Will Call and Ticket Sales open at 4PM. If you pre-ordered tickets or you are walking up, this is where you pick them up after 4PM.
125 Bendigo Blvd N, North Bend, WA 98045
Get this year's jazz walk t-shirt shipped directly to you. New this year you can pick from different colors and styles. Hoodies and sweatshirts available too!
Get started at the Jazz Walk with our local High School bands. Mount Si Jazz students are hard-working and dedicated, and their program has been recognized at numerous festivals including Essentially Ellington and Hot Java Cool Jazz.
The Bellevue High School Jazz Ensemble I has recently won multiple festivals and is under the direction of Edd George. A dynamic and high-caliber student band.
One of the most accomplished jazz vocalists on the West Coast, Greta Matassa has been hailed by critics and peers alike as a world-class interpreter of the American Songbook. With
seven Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year awards
, a string of acclaimed albums on Origin Records, and performances ranging from intimate jazz clubs to international festivals, Greta brings both technical mastery and deep emotional intelligence to every stage she graces.
Known for her
exceptional range, clear tone, and fearless improvisation
, Matassa moves effortlessly from scatting bebop lines to delivering heartfelt ballads. Whether reimagining standards or introducing lesser-known gems, her interpretations always feel personal and fresh. Critics have described her as “a marvel of vocal dexterity” and “a singer’s singer.”
In addition to her performance career, Matassa is a highly respected educator, teaching jazz voice at
Cornish College of the Arts
and through community programs like
Seattle JazzED
. Her mentoring work has inspired a new generation of vocalists across the region.
The Greta Matassa Quintet features some of Seattle’s top jazz instrumentalists — seasoned pros who know how to support, challenge, and elevate a vocal powerhouse. Together, they create a dynamic, deeply swinging performance rooted in tradition but never bound by it.
Visit gretamatassa.com
Pianist Danny Kolke is the heart and soul behind Boxley's and the JazzClubsNW organization, known for his tireless advocacy of live jazz and music education in the Pacific Northwest. An electrifying performer influenced by Oscar Peterson and McCoy Tyner, Kolke delivers muscular lines and gospel-infused harmony with passion and finesse. Joining him are two of Seattle’s most respected jazz voices: bassist Chris Symer, whose elegant phrasing and harmonic creativity have made him a favorite in jazz and chamber music circles alike, and drummer Max Holmberg, whose versatile chops and deep swing feel can be heard with the 200 Trio and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. Together, the trio covers ground from hard-swinging bebop to lyrical modern jazz — always with a deep sense of groove, interplay, and joy. Whether trading fours or laying down a soulful ballad, they strike a perfect balance between polish and spontaneity. Expect a set that honors the tradition but isn’t afraid to explore beyond it — all anchored by the chemistry of three musicians who know each other’s moves inside and out.
Kelley Johnson is a rare jazz vocalist who combines luminous phrasing, elegant swing, and poetic emotional depth. A finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition, she has toured extensively across the U.S., Japan, and Europe, and recorded with greats like John Clayton. Her voice evokes the storytelling soul of Shirley Horn, the clarity of Irene Kral, and the interpretive daring of Betty Carter. Joining her is pianist Bill Anschell, a six-time winner of Seattle’s “Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year.” With performance credits that include Nnenna Freelon, Tierney Sutton, and a long list of jazz luminaries, Anschell brings harmonic richness, rhythmic sophistication, and a deeply responsive touch to every collaboration. Together, Johnson and Anschell create duo performances that are both intimate and adventurous. They deconstruct standards and breathe new life into overlooked gems, often surprising audiences with fresh harmonic paths and emotional insight. This isn’t background jazz — it’s the kind of musical storytelling that invites you to lean in and listen. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or hearing these artists for the first time, expect a night of connection, humor, tenderness, and breathtaking musical synergy.
