Artfully Edmonds: Hot Jazz to warm up ECA as Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra returns

10 Terrell Stafford
Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO) is returning to Edmonds — this time with none other than Terrell Stafford who has shared the stage with music greats like Diana Krall and John Coltrane.

Smokin’ hot jazz on Edmonds’ horizon is what catches the lead this week for Artfully Edmonds, but that doesn’t mean that’s all she wrote! Let’s take a quick look at the music scene and then proceed through a fabulous February line-up.

The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO) staked a claim on Edmonds in 2014 and ticket sales have climbed with every appearance, resulting in a crush at the ECA door an hour before their last concert.

Since their Edmonds series began, the prestigious group has highlighted the talent of Count Basie, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles and music trends including 1930s jitterbug.

Music enthusiasts are advised to make an early grab for tickets for the simmering sound of jazz artist Terrell Stafford, who rolls into town in two weeks with his SRJO mates.

With practiced and promising high school thespians, small stage coffee house celebrities and a new show opening at The Phoenix Theatre, our marquees are brightly lit and our pre-show dining venues and even costume design workshops are filled – and this little city is a rollicking great place to be, in spite of the winter weather.

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Thursday, Feb. 18
7:30 p.m.
Edmonds Center for the Arts,
410 4th Ave. N.

This month Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra (SRJO) brings celebrated trumpeter Terrell Stafford to the Edmonds main stage to lead the SRJO in the artist’s favorite standards.

Jazz Tease?

Listen to Stafford perform at the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival in 2010. How is this musical mastery even possible?

Terrell Stafford, acclaimed trumpet player who calls New York home has flown out to appear on stage with Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra – here in Edmonds!

Stafford is hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner, made famous by virtue of a successful solo career and his work with the John Coltrane Quartet.

What biographers say about this famous trumpeter: Since the mid-1990s, Stafford has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, Kenny Barron Quintet, Frank Wess Quintet, Jimmy Heath Quintet and Big Band, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band.

Stafford, with the Hamilton-Clayton Jazz Orchestra, performed on Diana Krall’s Grammy nominated From this Moment On (2006). Stafford is a member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which was awarded a Grammy in 2009 for Best Large Ensemble, Live at the Village Vanguard.

Don’t wait on this one — a Sell Out Alert will be in effect for this concert by next week!

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STREET SCENE
Edmonds Woodway High School cast members.

Opens Thursday!

The Mouse That Roared
By Leonard Wibberly

Thursday/Friday ~ 7 p.m.
Feb. 4/5
       Saturday ~ 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
       Feb. 6

Edmonds-Woodway High School
Little Theatre
7600 212 St. S.W.

Edmonds-Woodway Players have chosen a delightful satire as their winter production, Leonard Wibberly’s “The Mouse That Roared”.

Originally titled “The Wrath of Grapes” for British audiences, Wibberly’s play capitalizes on absurd scenarios that center around the politics of winners and losers and turning the tables on warfare – if that’s even possible.

From the novel published in 1955, the story line ultimately made its way onto both stage and screen as Duchess Gloriana (who reigns over the tiniest fictional kingdom in the Alps) realizes the upside of waging war on the United States.

Her plan is that her kingdom, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, will lose to the mighty power after which U.S. aid will pour in to rebuild the vanquished nation.

But things take an unlikely and hilarious turn when in fact her majesty’s renowned bowmen turn the tables and actually win the war.

Expect the Players to dash around the stage, call out clever lines, and make mayhem as the audience tries to keep up with their antics. This week begins with guaranteed fun from one of Edmonds’ very promising thespian troupes.

For program updates, follow the Edmonds-Woodway Players website.

Tickets at the door: $7 General Admission; and 
$5 for Students w/ ASB card, senior citizens, and kids under 12 years of age.

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5 Edmonds Tunes Bob
Bob Z. vets, books and emcees acts for Friday Night in Edmonds! which is sponsored by Cafe Louvre.

Free Fun!

Friday, Feb. 5
6 p.m.
Edmonds Tunes at
   Café Louvre
   210 5th Ave. S.

New owner of long-time- running Edmonds Tunes, Bob Zborowski, has something very exciting and fresh in mind for this week’s coffee and dessert cabaret in downtown Edmonds: Women!

