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

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host 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. In 2019, her eponymous release won a Juno for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year,” and her 2020 Juno-nominated album, Out of Dust, received rave reviews. Her signature sound transcends genre as she “masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy” (Washington Post).

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

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

Lineup: Laila Biali (piano, vocals); Jane Bunnett (sax); Chris Symer bass; Ben Wittman (drums).

Website: www.lailabiali.com

"The impression given by Naomi Moon Siegel is that she is serenading the constellations. There’s an imagery inherent to her music that is greater than the calculus of the notes, much in the same way a certain collection of stars become meaningful in the context of their astronomical shape and name and story." - Dave Sumner, Best of 2019 Jazz on Bandcamp

Trombonist, composer and educator Naomi Moon Siegel has "crafted a truly unique aesthetic, combining elements of straightahead, fusion and modern jazz with world-music flavors in a way that sounds entirely of the 21st century" (JAZZIZ). A recipient of the Montana Arts Council Artist Innovation Award, Chamber Music America Performance Plus Grant, and Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award, she has released two albums as a bandleader to critical acclaim.

The Naomi Moon Siegel Ensemble formed in 2016 after the release of Siegel’s critically acclaimed album Shoebox View to present the album’s compositions in live performance. Playing Siegel’s original music, the band employs deep grooves, soaring melodies, fantastical soundscapes, creative interplay, and improvisation investigating themes of grief, isolation, and connection amidst climate change.

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

Cost: $20 general, $10 students. Purchase advance tickets here SOLD OUT!

Lineup: Naomi Siegel (trombone); Marina Albero (piano); Ray Larsen (trumpet); Andy Coe (guitar); Kelsey Mines (bass); Chris Icasiano (drums).

Website: www.naomimoonsiegel.com

With an opening set from the WWU student ensemble at 5:45pm.

“Dmitri Matheny is a jazz treasure. The lyrical Matheny has impressive chops, but it’s his warmth and soulfulness that win you over.”—All Music Guide

Acclaimed for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American flugelhornist DMITRI MATHENY has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” (International Review of Music). An honors graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Dmitri Matheny vaulted onto the jazz scene in the 1990s as the protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer. Since then he has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal international following, touring extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, traveling to 19 countries. With over 100 recordings to his credit, Dmitri Matheny has released 12 albums as a leader. The San Francisco Chronicle calls Matheny “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players.”

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

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

Lineup: Dmitri Matheny (flugelhorn); Michael Brockman (sax); Bill Anschell (piano); Phil Sparks (bass); Robert Rushing (drums).

Website: www.dmitrimatheny.com

A saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest-working man in Jazz business – Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more.

Internationally renowned veteran sax man Jerry Weldon, has been a player on the jazz scene for more than 45 years. With eight CD’s as a leader and more sideman sides than even he can count…or remember, this native New Yorker’s performance/recording résumé reflects his venerable tenor tenure and reads like a virtual "Who's Who of Jazz."

Jerry, a “musician’s musician,” who is also a first class showman in the truest sense of the word, blows his horn with his entire body and delights audiences with his all-in, soulful playing. Depending on the tune, Weldon’s warm fat tenor sound can roll and roar like a thunderstorm or gentle you like a warm summer breeze…and it always, always resonates far beyond the listener’s ear, Whether he’s walkin’ the crowded bar at Showmans in Harlem or wending his way through packed candlelit tables at Birdland in Midtown, Jerry Weldon is a tenor force that cannot be contained.

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); Jerry Weldon (saxophone); Miles Black (piano); Michael Glynn (bass); Matt Jorgenson (drums).

Website: www.coryweeds.com

Pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement is a joyful and formidable force in the landscape of modern creative music. For over two decades, Clement has served as both a torchbearer of the jazz tradition and as a trailblazer in fresh sonic explorations. “In all this world of jazz, there are very few individual voices, no matter what the instrument, but Dawn has come up with a voice that’s unique…” says legendary jazz trombonist Julian Priester.

“an incredible force in the music world as a performer/ pianist/ composer/ vocalist/ bandleader/ educator and now also Artistic Director of Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend.” -Kelby MacNayr

Pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement is a distinguished force in modern creative music. Over two decades, she has upheld jazz traditions while pioneering new sonic explorations. Clement shines as a collaborator and is highly in demand as a teaching and performing artist. She has previously performed with jazz luminaries including Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, Matt Wilson, Rene Marie, and Julian Priester. Dawn recorded with säje on their GRAMMY-nominated debut album, and has toured with the ensemble in the U.S. and Japan. Dawn has been busy with several of her own projects including a trio with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and bassist Jon Hamar (9/6/24). Her recordings highlight her versatility, from jazz piano trio mastery to avant-garde improvisation and indie-influenced songwriting. Clement is currently Associate Professor of Jazz and American Improvised Music at Metropolitan State University of Denver and Artistic Director of the Centrum Jazz Workshop.