Trumpeter and vocalist Jake Bergevin is a well-known force in the Pacific Northwest jazz community — a bandleader, educator, and charismatic performer who brings heart and polish to every set. Drawing inspiration from Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, and the vocal stylings of Frank Sinatra, Jake blends the cool and the hot in a sound that’s both smooth and adventurous. He has performed at high-profile festivals including Bumbershoot and the Port Townsend Jazz Festival, and is a frequent guest artist with regional big bands, orchestras, and small groups alike. As a high school band director, Jake is deeply invested in mentorship and has inspired countless young jazz musicians across Washington State. His trio brings together long-time collaborators who groove, stretch, and swing in equal measure. Whether he’s crooning a ballad, blazing through a bebop line, or trading solos with his rhythm section, Jake always keeps the audience at the center of the experience. Expect an engaging mix of standards, modern arrangements, and spontaneous interplay — served with heart, wit, and a deep love of the jazz tradition.
Led by adventurous saxophonist Kate Olson, the KO Quartet is a forward-thinking ensemble at the forefront of Seattle’s experimental jazz movement. Olson, a fixture at the Royal Room and frequent collaborator with avant-garde legends like Wayne Horvitz and the Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble, is known for her deeply expressive playing and genre-defying compositions. With trombonist Conner Eisenmenger and bassist Tim Carey among the lineup, this group blends groove, ambient textures, and free improvisation into a uniquely captivating performance. Their music lives at the intersection of tradition and abstraction — rooted in jazz language but always reaching outward. The KO Quartet explores themes of space, reflection, and community. Expect extended forms, lush voicings, and surprising moments of humor and risk. This is music that invites listeners into a dialogue, not just a concert. It’s perfect for adventurous ears — and rewarding for those new to the outer edges of the jazz world. Kate Olson is also a teaching artist and frequent festival performer, equally comfortable in clubs, classrooms, and on international stages. Her playing is lyrical, passionate, and fearless — a perfect match for this ensemble’s wide-ranging musical conversations.
Baritone saxophonist Noah Pettibon is a rising star whose sound carries the weight of jazz tradition and the spirit of contemporary creativity. A product of the acclaimed Central Washington University jazz program, Noah brings a rich, burnished tone and a composer’s mind to every performance. His trio performs original material alongside thoughtful arrangements of standards, often leaning into the swinging baritone legacy of Gerry Mulligan and the harmonic daring of modern jazz composers. Pettibon’s approach emphasizes melodic invention, rhythmic clarity, and emotional depth — qualities that stand out in today’s jazz landscape. Noah has performed with regional orchestras, big bands, and chamber jazz ensembles, developing a wide-ranging musical voice that’s as comfortable in a blues as it is in a through-composed suite. His performances are confident, dynamic, and refreshingly personal. This trio promises to deliver not only excellent musicianship but also a clear artistic vision. Come hear what the future of baritone-led jazz sounds like — bold, grounded, and evolving in real time.
Ann Reynolds is a pianist and composer with a deep affinity for Afro-Cuban music and a decades-long exploration of its place in modern jazz. Her band Clave Gringa has been a standout in the Seattle scene, and her duo work showcases the melodic core and rhythmic nuance of her writing. Bassist Heather Chriscaden is a musical chameleon — equally at home in jazz combos, singer-songwriter sets, and chamber music contexts. Her tone is warm and grounding, and her rhythmic intuition makes her the perfect counterpart for Reynolds’ Latin-inspired compositions. Together, they offer a set that’s at once intimate and vibrant. You’ll hear echoes of Havana, New York, and New Orleans, woven into lyrical original compositions and reimagined standards. Their interplay is marked by mutual respect, subtle humor, and a shared love of groove. This duo doesn’t just accompany each other — they listen, respond, and build stories in sound. If you’re curious about how two instruments can fill a room with rhythm and color, don’t miss this performance.
A combined big band of talented high school girls from across participating programs. Don’t miss these future leaders of jazz on one stage!
Guitarist Bailey Ehrgott leads one of the freshest and funkiest young trios on the Northwest jazz scene. A doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas — one of the most prestigious jazz schools in the country — Bailey’s playing draws from the lineage of Grant Green and George Benson, but with a modern, soulful spin. Paired with Hammond organist Brian Lawrence, also a rising star at UNT, and a rotating cast of high-energy drummers, the Bailey Ehrgott Organ Trio is all about deep groove, blues-infused improvisation, and tight ensemble communication. Their sound recalls classic Blue Note organ trios but with the fire and finesse of a new generation. This trio doesn’t just lay down funky riffs — they explore harmonic subtleties and craft spontaneous musical conversations that are both technically rich and wildly entertaining. Whether they’re reworking a jazz standard or delivering an original jam, their set is sure to move both your mind and your feet. If you love jazz that swings, shuffles, and simmers with organ-driven goodness, this is a must-hear band.
