Kelsey Mines is a bassist, vocalist and composer that premiers new original music that seeks to intersect activism, community and art. Born and raised in Seattle, Kelsey grew up on the music made in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Washington, and a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from Arizona State University. A recipient of the Holland Scholarship, Kelsey followed her passion for the double bass to the Netherlands, where she studied at Prince Claus Conservatoire before returning to Seattle where she has fully established herself as an important voice in the scene as both a performer and educator.

Since 2017, she has contributed to over a dozen records as a bassist; toured nationally and internationally with orchestras, experimental, jazz and pop bands alike; been a featured artist in several local music settings including the Earshot Jazz Festival, Wayward Music Series, and the Ballard Jazz Festival. In 2019 Kelsey received the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Emerging Artist and won the inaugural Call for Composers commission in 2022. Kelsey currently teaches at Cornish College of the Arts.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Kelsey Mines (bass & vocals); Jun Iida (trumpet); Conner Eisenmenger (trombone); Rafael Chamone (guitar); John Hansen (piano); Christopher Icasiano (drums).

Website: www.kelseyminesbass.com

George Colligan is not only one of the great jazz pianists of his generation, but he has earned an international reputation as a multi-instrumentalist (drums, trumpet, organ, keyboards), composer, accompanist, teacher, and bandleader. Winner of the 2015 DownBeat magazine Critics Poll (Keyboard), he has had a long association with living jazz legend Jack DeJohnette; recent touring took Colligan around the U.S. with “An Evening with Jack DeJohnette and Savion Glover.” He has also recently toured the U.S. and Canada as a leader with his trio featuring legends Buster Williams and Lenny White. With over 130 albums to date as an accompanist, Colligan has worked with a long list of jazz greats, including John Scofield, Buster Williams, Cassandra Wilson, Don Byron, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Botti, and many others.

George Colligan has toured, recorded ,and/or performed as a sideman with Lonnie Plaxico, Gary Bartz, Benny Golson, Gary Thomas, Miguel Zenon, Tom Harrell, Steve Coleman, Eddie Henderson, Ralph Peterson, Vanessa Rubin, Steve Wilson, Dave Weckl, Richard Bona, Jane Monheit, Ravi Coltrane, Lenny White, Michael Brecker, Mike Clark, Nicholas Payton, Sheila Jordan, Janis Siegel, Christian McBride, Billy Hart, Charles Fambrough, Mingus Big Band, Al Foster, Mark Turner, Don Braden, Lew Soloff, Gunther Schuller, Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey, Carl Allen, Rodney Whitaker, Lee Konitz, Jamie Baum, Michal Urbaniak, Ron McClure,DJ Logic, Randy Brecker and Stefon Harris, among others.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: George Colligan (piano); Michael Glynn (b); Matt Jorgensen (d).

Website: www.georgecolligan.com

SKERIK has toured with the following:

Sadhappy, Critters Buggin, Ponga, Wayne Horvitz, Roger Waters, Les Claypool, Tuatara, Garage a Trois, The Dead Kenny Gs, Black Frames, Crack Sabbath, Maelstrom Trio, Bandalabra, Mad Season, Beta Popes, Omaha Diner, Syncopated Taint Septet, LORBO, Khu-eeX, Sound Cipher, DRKWAV, Skerik Band, OG GAT (original Garage a Trois) Stanton and Skerik’s Emerald Quintet, Robert Walter, Bobby Previte, Jamie Saft, MMOB, New York Composers Orchestra, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Headhunters, True Loves, Mctuff, Master Musicians of Jajouka, etc.

