Sponsored by KNKX. Seattle’s South Jackson Street will soon overflow with the music of 20 bands on nine community stages as the 13th Annual Jackson Street Jazz Festival kicks off its yearly celebration of the Central District’s African American music legacy on Saturday, September 12 from 4:30-11:00 PM. Jackson Street restaurants, businesses, and panoramic apartment building rooftops will transform into nine community pop-up stages, hosting a diverse and inclusive array of emerging to internationally ranked jazz, blues, Latin, and soul musical artists, including:

Alex Dugdale FAD-Tet|David Holden| ome Grown Foux|Eugenie Jones|The Ari Joshua Quartet|Sheila Kay and Friends|John Pinetree & the Yellin’ Degenerates|Francesco Crosara Quartet|The New Triumph|Manazma Sheen|The D'Vonne Lewis Quartet|The E. Pruitt Band|The Joe Brazil Legacy Tribute Band|Serica|The Jose Juicy Gonzales Trio|Heather Ward Quartet|The Frank Kohl Duo|Red Rose Jazz Combo|The D'Aaron Trio|Jazz Therapy|Sarah Shea & Chez Jazz

Co-presented on the same day as Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Open House, the JSJF offers a 20-band lineup of live music, interactive pop-up displays featuring icons of the Central District’s historic African American music legacy, live art demonstrations, artistic activities, a wonderful variety of food trucks, a 21+ beer garden, and much more!

As a Music for a Cause event, a portion of festival proceeds is donated to a nonprofit community service organization, previously including organizations such as the Carolyn Downs Medical Clinic, Northwest Harvest, and the Central Area Senior Center. Bring your family and friends and join us for two exciting days of MUSIC - COMMUNITY & LEGACY!

While historically, African American music artists performed in the Central District because they were not allowed to perform in mainstream, white-owned clubs, today’s jazz walk is committed to building new legacies through a presentation of a diverse and inclusive array of today’s top musical artists.

Jackson Street Roots: Celebrating the Overton Berry Legacy
September 13, 4 p.m. at the Fountainhead Gallery

In a poetic nod to Berry’s remarkable longevity and a legendary career that began at just 16 years old, Executive Producer Eugenie Jones has paired Seattle master pianist Randy Halberstadt with 17-year-old emerging prodigy Xavier Colón. This thoughtful pairing spans generations, honoring the seven-decade legacy Berry built in the Seattle Central District and his profound influence on the Pacific Northwest's jazz tradition. Delivering the authentic, timeless soundscapes that Berry championed, back-to-back Halberstadt and Colón performances will be anchored by Berry's classic studio rhythm section: Jeff Davies on bass and Rick Spano on drums, and feature Jones as guest vocalist. More than a concert, this special JSJF satellite performance is a living bridge between jazz history and its future, celebrating the deep roots and ongoing evolution of the Central District’s rich musical heritage which Berry greatly contributed to.

Overton Berry didn't just play music; he lived inside it, famously teaching that true musicianship requires "listening with your whole being." This tribute celebrates his philosophy of musical flow, community, and an unconditional love for the craft that captivated audiences for generations.