Saturday night, April 5, the sound of jazz will once again be heard along several blocks of Jackson Street at the Jackson St. Jazz Walk. The idea of one of Seattle Department of Neighborhood’s PACE (People’s Academy for Community Engagement) mentors, Knox Gardner of Jackson Commons, says that they would never have been able to realize their vision without the help from PACE. “It was really essential to us, as a small group, to have the PACE team involved at the beginning. The volunteers booked the first spaces and bands, and came up with a sharp visual identity, which in turn led to other bands being interested in joining the event. The PACE team’s work gave our event its initial shape and legitimacy.”

From the original two venues, the event has now grown to six venues with seventeen bands, with all shows still free. From ukulele to big band, from Africa to the States, from Ma Rainey to electronics, from student to master, this evening will showcase the eclectic diversity that makes up Seattle’s jazz scene today while honoring the legacy that was Jazz on Jackson Street.

“Not only has working with the PACE students been useful for our neighborhood, it’s been a good learning experience for me,” said Mr. Gardner. “I’ve really had to step back and question some of my assumptions and get better at explaining what I’ve been learning doing community volunteer work. I am better today working with volunteers than I was nine-months ago.”

In addition to the free music, the Pratt Fine Art’s Center will be hosting their spring open house from 6-9 pm. This includes free studio demonstrations, tours, food trucks and more! Visit www.pratt.org/event/openhouse for more information.

For more information and schedule go to www.jazzwalk.org. To learn about the PACE Program, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/engage/pace.htm.