Seattle Jazz Academy: The Woodshed

The history of jazz in the Pacific Northwest is often told through the clubs and bandstands of Seattle and Tacoma, where young musicians listened, studied, and found their place in the music. Among the artists who emerged from this regional scene was tenor saxophonist Corky Corcoran, a Tacoma native who would go on to perform with some of the most prominent bands of the swing era. Born in Tacoma in 1924, Corcoran showed early promise as a musician. Like many young players of

A brief history of Tacoma jazz. While Seattle's Jackson Street is often recognized as a key hub for jazz in the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma has a rich and enduring jazz history that continues to shape the region’s musical landscape. With its bustling ports, military presence, and a deep appreciation for live music, Tacoma has long been a city where jazz thrives. Today, the spirit of jazz is alive and well, carried forward by dedicated musicians, educators, and venues committed

The Soul of Seattle: The History of Jazz on Jackson Street Seattle has long been a city of innovation and cultural crosscurrents, but few realize its deep roots in jazz history. In the early-to-mid 20th century, Jackson Street was the heartbeat of Seattle’s jazz scene, a place where music, community, and history converged to shape the future of the genre. The Rise of Jackson Street During the 1920s and 1930s, Seattle’s Jackson Street—stretching from Pioneer Square through the

"Christmas Time Is Here," composed by Vince Guaraldi, stands as an enduring emblem of the holiday season, particularly for those who grew up watching the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas special. Guaraldi's enchanting melody, with its gentle piano notes and soothing vocals by the children's choir, first graced the airwaves in 1965 as part of the soundtrack for the animated special. The song captures the essence of the holiday season, embodying both the joyous and reflective mo

Louis Armstrong is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of jazz music. Born in New Orleans in 1901, Armstrong began playing the trumpet at an early age and quickly became known for his distinctive sound and improvisational style. Over the course of his long and illustrious career, he helped to revolutionize jazz music and popularize it around the world. One of Armstrong's greatest contributions to the evolution of jazz music was his development