The 13th annual Ballard Jazz Festival is set to entertain the masses next week from May 6 – 9.
The festival embraces the feeling of “old” Ballard and will feature a wide variety of modern American music at clubs, bars, shops, and at the Nordic Heritage Museum.
Over the years, the four day festival has grown into a significant part of the Northwest’s jazz and live music scene. The festival is strongly supported by local businesses, media outlets and the community itself.
Each year the festival brings on average 2000 attendees from all over Washington and beyond and about 70-85% of festival revenue is pumped back into Ballard’s economy.
In terms of performers, Ballard Jazz Festival attracts highly talented musicians from all over the world. This year the festival is set to feature world class acts including Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, David Friesen Circle 3 Trio and David Beaver Quintet just to name a few.
“Our program for this season promises to continue on that path with more music than ever,” writes organizers on the Ballard Jazz Festival website.
Of course the usual event favorites are on the ticket including Brotherhood of the Drum on May 6, the “Guitar Summit” on May 7, the Jazz Walk on May 8 and to finish things off, the traditional Swedish Pancake Jazz Brunch at the Nordic Heritage Museum on May 9.
For the first time this year the Nordic Heritage Museum will also be hosting a Friday Night Concert on May 8.
Tickets to both individual events and festival passes are now available online. Ticket costs vary for each individual show and festival passes are available for $100.
Organizers are still on the lookout for volunteers for the event and those interested can sign up online.
Photo courtesy of Ballard Jazz Festival.