SKERIK has performed with/and or recorded with:

Fred Wesley, Mike Clark, Charlie Hunter, Russell Batiste, Bernard Purdie, Zigaboo Modeliste, Clyde Stubblefield, Stewart Copeland, George Porter Jr, The Meters, The Funky Meters, Dumpstaphunk, James Singleton, Johnny Vidacovich, Big Sam, Maurice Brown, Trombone Shorty, Midnight Disturbers Brass Band, SUNN, Nels Cline, Peter Apfelbaum, Medeski Martin and Wood, REM, Wil Blades, Scott Amendola, Jeff Parker, NORDRA, Monika Khot, Zen Mother, Zach Hill, Keefus Ciancia, Jon Brion, Galactic, Lettuce, John Scofield, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Om Johari, Stone Gossard, Pearl Jam, Eyvind Kang, Randall Dunn, Bernie Worrell, Sean Lennon, Ozomatli, Brownout, Primus, Chris Cornell, Wolves in the Throne Room, Cyril Neville, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Warren Haynes, Kidd Jordan, Jonathan Freilich, Helen Gillet, Eric Harland, Reggie Watts, Karl Berger, Steven Bernstein, Maceo Parker, Donald Harrison, Leo Nocentelli, Pee Wee Ellis, Adrian Belew, Calvin Weston, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, MonoNeon, Marco Benevento, David Torkanowsky, Andrew Bird, Ani Difranco, John Medeski, Green Sky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, Nth Power, Jennifer Hartswick, Nikki Glaspie, Industrial Revelation, Radioactive, Antibalas, Cory Henry, Scott Metzger, Joe Russo, Simon Lott, Ween, Tim Young, Hella, Barrett Martin, Kayo Dot, Todd Sickafoose, Bheki Mseleku, Aubrey Oaki, Mose Fan Fan, Somo Somo, Remy Ongala and Orchestre Matimila, The Coup, Shock G, Josh Roseman, Shazhad Ismaily, Marc Ribot, Larry Coryell, Screaming Trees, Squirell Nut Zippers, Sex Mob, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Word, North Mississippi Allstars, Mino Cinelu, Bob Stewart, Bill Ware, Buckethead, Ralph Carney, DJ Logic, Get It Gurl, Bonnie Raitt, Ruth Brown, Howard Tate, Maxi Priest, Steve Berlin, David Hidalgo, Steve Kimock, Corrosion of Conformity, DJ Olive, Elemental, DJ Riz, Doze Green, Ernest Ranglin, Yoshida Brothers, Dave Ellis, Gene Ween, Soulive, Allen Stone, M.I.R.V. My Name, Melvin Gibbs, performed on latin grammy award winning record by Nando Reis “Jardim-Pomar”, and many more…

SKERIK has also recorded on over 200 records as a saxophonist, horn section, keyboardist, etc

SKERIK and his bands have been placed in feature films, independent films, TV, theatre, dance, etc

SKERIK has performed in major festivals all over the world mostly as a band member.

SKERIK owns a studio in Seattle and records regularly as a session musician, horn arranger and soloist. He also continues to tour all over the world.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Skerik (saxophone); Tim Kennedy (p); Geoff Harper (b); D’Vonne Lewis (d).

Website: www.skerikmusic.com

Brian Kirk presents a tribute to a master vibraphonist Gary Burton

Brian Kirk is a Professor of Jazz, Electronic Music, Music Theory, Percussion at Seattle Central College, in Seattle. Son of Indianapolis Hall of Fame drummer and educator Dr. Willis Kirk, Brian grew up in San Francisco where he performed with Gladys Knight, Marlena Shaw, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Bishop Norman Williams, John Handy, and Jessica Williams.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Brian Kirk (vibraphone); Eric Verlinde (p); Osama Afifi (b); Jeff Busch (d).

Website: www.kirkjazz.net

Join us to show support for the Jazz Center of Bellingham’s educational program.

The evening will feature performances from student combos and the faculty.

Location: The Blue Room, 202 E Holly St 301 , #401, Bellingham, WA

Cost: FREE

Join the Jerry Steinhilber Trio to celebrate the release of their latest record!

They tantalize the senses of their audience members, not with the expected “standard after standard” set list, but with distinctive mash-ups of influential jazz masterpieces from Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Joe Lovano, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and others that interweave a combination of well-known compositions with works deserving wider appreciation within the jazz canon.

Steinhilber’s own compositions punctuate the trio’s well-received live sets along with heavy doses of collaborative improvisation.

