Andy Clausen
“Go see local bands play as often as you can, introduce yourself afterwards and ask questions… The scene here is extremely supportive and welcoming of younger musicians. If you express genuine interest in the music, there will be many older musicians who take you under their wing and help you along the way.”
Seattle native, composer, trombonist, band leader and member of the Westerlies.
Stuffy concert halls, two-drink minimums, your grandparents’ record collection, the fledgling corpse of a once vigorous and vital art…What is Your Jazz?
In a culture of nowhere to go and nothing to do, if opportunities exist they must be sought out, harnessed, and taken. If they cannot be found, they must be built with young and energetic hands. Your jazz is what you make it, but action and love are an imperative. Here is where you may chose to begin.
Venues
The Seattle jazz scene is as sprawling as the neighborhoods and the city it inhabits. With old guard venues carrying on a storied tradition, and new upstart joints trying to carve out their own space and community, the sea of spots can be overwhelming. Here is a short list of all-ages opportunities in Seattle.
The Royal Room
5000 Rainer Avenue South
royalroomseattle.com
A New York-style hang on the outskirts of the city, the Royal Room hosts a diverse array of both local and touring musicians. House bands such as the Royal Room Collective Ensemble, featuring veterans as well up-and-comers, present adventurous music and illustrates the wealth of talent and musical innovation that exist in Seattle. With a laidback community feel, the Royal Room is a premier joint to experience adventurous and vastly divergent styles of music. The Royal Room is all ages until 10pm.
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
jazzalley.com
Jazz Alley is host to some of the biggest touring bands coming through Seattle. An intimate club atmosphere, Jazz Alley has been bringing premier acts to Seattle since 1979. Though often at a steep price, Jazz Alley events are all ages, and half-priced tickets are available for 7:30pm sets on Wednesdays, and 9:30pm on Thursdays. Reservations and current student ID necessary for discount.
Triple Door
216 Union Street, thetripledoor.net
The Triple Door offers an eclectic mix of performances every night of the week on its Mainstage. From jazz to funk to world music ensembles, the Triple Door is an opportunity to experience a wide array of styles and performances, and all shows beginning before 9pm on the mainstage are all-ages and a great chance to experience live music.
Tula’s Restaurant & Jazz Club
2214 2nd Avenue, tulas.com
Featured in Downbeat Magazine’s Guide to 100 Great International Jazz Clubs and heralded by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis as a “cool place,” Tula’s is a jazz hotspot serving up music seven nights a week. Featuring predominately big bands, Tula’s is the premier place to see some old-time swing during the week, with smaller combos on the weekend. It is also an all ages spot until 10pm
Jacob Zimmerman
“My advice is just jump in and be ready to learn. Seek out as much information as you can from any and all more experienced musicians… The art of musical improvisation is an endlessly humbling yet rewarding practice. It hooked me, and I see lots of incredible young musicians dedicated to the same pursuit.
Seattle Native, Table and Chairs board member, saxophonist and composer
Jam Sessions
Seattle is a haven for unparalleled talent. International artists come drifting through, local musicians hit the road and then settle back down. Veteran jazz artists find respite in the Northwest after years on the road and in harsher cities. Every night in Seattle, young musicians are pushing jazz to its limits. Here are opportunities to brush elbows with and learn from the greats.
Racer Sessions at Café Racer
Sundays, 8pm
5828 Roosevelt Way NE, racersessions.com
Organized by the Table and Chairs record label, Racer Sessions have become an established weekly event in the Seattle music scene. Each week is curated by a different individual or group, who performs and presents concepts that become the basis for the jam session that follows. While the music is primarily focused on free and collective improvisation, Racer Sessions “warmly welcome musicians of any persuasion to share their voice.” Prepare for the session by visiting the Racer Sessions blog to read up on the coming week’s curator and what the session will have in store.
