Community Calendar

We hope you'll join us in saluting Jim Wilke--legendary broadcaster, jazz ambassador, and archivist of live recordings of regional and national musicians for over 60 years—with an evening of lively music and tributes at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley. Known as "The Voice of Seattle Jazz," listeners to KPLU/KNKX know him as the host of the nationally-syndicated show, Jazz After Hours, and Jazz Northwest which featured recordings of hundreds of local artists at jazz festivals and every jazz venue in Seattle. In addition, Jim broadcast hundreds of shows from the old Penthouse jazz club in Pioneer Square on KING-FM which resulted in album releases by Ernestine Anderson, Wes Montgomery, Johnny Griffin and Cannonball Adderley. Jim has garnered many radio and jazz awards, and he was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992.

This very special celebration recognizes Jim Wilke for his lasting and meaningful contribution to the growth and health of the jazz ecosystem in our region and the country.

Featuring: Amber Flame, Carly T, Havilah Rand & Najah Todd

The Blues have long been a rally cry transforming personal and collective hardships – stemming from racial injustice and systemic oppression – into a musical language of resistance and essential expression. Rooted in field hollers and call-and-response, these songs provided emotional resilience and solidarity within Black communities. Continue the journey with us as we explore historic and current ideations of this truly American art form.

In the song, Be What You Want To Be, Koko Taylor lays out both the invitation and consequence in living by this declaration. This session’s artists have their own take on the theme.

Supported by KNKX. For over three decades, jazz virtuoso Peyroux has travelled the world and graced the grandest concert halls to do just that - “share the magic of music with audiences, connect with people and uplift their spirits.” From entertaining passersby as a busker on the streets of Paris, to captivating thousands on sold out world tours - singular Peyroux has channeled the power of music to bring people together, dialogue with audiences and build a community.

When she was 12 her parents divorced and Peyroux moved to Paris with her mother - it was a turbulent time but that is how she found music to be her calling. The rebellious teen skipped school to play guitar in the city’s Latin Quarters, breathing in the colorful life and discovering the magic of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and other jazz greats from listening to other buskers. At 15, The fearless teenager joined The Lost Wandering Blues and Jazz Band with whom she toured Europe. Here, young Peyroux “witnessed the power of music to stop people in their tracks”, learned the art of connecting with the audience, understood that music is a shared experience, and that “a great song can wield powerful magic and inspire the best in any type of crowd.”

Peyroux was spotted by Atlantic’s A&R man Yves Beauvais, and in 1996 her debut album Dreamland was born. The striking vocalist gained instant recognition as a classic talent with an unmistakable staying power, and her smokey-crooning voice was likened to Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald. Dreamland delivered sweeping renditions of Fats Waller’s “I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” Bessie Smith’s “Lovesick Blues”, Billie Holiday’s “Gettin' Some Fun Out of Life”, Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight”, and Piaf’s “Romantic La Vie En Rose“, all delivered by some of the finest musicians around including Cyrus Chestnut, Greg Cohen, Vernon Reid, James Carter and Leon Parker to name but a few.

But it was Careless Love released eight years later that propelled her to jazz superstardom. Careless Love, which was certified gold in the US, included songs by Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and Elliott Smith as well as Peyroux’s iconic, desert-Island-disc-worthy rendition of “Dance Me To The End of Love” by Leonard Cohen.

The captivating mix of blues, refined vintage jazz, songs and charming French chanson proved irresistible - the singular songbird has struck a resounding chord with the public and industry alike.

Her trio now finds itself preparing for the 2026 “We Are America” tour. “When we first began working with the trio” said guitarist and vocalist Herington “the expected limitations of a radically smaller, quieter group were quickly shattered – this ‘reduced’ format revealed a special, quiet chemistry among the three of us, it magically allowed a kind of liberating genre-bending, immediately enriched us with a much wider repertoire, and forced a new depth of intimacy and vulnerability to surface in our live performances, I’m thrilled to be doing it again.”

Get a taste of what it means to be Irish at Irish Festival Seattle on March 14 & 15 at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall.

Presented in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club (IHC), this free family festival is held annually near St.Patrick’s Day on March 17, and celebrates Irish heritage and culture with vibrant music, dance, art, language, history, and craft goods. Irish Festival Seattle is part of the larger Irish Week 2026 (March 7-15), a landmark celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community. This year’s Irish Week honors the 40th anniversary of the Seattle-Galway Sister City Association and the enduring friendship between our two cities.

