Marion Meadows photo courtesy of the artist
Celebrating Wally Shoup (1944-2024)
Influential saxophonist, bandleader, painter and writer Wally Shoup was a leading advocate of free improvisation in both life and music and a mentor by example to scores of musicians spanning generations in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Over a long and productive career, distinguished by grassroots organizing and collaborations with an international cast of notables, Shoup left a rich legacy of passionate in-the-moment playing, wry humor, and acute observations on music and the human condition. A three-day memorial celebration for him will take place August 23-25 at The Royal Room, Kenyon Hall, and Gallery 1412. His final recorded works will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds will be donated to Shoup’s partner.
An Evening of Wine and Jazz with Saxophonist Marion Meadows (w/ Discount)
Langston and Urban Connoisseurs, LLC present a summer evening of sparkling wines and jazz with Connecticuter saxophonist & photographer Marion Meadows, August 23, 6-8:30pm at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. After studying arranging and composition at Berklee College of Music, Meadows perfected his craft studying with Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson, Dave Liebman and Eddie Daniels. In addition to the music, experience the various sparkling wine flavors of “Off the Beaten Path” as well as a collection of some more traditional sparkling wines. Use promo code: EARLYBIRD, and receive $25 off your ticket price. VIP ticket purchasers will experience a sparkling wines tasting from Black winemakers and meet & greet with Marion Meadows. Tickets on sale now at langstonseattle.org.
A New Future for the Conor Byrne
After months of being closed, the iconic Conor Byrne, a cornerstone of the local music scene for decades and Ballard’s oldest venue, will reopen in early August thanks to a remarkable community effort. Facing financial difficulties exacerbated by the recent economic downturn, the venue was on the brink of shutting its doors permanently when employees, artists, and community members transitioned the venue into a cooperative. This ignited a flurry of media attention, outcries from the public, and eventually, financial support that aided the venue converting to a new membership-based model that quickly gained over 400 founding members. The co-op’s first survey asking members what type of programming they want to see at Conor Byrne confirmed the venue as a bastion for singer/songwriters, Americana acts, and indie rock, and a desire to see more R&B and jazz acts in this new chapter. The Conor Byrne Cooperative will welcome people back into the room with a re-opening weekend featuring The Moondoggies supported by Acapulco Lips & Natt Meek on August 2, and St. Yuma & The Waddlers on August 3. Tickets at conorbyrnepub.com.
Lakedale 7th Annual Jazz Music Festival
San Juan Islands jazziest summer celebration is back at Lakedale for their 7th annual music festival, August 23-24. Headlined by jazz virtuoso Brian Nova and his trio, the groovy bash will feature a brilliant lineup of talented musicians from across the country including Whistle Lake Jazz Quartet, Marty Tuttle & Janette West, Barcode, and many more! The occasion is about more than just the music, it’s a chance to give back and pay it forward to the next generation. Lakedale’s music festival directly benefits the San Juan Islands school and Terry’s Kids, an organization that brings the joy of music to children worldwide. This magical two-day event is open to music lovers of all ages and admission prices are included in nightly rates of registered guests of the resort. Lakedale offers seven accommodation options to choose from, set across the property’s sprawling 82-acre wooded paradise. Lakedale is a true summer playground with countless activities including biking, volleyball, kayaking, boating, a gourmet glamping dinner series, and so much more. For non-overnight guests, there are a limited number of gate tickets available to the event for $25 per day. For more details visit lakedale.com
16th Annual North City Jazz Walk
Shoreline’s annual jazz walk is back this year, August 13, with tasty bites & nine musicians across nine venues that are sure to whet your appetite for more! This year’s walk features the Marina Albero Quintet, the Susan Pascal Quintet, Greta Matassa, Jazz Overhaul, the Stacy Jones Band, Pearl Django, Reggie Goings Quartet, Greg Schroeder, and Hook Me Up Band. For tickets and to view a full schedule visit northcityjazzwalk.org.
