Why host a jazz festival in North Bend, Washington?
In 2011, I started the North Bend Jazz Walk, followed by the North Bend Blues Walk six months later. These annual events raise funds for Jazz Clubs NW, a nonprofit organization supporting live jazz performances and education. Initially, the goal was to generate awareness for the nonprofit and our jazz club – Boxleys. However, as more local businesses got involved, we realized the festival had much broader benefits beyond fundraising. Now when you buy a ticket for the North Bend Jazz Walk, you are supporting programming for students all year long, plus so much more…
Celebrating Local Musicians
The Jazz Walk showcases local and regional musicians who often go unnoticed. While bringing in big names would be exciting, it would bust our budget and limit the capacity for our regional performers to shine. This year features Nineteen venues in Downtown North Bend, Washington, with 28 bands, including Janette West, Beserat Tafesse, Tony Foster, Nate Parker, Dan Kramlich, Tobi Stone, Lillian Wu, Heather Chriscaden, Jay Thomas, Sonando, Pete Christlieb, Linda Small, Danny Kolke, Michael Glynn, Greg Williamson, Kelley Johnson, Randy Halberstadt, Rich Cole, Dave Peterson, Pete Christlieb, Linda Small, Julio Jáuregui, Trevor Evans, Matt Jorgensen, King Dahl, Isaac DeVange, Jory Tindall, Steve Jones, Jerry Steinhilber, Brad Benefield, Jona Brown, Moe Weisner, Max Holmberg, Jake Bergevin, JoMoMa, Leah Stillwell, Kandin Neri, Maria Wulf, Trombonasaurus Wrecks, Dan Marcus, Jamie Findlay & Brent Jensen, Bill Anschell Power Quartet, and many more.
Celebrating Students
The festival incorporates student groups, showcasing their musical talent and providing mentorship opportunities with professional musicians. Students are also involved in running the festival, gaining valuable experience in sound engineering, marketing, and event management. This years festival features 170+ students from Bellevue, Mercer Island, Roosevelt and Mount Si High Schools plus a combined All Girls All-star band. Plus we have combos from Western Washington Unniversity, and Central Washington Unniversity and the CWU Big Band.
Celebrating Venues & Their Staff
The Jazz Walk highlights various venues in North Bend, including coffee shops, car dealers, retailers, real estate offices, restaurants, a brewery, a bakery, and a jazz club. It’s an opportunity for people to discover new places, meet the staff, and support local businesses. Hosting this event this year, we have 19 great venues that span a few blocks in charming Downtown North Bend in Washington State. Most venues are all-ages.
1- The Moose Lodge
2- Boxley’s
3- Hartwood Cafe
4- Main Street Pilates
5- Birches Habitat
6- North Bend Theatre
7- Pro Ski and Mountain Service
8- Pearl & Stone
9- Volition Brewing Co.
10- Cook Real Estate
11- North Bend Chevrolet
12- Chang Thai Cuisine
13- North Bend Trading Company
14 – Friends & Co Ice Cream
15- DT Vintage & More
16- North Bend Bakery & Cafe
17- Twede’s Cafe
18- Twin Peaks Pub ++
19- Pour House Bar & Grill ++
++ These venues are 21 and over, all other venues are “all ages”
Celebrating Our Community
The Jazz Walk brings together locals and visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere in North Bend. It’s a chance for people to explore the town, enjoy live music, and connect with each other.
Celebrating Patrons of this Music
Ultimately, the success of the festival depends on the patrons who come out to support the music. Their attendance and sponsorship are essential to keeping the event going year after year.
Personal Reasons
There are many personal reasons why I continue to host the Jazz Walk. It’s a way to make a difference, support friends in the music business and the community, and celebrate the town I love.
I hope to see you at the Jazz Walk this weekend!
Visit http://www.northbendjazzwalk.com for the festival lineup and more information.
Danny Kolke 