Sep 27 Sunday
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
“Every piece I create, from the humblest tumbler to the most baroque sculpture, makes a statement about isolation, striving, access, perseverance, boundary pushing, and the pursuit of excellence. I believe my presence in the field as a working-class Black man, striving and excelling in a field occupied chiefly by society’s most privileged (whitest), is a powerful artistic and political gesture. “—Jason McDonald
Glass vessels evocative of the highly ornamented Baroque style, black silhouettes embedded in scenes on ancient pottery vessels, and medallion reliefs of Black figures all abide in the deliberate, expansive practice of Jason McDonald. McDonald’s visual language is deeply rooted in research of ancient histories, traditional techniques, and race. Here, contemporary ideas blend and transform tradition with caring attention to detail, precision in thought, and beauty. Motivated by glass—with its magical properties, myriads of endless possibilities and potential—McDonald’s devotion lies in the desire to refine the craft, making his hands more familiar and knowledgeable with each replication. Through his repetition and re-imagination of these historical forms, the objects transform into sculptures and vessels of time, carrying with them the essence of centuries-old traditions, as well as McDonald’s commitment and insertion of the representation and notions of Black identity. With a commitment to the craft that transcends his own work, McDonald diligently carves out space for those who will follow him through mentoring and the creation of his own glass studio, which he has named Ideal Conditions.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum and curated by Victoria Miles.
Sip bubbly, feast on brunch, and watch fierce rooftop drag queens slay the day away in Seattle!
Seattle Drag Brunch at Fog Room is a high-energy rooftop entertainment experience featuring drag performances, elevated brunch offerings, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant social atmosphere in the heart of downtown Seattle.
Designed for locals and visitors alike, the event combines exceptional entertainment, hospitality, and brunch in a fun, inclusive environment. Whether guest are celebrating a birthday, bachelorette party, special occasion, or simply looking for a unique Sunday experience, Seattle Drag brunch offers an unforgettable afternoon above the city.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.
Live Jazz!
"Migration," a multifaceted show exploring the movement of wildlife, people and ideas across the world, is open now. Artists Kate Flores, Mary O'Shaughnessy and Loran Scruggs of Port Townsend and Carolyn King of Tucson are presenting a variety of two- and three-dimensional creations. Their materials range from tin cans and bottle caps to embroidery, paint, cast glass and beyond. Northwind's gallery, at 701 Water Street in downtown Port Townsend, is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. More information awaits at NorthwindArt.org. Pictured: "Danzante Azteca" by Carolyn King.
The Board of Directors invites you to a fun and festive afternoon in support of Pacific Bonsai Museum, in an unparalleled location. This may be our final year holding Branch Out in the original Weyerhaeuser Corporate HQ, so if you have ever wanted to spend time inside this historically significant building, please join us! Raise a glass with friends over delicious bites and libations, and take part in a stirring paddle raise, all in celebration of Pacific Bonsai Museum.
Branch Out features a stunning selection of Museum bonsai to view and enjoy, plus live jazz by the Michael Glenn Trio. Discover one-of-a-kind silent auction treasures, including ever-popular kusamono plantings, and watch watercolor artist Andy Pham create a live painting depicting one of our bonsai, then bid to take the original home during the live auction.
The afternoon comes alive with performances by Susie Philipsen (a local singer-songwriter whose vocals float over folk-rock-jazz guitar in a subtly vintage and timeless style), along with the Seattle Kokon Taiko Drummers, and the Seattle Chinese Children’s Dance Group, in a program hosted by dynamic auctioneer Matt Lorch.
This is more than an event. It’s a celebration of living art, culture, music, and nature, all benefiting Pacific Bonsai Museum. Seats are limited, so reserve your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable event.
🎷 Jazz Jam at Butter Notes Café 🎷📍 Butter Notes Café – Everett, WA🗓️ Every 1st & 3rd Sunday @ 2 PM
☕ Come sip, snack, and swing!
Join us for an afternoon of live jazz and spontaneous creativity at Butter Notes Café! Whether you’re here to play or just enjoy the vibes, you’re welcome.
🧇 Fresh croffles and warm coffee served all afternoon🎶 Open to all instruments, all levels💛 Donations encouraged to support local musicians and future sessions
Bring your instrument, your friends, or just your love for music!
Perched high above the city streets, High Rise Hijinks is an afternoon of thrills, laughter, and breathtaking physical comedy.
The program opens with Liberty (1929), in which Laurel & Hardy find themselves stranded on a towering steel framework, where a simple wardrobe mix-up spirals into a dizzying series of near misses and perfectly timed chaos.
The feature, Safety Last! (1923), follows Harold Lloyd’s unforgettable climb up a downtown skyscraper — culminating in one of the most iconic moments in film history.
Nationally renowned organist Dennis James accompanies both films live on the Washington Center’s cherished 1924 Andy Crow Wurlitzer, connecting modern audiences to the irreplaceable magic of silent cinema.
Join us for a free, family-friendly afternoon of music, activities, cake, and ice cream as we continue our yearlong 50th Anniversary festivities.
The celebration will feature an imaginative, playful, and entertaining performance of Peter and the Wolf and The Toy Symphony by Really Inventive Stuff, along with fun for all ages under a large outdoor tent.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate five decades of music, learning, and community.
Rain Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2 – 5 PM
On-site parking is limited. Guests are encouraged to use Metro, rideshare, or other alternative transportation.
Sponsored by KNKX. After fifteen years as a member of the legendary Hermeto Pascoal Group, Jovino Santos Neto moved to Seattle in 1993, where he became an influential performer, composer, and educator at Cornish College of the Arts. For this performance, he is joined by bassist Peter Barshay and drummer David Flores, coming together as a piano trio to share expressive, groove-driven Brazilian music. A three-time Latin GRAMMY nominee, Santos is a master pianist, composer, and arranger who blends vibrant Brazilian rhythms with rich harmonic depth. His compositions have been performed by the Seattle Symphony and ensembles around the world.
Peter Barshay is a bassist with a distinguished career as a sideman in the New York City and Bay Area jazz scenes. He has performed with many of jazz’s leading artists, including Pharoah Sanders, Bobby McFerrin, and the Mingus Big Band.
David Flores is a drummer, educator, and performer whose work draws from jazz, Afro-Caribbean, funk, and rhythm-driven traditions. Originally from the Bay Area, he has performed and recorded with artists including Donna Summer, Lauryn Hill, and Paquito D’Rivera.
Enjoy live jazz in the Frye's acoustically stunning auditorium with Jazz in the City at the Frye Art Museum, presented in partnership with Ariel Media. This ongoing concert series celebrates the rich legacy and cultural impact of jazz—and its role in shaping Seattle’s artistic identity—through performances by some of the city’s most acclaimed musicians.