Egan’s Ballard Jam House: Vocal Jam
Wednesdays, 9pm
1707 NW Market Street, ballardjamhouse.com
Billed as a small place but a big time, Egan’s is committed to the “cultivation of small venue performance and innovation in the jazz club tradition.” With weekly shows featuring student discounts, and an all-ages policy until 11pm, Egan’s also hosts a Vocal Jam most Wednesday nights. One of the few opportunities for vocal jamming in Seattle, sessions begin at 9pm, with a $10 cover.
Future Jazz Heads at Boxley’s
Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm, 7-9pm
101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, boxleysplace.com
Future Jazz Heads is an ongoing program where both middle- and high-school students have the opportunity to share the stage with seasoned musicians. Under the guidance of these professionals, young players learn to grow in the field of jazz music with a special emphasis on music performance. Covering jazz and blues standards as well as music theory and improvisation, Jazz Heads jam sessions are an opportunity to learn jazz in real time, with middle school groups starting at 5pm, and high schoolers taking the stage at 7pm.
Jam at Ship Canal Grill with Jay Thomas and the Cantaloupes
Wednesdays, 7:30-10pm
3218 Eastlake Avenue East, shipcanalgrill.com
With his involvement at Garfield High School and Cornish College of the Arts, host Jay Thomas brings a unique blend of students and professionals to Ship Canal Grill every Wednesday night for its weekly jam. The event is all-ages, the jam starts at 7:30pm, and admission is free.
Laurie De Koch
“Young people need ownership and empowerment. They need to feel like their ideas are important… Learning to play music and particularly jazz and improvisation gives young people a place to formulate ideas, try them out, and allow those ideas to evolve. Jazz allows kids to develop their own voice and feel confident to express their ideas.
Executive Director of JazzED
Educational Opportunities
With classes, all-ages ensembles, workshops, and more, Seattle provides rich opportunity for young musicians’ jazz enrichment.
Seattle JazzED, seattlejazzed.org
Founded in 2010, Seattle JazzED has been focused on instilling values that create “not only successful musicians but successful human beings” through the discipline, focus, and teamwork necessary in jazz performance.
Academic Year Ensembles
Beginning in October and lasting through May, the Academic Year Ensembles rehearse weekly and cater to all skill levels. Ranging from introductory ensembles for those new to their instruments, to high school divisions exploring the intricacies of improvisation, these ensembles offer an extended engagement with professional musicians and educators in a hands-on environment. Auditions are required, and scholarships are available.
New Works Ensemble
Also part of the Academic Year Ensembles is the New Works Ensemble. Under the direction of Wayne Horvitz, the New Works Ensemble organizes skilled and proficient young players into a group that explores the boundaries of jazz and welcomes instrumentation not traditionally part of jazz performance. Two years of experience in a jazz ensemble is required.
All-Star Combos
For young bands who think they are ready to make the jump to playing gigs but aren’t quite ready to navigate the local scene, Seattle JazzED offers All-Star Combos. Select combos will receive a four-hour coaching session on musical presentation and combo management. Upon completion, combos will be eligible to go out on paying gigs. Registration forms for All-Star Combos will be made available mid-August.
Jazz Night School, jazznightschool.org
Begun in 2008, Jazz Night School offers individual and group instruction in a supportive and positive environment for musicians of all ages and skill levels. Established resident artists lead classes throughout the year, focusing on ensemble performance, improvisation, music theory, and more. The school also offers financial assistance to provide opportunity for musicians of all background.
Dance Opportunities
Feet itchin’ to Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, or do the Charleston? Swing into one of these dance classes.
HepCat Productions, seattleswing.com
With the next round of classes beginning in late August, Seattle Swing, through HepCat Productions, offers five weeks of swing dancing classes for dancers of all ages and abilities. There are beginning swing classes for those just looking to get out on the dance floor, as well as advanced classes and private lessons available for those trying to push the envelope of their dancing.
Savoy Swing Club, savoyswing.org
Held in the Great Hall in Green Lake, Savoy Swing Club hosts swing dance lessons every Monday, with new four-week sessions beginning the first Monday of every month. There are beginning and advanced classes offered, and admission to Savoy Monday Night Dances are included in registration for the classes. Next round of classes begins August 4.