Sponsored by Patrick Neher

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Jerry Steinhilber (drums), King Dahl (bass), Josh Cook (sax).

Website: www.jerrysteinhilber.com

Multi-award winning vocalist, pianist, songwriter and national radio host Laila Biali is thrilled to share her latest tribute project, Joni Mitchell & the Canadian Songbook Reimagined – a memorable concert experience filled with dynamic covers of Canadian musical icons. Audiences will be treated to fresh takes on a range of artists from across the decades including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, k.d. Lang, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah McLachlan and many more, all centered around the heart of this show: Joni Mitchell.

Come experience why the Washington Post hails Biali for her unique ability to "masterfully mix jazz and pop", interweaving your favorite Canadian classics with playful anecdotes and heartwarming stories.

Artist Bio:

Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. Her JUNO-nominated 2023 album, Your Requests, featured a stellar cast of guests and received a 4.5 star rave review in All About Jazz. Her previous release, Out of Dust, was also JUNO nominated (in 2021) and won Biali spots on “Best Album” lists around the globe. In 2020, she was honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting. The previous year, Biali's eponymous release won her a JUNO for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year” and top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition. She was the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards, named “SOCAN Composer of the Year” and “Keyboardist of the Year” in 2006, and she received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light in 2011.

When Biali isn’t on stage or in the studio, she’s busy hosting CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz – a weekly program broadcast to millions of listeners across Canada. And while she continues to earn high honours in the jazz world, Biali's signature sound transcends genre, making her a favourite among audiences globally.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Laila Biali (vocals, piano); Mark Taylor (saxophone); Christopher Symer (bass); Ben Wittman (drums).

Website: www.lailabiali.com

On March 11th, Steve Smith (owner of Seattle Drum School) will perform the music of Chick Corea alongside a group of truly remarkable musicians and longtime friends. His journey with Chick’s music began in 1978 with the album Friends. At the time, he was drawn in by the legendary drummer Steve Gadd, but the music itself changed everything for Steve.

“Coming from a background of "old school" big band jazz, Friends was a revelation. It introduced me to a world of melody, harmony, and rhythm that was both high-energy and deeply sensitive. That album—which won a Grammy in 1979—featured the stellar lineup of Chick Corea, Eddie Gomez, Steve Gadd, and Joe Farrell. It didn’t just change my taste in music; it led me to discover other drumming icons like Tony Williams and Roy Haynes.” -S.Smith

The Band

• Reuel Lubag (Piano): Reuel and I go back to 1983, when he played in my graduate recital combo at Central Washington University. Since then, he has performed with the orchestras of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Cab Calloway.

• Paul Gabrielson (Bass): My former college roommate at CWU and a frequent bandmate. Paul has been a staple of the Seattle jazz scene for decades, working with the Mingus Big Band, Diane Schurr, and the Kingston Trio.

• Steve Treseler (Saxophone): I first met Steve through the Jim Knapp Orchestra. He is a renowned guest artist and clinician internationally—and, I should mention, a former drum student of mine.

• Nathanial Paul Schleimer (Flute): When I needed a flautist to recreate the Friends album for my book launch in 2025, everyone told me, "Get Nathanial!". His resume includes work with the Temptations, the Seattle Symphony, and the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.

I am sincerely looking forward to sharing this inspired, joyful music with you all.

— Steve Smith

Join us as Steve and his band celebrate the music of Chick Corea.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Steve Treseler (tenor sax), Nathaniel Schleimer (flute), Reuel Lubag (piano), Paul Gabrielson (bass), Steve Smith (drums)

Website: www.stevesmithdrums.com

Three-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto, a master pianist, composer and arranger, is one of the most important 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.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Jovino Santos Neto (piano, flute, melodica); Ben Thomas (vibraphone, bandoneon); Tim Carey (bass); Mark Ivester (drums); Jeff Busch (percussion).

