Attend Friday’s Free ‘Jazz Blowout’

Jazz is one of America’s most famous and popular exports, yet many Americans have little exposure to it. We want to change that by offering you a chance to learn something from a master teacher—for free. The Jazz Port Townsend workshop is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Why? Because Artistic Director John Clayton invites artists to the faculty who are excellent performers and teachers. You’re invited to experience these masters for yourself and learn something that will deepen your understanding and enjoyment of this famously American art form.

(Note: the following are workshops and clinics, not performances)


9:00-10:15 AM

“Wrapping Your Ears Around A Tune”
Learn to internalize the melody and harmony of a standard tune by breaking it down into its components and singing each one. Bring your vocal cords (even if you think you can’t sing!). (Randy Halberstadt) Wheeler Theater

“Your Story”
We all have a story and each are unique. What elements make up your story? Sonic benchmarks, tales of joy and woe and other elements will be shared to celebrate our lives in dedication to music and beyond! (Matt Wilson) 204 Rm. 10

10:30-11:45 AM

“Growing Our Audience By Jazzing Up Pop Tunes In A Hip Way”
People relate to the music on another level when they recognize the melody. A talk with examples played live. (Dave Stryker) 204 Rm. 20

“Piano Summit”
The piano plays many roles in jazz—alone, in an ensemble, playing melodies, chords or both. Workshop faculty will talk about and demonstrate how they approach the instrument. (George Cables, Dawn Clement, Taylor Eigsti, Randy Halberstadt, Tamir Hendelman, John Hansen, Justin Kauflin, Eric Verlinde) 204, Rm. 10

12-1:00 PM

Workshop Participant Big Band Performance
Directed by Clarence Acox. Outside at the Commons.

1:15-2:45 PM
Combo performance AND Recording Session for KNKX’s “School of Jazz.”
Terell Stafford’s combo has been focusing all week on the music of trumpet legend Lee Morgan. Hear them perform while you observe a professional-level recording session produced by KNKX’s John Kessler. Wheeler Theater.

“Bass Summit”
Master class and discussion. (John Clayton, Chuck Deardorf, Michael Glynn, Jon Hamar, Harish Raghavan, Marlene Rosenberg, Chris Symer, Katie Thiroux) 204 Rm. 10

3:00-4:30 PM

“Preparing For A College Education In Jazz”
Real-world information from professionals in higher education. Representatives from Oberlin College and Cornish College of the Arts will speak and answer questions about what schools look for, applying, financial aid and more. Jon Hamar will talk about how to have a successful audition day. Following the discussion you’ll have time to speak one-on-one with the panelists. (Jon Hamar, faculty; Josh Teaster, Oberlin College; Sharon Starling, Cornish College of the Arts) 204 Rm. 10

“What Interaction Looks Like”
Whether it’s obvious or not, jazz performance is all about interacting with your fellow performers. These two artists have a long history of working together and will talk about how they communicate with each other. (Sachal Vasandani and Taylor Eigsti) 204 Rm. 20

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