Announcement: May 5, 2020
Trustees of the Spokane Jazz Orchestra have been actively exploring options for
continuing to share SJO’s music during this time of social distancing, while ensuring
the safety and health of our patrons and the musicians.
The Music of George Gershwin concert with guest artist Dr. Jody Graves was
originally scheduled for March 14 and tentatively rescheduled for May 23rd. Based
on Governor Inslee’s announcements of May 1, it is now clear we will be unable to hold
a concert on May 23rd, but we still want to share with you the wonderful talents of
the band and Dr. Graves.
As a gift to the community, the Spokane Jazz Orchestra will absorb the costs to live
stream a jazz concert, free to anyone who wants to watch. We will announce the
date in the near future, when we are certain our musicians can safely play together.
This virtual event will feature Dr. Jody Graves, but we will save Gershwin’s
Rhapsody in Blue for a live event, with audience, in the future. Hamilton Studio,
owned by Don Hamilton and Lorna St. John, also enthusiastically offered to set up
the equipment and do the live stream broadcast at no charge in support of the
Orchestra. Thank you Don and Lorna!
The final planned concert of the season, “The Great American Songbook, Then &
Now,” with guest artist Keleren Millham, originally scheduled for May 23rd , remains
tentatively re-scheduled for July 25, 2020, at The Bing. Hold onto your tickets issued
for the May 23rd date as they will be honored for the rescheduled date. We will keep
you updated as that date nears and public health authorities issue guidance in the
coming months.
There are two options for those with tickets to either or both of these concerts. First,
we would deeply appreciate if you would consider your ticket price to become a
donation in support of SJO and an investment in the continuation of our 45-year
tradition of community-supported big band jazz music.
Refunds from TicketsWest, however, are available for the Gershwin concert and for
those not able to make the new July 25th date for the Great American Songbook
concert.
During this time of uncertainty, we are deeply appreciative of your patience and
support and we continue to find ways to celebrate, enjoy music and connect
virtually. We hope you all stay safe and healthy. When it is safe and allowed, we look
forward to having you in the audience for spectacular live performances of our
Spokane Jazz Orchestra.
There’s nothing else like it – music that sings to your soul from some of the best jazz musicians in the Northwest.
We keep our standard of music high and the cost of tickets low to make our concerts accessible to members of our community. SJO concerts are an amazing value.
Each concert features a guest artist, a vocalist or musician who helps shape the music for that evening.
We are a non-profit organization with a mission beyond our concerts – we support jazz music education for middle and high school students in our community.