Website: www.jovisan.net

The Josh Rawlings Trio delivers a masterclass in musical intuition, built on a brotherhood that began at Cornish College of the Arts in 2001. After nearly 25 years of performing together, pianist Josh Rawlings, bassist Nate Omdal, and drummer Adam Kessler share a seamless rapport that allows them to pivot effortlessly between deep jazz grooves, swinging blues, and soulful pop classics. Their seasoned musicianship is anchored by the leadership of Josh Rawlings, a Grammy-nominated and Platinum-certified artist known for his signature piano work on major global hits.

The JRT brings passionate energy and musical chemistry to each and every song they play. Together they specialize in captivating and genuine performances reminiscent of Trios by the likes of Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris, and Bill Evans. Their evolution is documented across two acclaimed albums, Climbing Stairs (2008) and Swell (2016), which showcase the versatility and heart they bring to every stage. Attendees can expect a captivating evening of genuine artistry and the high-energy connection only a decades-long partnership can produce.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students - SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Josh Rawlings (piano), Nate Omdal (bass), Adam Kessler (drums)

Website: www.joshrawlings.com

Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz trio 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.

Comprising core members Alex Chadsey (bandleader and keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (bass), Duende Libre is collectively influenced by the trio’s direct connections with master musicians including Clinton Fearon, Dudley Nesbitt, Dave Hassel, Jesse Bannister, Chucho Valdés, Carlos Santana, Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal Flores, and Joe Santiago

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students SOLD OUT

Lineup: Alex Chadsey (piano), Farko Dusumov (bass), Jeff Busch (drums), Pedro Vargas (percussion).

Website: www.duendelibre.com

Kareem Kandi is a highly sought-after saxophonist, composer, and educator from the Pacific Northwest, known for his warm and versatile sound deeply rooted in jazz, blues, classical, and funk traditions. He performs extensively across the U.S. and internationally, both as a bandleader with The Kareem Kandi Band and as a sideman, having shared stages with renowned artists like Patti LaBelle, The Temptations, and Ali Jackson.

A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, Kandi's musical foundation was shaped by studying with and performing alongside Pacific Northwest jazz legends. Beyond performing, he is a dedicated educator, teaching at the Tacoma School of the Arts, leading private lessons and jazz classes, and directing The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra (trio) and The Tacoma Jazz Association. Kandi is also a performing artist and clinician for Conn-Selmer and D'addario Woodwinds.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Kareem Kandi (saxophone), Greg Feingold (bass), Jacques Willis (d).

Website: www.kkworldorchestra.org

Since she burst on the jazz scene in 2013, the award-winning, Seattle-based vocalist, composer, producer, and legacy activist Eugenie Jones has been one of our time's most evocative and evolving artists.

NEA Jazz Master and bassist Reggie Workman described Jones as "an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and a source of light we're fortunate to experience." Thomas Staudter of The Gazette/New York lauded Jones for her "tremendous talent, tireless energy, and buoyant spirit," and Mark Holston of Jazziz praised Jones for her "…keen sense of phrasing, [which] makes her extremely persuasive. Like a veteran horn soloist, she slides effortlessly from one octave to the next, always landing on the right, pitch-perfect note."

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Eugenie Jones (vocals); Bob Antolin (ts,g); Nick Allison (p); Jonathan Green (b); Greg Campbell (d).

Website: www.eugeniejones.com

Peter Bernstein was born in New York City in 1967. He has been playing and recording since 1990 when he first appeared on recordings with Lou Donaldson and the organ trio of Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart, a group still touring and recording today.

Peter played in Lou Donaldson's group for 10 years as well as performing and recording with Joshua Redman's group 1995-97. Other associations and collaborations include Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Fathead Newman, Brad Mehldau, Etta Jones, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, George Coleman, and Sonny Rollins. Peter has played on festival, concert, and club stages all over the world since the early 90's.

He has appeared on over 300 recordings with these musicians and many of his contemporaries as well as 14 records under his own name. These recordings have featured many of his own compositions and musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson, Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Peter Washington, Doug Weiss, and Joe Farnsworth among others.

