Mary Lou Williams was a towering figure in the history of American music, as a pianist, composer and educator. She always cited the great early Jazz and Blues innovator, Lovie Austin, as her first and most important influence.

The Piano Starts Here series highlights the work of some of the most prolific and talented composers and pianists to have ever tackled the instrument. Each of the performances brings together Seattle’s finest pianists to perform the works of the artist selected for that evening on the Royal Room’s Steinway B grand piano. Past PSH performances have highlighted the work of Sonny Clark, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, Annette Peacock, Bill Evans, Mary-Lou Williams, Fats Waller, Herbie Hancock, Alice Coltrane, Herbie Nichols, and countless others.

Curated by Wayne Horvitz and Alex Guilbert. Hosted by Alex Guilbert.