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

Brian Kirk presents a tribute to to a master vibraphonist: Milt Jackson

Milton Jackson, nicknamed "Bags", was an American jazz vibraphonist, usually thought of as a bebop player, although he performed in several jazz idioms. He is especially remembered for his cool swinging solos as a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet and his penchant for collaborating with hard bop and post-bop players. Jackson is one of the five most-recorded jazz artists of all time, and is also a noted jazz composer. Several of his compositions have become standards, including "Bags Groove” and more.

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 Purchase Advance Tickets

Lineup: Brian Kirk (vibraphone); David Joyner (piano); Dan O'Brien (bass); Ronnie Bishop (drums)

Website: www.kirkjazz.net

THIS CONCERT SPONSORED BY MILT KRIEGER

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

New Orleans based drummer Jon Sheckler is becoming a unique voice in the modern jazz scene.  After winning numerous awards while attending high school in suburban Seattle, Jon attended the University of Northern Colorado and continued to excel, being named an Outstanding Musician at the 2010 UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival and winning the 2009 UNC Jazz Composers Contest among other achievements.  While at home, Jon was never idol and was nominated as a Rising Star at the 2010 Inside/Out Jazz awards presented by Lucid Jazz Lounge, while leading his trio at notable local venues such as Tula’s Jazz Club, Egan’s Ballard Jam House, Lucid Jazz Lounge and the Seamonster Lounge.  Additionally, Doug Haire’s Sonarchy Radio twice featured Jon as one the area’s leading jazz artists in 2009 and 2013. 

While living in Brooklyn, Jon continued where he left off by being a constant presence in the New York music scene.  His trio has been featured multiple times at ShapeShiter Lab, Club Bonafide, NuBlu, Williamsburg Music Center, and Rockwood Music Hall among others.  In 2017, his trio was in residence at Caffe Vivaldi in Greenwich Village.  He has been sidemen to Al Rowe, James Robbins, James Weidman, Larry Corban, Steve Denny, Clay Jenkins, Darrius Wilrich, Fima Chupatkin and Reuel Lubag among others. 

His new album, Cityscapes, has drawn critical praise across the board.  All About Jazz chose two tracks from the record for Downloads of the Day while Michael Ferber called it "excellent album with a distinct sound" while singling out Jon for his "impressive and very dynamic" playing.  Cityscapes was named as a top album of the month in September 2018 by Divide and Conquer and said that “Cityscapes offers you the chance to hear some truly original compositions…” Chris Barber at Jazz Views called the record "immediately accessible and engaging," citing the “strong rhythmic textures” of Jon’s writing and playing. Dick Metcalf went further, giving the album a 5/5 at Contemporary Jazz Fusion while saying that the trio is “totally ‘with’ each other, particularly on this stunning piece of jazz!  I’ve no doubt your ears will be just as amazed as mine were!”

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

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

Lineup: Jon Sheckler (d);  Mike Clement (g); Jory Tindall (sax), and Michael Glynn (b).

Website: www.shecklermusic.com

Please join us for the Jazz Center of Bellingham's Fall Season kickoff with an Open House on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 at 6:30pm! This open house will feature live jazz, refreshments, 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!

The music lineup (inside and outside) includes:
-The Jazz Center Sextet (Thomas Harris, Kevin Woods, Issac Devange, Conner Helms, Roger Yamashita, Christian Casolary)
-Bilongo w/ Sabrina Gomez
-Trio Sueno
-Student Performances

Admission is free. Please RSVP by purchasing a free ticket. (Limited to 90 tickets)

Reserve Tickets here (SOLD OUT!)

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

Cost: SOLD OUT!

A large ensemble experiment led by jazz drummer/innovator Jerry Steinhilber featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s most in demand artists.

“Steinhilber is a powerful but disciplined drummer who is an equal partner in the development and execution of improvisational ideas, urging other members of the band to extend themselves.”

— Alain Drouot, Downbeat Magazine

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

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

Lineup: Josh Cook (ts); Thomas Harris (ts); Marina Albero (p); King Dahl (b); Jerry Steinhilber (d); Steve Jones (perc).

Website: www.jerrysteinhilber.com

Seattle based musician, Jeff Busch is an exuberant drummer/percussionist, vocalist, and composer whose passion for soulful music of varied traditions has led him to perform with jazz, blues, and gospel groups--as well as calypso, samba, and Cuban jazz ensembles.

