January 30-February 3
Brad’s Swingside Café
4212 Fremont Ave N

Late summer/early fall 1987 I walked into the newly opened Red Hook Pub at the bottom of Fremont waving Michael Bisio Quartet In Seattle (LP version), as though it were the answer to all the world’s ills, and introduced myself to the manager, who promptly says, “Hey, I know who you are. I always keep track of Italians from upstate New York!”

Fast forward to 1990: Brad Inserra opens the Swingside Cafe and it instantly becomes an institution due to his incredible energy, love, and expertise both in the kitchen and front room. No one works harder or has more passion; he is a force of nature.

With equal fervor, Brad loves music and his commitment is legend. He gave me my first solo bass gig, no need to say more.

The doors of the Swingside will close sometime around March. Brad will move onto the next project. Before that happens, I am coming for five nights to celebrate all things Swingside. To do that, I’ve had the good fortune to assemble four great artists who have shared my nights at the cafe year after year.

Joining me for the first two nights, January 30-31, is the incredible Joe McPhee. A world renown multi-instrumentalist, Joe has been at the forefront of this music since the late 60s, and one of my greatest influences.

Sunday features a rare appearance by tenor great Gary Hammon. For more than a decade, Gary and I were bandmates in the Trumpet Lady’s iconic band, Barbara Donald and Unity.

Monday night, also on tenor, Brian Kent: Brian’s beautiful sound and musicianship are simply stunning. We have played so much music together I can’t even start a list. This will be our first meeting in ten years.

Tuesday, the incomparable Artis the Spoonman will close the proceedings. Brad brought us together based on his love for jazz and folk music. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical…by first note, I was more than convinced.

Hope you all will come out for great food, wonderful music, soak up that Swingside vibe and show Brad some love.

There will be a $7 cover and reservations are highly recommended. Call 206-633-4057.