North City Jazz Walk

Tuesday, August 13, 6pm
15th Ave NE at NE 175th, Shoreline

At the St. Mark Church auditorium, Shoreline, vocalist Danny Quintero and the Critical Mass Big Band reprise the music from the fabulous Sinatra at the Sands album of 1966. That album, with Count Basie’s Orchestra, arranged by Quincy Jones, quickly became the standard by which all vocalists with big bands are measured. They perform at one of ten great venues on the 7th annual North City Jazz Walk.

Most of 15th Avenue NE, from NE 175th to NE 180th, will be closed off at 6pm. There, jazz walkers can grab some eats at many jazz bites stations, then stroll from venue to venue. 

Jitterbug dancers can hit the floor for Solomon Douglas’ Swinget, at the outdoor stage by Phoenix Art Restoration – one of two free venues. The other free venue is Industrial Air, featuring the students and faculty groups of the Shoreline Jazz Camp performing on the lit Showmobile.

“The Jazz Walk draws bigger crowds every year,” Keith McClelland says. The Shoreline attorney started the event with several other North City business people in 2007. This opportunity to walk North City, from jazz event to jazz event, is, reportedly, a spurn in new business every year for the North City Wine Shop & Bistro. The event’s walkability invites jazz-fan amblers along this North City route, with the aim of highlighting the area’s businesses with jazz and jazz bites.

McClelland says that throughout the year he is approached by fine jazz artists wanting to perform at the Jazz Walk. “I try to create a mix of styles and artists while at the same time keeping some of the favorites,” he says. 

New sounds this year include baritone saxophonist Doug Reid and trumpeter Al Keith’s group presenting a salute to Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, at The Bounty Café, and pianist Barney McClure and guitarist Dan Sales, at The Eagles Club.

Walk favorite Stephanie Porter, the sultry-voiced vocalist who recently performed the 2012-2013 Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra season finale with Primo Kim, features at a new venue this year, with Dan O’Brien on bass and Steve Yusen on drums. The trio performs in the large conference room of the Water District’s new building.

The North City Bistro hosts Casey MacGill’s group, performing tunes from the 20s-30s. Across the street, the North City Lounge houses the roiling sounds of blues man Jimmy Holden and vocalist and drummer Tim Haines. For those who like to sit back with a brew while taking in the music, Hook Me Up – last year’s big hit – performs at the wine and beer garden in front of the Frank Lumber Delivery Store. Always the most intimate venue, the 40-seat North City Theatre features Greta Matassa, whose remarkable range and interpretation of the American Song Book brings us the depths of vocal jazz.

– Courtesy North City Jazz Walk

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the event. Directions and event information are available at northcityjazzwalk.org.

Bands perform four thirty-five minute sets, from 7pm to 10pm, with ten-minute breaks between sets. The street closes to vehicle traffic at 6pm, 15th Ave NE from NE 175th to NE 180th.

North City Jazz Walk Performers and Venues

Danny Quintero and Critical Mass Big Band performing Sinatra/Basie at the Sands
St. Mark Catholic Church
18033 15th Ave NE

Jimmy Holden with Tim Haines
North City Lounge
17554 15th Ave NE

Doug Reid’s Tribute to Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker
Bounty Coffee House
17551 15th Ave NE

Barney McClure/Dan Sales Group
North Seattle Eagles
17724 15th Ave NE

Greta Matassa
North City Theatre
17517 15th Ave NE

Solomon Douglas’ Swingtet
Phoenix Art Restoration
17712 15th Ave NE

Hook Me Up
Frank Lumber Delivery Store
17727 15th Ave NE

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Jazz Camp Students & Faculty Bands
Industrial Air, 17739 15th Ave NE

Casey MacGill
North City Bistro & Wine Shop
1520 NE 177th St

Stephanie Porter
Shoreline Water District
1519 NE 177th St