Community Calendar

Join KNKX for a celebration of BirdNote's 20th Anniversary with special guest, author Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club) on December 2, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Seattle.

An avid birder and passionate conservationist, Amy shares her love for feathered friends in her recent book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, filled with personal stories, insights, and her own illustrations. She’s also a longtime fan of BirdNote! The event will feature a lively conversation moderated by KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick, with Amy Tan and BirdNote Executive Director Nick Bayard. Amy will talk about her birding journey, her conservation work, and what inspires her connection to the natural world. You’ll also learn more about BirdNote’s mission to inspire and educate people about the joys and wonders of birds, and to protect their habitats.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. — come early to meet live birds in the lobby before the show! Be among the first to secure your spot before tickets go on sale to the public. GA $50, youth (18+younger) $25 (VIP TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT). Proceeds benefit KNKX and BirdNote. Town Hall Seattle is located at 1119 8th Avenue, Seattle, Washington.

KNKX thanks Audubon for their support.

Supported by KNKX. With his illustrious career that includes hallmark stints with Miles Davis, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as a heralded career as a solo artist that began more than 30 years ago, Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz's brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.

Kenny Garrett's latest release, Sounds From The Ancestors, is a multi-faceted album. The music, however, doesn't lodge inside the tight confines of the jazz idiom, which is not surprising considering the alto saxophonist and composer acknowledges the likes of Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye as significant touchstones. Similar to how Miles Davis' seminal LP, On the Corner, subverted its main guiding lights – James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone – then crafted its own unique, polyrhythmic, groove-laden, improv-heavy universe, Sounds From The Ancestors occupies its own space with intellectual clarity, sonic ingenuity and emotional heft.

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 sponsored by KNKX and the South Hudson Music Project.

Featuring the Music of Shirley Horn/Nat King Cole

Pianists:
Alex Guilbert
Carolyne Graye
Darrius Willrich
Tim Kennedy

Rhythm section:
D’Vonne Lewis(drums)
Greg Feingold(bass)

Presented by KNKX. With a career spanning five decades over two centuries, Duffy Bishop is a force of nature, bringing her passionate, take no prisoners performances to fans at festivals, theaters and nightclubs across the country and around the world.

Duffy is celebrating her 50th Anniversary of making music with a Northwest Tour in September, performing at the Triple Door for one night only Thursday September 18th and the digital release of three hidden gems albums originally only available in physical format including her first two albums as Duffy Bishop and the Rhythm Dogs, Dogs Run Cheap (1985) and On a Journey (1987), and the Duffy Bishop album Ooh Wee (2002).

Having spent much time in her beloved Pacific Northwest, Duffy, is a member of the Halls of Fame for the Washington Blues Society, The Cascade Blues Association and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.

Duffy has opened for artists Etta James, Lou Rawls, Ruth Brown, Bo Diddley (who called her “dangerous”), REO Speedwagon, Little Feat, Chicago, Bobby Bland, The Neville Brothers, and Roy Orbison, to name a few.

Musical theater is also a passion of Duffy’s, having starred in professional productions of “Rocky Horror Show” (as Dr. Frank-N-Furter), “Janis” (as Janis Joplin) and the tent show “Teatro ZinZanni” in Seattle and San Francisco.

Sponsored by KNKX. A raw and deeply moving memoir from the legendary author of The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, Mother Mary Comes to Me traces the complex relationship between Arundhati Roy and her mother, Mary, a fierce and formidable force

Tickets with “& Book” include a copy of Mother Mary Comes to Me, shipped to your door by our bookstore partner Elliott Bay Book Company.

Q&A with Shahina Piyarali.

Supported by KNKX. After thirty-five years of being at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. He assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape.

The result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy that’s packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Co-produced by Cleary and John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Taj Mahal), it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.

As for the musicians, it’s the best of the best. Long time Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall anchor the band on bass and drums, respectively. They are joined by Nigel Hall (Lettuce) on Hammond organ, Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion, Xavier Lynn (MonoNeon, Ledisi) on guitar, and an all-star horn section of Aaron Narcisse (Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra), Charlie Halloran (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Preservation Hall All Stars) and Jason Mingledorff (Galactic).