He explains his intentions for what Edmonds Tunes has in mind for this thusly, “a special theme show I’ve been wanting to do for awhile now, countering the music business which is very, shall we say male-centric, despite the fact that we have so many incredibly talented women artists around these parts.”

“Edmonds Tunes Celebrates Women of the NW Music Scene” is the title of this Friday evening show with “Bob Z.” as master of ceremonies.

The show will highlight three incredibly talented women of the local music scene.

Zborowski goes on to explain the line-up, “Fresh from Nashville, country music singer and songwriter Michela Miller joins us – hers is voice not to be missed! Young Gaby DeSpain draws upon all the influences of her growing up in Seattle, Russia, Turkey and the UK when she writes her quirky, insightful tunes.”

And last – “but certainly not least, vibrant newcomer to the music scene Amy Hall brings her incredible voice on her Edmonds Tunes debut!”

Edmonds Tunes is a free, weekly musical showcase that features local, original songwriters and musicians. All styles from folk, rock, jazz, country and the occasional sea shanty.

“All musicians are required to pass an audition so you know they’ll be good!” promises Bob Z. who spends hours each week going over audition tapes and interviewing the talent.

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Curt Simmons Carlos Martinez
Curt Simmons and Carlos Martinez leave them laughing in “Communicating Doors” which starts Friday at The Phoenix Theatre.

Opens Friday!

February 5-28
Friday /Saturdays ~ 8 p.m.
Sunday ~ 2 p.m.

Phoenix Theatre presents 
Communicating Doors
Written by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Christine Mosere 

It’s déjà vu all over again at The Phoenix Theatre, 9673 Firdale Ave. as the lights dim and action begins for a storyline that takes place in the future – but swiftly yanks its character to a seedy past in a scenario that enthusiasts of quantum physics and the string theory will love.

A prostitute, making a dash for her life through a worm hole of sorts hotel doorway finds herself 20 years in the past. Stalked by a killer in the present — and the past! — the opportunity to alter time for the better puts the lives of three women at stake.

As offered by Phoenix managing director Christine Mosere, “It’s science fiction with the comedic, devious Ayckbourn touch.

Enthusiastic New York theatre district reviewers have observed, “of course, Ayckbourn has added …bizarre details of his own…This is the show to see”. – New York Post.

Grabbing tickets for opening night? Then come find Artfully Edmonds for quick hellos and to give your impression of the production!  See your name right here on the webpages of My Edmonds News!

Phoenix Theatre’s talented local cast members include Carlos Martinez, Curt Simmons, Elizabeth Adkisson, Simone Barron, Dan Jacoby and Melanie Calderwood for this production.

The Phoenix offers two audience delights: an intimate wine bar and reserved seating. Take advantage of these amenities by calling 206-533-2000 or do the click! click! to phoenixtheatreedmonds.org

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Local poets to present 

Saturday, Feb. 6
Noon
Edmonds Bookshop
111 5th Ave. S.

There is a certain folklore about winter poetry and four local poets will explore the stark feelings and edgy emotion in “Poets and Poetry on Elegy: Remembering, healing, celebrating, honoring” this Saturday at Edmonds Bookshop.

Presenting their poetry will be these celebrated poets – all with local ties:

Holly Hughes 


Bethany Reid

John Wright

Priscilla Long

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Photo by David DeSilva. Dancers Nick Brentley and Dwayne Scheuneman
AXIS Dance Company members Nick Brentley and Dwayne Scheuneman.  Photo credit David DeSilva

Thursday-Saturday
Feb. 4-6
   ECA to present
AXIS Dance Company
   as part of three-day community residency

On Saturday, Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) presents AXIS Dance Company to the community. AXIS is one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with – and without – disabilities.

During the company’s three-day residency in Edmonds, in addition to performing as part of the ECA Presented Series, AXIS Dance Company members will lead two free events in the community:

  • Feb. 4 ~ Family Fun Dance Jam for children and families of all ages, levels and abilities at Frances Anderson Center
  • Feb. 5 ~ An interactive movement workshop for veterans, their families and friends at the American Legion Post 66. (
  • Feb. 6 ~ ECA performance at 7:30 p.m. (The company’s ECA performance will also include a special pre-show reception for veterans and their guests, sponsored by Operation Military Family Cares.)

