October 16 Festival Kick-Off Event
Garfield High School Jazz Band
w/ special guest Miguel ZenÓn
The Triple Door, 7 & 9:30 $22 general, $11 youth BUY ONLINE
Celebrating the future of jazz in Seattle and around the world, the multi-award-winning Garfield High School Jazz Band under the direction of Clarence Acox kicks off the 2009 Earshot Jazz Festival with recent MacArthur Award-winning saxophonist Miguel Zenón. MORE INFO

October 17
Miguel ZenÓn Quintet
Byron Vannoy's Meridian
The Triple Door, 7:30$22 general, $11 youth BUY ONLINE
The Puerto Rican saxophonist, a brilliant star on the international jazz scene, and the newest faculty member at the New England Conservatory, brings his explosive new group to the main stage for Earshot’s opening weekend. Golden Ear Award winning drummer Byron Vannoy opens with his sterling Meridian quintet. MORE INFO

October 17 & 18
Tarbaby
Tula’s, 8:30 $18 general, $10 students Reservations: 206-443-4221
The creative collective of Stacy Dillard (saxophone), Orrin Evans (piano), and one of the most exciting rhythm sections in jazz today – Nasheet Waits (drums) and Eric Revis (bass) – swings with reverence and reckless abandon. MORE INFO


October 18
Allen Toussaint Quartet
The Triple Door, 7 & 9:30$26 BUY ONLINE
An unforgettable evening with a true New Orleans legend. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a singer, pianist, producer, and composer, Toussaint presents his quartet of Renard Poche (guitar), Roland Guérin (bass), and Herman LeBeaux (drums). MORE INFO


October 18
Matt Wilson Quartet
Seattle Art Museum (Downtown), 8 $18 BUY ONLINE
New York drummer Matt Wilson has never been afraid to challenge, entertain, and have fun! His outstanding quartet features Kirk Knuffke (trumpet), Jeff Lederer (alto sax & bass clarinet), and Chris Lightcap (bass). Presented in association with Cornish College of the Arts. MORE INFO


October 19
Matt Wilson Quartet & Roosevelt High School Jazz Band
The Triple Door, 7:30 $22 general, $11 youth BUY ONLINE
Matt Wilson’s raucous New York quartet joins one of Seattle’s award-winningest high-school jazz bands. MORE INFO


October 19
3rd Man
Chapel Performance Space, 7:30 $18 BUY ONLINE
Drummer Han Bennink, one of Europe’s most singular jazz artists, teams with longtime colleague Michael Moore (sax) and Brooklyn-based accordionist Will Holshouser to perform fast-paced, witty improvisations reminiscent of the late, lamented Clusone Trio. MORE INFO


October 19
McTuff Trio
Tula’s, 8:30 $12 Reservations: 206-443-4221
Funk and finesse from the time tested trio of Joe Doria, on Hammond B-3, Andy Coe on guitar, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. MORE INFO

October 20
Trio M
Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park), 8:30, $18 BUY ONLINE
Trio M is a collective of Mark Dresser (bass), Matt Wilson (drums), and Myra Melford (piano). Thanks to thrilling and unpredictable interplay, says Wilson, “the results are spiritually rewarding and remarkably fun to witness.” (Preceded at 7pm by a presentation of filmmaker Sarah Jane Lapp’s Animated Jazz Experiments with live music by Mark Dresser. Separate admission through NWFF; film patrons who bring stub to the concert receive half off concert admission.) Presented in association with Cornish College of the Arts. MORE INFO

October 20
Chad McCullough Quintet
Tula’s, 8:30, $12 Reservations: 206-443-4221
The Seattle trumpeter and educator, an artist deserving of greater exposure, performs in support of his acclaimed Origin release, Dark Wood, Dark Water. His band features Slovakian pianist Michal Vanoucek, winner of the prestigious Deloitte Jazz Award in The Netherlands. MORE INFO

