2013 North City Jazz Walk on Tuesday, August 13

With two outdoor venues, the street scene is vibrant at Jazz Walk
Photo by Marc Weinberg 2012

Make plans now to attend the North City Jazz Walk on Tuesday, August 13th. Music Director Keith McClelland, who is approached throughout the year by jazz artists, says this year’s lineup will delight jazz lovers and Jitterbug dancers who will hit the floor as soon as Solomon Douglas’ Swingtet gets going on the outdoor stage in front of Phoenix Art Restoration. 

You won’t want to miss “Sinatra and Basie at the Sands” featuring crooner Danny Quintero backed by the Critical Mass big band, at the St. Mark Social Hall – just one of 10 bands at 10 venues.

Always a popular Jazz Walk tradition, the Shoreline Jazz Camp student and faculty bands showcase their talents on the SLFP Arts Council’s Showmobile. 

“The Jazz Walk draws a larger crowd every year,” says McClelland, a Shoreline attorney who started the event with the North City Business Association in 2007.  “I make an effort to mix different styles and artists in with some of the favorites,” he explained.

This year, perennial favorite saxophonist Doug Reid teams with trumpeter Alan Keith for a salute to Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker at The Bounty Café. Making his first appearance is pianist Barney McClure who, with guitarist Dan Sales, will keep fingers poppin’ at The Eagles Club.

Shoreline Water District Commissioner and Jazz Walk Volunteer Coordinator Charlotte Haines, arranged to add the district’s new conference room as the venue for sultry-voiced Stephanie Porter, backed by Dan O’Brien on bass and Steve Yusen on drums.

Casey MacGill’s intriguing tunes from the 20s-30s plays at the North City Bistro, while just across the street, the North City Lounge hosts the roiling sounds of blues man Jimmy Holden and vocalist/drummer Tim Haines.

Last year’s big hit, Hook Me Up, another great dance band, returns to the Frank Lumber Delivery Store stage next to the Rain City Rotary beer garden. For those who want to boogie, down a brew, or just tap a foot, this venue can’t be beat.

Although it is tiny, the 40-seat North City Theatre’s intimate setting is perfect for an evening “up close and personal” with the Northwest’s favorite jazz singer, Greta Matassa.   

Street will be closed

Thanks to the City of Shoreline’s partnership, 15th Ave NE north of NE 175th St will be closed again this year making it possible to stroll with abandon from venue to venue and pick up a Jazz Bite along the way. More vendors will offer an array of food starting at 6:00pm. 

Bracelets for entry

All indoor venues require a bracelet for entry. Bracelets will be on sale shortly. Participants will be able to purchase a bracelet through the website for $12 plus a handling fee.  If purchased through the web site, the purchaser will receive a receipt that will be exchanged for a bracelet the night of the Jazz Walk. Bracelets will be on sale for $12 at various local businesses over the next few weeks.   The locations will be published on this website in the couple of weeks. Bracelets will be for sale the night of the event for $15.

Over the next several weeks we will be bringing you more details about this popular community event.

For detailed information about the North City Jazz Walk, go to the website.