Sponsored by KNKX. The 26th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival is the oldest, largest film festival on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. We welcome approximately 2,000 attendees, 50+ filmmakers and special guests, 60+ films, and hundreds of volunteers in our beautiful seaside village every year.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS (it’s more than film!):

Our Special Guests this year are Tom Skerritt and Mena Suvari.
The Forum, with filmmaking workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities and more.
The Filmmakers Parade, where this year’s filmmakers and other special guests arrive in classic cars. PTFF’s version of the red carpet!
Daily Dinner Breaks (5:30pm; Fri-Sat-Sun), with live music and picnic meals available nearby.
The Indoor Festival Lounge and Outdoor Festival Lounge; rest, meet up, make a friend!
Free outdoor movies on Fri-Sat-Sun on Taylor Street.

And much more. Explore!

Sponsored by KNKX. During this “art walk marathon” stroll along a 3-kilometer stretch from Pioneer Square through downtown to Belltown, you can participate in and/or witness dozens of cultural experiences, including bicycle-based dance, synth-punk concerts, LED art, brass bands playing video game tunes and something called “motivational vending machines,” all for free. You can walk or roll as much or little of the route as you wish. The event is part of Art + Culture Week, September 20-27.

The event is free but registration is encouraged.

Supported by KNKX. The two-time JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter from Montreal places the history of African-American musical culture at the heart of her work, reflecting on the social realities that have influenced the genres of blues, jazz and soul. Her trilogy highlights the history of African-American music, inspired by soul icons such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Etta James.

2018's Nameless, was about confronting historical silences and sorrows. This blues-tinged album has become an audiophile's reference recording across the globe and led to two sold out shows at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2018. Her second album, Stay Tuned! was a call for revolution. This album won the 2020 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year as well as the Félix prize for Best Jazz Album at the 2019 ADISQ Gala, was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and featured among the 19 best Canadian albums of 2019 by CBC. Dominique Fils-Aimé [FEES-em-AY] was also nominated that same year as Radio-Canada's 2019-2020 "Revelation in Jazz". In 2021, Dominique closed the final chapter the trilogy with Three Little Words, a call for reconciliation. The record received rave reviews in prestigious publications all around the world. It made the Polaris Short List, and claimed the #1 spot for best-selling album in Quebec and #2 in Canada. On stage, whether in Canada (double-bill with Allison Russell at Toronto's Koerner Hall) or in Europe (opening for Melody Gardot, Diana Krall, and Ibrahim Maalouf), Dominique Fils-Aimé's magnetic presence captivates the audience, leading them on a transcendent journey.

Her fourth album entitled Our Roots Run Deep, was released on Ensoul Records in September 2023 and is the start of a new trilogy. It has won the 2024 JUNO Award for "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year" and the music video for the track 'My Mind At Ease' was nominated for Best International R&B/Soul Video and Best Choreography in a Video at the UK Music Video Awards. Dominique Fils-Aimé released her first single in French, "Moi je t'aime" on June 6th and is currently writing new songs for her upcoming album slated for release in 2026.

Sponsored by KNKX. Join us for an unforgettable performance by the Kareem Kandi World Orchestra—a powerhouse ensemble blending jazz, blues, classical, and funk into a bold, genre-defying sound. Led by acclaimed saxophonist and composer Kareem Kandi, the group brings world-class musicianship, fresh arrangements, and deep grooves to the stage.

Featuring Greg Feingold on bass and Jacques Willis on drums, this trio delivers high-energy performances that honor jazz traditions while pushing creative boundaries. With decades of experience and global tours under their belts, they captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Don’t miss this chance to experience music that inspires, connects, and moves you.

Supported by KNKX. Al Di Meola is currently touring worldwide with his program “Land of the Midnight Sun," featuring the iconic Philippe Saisse on keys, master percussionist Gumbi Ortiz, Tom Brechtlein on drums, and Elias Tona on bass.