October 20 - November 5
Earshot Jazz FILM Festival
Various venues
Earshot Jazz Festival and Northwest Film Forum present their 8th annual selection celebrating the intersections of jazz and cinema. As always, curator Peter Lucas has found some gems, including the Seattle-made documentary Icons Among Us, the acclaimed Guy And Madeline On A Park Bench (featuring musician Jason Palmer), and bassist Mark Dresser’s live accompaniment of jazz animations by Seattle’s Sarah Jane Lapp. MORE INFO
October 20 – Animated Jazz Experiments, by Sarah Jane Lapp, with live accompaniment by Mark Dresser
Seattle Asian Art Museum, 7pm, $10-12 BUY ONLINE Concert by Trio M follows at 8:30, bring your
film stub to receive half off concert admission.
October 30 & November 1 – Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, by Damien Chazelle
Northwest Film Forum, 7pm & 9pm, $6-9 BUY ONLINE
October 31 & November 2 – Icons Among Us, by Lars Larson, Michael Rivoira, & Peter J. Vogt
Northwest Film Forum, 7pm & 9pm, $6-9 BUY ONLINE

October 21
Omar Sosa's Afreecanos Quartet
The Triple Door, 7 & 9:30, $22 BUY ONLINE
Further explorations of Cuban pianist Omar Sosa’s charming musical spirit. Now living in Barcelona, his latest release, Across the Divide, explores further aspects of the African Diaspora. He performs on piano, Fender Rhodes, electronics, and vocals in a virtuosic, multinational quartet: Childo Tomas (Mozambique) on electric bass, kalimba, and vocals, Marque Gilmore (USA) on drums and electronics, and Mola Sylla (Senegal) on vocals, mbira, xalam, and kongoman.
MORE INFO

October 21 & 22
Marc Seales Groups
Tula’s, 8:30, $15 Reservations: 206-443-4221
Seattle pianist Marc Seales shows the breadth of his current artistic projects with The Paris Suite featuring Evan Flory-Barnes, Larry Barrileu, and D’Vonne Lewis on Wednesday, and the American Songbook group with Gary Hobbs, Dave Captien, Cuong Vu and Fred Hamilton on Thursday.
MORE INFO


October 22
Matthew Shipp & Joe Morris
Peggy Lee & Saadet TÜrkÖz
Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park), 8, $16 BUY ONLINE
Peggy Lee (cello) and the mesmerizing Saadet Türköz (vocals) mix free improvisation with the Kazakh and Turkish forms of Türköz’s childhood. After them, the inventive, challenging pianist Matthew Shipp returns to Earshot with his exciting duo featuriing guitarist-turned-bassist Joe Morris. MORE INFO

October 23
Myra Melford Be Bread
Seattle Art Museum (Downtown), 8, $18 BUY ONLINE
Capping a week-long Cornish College residency, this remarkable electro-acoustic ensemble cleverly draws upon a myriad of influences, including the Hindustani forms that Melford studied in India. Joining her is an all-star lineup of instrumental heavy hitters: trumpet ace Cuong Vu, bassist-like-no-other Stomu Takeishi, drummer Matt Wilson, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, and the towering guitarist Brandon Ross. Presented in association with Cornish College of the Arts. MORE INFO

October 23 & 24
Hal Galper Trio w/ John Bishop & Jeff Johnson
Tula’s, 8:30, $15 Reservations: 206-443-4221
Well known for his work with Chet Baker, Cannonball Adderley, and Phil Woods, pianist Hal Galper brings crazy chops and a lifetime of jazz knowledge to each new project. As on the outstanding disc, Furious Rubato, he points to new directions for jazz with drummer John Bishop and bassist Jeff Johnson. MORE INFO

October 24
Helen Sung Trio
Kirkland Performance Center, 8, $30 BUY ONLINE
Joyfully embracing jazz after a classical performance education, Sung has the background to fuel her engaging explorations and to attract top-flight sidemen like Adam Cruz on drums and Reuben Rogers on bass. MORE INFO

