

Greta Matassa – vocals, Brian Monroney – guitar, Clipper Anderson – bass , Mark Ivester – drums, and Alexey Nikolaev – sax