Tom McDermott is one of New Orleans’ most distinctive pianists—a modern day keeper of the city’s piano lineage who moves effortlessly between ragtime, traditional jazz, R&B, and Brazilian choro. With a career spanning over four decades, he embodies the Crescent City’s spirit: deep-rooted in tradition yet always open to new ideas and rhythms from around the world.

Born in St. Louis in 1957, McDermott began studying piano at seven and turned professional by sixteen.  After earning a Master of Music degree, he moved to New Orleans in 1984 where he quickly became a go‑to pianist for traditional jazz and R&B, holding down gigs with legends and ensembles such as the Dukes of Dixieland. He has also performed with New Orleans heroes such as Pete Fountain, Irma Thomas and Gatemouth Brown. He co-founded and arranged for the Grammy award-winning brass band, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. His performances with The Dukes of Dixieland placed him in Carnegie Hall, Germany, Denmark, Peru, Japan, and much of America. He has also performed solo in most of the states in the U.S. and in many foreign countries around the world.

McDermott is known for a style that mixes the percussive drive of Professor Longhair, the rhythmic sophistication of James Booker, and the syncopated bounce of classic ragtime—then filters it all through his own imaginative voice.  Since 2001 he has made 16 trips to Brazil, absorbing and recording choro, a form often called “Brazilian ragtime,” which he now weaves into his New Orleans repertoire, creating a rich, cross‑Atlantic sound.

McDermott has released 17 albums showcasing his work in solo piano, small‑ensemble jazz such as the Dukes of Dixieland, and inventive brass‑band projects.  His music has been praised by major publications such as The New York Times (five reviews), Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. His tunes were licensed for the soundtrack of HBO’s Treme, where he also appeared on camera as himself.

When you hear Tom McDermott at the keyboard, you’re not just getting a concert—you’re stepping into a living archive of New Orleans piano history, seasoned with, warmth, and a touch of Brazilian flair. 

Cost: $20.00 at the Door

Contact for questions: Paul Klein

String Creek is a PNW band founded by husband-and-wife duo, Brett and Janet Dodd.

Recent arrivals in the Bellingham area, Janet and Bre; Dodd met 30 years ago over a casual conversation about mandolins and music. Life partners and musical partners ever since, they honed their craI as regular fixtures of the Inland NW music scene in the Spokane area playing multiple festvals and local venues.

They perform on mandolin, guitar, accordion, fiddle, banjo, guitar, upright bass and whatever else they throw in the car on the way! Kurt Yandell, who lured Brett and Janet to the sunny skies of Bellingham, is a multi-instrumentalist and long-time collaborator with String Creek. He is a member of the local Celtic group, Flattery, where he plays mandolin and bouzouki.

Together they blend closely knit harmony singing on a diverse collection of original and contemporary Folk/Americana with a twist of familiar Bluegrass tunes!

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Kathy Bastow and Cathy Taylor met at a local open mic here in Bellingham.  They began collaborating and formed the duo- Wild Hearts.  

They play an eclectic mix of covers and originals, including folk, country, bluegrass, and rock, adding our unique arrangements and harmonies.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Christian Casolary presents: Connection Jazz Series— a concert series with the core musical values of connection, broad emotional palette, and receptivity to spontaneous musical divergence. Rich in substance, authenticity, and musical accessibility, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned Jazz lover or a first-time listener...the Connection Jazz Series is made for you.

"Illumination" Candlelit Concert feat. Bill Anschell (piano), Chris Symer (bass), and Christian Casolary (drums)

Pre-sale tickets encouraged, though tickets may also be purchased at the door prior to the show.

COST: $20 General, $10 Students with valid ID

Purchase Advance Tickets HERE

Contact for questions: Christian Casolary

Singer-songwriter, Phil Paige is now based in Bellingham, and will be returning to the FireHouse to perform a mix of original songs and some of his favorites by others. Phil writes folk rock and alt-country songs in the tradition of his Laurel Canyon influences. He has lived and performed up and down the west coast from Bellingham and the San Juan’s, to San Diego and Palm Springs. He has released two albums of original songs over the years (Simple Things and Shades of Blue).