October 24
Ikue Mori & Zeena Parkins Phantom Orchard
Peggy Lee & Saadet TÜrkÖz
Chapel Performance Space, 8, $20 BUY ONLINE
Here is a one-of-a-kind, only-at-Earshot opportunity. Ikue Mori (electronics, computer, drum machines, live video) and Zeena Parkins (acoustic harp, electric harp, electronics) create daring original music that has been described as “gorgeously stimulating” and “full of endless resources.” Peggy Lee (cello) and Saadet Türköz (vocals) present an acoustic duo, mixing free improvisation with the Kazakh and Turkish forms of Türköz’s childhood. Presented in association with Nonsequitur. MORE INFO


October 25
Khoomei Taiko
Town Hall Seattle, 7:30, $24 BUY ONLINE
Partnering ancient Mongolian and Japanese traditions, the Khoomei Taiko Ensemble presents cultural history while forging rare musical pathways. MORE INFO

October 25
Thomas Marriott plays the Music of Thomas Marriott
Tula’s, 8:30, $15 Reservations: 206-443-4221
The Seattle trumpet ace brings a brilliant line up — including Mark Taylor, Matt Jorgenson, and Travis Shook – to bear on some of his favorite, though seldom performed, compositions. MORE INFO


October 26
Anne Drummond Quartet
The Triple Door, 7:30, $20 BUY ONLINE
This multi-talented prodigal daughter of the Garfield jazz program has been killing ’em in New York for 10 years, performing and recording with the likes of Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, and Avishai Cohen. She returns to Seattle with her sparkling quartet to celebrate her debut release, Like Water. With Brandi Disterheft (bass), Mauricio Zottarelli (drums), and Jovino Santos Neto (piano). MORE INFO


October 26 & 27
Eldar Trio
Tula’s, 8:30, $18 general, $10 students Reservations: 206-443-4221
The dazzling pyrotechnics and musical maturity of the Kyrgyz post-bop piano prodigy Eldar Djangirov have awed the jazz world. His trio with Armando Gola (bass) and Ludwig Afonso (drums) is touring in support of a new CD, Virtue. MORE INFO


October 27
Meshell Ndegeocello
The Triple Door, 7 $28 general,  $32 day of show BUY ONLINE
The endlessly inventive bassist, composer, singer, and bandleader incorporates elements of soul, rock, jazz, funk, and hip-hop to express “the love I’ve felt and the energy I’m surrounding myself with.” She possesses a deeply expressive musical perspective and a fierce intelligence. MORE INFO


October 27
Washington Composers Orchestra (WACO)
Chapel Performance Space, 7:30, $15 BUY ONLINE
The Washington Composers Orchestra presents an evening of music specially suited for the gorgeous acoustics of the Chapel Performance Space at the Good Shepherd Center. Approaching the traditional jazz big band as a "pocket orchestra," this evening’s program will feature four extended compositions by composer Robin Holcomb, Wayne Horvitz's concerto for clarinet "River of Whiskey," featuring guest clarinetist Beth Fleenor, and Chris Stover’s “The Murderess.” The program will also include the Seattle premier of "Laredo," written for saxophone quartet by Robin Holcomb, and commissioned by the Rova Saxophone Quartet.
Presented in association with Nonsequitur. MORE INFO

October 28
Celebrate Hadley CalimaN
Seattle Art Museum, downtown, 7:30, $18 general, $10 students BUY ONLINE
An all-star touring quintet of Hadley Caliman (sax), the legendary Curtis Fuller (trombone), Larry Vukovich (pianist), Jeff Chambers (bass), and Eddie Marshall (drums) returns home to tribute its Seattle-based front man. With special guest appearances by friends and Seattle jazz luminaries. MORE INFO

October 28
Marco Benevento
The Triple Door, 7, $20 BUY ONLINE
A favorite on the East Coast jam-band/avant-jazz circuit, this 31-year-old keyboardist has attracted new audiences with his impressive improvisational skills, a no-genres-barred musical approach, and a globe-trotting touring schedule. MORE INFO