With over five decades of performance experience, vocalist Janette West brings a lifetime of soul, swing, and stagecraft to every set. A beloved figure in the Seattle jazz scene, she fuses jazz standards with R&B and funk influences, resulting in a sound that is both classic and uniquely her own. Janette’s voice is warm, expressive, and seasoned — capable of floating a ballad or driving a groove with the same ease. Her interpretations reflect a deep connection to the lyrics and a commitment to emotional honesty. Audiences often leave her shows feeling not just entertained, but moved. Her quartet features some of the region’s most tasteful and responsive players, forming a band that breathes together and swings as one. They cover material from Ray Charles and Nancy Wilson to original compositions, always with sophistication and soul. Whether you’re a jazz purist or a casual listener, Janette West’s set promises rich melodies, hip grooves, and moments of magic. This is what it sounds like when experience meets inspiration.
The Central Washington University Jazz Studies program is one of the Northwest’s strongest incubators for young jazz talent, and this combo showcases the very best of its next generation. Performing arrangements of classic standards, student originals, and modern compositions, the CWU Combo brings youthful energy and technical excellence to the stage. Led by a faculty deeply committed to mentorship, including renowned educator Chris Bruya, CWU jazz students are known for their tight ensemble work, inventive solos, and deep respect for the jazz tradition. This group is no exception — expect clean charts, creative interplay, and serious swing. Following their formal set, the stage opens up for a community jam session where festival attendees and local musicians are invited to join in. These moments of shared creativity are where connections are made, lessons are learned, and magic happens. Don’t miss this chance to hear the future of jazz — and maybe even sit in and be part of it.
Bassist Moe Weisner is quickly emerging as a voice to watch in the Northwest jazz scene. Known for his warm tone, melodic sensibility, and versatility, Moe leads a trio that blends jazz tradition with modern textures and compositional depth. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, Moe has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians and ensembles, from jazz combos to classical chamber groups. His music reflects that range — incorporating lyrical basslines, open harmonic spaces, and rhythms that breathe. With a rotating cast of inventive pianists and drummers, the Moe Weisner Trio explores everything from meditative ballads to uptempo swing and odd-meter originals. The focus is always on musicality, storytelling, and interaction. Whether you’re drawn to Bill Evans-style introspection or the groove-forward approach of contemporary trios, this performance offers a rich and rewarding journey into the art of the jazz trio.
Drummer Jerry Steinhilber is a seasoned performer with a Berklee pedigree and a wide-ranging approach to rhythm and interaction. A mainstay of Northwest jazz stages, he’s known for his crisp articulation, dynamic touch, and deep listening — qualities that define his trio’s exploratory sound. The Jerry Steinhilber Trio reinterprets jazz standards with a modern twist while also showcasing Jerry’s own original compositions. Their sets blend tight arrangements with spontaneous improvisation, shifting effortlessly between swing, Latin, funk, and free-time atmospheres. What makes this group stand out is its emphasis on conversation: each player contributes equally, responding in real time, and pushing the music forward without overpowering it. The result is a set that feels alive, unpredictable, and deeply musical. If you love jazz that’s both grounded and exploratory — where every note feels like it matters — make time for this trio’s set.
Trombonist Beserat Tafesse brings a compelling blend of cultures, styles, and energy to the stage. A rising voice in contemporary jazz, Beserat’s work draws from both his Ethiopian heritage and his studies in New York and Seattle, creating music that is rhythmically complex, harmonically rich, and deeply expressive. His quartet serves as a vehicle for both original compositions and reimagined standards — pieces that reflect his dual interest in groove-based improvisation and adventurous modern jazz. Expect horn lines that twist and soar, supported by a rhythm section that pushes boundaries while staying grounded in pulse and purpose. In addition to performing, Beserat is a dedicated educator at Cornish College of the Arts and a contributor to the Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble. He’s been featured on some of the most creative stages in the region and is known for his commitment to community-based musical expression. If you're looking for a set that’s both cerebral and visceral, the Beserat Tafesse Quartet will deliver — with bold ideas, emotional weight, and contagious energy.
