Photos: Scenes from Jazz Walk

Sonondo at The Bounty
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

By Diane Hettrick

Jazz Walk 2015 had perfect weather this year. A blistering hot day turned into a warm and pleasant evening, perfect for the hundreds of people strolling the street on 15th NE. There were food trucks and restaurants moved to the street for the evening, selling "Jazz Bites".  Crowds started gathering at 6pm when the Jazz Bites went on sale.

Families were everywhere
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The venues, which included a coffee shop, a water district meeting room, a theater, a couple of bars, the Eagles' hall, and a bistro, were turned into intimate jazz clubs for the night. The biggest venue, St. Mark Church, filled their huge hall with audience members for the students in the Arts Council sponsored Jazz Camp.

Shoreline ACS Emergency Radio Team
provided communications during the event
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Families got the message. There were a lot of fun family things to do on the street, and the music was everywhere. The street is level and accessible - wheeled vehicles abounded, from bicycles to wheelchairs, to strollers and the occasional red wagon.

Hook Me Up played on the street
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Hook Me Up, one of the most popular bands, played streetside, next to the Rain City Rotary Beer Garden. They could be heard all the way to Safeway in the next block. The biggest act, Greta Matassa, was on the showmobile stage outside.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline firefighters were there with a truck to give the kids a chance behind the wheel. Shoreline cops strolled the street, having a good time talking to the little kids.

Sgt. Bartlett talks to a family
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Besides the food, tables along the street sold crafts or bricks for the Veteran's Memorial or gave information about dental hygiene!

Line at North City Bistro for Bill Anschell Trio
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Many of the venues had lines, but it seemed to be part of the experience, with people laughing and talking to the people next to them. Good humor was the order of the evening.

The event is staged annually by volunteers from the North City Business Association.