October 28
Hardcoretet
Tula’s, 8:30, $10 Reservations: 206-443-4221
The Seattle-based jazz ensemble features four fine young musicians in Art Brown (alto sax), Aaron Otheim (keyboards), Tim Carey (electric bass), and Tarik Abouzied (drums). Hardcoretet infuses deep grooves with plenty of heat. MORE INFO

October 29
Greg Williamson's A-Y-P Large Ensemble
City Hall, noon, Free
This 16-piece group re-imagines music of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific (A-Y-P) Exhibition – Seattle’s first World’s Fair. The ensemble presents pieces performed at and written especially for the exhibition (re-interpreted for a modern jazz orchestra), complete with period instruments and large-screen projections of photographs. Co-presented by Seattle Presents, Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. MORE INFO

October 29
Tom Varner Tentet
Andy Clausen & Sjenka
Chapel Performance Space, 7:30, $15 BUY ONLINE
The brilliant French horn player and composer Tom Varner leads his tentet through a fiery and unpredictable set. Opening: high schooler Andy Clausen and Sjenka, who impressed an audience at Earshot’s Second Century series with fully evolved ambient-improvisations. MORE INFO

October 29 & 30
Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet
Tula’s, 8:30, $16 general, $10 students Reservations: 206-443-4221
The youngest of the Marsalis clan, Jason is an immensely talented and musical percussionist. In his current quartet, he sticks to the vibraphone, which he began performing on eight years ago. MORE INFO


October 30
Tish Oney’s Peggy Lee Project
Kirkland Performance Center, 7:30, $28 BUY ONLINE
Vocalist Tish Oney and her band – John Chiodini (guitar), Joel Hamilton (bass), Kendall Kay (drums) – pay tribute to the songwriting genius of Peggy Lee. MORE INFO


October 31
Will Goble Trio featuring WEssell"Warmdaddy" Anderson
Tula's, 8:30, $16/$10 Reservations: 206-443-4221
Will Goble is an in-demand bassist who boasts a full, dark sound, a strong desire to swing, and an unshakable commitment to support his fellow musicians in any ensemble. He is joined by the accomplished saxophonist Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, a seasoned member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and former longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. MORE INFO

October 31
Marc Cary Trio
Foday Musa Suso
Seattle Art Museum (Downtown), 8, $18 BUY ONLINE
Bringing together East Indian, West African, Native American, and African-American musical traditions in an all-acoustic setting, pianist Marc Cary leads an exceptional trio of David Ewell (bass) and Sameer Gupta (drums & tabla). Foday Musa Suso, the Gambian griot and master kora player, opens. MORE INFO

October 31
Jim Knapp Orchestra
Poncho Hall Cornish College, 8, $18 BUY ONLINE
Featuring many of the finest jazz soloists in the Pacific Northwest, this 15-piece ensemble performs its leader’s sophisticated compositions and arrangements with emotion and passion. Presented in association with Cornish College of the Arts. MORE INFO

November 1
John Hollenbeck Claudia Quintet plus gary versace
Steve Lehman
Seattle Art Museum (Downtown), 8, $16 BUY ONLINE
The percussionist John Hollenbeck’s genre-defying Claudia Quintet (bassist Drew Gress, saxophonist Chris Speed, vibraphonist Matt Moran, and keyboardist Ted Reichman) returns to Seattle with driving rhythms, beautiful and quirky melodies, and passionate virtuosity. One of the most original and enjoyable small groups performing today! Just added: the brilliant and versatile keyboardist Gary Versace joins the Claudias. Opening: the astonishing composer and saxophonist Steve Lehman demonstrates how expansive a solo performance can be. MORE INFO