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Rick Baunach (Harmonica and Accordion) of the “Song Wranglers” and “Guitars and Gratitude” combines forces with Mark Isenhour (Guitar and Vocals) of “Double Trouble.”

Join us for an hour and a half of your favorite folk-rock, blues, originals and sing along tunes.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Come celebrate an evening with Ryan Wapnowski as he debuts his long awaited solo album. Listen to him play a dented, tinny, out of tune saxophone he’s had for over 30 years, accompanied by a synth keyboard that doesn’t always work. Watch as he layers somewhat harmonized sounds into a tapestry of loops that he rarely synchronizes correctly. And pay close attention to how each song sounds basically the same because he doesn't play outside of the D Major scale. But through all that mess, enjoy an evening with an artist driven by a passion for authentic expression.

Doors Open: 7:00PM, show starts at 7:30pm

Cost: $10 (tickets purchased at event, cash or Venmo QR)

Contact for questions: Ryan Wapnowski

Tim Volpicella is a 2011 Grammy nominated musician/producer and has performed for audiences in the United States, South America, Europe and Japan. He has performed/recorded with Hafez Modirzadeh, Russell Ferrante, Vijay Iyer, Thomas Morgan, Chet Baker, Chuck Israels, Larry Schneider, Duke Jethro, royal hartigan, Pezhham Akhavass, Kenneth Nash and Akira Tanna

Tim has performed for the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, Lennie Tristano Jazz Festival (Naples, Italy) and The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.

He spent 5 years in the Harrah’s Orchestra Reno, NV. backing various known entertainers. Also a clinician/teacher for the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California for 4 years and workshops at Stanford University jazz programs for 10 years.

He narrated, arranged, performed and co-produced Italian drummer Giuseppe Merolla's video "For Serious Drummers Only".

Tim now lives in the Pacific Northwest where he has performed at Ballard Jazz Festival – Guitar Summit, Olympia Experimental Music Festival, and Earshot Jazz Festival.

Tim’s original compositions and playing can be heard on his CDs, "Other Lives", “Paesaggio Sonori (Soundscapes)”, “Many Places” and “Unspoken Words”. Tim infuses originality and sophistication in both his playing, music and production.

Line up:
Tim Volpicella - Guitar and effects
Bill Anschell - Acoustic Piano
Michael David Marcus - Acoustic Bass
Christian Casolary - Drums

Cost: $10.00 donation at the door

Contact for Questions:Tim Volpicella

Award winning trumpeter, composer, and educator Jun Iida is known for his dynamic and versatile contributions to the jazz and contemporary music scenes. With an impressive array of performances at renowned venues and festivals across the world, Iida has built a reputation as a skilled performer and a dedicated educator.

With strong connections to both Japanese and American cultures, Iida continues to push the boundaries of jazz performance and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre while engaging with diverse audiences worldwide. His passion for both performance and mentorship solidifies his place as one of the emerging voices in contemporary jazz.

Lineup: Jun Iida (trumpet), TBD

Cost: $20 general, $10 students
Purchase Advance Tickets

Website: juniidamusic.com, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

Contact: Steve Jones

The Dry Martini quartet, consisting of J. Michael Newlight (guitar and vocals), Mike Knutson (alto sax), and Steve Webber-Plank (percussion), will offer a concert evening of this memorable music, the familiar standards plus a few that are less well known.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Cost: Free

Contact: Nick Taylor

Christian Casolary presents: Connection Jazz Series— a concert series with the core musical values of connection, broad emotional palette, and receptivity to spontaneous musical divergence. Rich in substance, authenticity, and musical accessibility, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned Jazz lover or a first-time listener...the Connection Jazz Series is made for you.

