The MoodSwings Jazz Band photo by Daniel Sheehan

Thursday-Sunday, February 13-16
Columbia City venues

Intrepid concert producer, jazz fan, vocalist, filmmaker and Seattle Women in Jazz founder and director Jessica Davis brings talented artists from Seattle and beyond to the stage in various venues in Columbia City, February 13-16. This second annual Seattle Women in Jazz Festival includes returning favorites Clave Gringa, a special Valentine’s Day Jazz Walk and a swing dance with live music by the MoodSwings big band. In addition to highlighting jazz bands led by or comprised of women, the festival engages youth and community in the art of jazz with free or suggested donation events and performances and competitions for youth and adult jazz students.

Davis is a former managing editor for Northwest Jazz Profile magazine. She’s produced jazz TV interviews and documentary films featuring artists Quincy Jones, Clark Terry, Ernestine Anderson and Buddy Catlett. Introduced to live Seattle jazz through Floyd Standifer, Davis will perform, with Overton Berry and Ronnie Pierce, in her birthday celebration on the final night of the festival.

On Thursday, February 13, 7:30pm, Latin Jazz Night at Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., features a hot double bill with EntreMundos and Clave Gringa, Cuban-influenced composer, pianist and vocalist Ann Reynolds’ group. The night will also include Brazilian dance instruction by Bahia In-Motion. Tickets are $18 in advance; $20 at the door.

For no cover, Friday’s Valentine’s Day Jazz Walk features performances by pianists Nelda Swiggett and Kerry Politzer, as well as vocalists Elnah Jordan, Tena DuBerry, Jeannette d’Armand, and Mercedes Nicole, between 6pm and 9pm, at businesses throughout Columbia City – Geraldine’s Counter, Tutta Bella, Jones Barbeque, the Hummingbird Saloon, Island Soul, Columbia City Bouquet and Columbia City Theater Bar.

Mercedes Nicole photo by Gene Trent

Performing Saturday, February 15, 1-5pm, at Columbia City Church of Hope, 3818 S. Angeline Street, youth and adult student jazz bands compete for jazz mentoring packages, tuition waivers to local jazz camps and schools, and studio recording time. At the same venue, an all-ages swing dance, 6-9pm, with live music by the MoodSwings and 2013 Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Leah Natale & the Darlings of Rhythm caps Saturday’s work-shopping and competition performances. 

The MoodSwings big band formed in 2005, with six founding female members. Since 2010, under the musical direction of Marissa “Reese” Tanimura, the MoodSwings have performed regularly, cultivating a band for female musicians of all ages to develop jazz skills, musicianship and friendship.

Sunday, February 16, features a special screening of the jazz documentary Peggy Gilbert and Her All-Girl Band, narrated by Lily Tomlin, Ark Lodge Cinemas, 4816 Rainier Ave. S., and a musical showcase at the Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave. S., 7pm. Featured at the Royal Room: a CD release for Hopscotch’s debut (Critical Sun Recordings) with Jeanie Mishler, vocalist Kathryn Hettel with the Darrius Willrich Trio, and a special performance by Seattle Women in Jazz director Jessica Davis, who will be celebrating her birthday.

More information about the Seattle Women in Jazz Festival at www.seattlewomeninjazz.com or call 206-303-8466.