Community Calendar

KNKX has always valued the recordings in our vast KNKX Studio Sessions series--these audio and visual recordings capture moments in the history and careers of artists and bands.From Chick Corea and Judith Hill, to up and coming regional creators, these time capsules are important in the lineage of their art forms.

KNKX hosted two studio sessions with composer-trumpeter Roy Hargrove at our Seattle studios which have become legendary and world renowned (one was recorded in 2017, a year before Hargrove’s untimely passing at age 49).No trumpet player of his generation has been more impactful and his legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world.

The exclusive songs from Hargrove’s KNKX studio sessions were never released on any of the artist’s albums. That’s why we’re so excited these time capsules are now being released as a digital EP by Hargrove's estate--Roy Hargrove: Live at KNKX. They reveal the emotional depth and spontaneity that made Hargrove one of the defining jazz voices of his generation--bridging bebop, soul, and groove with effortless authenticity.

Join us for a special KNKX benefit event on January 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Triple Door in Seattle, as we celebrate the EP's release. The event, hosted by Abe Beeson, features video on the big screen from the studio sessions, and members of Hargrove’s bands and family, sharing stories and memories about what makes these previously unreleased works so important in jazz. We'll share the video recordings from Hargrove's studio sessions on the big screen along with messages from his bandmates and heirs.

The evening caps off with a performance by the D’Vonne Lewis Trio (with trumpeter Owuor Arunga and bassist Evan Flory-Barnes) performing some of Hargrove’s music. A t-shirt with the album cover art will be available for sale at the event.

GET TICKETS HERE. Ticket prices are $50, $65, and $80 (not including ticketing fees) and are available at The Triple Door's website. The Triple Door is located at 216 Union Street in downtown Seattle.

Langston Hughes’ gospel song-play returns! Featuring 30 performers, a live band, powerful vocals, a citywide gospel choir—and a chance to sing along. The magic and joy of the Christmas story is brought to life with vivid colors, dance and music. A joyful holiday celebration for all ages and beliefs that will have you leaping to your feet.

Sponsored by KNKX. Guitarist Michael Powers moved to Seattle as a teenager, where he honed his craft by immersing himself in the local music scene. As his musicianship progressed, Michael developed a deep interest in music theory, earning a BFA in Composition and Performance from Cornish College of the Arts in 1982. At Cornish, he studied under celebrated composers Gil Evans and Sam Rivers, bassist Gary Peacock, pianist Art Lande, and trombonist Julian Priester. Influenced by a wide range of musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis, Michael cultivated a distinctive style that reflects his diverse musical roots.

On stage, Michael has performed, recorded, or shared billings with legendary artists including piano giant Herbie Hancock, classic Jazz saxophonist Eddie “Clean Head” Vinson, B3 master Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ronnie Cuber, Gil Scott Heron, Dr. Cornel West, the legendary Ray Charles, and many more.

While challenging to categorize, Michael’s contemporary instrumental music remains deeply rooted in the Blues, showcasing his versatility and passion across genres.

Jazz in the City at the Frye Art Museum is a dynamic performance series presented in partnership with Ariel Media. This series celebrates the rich legacy, enduring vibrancy, and profound cultural impact of jazz music in shaping Seattle’s artistic identity.

Supported by KNKX. The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/Grammy’s with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of six Grammy Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits. They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal.

The Blind Boys released their latest album, Echoes Of The South, in August of 2023. It found the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees coming home to Alabama to record in Muscle Shoals. The eleven-song collection is a portrait of perseverance from a group well-versed in overcoming incredible odds - from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South to performing for three different American presidents, soundtracking the Civil Rights movement, and helping define modern gospel music as we know it. The album garnered three Grammy Award nominations, and won for Best Roots Gospel Album.

That win continued a run of Grammy Award nominations from the two previous years. In 2021, the group’s collaborative recording with Bela Fleck, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free was tapped in the Best American Roots Performance category. In 2022, they garnered another nod for their collaboration with the band Black Violin on The Message in the Best Americana Performance category.

In March 2024, the definitive book on the Blind Boys of Alabama, titled Spirit of the Century, was released. It’s an insider history of America’s longest-running group and the untold story of their world, written with band members and key musical colleagues. Appearances on The View TV show and other major media outlets followed. After all these years, the Blind Boys show no signs of slowing down!

Experience the wild wonder of the holiday season as you traverse through the Mystical Forest where stunning creatures gleam brightly! Here, behold the magical forest train, mystical tree fairies and fantastical unicorns. Embark on a Journey on a Bright Desert Highway and see desert flora and fauna before discovering Marvelous Mammals where spectacular Northwest animals are vividly portrayed in lantern form. Family-favorite Interactive Lanterns are spread throughout the WildLanterns spaces. Let your imagination take flight in the Birds of Paradise zone, swan into this area where magnificent peacocks flaunt their flamboyant plumes and birds of a feather perch on enchanted branches. Finally, embark on a journey Under the Jungle Canopy and spot all the mischievous monkeys hiding in the foliage!

Sponsored by KNKX. The 3rd Annual Olympia Funk Festival returns January 30–February 1, 2026, bringing three days of electrifying performances to Washington’s capital city. This year’s festival features funk powerhouses Tank and the Bangas, MonoNeon, and George Porter, Jr., alongside an all-star lineup of regional and national artists. With over 100 performers across 22 bands, the event continues to grow as a major cultural celebration in the Pacific Northwest.

KNKX returns as a proud media sponsor, supporting the festival’s mission to create an inclusive, joyful, and family-friendly experience that keeps live funk music thriving. The festival's venues include The Historic Capitol Theater, Olympia Ballroom, Olympia Center, and Ilk Brewing. Ilk Brewing will host free, all-ages programming including funk DJs and the Passing the Torch youth stage, while The Olympia Center will be home to free, educational masterclasses for aspiring musicians.

Beyond the stage, Olympia Funk Festival prioritizes affordability and access. Children 15 and under attend free, and tickets remain among the lowest priced for a multi-day music festival of this caliber — all to ensure that families and fans from across the country can experience the magic without breaking the bank.

KNKX is proud to support Olympia Funk Festival 2026 as it continues to cultivate the next generation of funk lovers and musicians through education, cultural exchange, and pure dance floor joy.