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

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

Lineup: Dawn Clement (piano/vocals); Mark Taylor (alto); Steve Kovalcheck (guitar); Michael Glynn (bass); Dru Heller (drums).

Website: https://dawnclement.com/

Itamar's music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply. It blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own.

Recipient of the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the prestigious 2014 Landau Prize, Itamar Erez is an internationally renowned composer and guitarist who has shared the stage with such musicians as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tomatito, Avishai Cohen, JeanLouis Matinier, Zohar Fresco, and others. 

Itamar has released Six albums to date, including "Desert Song" (2006) and "Hommage" (2010) with the Adama Ensemble, "New Dawn" (2013) with percussionist Yshai Afterman and special guest Antonio Serrano on harmonica, and "Mi Alegria" (2019). "May Song," was released in October 2022 and features music written during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Migrant Voices”, Itamar’s 6th album was released in 2024. It is an collaboration album with Hamin Honari (Iranian-Canadian percussionist). This unique project blends diverse cultural influences, highlighting the spontaneous interplay between guitar and percussion.

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

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

Lineup: Itamar Erez (piano, guitar); John Nicholson (sax); Jeff Gammon (bass); Kevin Romain (drums).

Website: www.itamarerez.com

In Motion, led by saxophonist Steve Treseler and trumpeter Kevin Woods, performs forward-thinking original jazz with a nod to the piano-less groups of Ornette Coleman, Dewey Redman, and Lee Konitz. The chord-less make-up of the group allows the band the freedom to stretch harmonically and melodically, while maintaining an emphasis on rhythmic interaction and improvised counterpoint. Treseler and Woods seem to communicate telepathically, with a great sense of élan, musical curiosity, and excitement.

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

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

Lineup: Kevin Woods (trumpet); Steve Tressler (sax); King Dahl (bass); Jerry Steinhilber (drums).

Website: www.kevinwoodsjazz.com/in-motion

Please join us for the Jazz Center of Bellingham's Fall Season kickoff with an Open House on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at 6:00pm! This open house will feature live jazz, silent auction for paintings (Thomas Wood for one), framed posters and musical instruments, 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 RSVP by purchasing a free ticket to guarantee your entry: Reserve Tickets here

Drummer Jerry Steinhilber leads an explosive line-up — Marina Albero (piano), King Dahl (bass), Steve Jones (percussion), backing front men Josh Cook (saxophone), and Walter Cano (trumpet), to celebrate legendary Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary. This specially curated performance will close out the Jazz Center season by taking attendees on a journey through the world-renowned Blue Note catalog.

Please note, this is a third Wednesday concert.

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

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

Lineup: Jerry Steinhilber (drums), Marina Albero (piano), King Dahl (bass), Steve Jones (percussion), Josh Cook (saxophone) and Walter Cano (trumpet).

Website: www.jerrysteinhilber.com

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

Celebrating the electric fusion movement that was sparked by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, Comfort Food grooves down that musical path. Influences from electric Miles to Weather Report to Nigeria's Fela Kuti's driving afrobeat. Comfort Food is music for your soul. Comfort Food Band was the recipient of Earshot Jazz Magazine's Golden Ear Award for the Best Alternative Jazz Ensemble for 2019.

"...electric Miles meets Fela Kuti..."

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

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

Lineup: Bob Antolin: sax, guitar; Boka Kouyate: vocals, djembe; Mark Cardenes: keys; Lennox Holness: bass; Ernesto Pediangco: congas; Jamael Nance: drums.

Website: www.reverbnation.com/comfortfood

Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz trio from the Pacific Northwest, whose original music draws upon the ancestral musical traditions of Cuba, Brazil and West Africa. 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.

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

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

Lineup: Alex Chadsey (piano), Farko Dosumov (bass), Jeff "Bongo" Busch (drums/percussion)

Website: www.duendelibre.com

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: Christian Casolary (drums), Mike Allen (saxophone), Miles Black (piano), Jeff Johnson (bass)

Website: www.christiancasolary.com

What separates the languages of Classical and Jazz Music? In this special evening, we celebrate the similarities between these two great languages. The BJ Block trio joins rioT, for an incredible evening of jazz, classical and crossover music that celebrates our similarities and our differences.

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

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

Lineup: BJ Block (guitar), Christian Casolary (drums), Roger Yamishita (bass), Erika Block (clarinet), Jennifer Weeks (oboe), Pat Nelson (bassoon)

Award nominated trumpeter, composer, educator, and recording artist Jun Iida has quickly established himself as a highly sought after musician in the Los Angeles and Pacific Northwest music scenes. In addition to being active in the studio recording scene, he is a dynamic performing artist both as a bandleader as well as a sideman. Iida has performed extensively throughout the US as well as in Japan.

