Jazz has a storied past in Seattle. But what about its future?

Seattle has a rich jazz history -- and you can’t talk about it without mentioning legends like Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. Both artists knew each other, as they grew their music chops right here in Seattle. Of course, we can’t forget to mention Kenny G.

In the 1920s and 1930s jazz clubs were an escape during prohibition, and many of them lasted long after prohibition ended. For almost 45 years, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley has not only been one of the preeminent jazz clubs in Seattle, but also in the country.

Whether you’re someone who likes to go out to the club or not, you’ve probably heard of Seattle’s Jazz Alley. Tucked away down a literal alley, the all ages jazz club has showcased performances by jazz greats like Tower of Power, and American Blues Musician Taj Mahal, who will be returning for his annual Thanksgiving residency.

Soundside host Diana Opong caught up with Ari Dimitriou and his father, John Dimitriou – who is still running the club at 75 years old. They discussed the origins of Jazz Alley and the future of the iconic family business. 

Plus... while Jazz Alley is undoubtedly the face of the genre in Seattle, it isn’t the only establishment looking to keep jazz alive. 

Seattle has a wealth of new talent – local high schools like Bothell, Garfield, and Roosevelt are regular finalists in national competitions. But the journey from a local school band to a big stage like Jazz Alley is long and difficult. 

One local organization – the Seattle Jazz Fellowship – is looking to change that. Soundside producer Alec Cowan visited a jam session to hear about the importance of local bandstands for musicians and jazz-enjoyers alike. 

Guests:

• John and Ari Dimitriou, who founded and operate Jazz Alley in Seattle. 
• Thomas Marriott, jazz trumpeter and founder of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, a nonprofit supporting mentorship and playing opportunities for local jazz musicians. 
• Roman Goron, local jazz pianist. 

Related Links: 

• How Seattle’s Jazz Alley, now 43, became a premier destination | The Seattle Times
• Jazz Has a New Home in Seattle. One Caveat: The Place Is ‘For Lease.’ - The New York Times
• 3 Seattle-area high schools make finals of 2024 Essentially Ellington jazz band competition | The Seattle Times

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.