The ticket link for the ECA evening performance is at this online outlet.

About AXIS

AXIS Dance Company exists to change the face of dance and disability. Founded in 1987, the company has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form called physically integrated dance. AXIS collaborates with world-class choreographers and composers to create completely new and innovative performances. Through various outreach programs, AXIS also brings physically integrated dance outside the studio and into schools, community centers, independent living centers, and to countless organizations seeking to learn more about dance, disability and collaboration.

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11 MeadowDale Auction Feb

Calendar Forward – for February

Friday, Feb. 19
6:30 p.m.
Singin’ in the rain for the music and arts!
Plus a dessert auction . . . a raffle . . . chat up your friends there . . . Fun!

The holidays are over and the days are still a bit gray, but the Music and Arts students at Meadowdale High School have in mind to brighten you day on Friday, Feb. 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. for the second annual Silent Auction and Variety Show.

The event will be held at the Edmonds Senior Center (220 Railroad Ave, Edmonds) and promises to be a showcase for talented young Edmonds students.

Expect live music and performances, snacks and delicious appetizers, a gathering of friends and neighbors. Plus! Discover something you simply can’t live without – or can’t overlook as a gift while purusing the items during the silent auction feature of this worthy benefit.

Wine and beer will be available for purchase (cash is encouraged for the dessert auction and beverage bar).

Tickets are available online now.

The small print:

All funds raised by this annual event will be put into the general fund for music and the arts, to be used for things such as: repairing and purchasing equipment; paying for student competitions and workshop fees; buying scripts and production rights; and providing student financial aid.

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Jacqueline Headdress
Jacqueline Hyde of Hyden Dance Studio in Firdale models one of her creations in this photo. Hyde is offering a headdress workshop this month.  Registration link here for more information.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Flight Risk
Cover reveal for “Flight Risk” the latest title by local author Rayanne Sinclair.

Authors and Poets Podium

Rayanne Sinclair

Artfully Edmonds has learned that local author Rayanne Sinclair has published her third novel, “Flight Risk.” Set in 1959, the book continues a storyline in which Prudoe Bonner lives with life and death situations all the time. The Anchorage-based trauma nurse is one of the only women in the new state of Alaska trained to handle airlifts. Written as an adult inspirational romance, Sinclair introduces her readers to Braedon Clarkson, who saves Prudoe when he takes the controls of the plane they are traveling in after the pilot dies in the middle of a storm.

Sinclair’s first titles — “Steel Away,” “Beso Dulce” and “Page Turner” — set the stage for a successful career as an author.

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Karma Killer
Karma’s a Killer brings news of Tracy Weber back to Edmonds.

Thursday, Feb. 18
5-8 p.m. 
Edmonds Bookshop 
111 5th Ave. S.

The latest mystery by award-winning Seattle novelist Tracy Weber, Karma’s a Killer is a fun, fresh, feisty new mystery featuring Seattle yoga teacher Kate Davidson and her trusty canine companion Bella, according to her publicist, Maryglenn McCombs.

About Karma’s a Killer: 

Yoga instructor Kate Davidson is about to discover that when it comes to murder, there’s no place like om.  When she agrees to teach doga—yoga for dogs—at a fundraiser for Dogma, a local animal rescue, Kate believes the only real damage will be to her reputation. But when an animal rights protest at the event leads to a suspicious fire and a drowning, a few downward-facing dogs will be the least of Kate’s problems.

Tracy Weber’s award-winning Downward Dog mystery series, a series that has earned high praise from reviewers and readers alike:  “entertaining” – Library Journal; “fans will eagerly await the next installment” – Publishers Weekly. 

 A certified yoga therapist, Weber is the owner of the award-winning yoga studio, Whole Life Yoga in Seattle, and the creator and director of Whole Life Yoga’s teacher training program which, to date, has certified over 250 yoga teachers. She and her husband live in Seattle with their challenging yet amazing German shepherd Tasha.

Visit Tracy while she’s in town at Edmonds Bookshop and also online at: www.tracyweberauthor.com.

— By Emily Hill

Emily

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. She also writes the “Lynnwood Lifestyle” column for Lynnwood Today. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

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