The venerable sextet format takes on fresh life with a new collection of original compositions and arrangements. Inspired by the long harmonic structures of Bob Brookmeyer and Kenny Wheeler, this New Sextet departs where the Big Bad Groove Society left off.

Greg Williamson is a jazz drummer, percussionist, composer, musical instigator, and keeper of a jazz flame. Early musical highlights include stints with Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd (1988-89), The Glenn Miller Orchestra (1988) and The Harry James Orchestra. Personal mentorships with jazz hero’s like Ray Brown, Mel Lewis, Buddy Catlett, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton and Red Kelley set him up for a long association with Grammy nominated vocalist Ernestine Anderson. Starting as her drummer of choice for many tours of the United States, Japan and South America, he eventually acted as her musical director.

In the 1990’s he was instrumental in the formation of Pony Boy Records (PBR has over 60 releases to date) and later Boxley’s, a non-profit performance and education venue in North Bend, Washington. Williamson has also been an active educator and clinician, working at Green River College and Bellevue College, and recently at the highly regarded Central Washington University as a graduate jazz and percussion assistant, gaining masters degrees in Percussion Performance and Jazz Pedagaogy.

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

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

Lineup: Greg Williamson, drums

John Hansen, piano

Paul Gabrielson, bass

Kevin Woods, trumpet

Alexey Nikolaev, sax

Conner Eisenmenger, trombone