Jazz Walk is a five block street party

This little one dressed up for Jazz Walk
while her brother was focused on the food
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

By Diane Hettrick

Jazz Walk is a five block street party, punctuated by individual rooms of music. Some of the rooms serve spirits, but if you are on the street you are not left out.

The street at night
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Jazz Walk has an atmosphere all its own. Perhaps it's the warm night air. Perhaps it's the forbidden pleasure of walking down the middle of a street which is normally full of cars.

And it might just be the music.

For those who say they don't like jazz ... well, know that jazz is a catchall term. Jazz means everything from boisterous Dixieland, to moody, smoky, sensuous melodies. And everything inbetween.

Dad plays peek a boo with baby
while vendor peeks around the canopy
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

The Jazz Walk in the North City Business District Tuesday night, August 13, 2019, was a family party on the street. Food trucks were in the middle of the street and the very popular Leena's Restaurant sold "jazz bites" from a table in front of the restaurant.

Ronald Wastewater Commissioners Gretchen Atkinson and
Wes Brandon (blue shirt) and their vacuum truck
Photo by Mike Remarcke

There were information booths from North City Water, and Ronald Wastewater. Commissioner Atkinson says the alligator is sewer humor for things found in the sewer pipes. There was an alligator in a Florida sewer years ago - at least that is the story.

Mary Reidy from Shoreline Parks, explains the proposed ShARCC
Photo by Mike Remarcke

  

From alligators to ShARCCs - the Parks Department was there, telling people about Shoreline parks and the new ShARCC.

The Susan Pascal Quintet played in the North City Bistro
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Venues like the venerable North City Tavern, the newish Easy Monkey Taphouse, and the Jazz club North City Bistro sold drinks for patrons during the 45 minute sets.

Eric Patterson played in the upstairs space at Easy Monkey
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Outside, the Shoreline Rotary and the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park combined to put on a very large Beer Garden next to the street - and next to one of the three outdoor performance spaces.

Rotary beer garden
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The beer garden was packed from the time it opened until late night. Not sure if the beer was the attraction or if people were basically renting seats.

Beer garden at night
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

What is it about fire trucks and kids?
Photo by Jerry Pickard

There were fun things for the kids. Michelle Pidduck from Shoreline Fire brought along a fire truck for kids to explore.

Photo by Mike Remarcke

And face painting is always popular. Look at the rapt attention of the potential customers.

Namasté Yoga
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The staff from Namasté Yoga, who are in the Evergreen building just past NE 180th, were on the street this night to talk to people.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Families just pulled up a curb or a set of steps and took a break to talk or eat.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Oh - and did I mention the hearse? Nightmare at the Nile was there, promoting their events. They have music, but it would not be called "jazz."

So if you missed this event, watch for it next year in August. It just gets bigger and better every year.