November 1
Jay Thomas East/West Double Trio
Tula’s, 8:30, $12 Reservations: 206-443-4221
This scalding-hot jazz sextet, featuring players from Japan and Seattle, wowed audiences when it made its Seattle debut at City Hall three years ago. The double trio returns for another evening of genuine collaboration with Atsushi Ikeda (alto sax), Yasuhiro Kohama (tenor sax), Daisuke Kurata (drums), Jay Thomas (trumpet), John Hansen (piano), and Phil Sparks (bass). Accompanying the six players will be some star Cornish College jazz students. (See also November 5.) MORE INFO

November 2
KaufmanN/Gratkowski/DeJoode
Chapel Performance Space, 7:30, $15 BUY ONLINE
The astounding Achim Kaufmann (piano), Frank Gratkowski (alto saxophone & clarinets), and Wilbert de Joode (bass) incorporate aspects of contemporary classical music, free improvisation, and the jazz tradition with enormous sympathy, dexterity, and power. Presented with Polestar. MORE INFO


November 2
Cyro Baptista Banquet of the Spirits
The Triple Door, 7:30, $22 BUY ONLINE
The iconoclastic Brazilian percussionist, and recent movie scene-stealer (Rachel Getting Married), stretches out in a perfect Day of the Dead celebration. His exuberant band mixes voices and instruments from a dizzying array of cultures, creating a thrilling spectacle for eye and ear. MORE INFO


November 2, 3
Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto w/ Harvey Wainapel
Tula’s, 8:30, $14 Reservations: 206-443-4221
The master pianist, flutist, and composer, beloved for his musical playfulness and stunning dexterity, performs contemporary Brazilian music with his exciting quintet – among its members is the thrilling saxophonist Harvey Wainapel.   MORE INFO

November 3
Don Byron Quartet
The Triple Door, 7:30, $24 BUY ONLINE
The extraordinary reedman Don Byron presents his Ivey-Divey quartet of Edward Simon (piano), Kenny Davis (bass), and Billy Hart (drums). Infused with Byron’s characteristic innovation and technical mastery, the quartet tackles the repertory and spirit of jazz great Lester Young. This presentation has been made possible with support from Chamber Music America’s Presenting Jazz Program, funded through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. MORE INFO

November 4
Wayne Horvitz: These Hills of Glory
Nordstrom Recital Hall, 7:30 $19-29 BUY ONLINE
Wayne Horvitz’s new chamber-music work, These Hills of Glory, performed by soloist Carla Kihlstedt (violin) and the Odeonquartet, a world-renowned chamber group featuring Seattle Symphony musicians. Also featured are pianist Cristina Valdes, flutist Paul Taub, and Seattle Symphony clarinetist, Laura DeLuca. Presented by Seattle Symphony. MORE INFO

November 4
Greg Williamson's A-Y-P Large Ensemble
The Triple Door, 7, $18 BUY ONLINE
This 16-piece group re-imagines music of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific (A-Y-P) Exhibition – Seattle’s first World’s Fair. The ensemble presents pieces performed at and written especially for the exhibition (re-interpreted for a modern jazz orchestra), complete with period instruments and large-screen projections of photographs. MORE INFO


November 4
Claudia AcuÑa Quintet
The Triple Door, 9:30, $20 BUY ONLINE
Chilean jazz vocalist Claudia Acuña’s band with NY pianist Jason Linder. MORE INFO



November 4
Joe Doria, Eric Barber, & Byron Vannoy
Tula’s, 8:30, $20 Reservations: 206-443-4221
An organ trio for the ages. Three of Seattle fiercest improvisers in a funkified format. MORE INFO




November 5
Jay Thomas East/West Double Trio
City Hall, noon FREE Co-presented by Seattle Presents, Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
Poncho Hall, Cornish College, 8, $18 BUY ONLINE
This scalding-hot jazz sextet, featuring players from Japan and Seattle, wowed audiences when it made its Seattle debut at City Hall three years ago. The double trio returns for another evening of genuine collaboration with Atsushi Ikeda (alto sax), Yasuhiro Kohama (tenor sax), Daisuke Kurata (drums), Jay Thomas (trumpet), John Hansen (piano), and Phil Sparks (bass). Accompanying the six players will be some star Cornish College jazz students. MORE INFO

