Seattle Jazz Community Haiti Quake Fundraiser – Wednesday Night

The tragic earthquake in Haiti has hit close to home for the Seattle jazz community. David Pierre-Louis, owner of LUCID Jazz Lounge and one of the biggest supporters of jazz in Seattle, flew to Haiti on Thursday to search for his family and the family of friends. Thankfully he was able to find his mother, who was unharmed. But while there he witnessed first-hand the devastation and tragedy the quake has caused. He’s on his way back to Seattle Tuesday but has vowed to return to Haiti as soon as possible with as much aid as he can bring. Seattle’s jazz community has come together to help raise funds for David to take back with him when he returns.

This coming Wednesday, January 20, 2010, seven University District venues will host local jazz bands all in an effort to raise funds. Bands will play from 9:00pm to midnight. Each venue will be accepting cash, checks and emergency supplies to send directly to Haiti.

Here’s an interview I did with Sean Demery on 103.7 The Mountain this morning talking about the event:

[audio:https://oneworkingmusician.com/wp-content/audio/kmtt.mp3]

Here is the list of participating venues and bands:

LUCID Jazz Lounge
5241 University Way NE
(206) 402-3042
Band: Jason Parker Quartet, followed by Open Jam Session
The Jason Parker Quartet is one of Seattle’s busiest jazz bands. Earshot Magazine recently called them “The next generation of Seattle jazz.” They play a mix of original compositions and “not-so-standard standards” that honor the tradition while looking forward.

The Rat and Raven
5260 University Way NE
(206) 524-3102
Band: Coldnote
Coldnote is a high energy 7-piece ensemble featuring the vocals of NY native, Caine. The band plays a musical gumbo of jazz, rock, funk, blues and soul. Coldnote was featured at Seattle’s Hemp fest, has headlined shows at Nectar and The Highdive, was the winner of Studio 7’s Battle of the Bands ‘09, rang in the New Year performing at the Clearwater Casino, was voted top band in Kitsap County ‘09, and has played as the opening act for Sublime LBC.

The Galway Arms
5257 University Way NE
(206) 527-0404
Band: Elsa Nilsson Quartet
A culturally diverse group combining Northern European influences with jazz and rock. They play mostly original music, combined with aggressively rearranged Swedish, Ukrainian, and Brazilian folk music. Their performances create an aural journey for the listener, taking them from straight swing and heavy rock to the most far out places and back again, always with a sense of humor.

Fournos
4733 University Way NE
(206) 729-5195
Band: Leah Natale and Ambience
What Earshot Jazz is saying about Ambience Jazz Quartet: “Performing at Local Color this Saturday (April 18) is Leah Natale, who has been quietly gaining a much deserved reputation around town with her sultry voice and slick vocal styling reminiscent of early Rosemary Clooney. Her Ambience ensemble features a particularly solid group of musicians, led by the impeccable artistry of guitarist George Stone.”

Finn MacCools
4217 University Way NE
(206) 675-0885
Band: Leif Totusek Trio
Freestyle Candela is Guitarist Leif Totusek and his compositions based on Soukous guitar, Cuban Rumba and inspirations from Hendrix to Haiti. Leif has played extensively with Soukous Guitar master “Moses Fan Fan” and has been special guest with Tabu Ley Rochereau (Jazz Alley Seattle, WA) the godfathers of the Soukous form.

Taste of Chicago
5259 University Way NE
(206) 274-9999
Band: Ethan Thomas Trio
The Ethan Thomas Trio explores the outer boundaries of expectation and normality with refreshingly modern improvisation. This band blends traditional jazz concepts with various styles of modern music for a fluid mix of free and theme-based improvisation. Ethan Thomas – Saxophone, Mike Owcharuk – Piano, Mike Catts – Bass.

A Pizza Mart (*Will not be hosting live music Wednesday but will be taking donations all week with special event Friday)
5026 University Way NE
(206) 517-4000
Will be taking donations all week and hosting this Friday, January, 22, 2010 at 9:30pm, a Hip Hop group called “Half Sac” to help with the Haiti Relief Effort. Drink Special featuring Oscar Blues Brewery with all processed from 2 kegs going to the cause. They will also be donating from a raffle drawing.