During the two days, you’ll enjoy festive live performances from many of the over one dozen local step-dancing troops – from wee-youth to young adult competition teams. Then it’s your turn to dance along with traditional and contemporary musical performances by Carrigaline Celtic Band, CAVORT, The Home Rulers, Keltoi, and Echo Lak Celtic Band.

Grown folks can continue to enjoy live music at the 21+ Irish Bar in the Armory Loft where, along with your favorite Irish beer, you can listen to music by The Wild Geese, That Irish Guy, Nick Kelly of The Fat Lady Sings, Dusty Strings open jam, Raising Slaine, and The Morrigans. There, you can also take the Irish Pub Quiz 2026 with The Seattle Gaels.

It’s not all music and dance! There’s something for everyone including cultural exhibits, films, genealogy advice, tin whistle classes, an art exhibition, lecture series, and activities for all ages. There will also be plenty of tasty food from Shawn O’Donnell’s, and a wide selection of quality Irish craft goods available for purchase in the vendor market.

Irish Festival Seattle is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of 25 free cultural festivals. Learn more about Festál (seattlecenter.com/festal).

For the first time, Music of Remembrance is positioning jazz at the heart of our performance—honoring its legacy as a tradition born from resilience and cultural defiance.

The March 15 program includes:

Jacqueline Tabor performing songs made famous by Josephine Baker, the Harlem Renaissance icon who became a French Resistance operative.

UW Jazz Professor Michael Brockman playing Manuel Rosenthal's jaunty Marmalade Sonata, composed by an artist who organized concerts while imprisoned in a Nazi POW camp.

Donald Byrd's world premiere choreography to Darius Milhaud's La création du monde—a radical work from the 1920s blending jazz and classical tyles to imagine creation through African mythology.

Presented by KNKX. As the milestone tenth studio album from 5x Grammy-nominated folk-blues luminary Ruthie Foster, Mileage finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a life full of professional triumphs, personal loss, and a musical journey that took a self-described “little Black girl with a guitar” from singing at churches in rural Texas to chalking up multiple Grammy nominations and collaborating with fellow greats such as Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.

Working alongside acclaimed producer Tyler Bryant (of Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown fame), Foster unveils a collection of songs that was born from heartfelt conversations about her story. When the two native Texans first sat down to work on a song together, they were still warming up to each other as songwriters and feeling out the possibility of a full project. As the ideas, lyrics, and melodies began to flow, the album that emerged is one that reverberates with a beautiful creative synergy.

“One of the things I loved most about working with Ruthie was hearing her story,” said Bryant. “Every writing session started with a conversation and my wife Rebecca and I were both continuously inspired by Ruthie’s way of speaking her unique truth in song. I learned quickly to just have the microphones on, ‘cause when Ruthie starts singing, it’s gonna be a moment worth capturing.”

Even when she wasn’t singing, it was often the way Ruthie would speak her truth in conversation that became the inspiration for a song. The trio were kicking around the idea of a traveling song and the topic of Ruthie’s age came up. “I told them, ‘Honey, I got mileage!’ and Tyler’s ears perked up,” Ruthie laughs. “He said, ‘That’s a song!’” And thus the wide-open road, wide-open heart title track was born.

Mileage marks a profound collaboration with Sun Records, intertwining Foster's narrative with the legendary label's rich tapestry of musical history and inviting listeners to embark on a soul-stirring voyage through the heartland of American music. With nods to musical legends and heartfelt tributes to her roots, Mileage is more than just an album—it's an invitation to take part in a conversation about memories, emotions, and shared humanity. It’s a reminder that every journey, no matter how far, eventually takes us home.

Enjoy interpretations of Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson & Bobby Hutcherson.

Featuring: Susan Pascal, Marc Seales, Ben Thomas, Jacques Willis & Alex Guilbert

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. This series is presented by South Hudson Music Project and KNKX.

Multi-award winning vocalist, pianist, songwriter and national radio host Laila Biali is thrilled to share her latest tribute project, Joni Mitchell & the Canadian Songbook Reimagined – a memorable concert experience filled with dynamic covers of Canadian musical icons. Audiences will be treated to fresh takes on a range of artists from across the decades including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, k.d. lang, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah MacLachlan and many more, all centered around the heart of this show: Joni Mitchell.

Come experience why the Washington Post hails Biali for her unique ability to "masterfully mix jazz and pop", interweaving your favorite Canadian classics with playful anecdotes and heartwarming stories.