Join us to celebrate the release of his new record, “Evergreen”.

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

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

Lineup: Jun lida (trumpet), Dylan Hayes (keys), Martin Budde (guitar), Kelsey Mines (bass), Xavier LeCouturier (drums).

Website: www.juniidamusic.com

Trumpeter, composer, and producer Thomas Marriott is a force for jazz on the west coast. He’s paid dues beside jazz elders such as Maynard Ferguson, Roy McCurdy, Mike Clark and Stix Hooper, and has been called on by contemporary standard-bearers like Joe Locke, Orrin Evans, Steve Wilson, and Charlie Hunter. A chameleon of musical styles, Marriott’s horn has been in-demand with bands like the Grammy-Award winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Captain Black Big Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk, hip-hop pioneer Deltron 3030 , and vocalists Kurt Elling, Ernestine Anderson, Michael Feinstein and Rosemary Clooney.

His albums, 14 in all, have reached number one on the jazz radio airplay charts, earned 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat, and have been featured on NPR. Thomas Marriott spent more than 20 seasons as a soloist with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and is founder of Seattle Jazz Fellowship, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting jazz music and jazz culture in Seattle. 

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

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

Lineup: Thomas Marriott (tp); Tim Kennedy (p); Trevor Ford (b); Xavier Lecouturier (d).

Website: www.thomasmarriott.net

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 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Mike Allen (saxophone), Miles Black (piano), Michael Glynn (bass) and Julian MacDonough (drums)

Website: www.mikeallenjazz.com

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.

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

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

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

Website: www.jovisan.net

D’Vonne Lewis—relentless touring performer and educator from Seattle—is an engaging and unique musician, plays concerts in a wide range of styles from jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, Brazilian and African music and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Earshot Jazz Award for “Instrumentalist of the Year”. He has played at the Jazz Center with various bands...tonight he brings his own band, Triage!

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

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

Lineup: D’Vonne Lewis (drums), Josh Rawlings (p); Osama Afifi (b).

Born in Barcelona, Marina Albero started playing music on stages as a child with her family while they toured all around the world. In her early years she studied in Barcelona’s Conservatory (El Bruc) and later in La Havana (ISA) where she finished her classical piano studies with the great professor and pianist Mrs.Teresa Junco. Marina has been researching and performing many different music styles such as jazz, flamenco, early music, andalusie and latin. She composes and improvises with a wide personal language carved by her colorful background. She has worked with many well known musicians and bands including L’Arpeggiata, Chano Dominguez, Pepe Habichuela, Barbarito Torres, Glen Velez, Carlos Saura and Ars Longa.

Since September 2014, she has been living in Seattle where she has been invited to present her music at the Ballard Jazz Festival, Earshot Jazz Festival, The Triple Door, SXSW, KNKX, KBCS... Her awarded album "A Life Soundtrack" features some of the finest musicians in the NorthWest like Hans Teuber, D’Vonne Lewis, Jeff Busch and Jeff Johnson. This performance will be with Marina’s exciting new female lead group, Gaia.

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

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

Lineup: Marina Albero (piano), Kelsey Mines (bass), Marissa Kall (trumpet); Jackson Cotugno (tenor sax); Xavier Lecouturier (drums).

Website: www.marinaalbero.net

"Linus and Juicy" is back! The Jose 'Juicy' Gonzales Trio brings the Vince Guaraldi's holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, played in its entirety at the Firehouse!

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

Cost: $20 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets. Sold Out!

Lineup: Jose "Juicy" Gonzales (p,voc); Michael Marcus (b); Matt Jorgensen (d)

Website: www.jose.band

Noah Simpson’s energetic, attentive, and dynamic quartet strives to create forward thinking music rooted in Jazz.

Pacific Northwest performer, composer, and forward-thinking improviser Noah Simpson’s approach to the trumpet is modern, energetic, dynamic, and attentive. Early in his career, he performed in The Young Sounds of Arizona, The Paradise Valley Community College Monday Night Big Band, and many Scottsdale Community College combos. Later he attended Portland State University, studying with his mentors George Colligan and Darrell Grant. Simpson has worked with George Benson, Lewis Nash, Bernard Purdie, Alex Acuna, Ralph Peterson III, Jaleel Shaw, Sean Jones, and Dennis Rowland. He has toured the US with Ron Artis II, Climbing Poetree, The Polyphonic Spree, and Dirty Revival and has performed at The Nash, The 1905, Montavilla Jazz Festival, PDX Jazz Festival, Jack London Review, and the Creative Music Guild Outset Series. His recent work includes a feature on Barra Brown’s new single release, NOAH, and arranger credit on the PDX Jazz educational presentation, The American Refrain: Jazz and Modern Music.