His latest recording on the Smoke Sessions label is "Better Angels", and features Brad Mehldau, Vicente Archer, and Al Foster.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets -SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Peter Bernstein (guitar), Tony Foster (piano), Michael Glynn (bass), Matt Jorgensen (drums).

Website: www.peterbernsteinmusic.com

JAZZ OVERHAUL is a jazz quartet that covers rock songs from the renowned Seattle grunge music scene that gave the world Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Jazz Overhaul has created arrangements from these classic bands, in addition to other popular music from the past 30 years, and has “overhauled” them to fit into the jazz structure. The group features Cliff Colon on sax, Jake Sele on keys, Osama Afifi on bass, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. This isn’t your normal jazz quartet. This is a JAZZ OVERHAUL!

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets. SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Cliff Colon (sax), Jake Sele (piano,) Osama Afifi (bass), and D’Vonne Lewis (drums).

Website: www.jazzoverhaul.com

We’re proud to present Cory Weeds, a jazz powerhouse! Weeds wears many hats, all with exceptional skill: he's an award-winning saxophonist known for his warm, impactful sound; a visionary record label owner (Cellar Music Group, including the Grammy-winning Cellar Live imprint); and a dedicated impresario who has shaped the jazz scene across North America.

From his legendary Cellar Jazz Club to booking Frankie's Jazz Club and leading the "New York With Weeds" tours, Cory Weeds is consistently at the heart of vital jazz experiences. With over 20 albums as a leader and more than 200 as a producer, his contributions to jazz are immense. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the artistry of "the hardest working man in jazz business."

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Cory Weeds (saxophone), Chris Hazelton (Hammond B3), David Rourke (guitar), Rudy Petschauer (drums).

Website: www.coryweeds.com

Get ready for an inspiring performance by Cat Toren, the Brooklyn-based, award-winning pianist, improviser, and composer praised for her "vibrant, earthy and spiritual" sound (UK Vibe). Cat's music beautifully blends "bold atmospheric abstraction and fluid melodies" with "deep human warmth and creative fire" (Coastal Jazz and Blues Society).

With six albums under her belt, including the highly acclaimed Scintillating Beauty and her latest, Sea/Sky, Cat Toren's inventive approach to jazz and improvisation is truly something to experience. As a JUNO Award winner and a respected composer, her artistry is not to be missed!

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Cat Toren (piano), Xavier Del Castillo (saxophone), Aram Bajakian (oud, guitar), Jake Leckie (bass), Steven Crammer (drums).

Website: www.cattoren.com

An evening with Naomi Moon Siegel, the award-winning trombonist and composer described by JAZZIZ as having "crafted a truly unique aesthetic." Siegel takes the trombone beyond expectations, weaving together modern jazz, fusion, and world music with incredible depth.

Join her and the Naomi Moon Siegel Ensemble for an unforgettable performance of original music, featuring deep grooves, soaring melodies, and captivating improvisation. You'll hear why she's a recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award and has been lauded for her critically acclaimed albums.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Naomi Moon Siegel (trombone), Ray Larsen (trumpet), Elias Hampton (guitar), Kelsey Mines (bass), Chris Icasiano (drums).

Website: www.naomimoonsiegel.com

A fixture on the New York music scene for 30 years, guitarist John Hart has distinguished himself as a band leader with 16 CDs - including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord. John has also appeared on 100-plus CDs as a sideman.

Pianist/Composer Jake Hart is an emerging artist recently signed with Sunnyside Records. Jake has performed in a multitude of international competitions and holds a Bachelor of Music from University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a Master of Music from Salem College.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: John Hart (guitar), Jake Hart (piano), Steven Kirsty (bass), Rudy Petschauer (drums).

The Jerry Steinhilber Trio tantalizes the senses of their audience members, not with the expected “standard after standard” set list, but with distinctive mash-ups of influential jazz masterpieces from Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Joe Lovano, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and others that interweave a combination of well-known compositions with works deserving wider appreciation within the jazz canon.

