Critical Mass Big Band pays tribute to two of the giants of big band music with an evening of music composed by Gordon Goodwin for the Big PHAT Band and music played by the Maynard Ferguson Big Band. The event will honor Goodwin's and Ferguson's legacies, with performances celebrating their compositions and musicianship,

Critical Mass Big Band stands at the cornerstone in the contemporary jazz scene of Seattle. This group consistently delivers high-energy big band jazz which never fails to impress. Celebrating twenty-five years of music making in 2026, this premier 18-piece group includes Paul Gillespie, Barbara Hubers-Drake, Al Lowe, Ian Basques-Jellison, and Sara Voskhul on saxophones; Jim Elder, Dave Buck, Doug Lora, and Vinnie Christ on trombone; Marty Molloy, Jeff Leinbaugh, Mark Baker, Greg Klein, and Victor Ross on trumpet; Seth Ahnert on piano; Neal Adams on guitar; Phil Demaree on bass; and Rob Parks on drums. Some of the featured songs will include Birdland, High Maintenance, Huntin' Wabbits, When I Fall in Love, Blues for Kapp, and many others.