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

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

Lineup: Noah Simpson (tp); George Colligan (p); Michael Glynn (b); Stefan Schatz (d)

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

The evening will feature performances from 4 student combos and the faculty.

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

Cost: FREE

Join us for the release of the Jerry Steinhilber Trio’s record, “Four Suites”.

“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.”

Please note: this is a 3rd Wednesday show

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

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

Lineup: Josh Cook (ts); King Dahl (b); Jerry Steinhilber (d)

Website: www.jerrysteinhilber.com/trio

Pianist Bill Anschell was born in Seattle and began his career here, but he's ranged far and wide since then. He's been a jazz coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation, produced radio programs, been musical director and pianist for Nnenna Freelon with whom he toured and recorded, and he's toured widely in South America.

One of those tours was in Peru with his Seattle trio, Chris Symer on bass and Jeff "Bongo" Busch on drums and percussion. This Concert will feature adapted Peruvian music from that tour as well as original compositions.

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

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

Lineup: Bill Anschell (p);  Chris Symer (b); Jeff Busch (d)

Website: www.billanschell.com

Jazz Journal International calls Canadian tenor saxophonist, Mike Allen, “an accomplished musician who has studied Coltrane in-depth and forged a style that is fresh and vital”. Allen is a disciple and former student of Joe Henderson and his saxophone trio work has been acknowledged by Coda Magazine as “a substantial contribution to the genre”.

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); Michael Glynn (b); Julian MacDonough (d)

Website: www.mikeallenjazz.com

Chuchito Valdés, following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players from Cuba. 

“Chuchito Valdés displays the hell-bent intensity and daredevil technique of the elder Valdés - qualities recognized worldwide as hallmarks of Cuban Jazz.” -Neil Tesser / The Reader

Chuchito has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. He has also performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean to North America, South America, and Europe.

Chuchito is recognized as a master of Cuban music including Son, Danzon, Cuban Timba and Guaguanco. He has also extensively studied classical music including harmony and composition.  His original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and  structural techniques. In his performances, Chuchito’s music draws on many styles including Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz, Bebop, Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno and much  more.  Chuchito Valdés currently resides in Cancun, Mexico and is a frequent performer in the United States and Canada.

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

Cost: $25 general, $10 students Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Chuchito Valdes (piano)

Reality has offered a fertile canvas for violinist, storyteller, educator and community enterpriser Benjamin Hunter’s endeavoring mind. 

Cross pollinating multiple artistic disciplines for more than a decade, the Seattle based polymath and multi-instrumentalist has dedicated his life to transforming the world’s stale status quo into a vibrant, inclusive, communal, and compassionate society. 

In 2016, his America roots duo with Joe Seamons took first place in the International Blues Competition.  In 2018, Benjamin composed the music for the critically acclaimed production, Black Bois.  With his primary instrument the violin, he is as comfortable playing classical as he is blues and jazz.  City Arts Magazine wrote, “ The music he plays not only spans an array of genres but a huge swath of history.”  Living Blues magazine wrote, “An unbridled freedom and genre emancipation is evident in Ben Hunter’s music, yet the deep blues are a cornerstone of his style”.  

Benjamin Hunter is the founder and director of Community Arts Create, co-founder of the Hillman City Collaboratory, co-founder of Black & Tan Hall, sits on the Seattle Music Commission, and is a teaching artist for JazzEd as well as festivals around the world.  Benjamin is a 2020/2021 Artist-in-Residence at On The Boards, and is a 2020 Artist Trust Fellowship Awards recipient. 

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

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

Lineup: Benjamin Hunter (violin, mandolin, guitar, vocals); Gabe Hall-Rodriguez (keys); Danny Godinez (g); Forest Marowitz (bass); Ricardo Guity (drums)

Website: www.benjaminhuntermusic.com

Last minute update: Trombonist Steve Davis (Jackie McLean, Art Blakey, et al) will lead the bandstand with an excellent group this Wednesday. Cory Weeds has tested positive for Covid and will be unable to make the trip from Vancouver.

Davis' lyrical, hard-swinging style has gained him broad recognition. He has 20 recordings as a bandleader and over 100 recordings with names including: Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones. In 2018 his original composition “Optimism” was included in Christian McBride’s Grammy Award winning album “Bringin’ it”.

Phenomenal talent in Bellingham, don't miss it!

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

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

Lineup: Steve Davis (tb); Tony Foster (p); Michael Glynn (b); Matt Jorgensen (d).

Website: www.stevedavismusic.com