Here’s your chance to enjoy the sounds of Edmonds-Woodway High School’s jazz band, recently chosen to compete in the Essentially Ellington festival in New York City, and support the school’s music education program at the same time. It’s the 15th annual Hot Java Cool Jazz showcase concert, sponsored by Starbucks, at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Seattle’s Paramount Theater.

All proceeds from ticket sales help support the music education programs for the schools that participate. In addition to Edmonds-Woodway, the schools are Newport, Mountlake Terrace, Roosevelt and Garfield.

“I never cease to be impressed by the quality of young jazz musicians coming out of the Seattle area,” said Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Artistic Director. “Hot Java Cool Jazz not only showcases some of your best homegrown talent, it allows the community to invest in local music education programs so that Seattle will continue to be a great town for jazz.”

Puget Sound schools are known throughout the country for their exceptional jazz programs. Local area bands have won the top honors at Essentially Ellington, the preeminent competition for high school jazz, every year since 1999. Hot Java Cool Jazz is a special night of performance, instead of competition, where students showcase their talents that are bringing Washington music education national accolades.

“The caliber of jazz musicians coming out of local Puget Sound high schools continues to amaze the rest of the country,” said Kris Engskov, regional vice president for Starbucks Pacific Northwest. “Starbucks is honored to host them on the Paramount’s stage and help support the continuing excellence of the programs in our local schools. Just as Seattle has become famous for great coffee, we also want to help make sure we are known for amazing jazz talent.”

Since 1995, Hot Java Cool Jazz has raised more than $175,000 for participating schools’ music programs. These much needed funds help the bands cover competition, equipment, travel and scholarship costs. Total ticket sales (less production and administrative fees) are split among the performing bands. Last year’s event raised $35,000 for local programs. This year, Starbucks and the bands have a goal of selling out Paramount Theater to maximize the contribution to the programs.

Tickets to the concert are available at The Paramount box office and select local Starbucks stores (although none in Edmonds) for $15 (adults) and $8 (seniors/students with ID). The closest participating Starbucks’ stores are: Cedar Plaza- Mountlake Terrace at 22803 44th Ave. W., Highway 99 and 185th in Shoreline, and 606 N.W. Richmond Beach Road. You can also purchase them online.