Five days of live music, local talent, and nationally recognized artists are bringing a little extra soul to Downtown Bellevue. Fall in Bellevue has its own kind of energy. The evenings get a little cooler, the city lights seem a little brighter, and suddenly spending a night downtown with dinner and live music sounds like a pretty perfect plan.
From October 7–11, the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series returns for five days of performances throughout Downtown Bellevue, bringing together local musicians, nationally recognized artists, longtime jazz fans, and people who simply love a good night of live music.
What I love about this event is that it isn't something new Bellevue is trying out. The Jazz & Blues Music Series has been part of the community since 2008, growing into an annual tradition that gives regional musicians a platform while also bringing nationally recognized performers to the Eastside. Over the years, the series has welcomed some incredible names, including Branford Marsalis, Booker T. Jones, Dianne Reeves, Bill Frisell, Charles Lloyd, Terence Blanchard, and the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.
This year's lineup also has a distinctly Seattle feel. On Friday, October 9, Jazz Overhaul takes the stage at Meydenbauer Center Theatre with a concept that feels almost perfectly made for this area. The quartet takes music from Seattle's legendary grunge scene, including songs associated with Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, and completely reimagines them through jazz. It's a fun connection between two very different genres that have both played an important role in Seattle's music history.
Then on Saturday, October 10, Seattle-based Lady A brings blues, soul, and gospel to Meydenbauer Center. With more than two decades of performing behind her, her music blends original work with the influence of legendary artists who helped shape blues and gospel.
Events like this are part of what makes watching Downtown Bellevue evolve so interesting. We talk a lot about the new restaurants, buildings, businesses, and development happening throughout the city, but creating a vibrant downtown also means giving people reasons to gather, experience something together, and support the arts.
So if you're looking for something different to do this fall, make a night of it. Grab dinner downtown, find a performance that catches your attention, and spend an evening experiencing another side of Bellevue. You might even discover a new favorite artist along the way!