Trombonist and vocalist Audrey Stangland leads a genre-blending trio that mixes jazz, R&B, Latin, and funk influences into a sound that’s fresh, soulful, and unmistakably personal. A recent graduate of Central Washington University, Audrey is quickly gaining recognition for her charismatic performances and stylistic versatility. Her trombone playing is both robust and lyrical, bringing warmth and rhythmic snap to everything from bebop to salsa. As a vocalist, she shifts effortlessly from smooth phrasing to playful scatting, connecting deeply with the lyrics and the moment. Her trio features equally versatile collaborators who groove, stretch, and respond in real time. Whether the tune is a ballad, a burner, or a fusion jam, the group brings dynamic energy and tight musical chemistry. Audrey’s voice — on the horn and the mic — is full of character and conviction. This is a young artist with something to say, and she’s saying it with style, heart, and swing.
This award-winning program boasts outstanding student musicians, regularly performing at Jazz Alley and the KNKX School of Jazz Program.
This vibrant ensemble from Sammamish High School brings energy and precision to every performance, continuing their tradition of musical excellence.
Seattle saxophonist Richard Cole is a master technician and soulful improviser who has been a fixture on the Northwest jazz scene for decades. Known for his bold tone and fluent command of both bebop and modern idioms, Cole’s playing is equal parts fire and finesse. He has performed with jazz greats such as Randy Brecker, Dave Holland, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and his recordings on Origin Records have received critical acclaim for their adventurous spirit and compositional depth. The Richard Cole Quartet delivers high-octane sets that mix complex originals with inventive takes on standards. Featuring guitarist Dave Peterson and drummer Brad Boal, the group is a showcase of collective chemistry and instrumental prowess. If you're a fan of driving swing, fearless solos, and tightly woven ensemble work, Richard Cole’s group will keep you engaged from the first chorus to the last encore.
Led by pianist and composer Alex Chadsey, Quinteto Timba is one of the Northwest’s most exciting Latin jazz ensembles. Blending Cuban timba, Afro-Caribbean grooves, and modern jazz harmony, the band delivers infectious rhythms, tight arrangements, and improvisations that sizzle with energy. Chadsey, whose work spans music, social justice, and education, formed this group to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation. The ensemble features some of Seattle’s finest rhythm section players — including Ben Thomas on vibes, Pedro Vargas on percussion, and Kelsey Mines on bass — all steeped in both jazz and global musical traditions. Their sets are danceable, emotional, and musically rich. Whether reinterpreting Latin standards or delivering original material, Quinteto Timba creates a sound that is vibrant, inclusive, and alive with spirit. This is more than a concert — it’s a celebration. Expect your feet to tap, your head to nod, and your heart to move.
Roosevelt High School’s jazz program is one of the best in the nation. This performance features advanced student ensembles full of talent and swing.
This supergroup-style trio features three seasoned veterans of the jazz world — saxophonist Brent Jensen, guitarist Jamie Findlay, and bassist/pianist Tim Green — coming together for a set of deep interplay, melodic exploration, and genre-crossing creativity. Brent Jensen, known for his lyrical alto playing and his acclaimed album “The Sound of a Dry Martini,” brings a cool-toned sensibility shaped by years of touring and teaching. Jamie Findlay, a versatile guitarist who has worked with top players in both jazz and pop, contributes warm voicings and agile solo lines. Tim Green anchors the group with groove, harmonic clarity, and an unshakable sense of time. Together, they don’t just play tunes — they create moods, tell stories, and build spaces for spontaneous musical conversation. Expect beautiful arrangements, subtle reharmonizations, and solos that speak with purpose. This is a rare opportunity to hear three great musicians at eye level, listening closely, and crafting a set that’s intimate, inspired, and full of soul.
