Seattle's major annual jazz festival, now in its 17th year, is presented by the non-profit jazz-support organization, Earshot Jazz. The festival brings important musicians from around the world and presents Seattle's finest jazz artists in a world-class festival setting. Festival programs also include a jazz film series, jazz poetry events, photo exhibits, and educational events.

Some of the featured artists this year include: trumpeters Dave Douglas and Wallace Roney, pianists Bill Charlap and Robert Glasper, one-of-a-kind vocalists Patricia Barber and Mose Allison, new Cuban artists Omar Sosa and Dafnis Prieto, Brazilian vocalists Luciana Sousa and Virginia Rodrigues, and NEA Jazz Master Gerald Wilson. Wilson will be in residence with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. More than 40 concerts are planned. Many more artists and events will be announced, with updates on www.earshotjazz.org.

Patricia Barber, photo by Andrea Canter

Praised as “one of the best festivals in America” the Earshot Jazz Festival is eagerly anticipated by Seattle jazz fans. The event is respected for honoring the deep heritage of jazz while celebrating the leading edges of the art form. This year's festival presents more than 200 artists in performance and educational settings, in several venues throughout the Seattle area. Visiting artists will conduct workshops, panel discussions, and master classes in the area.

Tickets for the Earshot Jazz festival will be on sale in late August through Earshot Jazz, Ticket Master, and various Seattle jazz spots. Complete concert information will be available at www.earshotjazz.org and at 206-547-9787.

”SEATTLE'S MOST IMPORTANT ANNUAL JAZZ EVENT” (DownBeat), the Earshot Jazz Festival runs OCTOBER 21st to NOVEMBER 6th, 2005.