His work as a sideman over the past 20 years has included performances and/or recordings with 3 time Grammy winning vocalist Carlos Cascante (of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra), and 3 time Latin-Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto.

Jeff has worked with jazz vocalists Gail Pettis & Greta Matassa, Gospel Singing sensation Patrinell Wright of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Macklemore, Kareem Kandi, Alexey Nikolaev, Filo Machado, Romero Lubambo, Maucha Adnet, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, pianists Marina Albero, Kenny Drew Jr., drummer Ali Jackson, the EntreMundos Quarteto as well as Earshot Jazz winners Duende Libre.

Jeff has also performed/studied with Master Senegalese percussionist Thione Diop, master Venezuelan percussionist Luisito Quintero and Brazilian master drummers Jorge Alabe and Marcio Bahia.

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

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

Lineup: Julio Jauregui (piano); Alexey Nicolaev (tenor sax); Jerome Smith (trombone); Dean Schmidt (bass); Jeff Busch (drums); Edsson Otero (perc).

Website: www.artno.com/bongo

Arête Quartet is a groove-oriented acid jazz ensemble, influenced by the In A Silent Way period of Miles Davis, and borrowing from downtempo, straight ahead jazz, nu jazz, Brazilian and other styles.

Originally the concept of drummer Joel Litwin (Erin Corday, Incendio) and bassist Steve Jones (Bilongo, Rumors of the Big Wave, Yambique) over a decade ago, Arête Quartet also pulls from the top jazz and funk players in the Pacific Northwest, including keyboardist Joe Doria (McTuff, Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder) and trumpeter Ray Larsen (Chemical Clock, Wayne Horvitz). Arête Quartet has also collaborated with luminaries Wayne Horvitz, Will Bernard, and original quartet member Dave Carter. Influences include Amon Tobin, MMW, Thievery Corporation, Erik Truffaz, Les Hommes, et.al.

Joining Arête Quartet for this special performance is guitarist/composer Ari Joshua. Ari is coming off a recent recording foray with John Medeski, Billy Martin, Robert Glasper, et.al. Ari has worked with Arête Quartet in the past, and his mastery of diverse styles and blistering improvisations are a perfect complement for the music of the Quartet.

"Really great job of evoking the 60/70s Miles Bitches Brew /Herbie Hancock's pre-headhunters vibe." - P. Kelly, Composer/arranger, Tonight Show, Doc Severinsen, et.al.

"Reminds me of Weather Report - Sweetnighter era." - R. Conner, The Millionaires

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

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

Lineup: Ray Larsen (trumpet); Ari Joshua (guitar); Joe Doria (rhodes); Steve Jones (bass); Joel Litwin (drums).

Website: www.aretequartet.com

Organizing sounds and telling stories. Cyrus Nabipoor’s unmistakable voice on the trumpet rings with honesty, warmth and lyricism. Melody reigns as Nabipoor balances focused clarity with daring exploration. 

Born and raised in Portland OR, Cyrus Nabipoor began playing trumpet at age 11. He wanted to play trombone, but it wouldn’t fit on his bike. As an adolescent Cyrus was taught by Cynthia Plank and trumpeter Derek Sims. In high school he joined the Alan Jones Academy of Music. Cyrus holds a Bachelor of Music from Loyola University New Orleans, where he graduated magna cum laude and was awarded outstanding undergraduate in both Jazz and Brass. While at Loyola, he studied with Nick Volz, Tony Dagradi and Jimbo Walsh. Cyrus also spent a very formative term at the Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway studying with ECM legend Per Jørgensen and Martin Winter (Bergen Philharmonic). In 2015, Cyrus was awarded the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Scholarship.

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

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

Lineup: Cyrus Nabipoor (tp); Jack Radsliff (g); Nick Morrison (b); Xavier Lecouturier (d).

Website: www.cyrusnabipoor.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. The current version of the Ensemble features Marina Albero on piano, Chris Icasiano on drums, Kelsey Mines on bass, Ray Larsen on trumpet, Sean Woolstenhulme on guitar, and Siegel on trombone— all active contributors to the Pacific Northwest's creative music scene. As the bandleader and composer, Siegel cultivates fertile ground upon which the ensemble can interact and shape the compositions anew with each performance.

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

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

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

Website: www.naomimoonsiegel.com

In the Pacific Northwest, where she built her career, Greta Matassa wins wide acclaim; 7 times, the readers of Earshot, the Seattle jazz magazine, have voted her the best jazz vocalist in the Northwest.