"Unity" feat. Mark Taylor (sax), John Hansen (piano), Paul Gabrielson (bass), and Christian Casolary (drums)

Pre-sale tickets encouraged, though tickets may also be purchased at the door prior to the show.

COST: $20 General, $10 Students with valid ID

Purchase Advance Tickets HERE

Contact for questions: Christian Casolary

Singer-songwriter, Phil Paige is now based in Bellingham, and will be returning to the FireHouse to perform a mix of original songs and some of his favorites by others. Phil writes folk rock and alt-country songs in the tradition of his Laurel Canyon influences. He has lived and performed up and down the west coast from Bellingham and the San Juan’s, to San Diego and Palm Springs. He has released two albums of original songs over the years (Simple Things and Shades of Blue).

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Singer Greta Matassa brings her quintet to the Firehouse. Joining Matassa are jazz veterans Clipper Anderson bass, Mark Ivester drums, David Joyner piano, and Alexey Nikolaev saxophone.  This show is generously sponsored by Jazz Project member Merideth Goodman. 

Cost: $20 general, $10 students, Free for Jazz Project members.

Tickets are available online in The Jazz Project store jazzproject.org under Art of Jazz tickets. 

This event has been cancelled by the performer, please watch for a rescheduled date/time.

Classical pianist and composer Thomas Abrahamson teams up with Violinist Libby Phelps to perform original compositions. Come enjoy the summer evening in beautiful classic Fairhaven and be serenaded by original piano and violin compositions.

Cost: General Admission; $15
Purchase tickets in advance here.

Website: abrahamsonpiano.com

Contact: Thomas Abrahamson

Kelsey Mines is a bassist, vocalist and composer that premiers new original music that seeks to intersect activism, community and art. Born and raised in Seattle, Kelsey grew up on the music made in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Washington, and a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from Arizona State University. A recipient of the Holland Scholarship, Kelsey followed her passion for the double bass to the Netherlands, where she studied at Prince Claus Conservatoire before returning to Seattle where she has fully established herself as an important voice in the scene as both a performer and educator.

Since 2017, she has contributed to over a dozen records as a bassist; toured nationally and internationally with orchestras, experimental, jazz and pop bands alike; been a featured artist in several local music settings including the Earshot Jazz Festival, Wayward Music Series, and the Ballard Jazz Festival. In 2019 Kelsey received the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Emerging Artist and won the inaugural Call for Composers commission in 2022. Kelsey currently teaches at Cornish College of the Arts.

Lineup: Kelsey Mines (bass), TBD

Cost: $20 general, $10 students
Purchase Advance Tickets

Website: kelseyminesbass.com, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

Contact: Steve Jones

Hailed as “Imaginative, intelligent, and strangely mesmerizing” by the San Diego Union Tribune, Phina Pipia brings award-winning solo show to Bellingham’s Firehouse Arts + Events Center

A tuba lights the way, beds make music, paintings come to life, and a radio delivers a message from the past in an award-winning production that combines illusion, music, puppetry, and theater. When a grad student discovers that Leonardo da Vinci and his collaborator, magician and mathematician Luca Pacioli, invented a time machine, she is zapped back to the Renaissance. It’s up to her to decode their notes and solve a 15th-century mystery so that she can return to the present. 

Called “terrific,” by the New York Times, “enchanting,” by the Twin Cities’ Pioneer Press, and “impossible to resist,” by the Montreal Gazette, Phina Pipia’s performances have captivated audiences around the world. Winner of Nigeria’s Lagos Fringe Award, San Diego International Fringe Festival’s Outstanding Solo Performance Award, the Vancouver Fringe Festival’s Joanna Maratta Award, the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Solo Musical at Orlando Fringe, Artist Pick and Venue Pick Awards at the Minnesota Fringe, and named a Top Pick at the San Diego Fringe by PBS, Ha Ha Da Vinci invites audiences of all ages into a world where they can safely expect the delightfully unexpected. 