Steinhilber’s own compositions punctuate the trio’s well-received live sets along with heavy doses of collaborative improvisation.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Jerry Steinhilber (drums), King Dahl (bass), Josh Cook (sax).

Website: www.jerrysteinhilber.com

Please join us for the Jazz Center of Bellingham's Fall Season kickoff with an Open House on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm! This open house will feature live jazz and a raffle for season tickets, individual shows and merch as well as ways to support the Jazz Center's mission. Please join us at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center in Fairhaven!

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: Admission is free but it is likely that we will reach capacity. Please reserve a ticket here: Reservations - SOLD OUT!

Pre-Season Friday Concert!

"Migrant Voices," is an improvisational music album by world renowned Canadian musicians Itamar Erez (guitarist and pianist) and Hamin Honari (percussionist). This unique project blends diverse cultural influences, highlighting the spontaneous interplay between guitar and percussion.

“Migrant Voices” is a collaboration representing symbolic acts of defiance against animosity, signaling the possibility of a future based on peaceful coexistence. Itamar and Hamin demonstrate that ordinary people can rise above political conflict and work toward a shared purpose. It’s a project that hopes to empower others to explore similar avenues for grassroots diplomacy and bridge-building.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Itamar Erez (guitar) and Hamin Honari (percussion).

Website: www.itamarerez.com/migrant-voices

Drummer Kelby MacNayr was unable to secure his visa in time for this show, however we were fortunate to schedule the Thomas Marriott Quartet playing the music from his newest album, Screen Time. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Jazz Center!

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Thomas Marriott (tp); Matt Williams (p); Michael Glynn (b); Jerry Steinhilber (d).

Website: https://thomasmarriott.net/

SKERIK has toured with the following:

Sadhappy, Critters Buggin, Ponga, Wayne Horvitz, Roger Waters, Les Claypool, Tuatara, Garage a Trois, The Dead Kenny Gs, Black Frames, Crack Sabbath, Maelstrom Trio, Bandalabra, Mad Season, Beta Popes, Omaha Diner, Syncopated Taint Septet, LORBO, Khu-eeX, Sound Cipher, DRKWAV, Skerik Band, OG GAT (original Garage a Trois) Stanton and Skerik’s Emerald Quintet, Robert Walter, Bobby Previte, Jamie Saft, MMOB, New York Composers Orchestra, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Headhunters, True Loves, Mctuff, Master Musicians of Jajouka, etc.

SKERIK has performed with/and or recorded with:

Fred Wesley, Mike Clark, Charlie Hunter, Russell Batiste, Bernard Purdie, Zigaboo Modeliste, Clyde Stubblefield, Stewart Copeland, George Porter Jr, The Meters, The Funky Meters, Dumpstaphunk, James Singleton, Johnny Vidacovich, Big Sam, Maurice Brown, Trombone Shorty, Midnight Disturbers Brass Band, SUNN, Nels Cline, Peter Apfelbaum, Medeski Martin and Wood, REM, Wil Blades, Scott Amendola, Jeff Parker, NORDRA, Monika Khot, Zen Mother, Zach Hill, Keefus Ciancia, Jon Brion, Galactic, Lettuce, John Scofield, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Om Johari, Stone Gossard, Pearl Jam, Eyvind Kang, Randall Dunn, Bernie Worrell, Sean Lennon, Ozomatli, Brownout, Primus, Chris Cornell, Wolves in the Throne Room, Cyril Neville, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, Warren Haynes, Kidd Jordan, Jonathan Freilich, Helen Gillet, Eric Harland, Reggie Watts, Karl Berger, Steven Bernstein, Maceo Parker, Donald Harrison, Leo Nocentelli, Pee Wee Ellis, Adrian Belew, Calvin Weston, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, MonoNeon, Marco Benevento, David Torkanowsky, Andrew Bird, Ani Difranco, John Medeski, Green Sky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, Nth Power, Jennifer Hartswick, Nikki Glaspie, Industrial Revelation, Radioactive, Antibalas, Cory Henry, Scott Metzger, Joe Russo, Simon Lott, Ween, Tim Young, Hella, Barrett Martin, Kayo Dot, Todd Sickafoose, Bheki Mseleku, Aubrey Oaki, Mose Fan Fan, Somo Somo, Remy Ongala and Orchestre Matimila, The Coup, Shock G, Josh Roseman, Shazhad Ismaily, Marc Ribot, Larry Coryell, Screaming Trees, Squirell Nut Zippers, Sex Mob, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Word, North Mississippi Allstars, Mino Cinelu, Bob Stewart, Bill Ware, Buckethead, Ralph Carney, DJ Logic, Get It Gurl, Bonnie Raitt, Ruth Brown, Howard Tate, Maxi Priest, Steve Berlin, David Hidalgo, Steve Kimock, Corrosion of Conformity, DJ Olive, Elemental, DJ Riz, Doze Green, Ernest Ranglin, Yoshida Brothers, Dave Ellis, Gene Ween, Soulive, Allen Stone, M.I.R.V. My Name, Melvin Gibbs, performed on latin grammy award winning record by Nando Reis “Jardim-Pomar”, and many more…