Jay Thomas is a living legend in the Seattle jazz world — a master of trumpet, flugelhorn, and saxophone whose career spans over five decades. A two-time Earshot Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year, Jay has played with everyone from Cedar Walton to Mel Lewis, and his resume includes tours of Europe, Japan, and the U.S. alongside top-tier jazz talent. As a soloist, Jay blends bebop fire with ballad beauty, and as a composer, he delivers nuanced, tightly crafted tunes that leave space for deep improvisation. He has appeared on dozens of recordings, many under his own name, and has mentored countless musicians as a clinician and educator. His quintet is a rotating powerhouse of Northwest jazz talent — always swinging, always sharp. Whether you catch them exploring a rare jazz gem or burning through a blues, the result is pure artistry: soulful, high-level music played by masters. Jay’s performances are filled with humor, history, and heart — a must-see for serious jazz lovers and curious newcomers alike.
This elite student ensemble from Mount Si High School has performed at prestigious events like Essentially Ellington and Hot Java Cool Jazz. A thrilling, polished performance awaits.
The Boxley Quintet is the flagship ensemble of Boxley’s — the North Bend venue that’s become a hub for live jazz and community arts in the Pacific Northwest. Led by pianist and JazzClubsNW founder Danny Kolke, the group is a showcase of regional talent and straight-ahead firepower. With trumpeter Jared Hall (winner of the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition), saxophonist Kandin Neri, bassist Michael Glynn, and drummer Greg Williamson, the quintet brings a hard-swinging, hard-bop aesthetic that draws inspiration from Art Blakey and Horace Silver. The group's repertoire includes original compositions and arrangements of jazz classics, always played with a blend of precision, passion, and spontaneous creativity. You’ll hear deep grooves, fiery solos, and a group dynamic that’s tight but never rigid. For anyone who loves quintet jazz in the classic tradition — with a modern edge — this band delivers the goods every time.
Veteran horn players Mike West (trumpet) and Al Keith (saxophone) lead this powerhouse quintet through a set of straight-ahead jazz with attitude. Drawing from decades of stage experience, these two front-line players bring gritty swing, tight unisons, and blues-drenched solos to every performance. They’re joined by Reuel Lubag on piano, Emmanuel del Casal on bass, and Matt Jorgensen on drums — each a respected figure in their own right and known for their expressive playing and versatility across jazz styles. The repertoire includes bop classics, soulful ballads, Latin grooves, and plenty of room for blowing. This isn’t polite jazz — it’s in-your-face, high-energy music that feels like the real thing because it is. If you want to hear seasoned players doing what they do best — with fire, finesse, and no compromises — this quintet is a must.
Vocalist Aria Prame is a rising star whose performances combine classic jazz phrasing with contemporary influences and an unmistakable personal touch. Whether interpreting a ballad or swinging through a standard, Aria delivers her material with grace, emotion, and musical intelligence. A trained vocalist with a background in both jazz and theater, Aria brings storytelling to the forefront of every tune. Her voice is nuanced, warm, and full of subtle shades — able to float a melody or dig deep into the blues with equal conviction. Backed by a rhythm section of top local players, the Aria Prame Quartet crafts elegant arrangements that highlight interplay, lyricism, and harmonic depth. Their sound is accessible yet rich with detail, appealing to jazz connoisseurs and casual listeners alike. This is vocal jazz with integrity, heart, and swing — a perfect way to close out the night.
The Cottage Vanguard Big Band closes out the night with bold brass, tight rhythms, and powerful solo features from some of the Northwest’s finest jazz musicians. This 18-piece ensemble blends classic big band charts with fresh arrangements, drawing inspiration from Count Basie, Thad Jones, Maria Schneider, and beyond. Personnel: Chris Bruya, Director, Saxes: Lucas Simpson, Brian Lawrence, Kevin Lane, Alex Worland, Conor Johnson; Trumpets: Robbie Rutherford, Skyler Floe, Braden Waddell, Pavel Spichak; Trombones: Dan Baker, Beserat Tafesse, Tanner Cornell, Audrey Stangland; Rhythm Section: Austin Hass, Drums Ryan Donnelly, Bass; Drew Medak, Piano: Gavin Treglown, Guitar
Kolke Family | Daniels Family | Stewart Family | Mark & Marie Joy
