Abe Beeson
Jazz HostAbe grew up in Western Washington, a third generation Seattle/Tacoma kid. It was as a student at Pacific Lutheran University that Abe landed his first job at KNKX, editing and producing audio for news stories. It was a Christmas Day shift no one else wanted that gave Abe his first on-air experience which led to overnights, then Saturday afternoons, and started hosting Evening Jazz in 1998.
At the end of 2015, just as the campaign to save 88.5 began, Abe debuted his modern jazz show The New Cool. Saturday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m., you can hear 21st-century jazz inspired and informed by the sounds of today: hip-hop, & funk, Electronic music and punk rock — the future of jazz has arrived.
His most memorable KNKX radio moments include introducing Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, and other greats; attending jazz festivals in Spain and Argentina with groups of KNKX jazz fans; and locking himself out of the station on a particularly cold winter night.
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At Jazz Port Townsend last July, faculty member Anat Cohen's student ensemble 'Blues-berries' brought heart, talent, and classic big band swing to the stage. -
Jazz guitarist John Scofield shares lessons he learned while playing with Miles Davis and how maturity has shaped his ballad playing. -
On his new 7-track EP Locked In, Paris musician Alex Monfort combines crisp hip-hop production, modern jazz fusion, and West Coast influences. -
Jazz Port Townsend 2026 participants play a six-song set of standards and originals. The group was mentored by jazz drummer Matt Wilson. -
Inspired by his uncle's record collection, Jon Cleary moved from England to New Orleans at 18 and built a career as a celebrated pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. -
After a medical condition almost derailed his jazz career, bassist Bruce Phares is performing again and producing a successful concert series in Vashon Island, Washington. -
From prodigy to Grammy nominee, guitarist Julian Lage opens up about his daily writing routine, stripped-down philosophy, and taking risks with his band. -
A sophomore and bassist in the Lake Washington High School jazz band, Ross Gawthrop shares his favorite jazz with KNKX listeners. -
As he makes his own way in jazz, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt mentors his young band and captures the stories of his musician peers in his book, Griot. -
Performing at The Coda in Victoria, B.C., Astrocolor bring jazz energy and style to electronic dance music as KNKX celebrates 10 years of community ownership.