SKERIK has also recorded on over 200 records as a saxophonist, horn section, keyboardist, etc

SKERIK and his bands have been placed in feature films, independent films, TV, theatre, dance, etc

SKERIK has performed in major festivals all over the world mostly as a band member.

SKERIK owns a studio in Seattle and records regularly as a session musician, horn arranger and soloist. He also continues to tour all over the world.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Skerik (ts); Tim Kennedy (p); Geoff Harper (b); D’Vonne Lewis (d).

Website: www.skerikmusic.com

Trumpeter, composer and educator Jared Hall hails from Spokane, Washington. He studied at Whitworth University, the Indiana University Jacobs School Of Music and the University Of Miami’s Frost School Of Music, where he received the degree Doctor of Musical Arts in 2015. His primary teachers include Terence Blanchard, Joey Tartell, Dan Keberle, Whit Sidener, David Baker and Brian Lynch, under whom he pursued his doctoral studies. Hall is the winner of the 2013 National Trumpet Competition – Jazz Division, and has performed and recorded with Paquito D’Rivera, Bob Hurst, John Daversa, Arturo Sandoval, Maria Schneider, Vincent Herring, Peter Erskine, Dave Liebman, Alan Pasqua, Brian Lynch, Ira Sullivan, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Terence Blanchard, Rick Margitza, Wycliffe Gordon, David Binney, Johnny Mathis, George Benson, Gloria Estefan, Fred Hersch, Melissa Aldana, Shelly Berg, the South Florida Jazz Orchestra, and the Frost Concert Jazz Band.

Hall’s recording credits include his albums Influences (Origin Records, 2024), Seen on the Scene (Origin Records, 2021) and Hallways (Hollistic MusicWorks, 2017). Other recordings include Home at Last (Sierra Music, 2024), Inventions (OA2 Records, 2021), Cheap Thrills: The Music of Rick Margitza (Summit, 2020), North By Freaking Northwest (Skymuse, 2019), Jazz & The Philharmonic (OKeh, 2014), With Love (Jeremy Fox, 2014), Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole (George Benson, 2013), and others.

This band will feature UNT O’clock Band lead alto saxophonist Natalie Wagner (Joshua Redman), pianist Ben Markley (Terell Stafford, Ari Hoenig), UNT O’clock Band bassist Kai Wagner (Maria Schneider, Alison Miller), and Seattle based drummer, John Bishop (Lee Konitz, Bobby Hutcherson, Dr. Lonnie Smith).

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Jared Hall (tp); Natalie Wagner (as); Ben Markley (p); Kai Wagner (b); John Bishop (d).

Website: www.jaredhall.net

Pacific Northwest drummer, composer, and educator Christian Casolary reunites his Transcendence Quartet for a night of music that explores the relationship between darkness and light. This group features all-star musical masters playing a mix of original compositions and lesser-known jazz standards. Beauty, raw expression, gentle moments, and heavy cosmic swirls… buckle up for the Transcendence Quartet.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Mike Allen (ts); Miles Black (p); Jeff Johnson (b); Christian Casolary (d).

