Allen Toussaint Band

71 year-old composer, producer, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint can, without hesitation, be called a living legend; his work as composer, producer, arranger and performer, especially in the 60s and 70s, helped shape the sound of R&B, soul, and funk as we know it today, bringing an easy-going charm and humor to his repertoire, along with seductive, percolating rhythms indigenous to New Orleans, the city he has always called home. He’s collaborated memorably with artists ranging from Lee Dorsey and Ernie K. Doe to the Pointer Sisters and Labelle, from the Meters and Dr. John to the Band and Paul McCartney.

Dena DeRose Trio

It’s no small accomplishment to be thought of as “The most creative and compelling singer-pianist since Shirley Horn”, but that’s exactly how Joel Siegel of the Washington City Paper described Dena DeRose. If she comes to your city and you want to catch the show, go early, because the room is going to be packed. She not only awes her audiences and music critics with her facility on the piano and her vocal talent, but, as Richard Scheinin of the San Jose Mercury aptly put it, “….she exudes joy…..what soul!”

Seattle Repretory Jazz Orchestra

Following last year's resounding success (the "Kansas City Suite" tribute to Benny Carter), the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO) returns to this year'sfor its fourth appearance in the Anacortes Jazz Festival. The SRJO is the Northwest's premiere big band jazz ensemble. Founded in 1995, this 17-piece big band is made up of some of the region's most prominent jazz soloists. The SRJO is co-directed by drummer Clarence Acox, nationally recognized director of bands at Seattle's Garfield High School, and saxophonist/arranger Michael Brockman, long-time faculty member at the University of Washington School of Music. Band members comprise a who's who of Seattle jazz, including Jay Thomas, Hadley Caliman, Bill Ramsay, Thomas Marriott, Mark Taylor, Randy Halberstadt, Phil Sparks, and many others.

This year the star-studded orchestra celebrates the swinging legacy of Ray Charles, with a concert of pieces drawn from his hit (and very hip) 1961 recording for Atlantic records, "Genius + Soul = Jazz." Every piece on the album became a major hit (with many arranged by Seattle's own Quincy Jones) and this show is certain to include one of your favorites. Special guest singers plus Hammond B3 organ player Joe Doria join the SRJO show. Selections include Birth of the Blues, I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town, Mister C, Strike Up the Band, I've Got News for You, Stompin' Room Only, One Mint Julep, and more!

Kim Field & the Mighty Titans of Tone

The Mighty Titans of Tone is a new band on the Seattle scene fronted by internationally celebrated harmonica player, guitarist, and singer Kim Field.

Field began his musical career in New York, where he worked with the Sting Rays, a group managed by Grammy winner Phil Schaap. Returning to his hometown of Seattle, he teamed up with Isaac Scott, appearing on two albums with the legendary guitarist. Field spent several years fronting the Slamhound Hunters, whose performances and two albums for Satin Records, 4/1 Mind and Private Jungle, were strongly received in both Europe and the United States.

Stephanie Porter

Stephanie Porter is a longtime figure of the Northwest jazz scene and has performed for over 15 years. She has worked some of the top rooms in the region including the Jazz Alley, Triple Door, Tula’s and “El Goucho’s” Pampas Room. Over the years, Stephanie has performed at several festivals and special events and have also headlined at high profile galas for such organizations as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Stephanie is an outstanding jazz vocalist with a clear and sultry tone and a bright and appealing stage presence.