November 5 & 6
Kris Davis’s Stone Trio
Tula’s, 8:30, $14 Reservations: 206-443-4221
A vital voice on the contemporary NY scene, the Canadian-born pianist presents her Stone Trio featuring Tyshawn Sorey on drums and Ingrid Laubrock on saxophone. Davis’s music is winding and darkly energetic – an original voice you’ll want to hear.   MORE INFO

November 6
John Abercrombie Quartet
The Triple Door, 7 & 9:30, $24 BUY ONLINE
One of the most renowned and influential guitarists of his generation continues to amaze audiences the world over with understated and harmonically rich playing. His celebrated quartet features Drew Gress (bass), Mark Feldman (violin), and Anthony Pincotti (drums).   MORE INFO

November 6
Trio 3
Poncho Hall, Cornish College, 8, $18 BUY ONLINE
Three all-time giants of jazz – Andrew Cyrille (drums), Reggie Workman (bass), and Oliver Lake (saxophones) – form one of the most dynamic and exciting small groups performing today. Veterans of some of the most significant ensembles of the last half-century, they navigate through explosive performances with a shared understanding of the power of improvisation. With support from WESTAF and the NEA. Presented in association with Cornish College of the Arts. MORE INFO

November 7
Hans Koch
Paul Kikuchi’s Portable Sanctuary
Chapel Performance Space, 8, $15 BUY ONLINE
The Swiss reedman, one of the most fearless improvisers in the music, produces a rich mix of jazz, contemporary classical, and folk forms. Following his solo bass clarinet performance, Paul Kikuchi appears with his quartet – trombone maestro Stuart Dempster and fellow percussionist-instrument makers Alexander Vittum and Jesse Olsen. MORE INFO

November 7
Greta Matassa
Northshore Performing Arts Center, 7, $15-20 BUY ONLINE
Special appearance by Bothell High School jazz choir. Pacific Northwest favorite Greta Matassa is a winner of wide acclaim and a consistent crowd pleaser with her unique and diverse vocal stylings. Performing with three other talented jazz musicians, she will charm and entertain the Northshore audience. She’ll also invite local high-school jazz choirs to take part in a master class and sing onstage with her in an exciting fusion of established and upcoming talent! Sponsored by Shane Kramer & Kirstin Haugen and Paula Peterson. MORE INFO

November 7
Nordstrom Recital Hall, 7:30, $15-38 BUY NOW
November 8
Kirkland Performance Center, 3, $15-38 BUY ONLINE
Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra w/ Dean Bowman:
Tribute to Ray Charles: Genius + Soul = Jazz
Celebrating the historic musical kinship of Quincy Jones and the great Ray Charles, this project focuses on the body of work that yielded the pivotal recording, Genius + Soul = Jazz. Ably handled by the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra with special guest vocalist Dean Bowman, the performances also features guest organist Joe Doria, commemorating Charles’s debut recording on Hammond B3. This project has been made possible by the NEA as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius, and includes open rehearsals and additional large and small ensemble performances, along with panel discussions and outreach programs. MORE INFO

November 7 & 8
Ralph Alessi’s This Against That
Tula’s, 8:30, $15 Reservations: 206-443-4221
The extraordinary, quicksilver trumpeter calls on some of New York’s finest improvisers – Tony Malaby (tenor sax), Andy Milne (piano), Ben Street (bass), and Mark Ferber (drums) – to carve out space among jazz, pop, and contemporary classical music. MORE INFO

November 8
Evan Flory-Barnes: Acknowledgment of a Celebration
World Premiere
Town Hall, 8, $18-24 BUY ONLINE
The Seattle bassist and composer presents his large-ensemble fusion of jazz, hip hop and classical music, complete with modern dancers and freestyle breakdancers. Commissioned as part of a national series of works from Meet the Composer’s Commissioning Music/USA program. MORE INFO