Website: www.christiancasolary.com

Francesco Crosara is a Seattle based Italian jazz pianist, composer and educator performing in a variety of formations. Crosara’s original music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical Conservatory training in Rome, bouncy lyrical expression along with strong Latin influences. His main jazz piano influences are Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock.

Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy.

Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest can claim Crosara’s talents, too. He was featured on National Public Radio performing at the 2024 KNKX 88.5 FM Studio Session series. Crosara’s trio was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, and his creations were featured in the trend-setting series Earshot Jazz: The Second Century (2019 and 2020) for their bold and innovative music composition and video editing work. Equally adept with acoustic and electric jazz concepts, Crosara routinely headlines trios and quartets with the area top musicians.

Crosara’s latest CD project, “Circular Motion”, released in 2024 by Origin/OA2 Records, features all original material including fresh interpretations of some of his earlier repertoire, which was composed over a period of 40 years. Crosara has produced 6 additional international jazz albums over the last three decades ranging from straight-ahead to fusion and Latin, and featuring guest artist, Chicago tenor sax legend Von Freeman, plus Lilian Terry, Dave Marr, Rusty Jones, Paulinho Garcia, Dean Taba, Noel Okimoto, Yasushi Gonjo, Larry Marshall, Miles Jackson, Eric Kurtz, and more. Crosara’s 2000 album “Colors” received 4 stars from Down Beat magazine.

Be sure to arrive early! Kevin Woods will bring his WWU student ensemble to perform 5:45-6:15 prior to this concert! It will be included with the purchase of a ticket for tonight’s show.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Francesco Crosara (p); Alexey Nikolaev (ts); Farko Dosumov (b); D'Vonne Lewis (d).

Website: www.francescojazz.com

Swing Into Spring with The Mike Allen Quartet!

The Ottawa Citizen calls Vancouver's Mike Allen "Canada's top jazz saxophonist". Mike and his magnificent band featuring Miles Black-piano, Michael Glynn-bass and Julian MacDonough-drums are excited to swing their way through a night of classic jazz tunes dedicated to Springtime: You Must Believe in Spring, Spring Is Here, It Might As Well Be Spring, Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most, Up Jumped Spring, Joy Spring, Swing Spring, and more.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 student Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Mike Allen (ts); Miles Black (p); Michael Glynn (b); Julian MacDonough (d).

Website: www.mikeallenjazz.com

Ann Reynolds and Tobi Stone bring you their original music to Bellingham with a stunning quartet.  Ann and Tobi have been playing together for over 25 years and have each been developing unique voices through their compositions. Joining Ann and Tobi for this concert are Heather Chriscaden on bass and Chris Icasiano on drums.

Ann Reynolds began playing piano at age 7 and has been composing since 2000. Her musical background includes study of classical,  jazz, and Cuban music. Her yearly journeys to Cuba, starting in 2000, lead her to compose in Cuban styles and produce 2 highly acclaimed CDs of original music with her group Clave Gringa. In 2021, she recorded 4 jazz compositions, honoring great women composers, with Kelsey Mines on bass and Chris Icasiano on drums.  “Inspired by Women Composers”, was awarded the Earshot Golden Ear award for Best Northwest recording of 2021.

Tobi Stone (tenor sax and clarinet) has spent the last 30 years pursuing music performance, touring, recording, teaching lessons, classes and workshops. She specializes in Classical and Jazz music education. She has also studied and played many different styles and genres including West African, Klezmer, Django era- Roma swing, Funk, Pop, Reggae, Blues and Folk. Her compositions have been recorded and performed across the US and Europe with Reptet, The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet and Drums, and The Jefferson Rose Band.

Location: Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Ann Reynolds (piano), Tobi Stone (sax/clarinet), Heather Chriscaden (bass), Chris Icasiano (drums)

Website: www.annreynoldsmusic.com

www.tobistone.com