Wine and jazz have quite a few similarities. They are both enjoyed by a select group of connoisseurs; both are an acquired taste; both are considered to be elite and refined, and they both can be either robust or smooth on the palate. So it only makes sense to dedicate a festival around the two. For the fourth year, The Old Town Business and Professional Association is presenting The Old Town Tacoma Wine and Jazz Festival, and this year will prove to the best one yet.
Founded in 2004, the festival is dedicated to building an outdoor performance stage in Old Town Park. “This will be a place where music and the arts could be enjoyed by people and families of this great community,” says Ted Brown of T-Town Productions.
On Saturday, March 3, at the Slavonian Hall the festival will play host to wine tasting from around the world.
“Some of the wines are from Eastern Washington vineyards, and some are from vineyards from California, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France and Spain,” explains Brown. “We will feature about 40 different bottles ranging from Chards, Pinot Gris, Cab Sauvs, Merlot, Pinot Noir and so on. We are excited to bring the wine experience to Old Town.”
The festival spares no expense when it comes to entertainment, assembling a diverse group of Northwest jazz artists. The vocal styling of Trish, Hans and Phil will kick things off with a swinging good time as the trio performs jazz interpretations of classic pop tunes. Using only bass, piano and drums, the three gifted vocalists rely on great harmonization and Trish Hatley’s ultra smooth voice.
Jazz pianist Deems Tsutakawa is a well established writer and producer whose explosive piano style has won him critical acclaim around the world. His extensive catalog covers the musical spectrum. From tasty originals to the Beatles and Burt Bacharach covers, Tsutakawa adds his signature touch to each and every song he plays.
Last, but certainly not least, jazz flutist Bradley Leighton will close things out. The classically trained Leighton is one of the most exciting new jazz artists to emerge from the Seattle scene. Inspired initially by the big band sounds of Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman, the flutist is just as comfortable with funk as he is with jazz.
The festival also will hold a silent auction with items ranging from wine, jewelry and vacation trips.
[Slavonian Hall, Saturday, March 3, 4-11 p.m., $25 advance at Metropolitan Market, Oslo Salon & Day Spa, Pour At Four, Ted Brown Music, The Spar, Café Divino, and the Columbia Bank and Tully’s locations in Old Town, and at the door, North 30th and Carr, Old Town Tacoma, 253.759.2518]