Cost: $24.00
Purchase advance tickets HERE
Website: Ha Ha Da Vinci

Contact for Questions: Phina Pipia

Award Winning songwriter (Best Jazz Song, 2013 Hollywood Music In Media Awards) Cheryl Hodge takes you on a short tour thru some songwriters who have captivated her, as well as her fave originals. Second half: The audience will co-write a song with Cheryl. Last year, in the second half, the audience helped create a lovely comedic piece; join in on this year’s fun!

Facebook Event Link
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dz82VDojR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

A charity event with all proceeds going to the Bellingham Food Bank, doors opening at 6:30 PM. This unique music event will feature opening act and award-winning singer/songwriter Steve Webb and his Unomanband, followed by the long-awaited return of the Ska-Reggae-Calypso band THE KOoKS, featuring Jordan Rain from YOGOMAN BURNING BAND on drums. Bring your dancing shoes!

All proceeds benefit our local Food Bank here in Bellingham.

Cost: $20.00

Purchase advance tickets HERE

Additional Donations for the Food Bank will be gladly accepted at the door

George Colligan is not only one of the great jazz pianists of his generation, but he has earned an international reputation as a multi-instrumentalist (drums, trumpet, organ, keyboards), composer, accompanist, teacher, and bandleader. Winner of the 2015 DownBeat magazine Critics Poll (Keyboard), he has had a long association with living jazz legend Jack DeJohnette; recent touring took Colligan around the U.S. with “An Evening with Jack DeJohnette and Savion Glover.” He has also recently toured the U.S. and Canada as a leader with his trio featuring legends Buster Williams and Lenny White. With over 130 albums to date as an accompanist, Colligan has worked with a long list of jazz greats, including John Scofield, Buster Williams, Cassandra Wilson, Don Byron, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Botti, and many others.

George Colligan has toured, recorded ,and/or performed as a sideman with Lonnie Plaxico, Gary Bartz, Benny Golson, Gary Thomas, Miguel Zenon, Tom Harrell, Steve Coleman, Eddie Henderson, Ralph Peterson, Vanessa Rubin, Steve Wilson, Dave Weckl, Richard Bona, Jane Monheit, Ravi Coltrane, Lenny White, Michael Brecker, Mike Clark, Nicholas Payton, Sheila Jordan, Janis Siegel, Christian McBride, Billy Hart, Charles Fambrough, Mingus Big Band, Al Foster, Mark Turner, Don Braden, Lew Soloff, Gunther Schuller, Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey, Carl Allen, Rodney Whitaker, Lee Konitz, Jamie Baum, Michal Urbaniak, Ron McClure,DJ Logic, Randy Brecker and Stefon Harris, among others.

Lineup: George Colligan (piano), TBD

Cost: $20 general, $10 students
Purchase Advance Tickets

Website: georgecolligan.com, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

Contact: Steve Jones

The members of High Tide are singer-songwriters who perform their own songs, and who invite audience members to sing along (and harmonize) on songs of Van Morrison, Jimmy Buffet, Wilson Pickett, the Eagles, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. They also perform songs from the Great American Songbook of the 1940s.

High Tide band members are:

Stan Hodson, vocals & primary guitar;

Maddy Sullivan, vocals, guitar, & saxophone;

Breanna Anderson, vocals, bass, & guitar;

Rod Burton, keyboards; and

Brigitte (“Gitti”) Wiescher, drums.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Steeplechase features Juno Award winner Hanz Araki on flutes, penny whistles, and vocals; David Lofgren on bodhrán (Irish frame drum), Zach Bauman on Irish bouzouki, and Sam Vogt on guitar and penny whistles. The band weaves evocative and timeless songs with infectious instrumental dance tunes, hewing closely to the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland.

Join Steeplechase to celebrate the release of Far From Home.

