KNKX records and produces exclusive Studio Sessions every month with world-class jazz and blues musicians from around the world and the Northwest. We also like to use Studio Sessions as an opportunity to showcase the talented local students participating in our award-winning School of Jazz program.
Studio Sessions typically last around an hour, but the exact program will depend on the artist. You can usually expect about 15-45 minutes of sound check and mingling, followed by 20-30 minutes of recorded studio session time. This consists of 2 to 3 songs followed by an interview from one of our hosts.
We'd love for you to join us for a session in our new Seattle studios next to Pike Place Market. Below you will find more information about each upcoming Studio Session along with a link to register.
Studio Sessions are very popular and are free to attend.
Please register for only one per three months so others can enjoy the show!
School of Jazz: Mt. Si High School
Thursday, January 22 at 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
For our first School of Jazz studio session of 2026, we're excited to feature a combo from Mt. Si High School in Snoqualmie, under the direction of William Leather. Students strive for the highest level of musical achievement and performance in the spirit and style of swing, focusing on the traditions of Ellington and Basie, and exploring the innovations of contemporary composers. This school year, the Mt. Si Jazz Band received the Downbeat Student Music Award for Outstanding High School Jazz Ensemble. The band is a regular participant in Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz, they compete in regional jazz festivals, and on multiple occasions, they have been a Northwest finalist in the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
OG McTuff
Thursday, January 29 at 1 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
The original McTuff crew featured Joe Doria on Hammond B3/synth, D’Vonne Lewis on drums, Andy Coe on guitar, and the one and only Skerik on saxophone. Born of a series of shows featuring the works of Brother Jack McDuff and other organ masters, McTuff toured extensively across the nation behind the release of McTuff Vol 1 and McTuff Vol 2: After The Show. For this KNKX session, we welcome Joe Doria, D'Vonne Lewis, and Andy Coe to our Seattle studios. OG McTuff (the trio) performs January 31 at Olympia Ballroom as part of this year's Olympia Funk Fest, sponsored by KNKX.
Ottmar Liebert (solo)
Monday, February 9 at 1 p.m.
Hosted by Paige Hansen
Ottmar Liebert was born in Cologne, Germany, and began playing guitar at age 11. After pursuing his dreams of playing rock music in Boston, he settled in Santa Fe which marked his return to the acoustic guitar. His musical style is a mix of Spanish, Mexican, and World elements with strong melodies tinged with a shade of melancholy, balanced with upbeat rhythms. Liebert founded the first incarnation of his band, Luna Negra (vocalist and bassist Elliot Tinsley and guitarist Chris Furlong) in 1989. Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra will be performing at the Triple Door in Seattle on February 9 and 10.
Ballard High School Brass Band
Monday, February 23 at 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by Abe Beeson
Get ready for a real treat when KNKX brings in the 10-piece New Orleans-style brass band from Ballard High School, under the direction of Jay Gillespie and Jazz Instructor and saxophonist Alexis Rosenberg (and member of the Blowout Heavies Brass Band). The Brass Band is just one of BHS' musical offerings, which also include jazz, marching, and pep bands.