She was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 2014. Jim Wilke, the Seattle jazz maven and host of the syndicated “Jazz After Hours” radio program, praises her versatility. “She has a fearlessness in approaching material,” Wilke says, “that makes her like an instrumentalist in a jam session.”

Bassist and producer John Clayton says “One of the best jazz singers we have to boast about these days.”

Her 40 year career has been a whirlwind of exciting opportunities and experiences. Over the last 20 years she has become established as one of the greatest jazz singers of her time. Working with top jazz musicians in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. In 2016 She was featured with bassist John Clayton’s group in a centennial tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

She has recorded 11 CD’s. Her latest release “Portrait” on Origin Records is receiving rave reviews.

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

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

Lineup: Greta Matassa (vocals); Brian Monroney (guitar); Alexey Nikolaev (tenor sax); Clipper Anderson (bass); Mark Ivester (drums)

Website: www.gretamatassa.com

Special Friday Show

Drummer Steve Smith has been touring and recording with his all-star group Vital Information since 1983. The new line-up of Vital Information incorporates players with vast experience and collectively creates a powerhouse sound.

Keyboardist Manuel Valera, a Guggenheim Fellow and Grammy nominated artist, who was born and raised in Havana, Cuba and now living in NYC, plays with many of the NY jazz elite like Antonio Sanchez, Dafnis Prieto and John Patitucci. 

Bassist Janek Gwizdala, originally from London, records and tours with Peter Erskine, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker and is one of the most in-demand bass players in the world.

Although the band is rooted in the straight-ahead swing of bebop, at times the group explores exotic time-signatures from the world of South Indian Carnatic music and they have arranged adventurous funk-driven renditions of jazz standards.

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

Cost: $30 general, $15 students. Purchase advance tickets here

Lineup: Steve Smith (drums), Manuel Valera (piano, synthesizer), Janek Gwizdala (bass)

Website: www.vitalinformation.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”.

Bellingham jazz fans will experience the magic first-hand as Mike Allen teams up with world-renowned drummer, Carl Allen. From saxophonist Joe Lovano: “Carl Allen is an international powerhouse. His sound and feeings have fuled the bands of Freddie Hubbard, Christian McBride and countless others as well leading his own projects.“

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

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

Lineup: Mike Allen (tenor sax); John Lee (bass); Carl Allen (drums)

Websites:

www.mikeallenjazz.com

www.carlallen.com

George Colligan is a New York based pianist, organist,drummer, trumpeter, teacher, and bandleader, who is one of the most original and compelling jazz artists of his generation. An award-winning composer and player, Colligan is highly in demand as a sideman, having worked with players like Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Cassandra Wilson, Ravi Coltrane, and many others, both on the bandstand and in recording sessions (appearing on over 150 CDs).

He has released 31 recordings full of his intelligent writing and impressive technique. His latest CD on the Ubuntu Label is called”Live in Arklow” and features Darren Beckett and Dave Redmond. Colligan’s musical style incorporates everything from showtunes to funk, from free improvisation to 20th century classical music. His performances include dazzling technique as well as mature restraint.

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

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

Lineup: George Colligan (piano); Stefan Schatz (drums), Bass TBD

Website: www.georgecolligan.com

Multiple Grammy award winning artists Daversa and Cohen are defining current Jazz trends.

John Daversa is a distinguished trumpet-player, composer, arranger, producer, bandleader and educator. He is world-renowned for his virtuosic, dynamic and emotive style of trumpet and EVI playing, along with imaginative, genre-bending compositions and arrangements.

Cohen has become one of the most in demand pianists as he continues to tour the globe with his unique blend of Jewish melodies, traditional jazz Harmony and an impeccable rhythmic pallet forging a path to be remembered.

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

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

Lineup: John Daversa (trumpet, electronics); Tal Cohen (piano).

Websites:

www.johndaversa.com

www.talcohenmusic.com

Please join us in celebrating the life of our friend, David Steege. David’s love of music, generosity, hard work, and humble spirit have touched the lives of many in this community. 

This tribute concert, held in his honor, will feature performances by a variety of Jazz and Classical musicians who know and love David.

If you would like to leave a memory please visit his Caring Bridge page: www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidsteege

This is a free concert but please help us by following the ticket link to RSVP if you plan to attend. Attendance will be capped at 90. Reserve your spot here.