Elnah Jordan’s musical journey began as a child in her church choir, where her passion for singing was discovered. This early experience laid the foundation for a life dedicated to jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B, taking her from the streets of San Francisco to clubs, Broadway theatre, and even award nominations such as the Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1986.

Elnah’s remarkable portrayal of Bessie Smith in Jon Hendricks’s ‘The Evolution of the Blues’ and performances in productions like ‘Street Dreams’ earned her accolades including the prestigious Cabaret Gold Award. She has opened for renowned artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Bobby Blue Bland, further solidifying her reputation in the industry.

Having settled in Seattle, Elnah has become a beloved figure in the local music scene. She has graced stages throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable venues like Egan’s Ballard Jam House, The Royal Room, and the New Orleans, among others. Her collaboration with pianists like Eric Verlinde showcases a captivating blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues, all delivered with a large measure of soul.

Elnah’s ability to connect with her audience, interpreting the vibe and energy of the room, sets her apart as a performer. Her music serves as a communal celebration, offering a tonic for modern times. Whether belting out Bessie Smith or summoning the spirit of Nina Simone, Elnah Jordan remains true to her roots, embodying the essence of American ethnomusicology.

Supported by KNKX. The Wooten brothers’ first public performance occurred in Hawaii in 1966 and established their identity as prodigies. Regi, the eldest son of Elijah "Pete" and Dorothy, was born in 1956. The first three sons arrived just a year apart—Roy in ’57, Rudy in ’58. Joseph was born in ’61, and three years later, in '64, Victor came. Victor learned to talk and play music at the same time.

Fast forward six years. Regi, still the leader of the family band, is 13 years old and Victor, the youngest, is 5, when the Wooten Brothers began opening a series of shows for R&B legends, “War”, and two years later for Curtis Mayfield, and many other national acts.

Fast forward to the present. The Wootens have racked up 10 Grammy wins, and 26 Grammy nominations. And the youngest of the family, Victor, the brother who learned from all his older brothers, has been named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the ten greatest bass players of all time.

The Wooten Brothers began in R&B. They evolved as teens into Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Classical and Country. Then, they emerged in 1985 on Arista records with an album called, "The Wootens", that combined Electronic, Funk, Soul, Disco, and Boogie—and offered only a sliver of the Wooten whole.

The Wooten whole is all of that… and classical, jazz, country, and Rock-and-Roll. The Wooten whole is Prince before Prince. Maybe Clive Davis and the Arista team, who were focused on launching the extraordinary Whitney Houston, were not ready for that in 1985.

So many albums after that Arista album, as the Wootens go their separate ways, they play in giant arenas and intimate clubs, crisscrossing the globe. They always come back to play together, sometimes close to home, sometimes a thousand miles away from their Middle-Tennessee homes.

Come celebrate all things seafood at the 2026 Razor Clam & Seafood Festival in Ocean Shores! Razor clams, fresh whole Dungeness crab, clam chowder, raw oyster bar, fish and chips, scallops, crab shooters, salmon, crab boil, smash burgers, Russian dumplings, funnel cakes, and more!

Come enjoy a fresh Dungeness crab meal complete with herbed potatoes and coleslaw. Sunday come for the special Crab Eggs Benedict and Bloody Mary/Mimosa Brunch-advanced tickets required.

Check out the vendors, listen to the music, enjoy the wine and beer. If you want to taste the best of the city’s chowder you can buy a tasting passport and sample all the different chowders-vote for the People’s choice. And the Clam Gun Decorating Contest is back!

In a world where love transcends death itself...when the legendary musician Orfeo loses beloved Euridice to a fatal serpent's bite, grief threatens to shatter the heavens. but the gods have heard those anguished songs—and they offer the impossible. One chance. One journey into the underworld. One rule Orfeo must not break. Armed only with a lyre and guided by amor, the god of love, Orfeo descends through the gates of hades to reclaim a bride from death's cold embrace. the journey faces the furies of hell itself, their fury melting before heartbreaking melodies. the music moves the lord of the underworld with the power of pure devotion. And Orfeo is given what no mortal has ever received: permission to bring back the dead.

But there is a condition—a test of faith that will push him to the edge of madness: Orfeo must lead Euridice back to the living world without looking at that beloved face. Not once. not even to see if she still follows. Can love survive without sight? Can faith triumph over doubt? Can one voice change the laws of death itself?

Christoph Willibald Gluck's timeless masterpiece where myth becomes music. where sorrow becomes transcendence. where one voice dares to challenge eternity. experience the opera that revolutionized the art form. The ultimate story of love, loss, and the power of music to move the gods.