Sonny Fortune (Danijel Mihajlovic)
The Ballard Jazz Festival, Seattle’s most convivial and inviting jazz event, has announced that the great saxophonist Sonny Fortune will headline this year. The festival runs Wednesday-Saturday, April 16-19.
Fortune, 74, is best known for his work with McCoy Tyner and Miles Davis in the ’70s, but has produced a highly-respected portfolio of albums as a leader, including “Four in One.” An added bonus for Seattle: sizzling, Portland-based pianist George Colligan will be at the keyboard.
Also on the bill at Ballard, and possibly even more exciting, is Spanish “flamenco jazz” pianist Chano Dominguez, who translates that guitar- and vocal-based music to piano in an original and compelling way.
But the Ballard fest isn’t only about headliners. One of the best parts is the opening “Ballard Jazz Walk,” when the music by regional artists at 11 clubs turns Ballard Ave. into Bourbon Street for one night. And the jazz community comes out in force to enjoy their music of choice. Prior to the Friday jazz walk, the festival also presents two themed concerts, Brotherhood of the Drum and Guitar Summit.
For the complete schedule, see the festival website, below.
Ballard Jazz Festival
Wednesday-Saturday, April 16-19 at various venues in Ballard; $15-$55 (206-219-3649 or www.ballardjazzfestival.com).