Cost: $12 for children, $20 for adults
Purchase tickets in advance here

Website: https://steeplechase.band

Contact: colleen@colleenraney.com

Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra’s Spring 2026 Concert explores beautiful music through all of the moods of Spring - from dark and stormy to soft and sweet.  The concert features Edvard Grieg's Holberg Suite, as well as works by Joseph Suk, Felix Mendelssohn, George Gershwin - and more! We hope that you will join us! 

Cost: $20 suggested donation at the door

Website:bellinghamchamberorchestra.org

Contact:Laura Shelton

Renowned Seattle jazz guitarist Milo Petersen comes back to Bham to perform in trio format with Loch Clark, Trumpet and Flugelhorn, and Kaden Schmidt, Bass. Milo has been a fixture on the Seattle jazz scene for many years and gigs with many groups, including Seattle Composers and Improvisers Orchestra, ( the best of the best in Seattle jazz) and the Seattle Symphony. He is not to be missed! The trio will perform a variety of their jazz favorites- all great tunes!

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted

Rest, relax & rejuvenate in a spring soundscape. Rise feeling balanced, connected and rejuvenated.

For your maximum comfort please bring a yoga mat/blanket/padding and a small pillow to create your cozy “nest to rest” while reclined. Bring your favorite blanket to nestle in and (optional) a small bolster/rolled towel or pillow for under your knees, as it releases and relaxes the lower back. Seated, chair and reclined meditation all welcome.

Max: 44 humans. $28 ticket. Pre-registration appreciated. Doors open 20 minutes before. Side/back door entry (next the Firehouse patio & garden). Free parking during event.

Purchase Advance tickets HERE

Mystic Heart Website

Art of Jazz featuring the Brian Cunningham & Christopher Woitach

Sponsored by the Keith Carpenter and Lynne Givler Kaufman.

Cost: $20 general; $10 students; free for Jazz Project members.

Purchase advance tickets HERE

SKERIK has performed, recorded and toured with many major performers and bands. He has recorded on over 200 records as a saxophonist, horn section member, keyboardist, and more. His bands have been featured in films, TV, theatre, and dance. He performs at major festivals worldwide, primarily as a band member. SKERIK owns a studio in Seattle, where he records regularly as a session musician, horn arranger, and soloist, and continues to tour globally.

Lineup: Skerik (saxophone), TBD

Cost: $20 general, $10 students
Purchase Advance Tickets

Website: skerikmusic.com, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

Contact: Steve Jones

Kathy Bastow and Cathy Taylor met at a local open mic here in Bellingham.  They began collaborating and formed the duo- Wild Hearts.  

They play an eclectic mix of covers and originals, including folk, country, bluegrass, and rock, adding our unique arrangements and harmonies.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Rob Hutchings is a wordsmith and seasoned guitarist, his songs are a compilation of original stories, musings and mantras written on his path as a musician and mind/body integrative therapist. Currently residing in Bellingham, Rob originally hails from Britain, attributing his musical lifestyle to his Welsh and Celtic heritage.

Rob's words capture the essence of human relationship ni their folk-life quality, while his music style blends the soulfulness of the Blues and the improvisational free-form of jazz, to rhythmically set them free.

This event is not ticketed. However, cash donations of appreciation are gladly accepted.

Brian Kirk presents a tribute to a master vibraphonist Gary Burton

Brian Kirk is a Professor of Jazz, Electronic Music, Music Theory, Percussion at Seattle Central College, in Seattle. Son of Indianapolis Hall of Fame drummer and educator Dr. Willis Kirk, Brian grew up in San Francisco where he performed with Gladys Knight, Marlena Shaw, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Bishop Norman Williams, John Handy, and Jessica Williams.

Lineup: Brian Kirk (vibraphone), TBD

Cost: $20 general, $10 students
Purchase Advance Tickets

Website: kirkjazz.net, jazzcenterofbellingham.org

Contact: Steve Jones