Guitar legend Al Di Meola, a living icon inducted into the Gallery of Greats, mesmerizes audiences worldwide with his unparalleled musical talent. With a career spanning over five decades, Di Meola has solidified his place among the top guitarists, earning critical acclaim, numerous awards, and millions of record sales. Renowned for his intricate rhythms, provocative melodies, and sophisticated harmonies, Di Meola's music transcends genres, blending world music and jazz influences.

His most recent studio project Twentyfour, is a testament to creativity. Conceived during the tumultuous times of the pandemic, what started as a simple acoustic project evolved into something much grander. Al's initial intention to craft a reflective acoustic album on the challenges of the time expanded exponentially as he found himself unable to resist the allure of boundless musical exploration. Over the span of four years, Twentyfour blossomed into a masterpiece, brimming with intricately woven melodies, diverse instrumentation, and captivating highlights. It's a journey through Al's musical evolution, showcasing his virtuosity and vision in those special times. Each track is a moment within these four years and a contemporary witness to the events. Twentyfour is set to be released on July 19, 2024.

As a recipient of 12 prestigious Guitar Player Magazine awards, Al Di Meola's contribution to the world of music is unparalleled. His latest creations continue to showcase his exceptional talent and boundless creativity, solidifying his status as a true guitar virtuoso and musical visionary.

KNKX, Hidden Hall & The PBJ Present: PBJam Fest 2025 — a two-day celebration of live music at Hidden Hall in Seattle. The festival features a nonstop rotation of performances by local and regional acts, with a lineup rooted in funk, jazz, jam, and Americana. PBJam Fest shines a spotlight on the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant music scene and invites fans to experience a full weekend of talent — all for one affordable ticket price.

Sponsored by KNKX. From the best-selling author of These Truths comes We the People, a stunning new history of the U.S. Constitution, for a troubling new era. Published on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding—the anniversary, too, of the first state constitutions—We the People offers a wholly new history of the Constitution.

Presented by KNKX. At the heart of their show is a breathtaking fusion of Spanish guitar, a string quartet, and an array of other instruments. Adding to the magic, guest vocalists appear at times in the performance, enriching the experience. A dancer, seamlessly integrated into select musical segments, brings the music to life with movements inspired by the regions reflected in the songs.

The Rumba Kings’ signature Spanish guitar-driven sound is complemented by a captivating stage presence. Lead guitarist George Stevens electrifies the audience, blending masterful musicianship with engaging showmanship—sometimes even stepping into the crowd to share the energy up close. The performance flows effortlessly from mesmerizing slow, dreamy, and passionate instrumentals to exhilarating dance numbers, evoking the essence of world-class acts like Yanni and the Gipsy Kings.

For 2025, the band has reimagined their show, introducing fresh setlists, new music, guest vocalists, dancers, and cultural elements. Musical Director Johnny Bacolas describes the new production as akin to a Vegas-style spectacle, featuring a variety of musical styles, beautiful show segments, an emotionally-impacting musical experience, and top-tier guest musicians. It’s common for The Rumba Kings to receive standing ovations after their performances. Bacolas says about this, “it’s the ultimate honor when the audience gives us standing ovations. It makes us feel like we’ve done our job right.”

Join us for an evening of breathtaking music, electrifying performances, and unforgettable moments with The Rumba Kings.

STG Presents Nate Smith Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at The Neptune Theatre

Doors at 7pm Show at 8pm

Nate Smith is a drummer, composer, & producer from Chesapeake, Virginia. His visceral, instinctive, and deep-rooted style of drumming and his talent as a composer and arranger has led to three GRAMMY® nominations and work with esteemed artists, including: Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, Van Hunt, The Fearless Flyers, Norah Jones, Childish Gambino, Jon Batiste, and Somi. Smith fuses his original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, including everything from jazz to R&B to hip-hop to pop. In recent years, Smith’s viral videos have been viewed by millions of people, underscoring his popularity as one of the most influential drummers of his generation.

The festival honors the artistic edge and the rich history of the art form, celebrates Seattle’s jazz scene with performances, premieres, and special projects by esteemed resident artists alongside international masters.

This year’s lineup includes Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau, Brandee Younger, Arooj Aftab, Makaya McCraven,
Ghost-Note, and many more.