Bellevue Downtown Association Presents 20+ Live Jazz & Blues Performances October 8-12

Bellevue Downtown Association Presents 20+ Live jazz & Blues Performances October 8-12

Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series bring local and regional musicians. this five-day event features free community shows and tickets headliner concerts at Meydenbauer Center Theatre.

The Bellevue Downtown Association’s annual Jazz & Blues Music Series returns October 8-12, filling Downtown Bellevue with more than 20 live performances from local and regional musicians. This five-day event features free community shows and ticketed headliner concerts at Meydenbauer Center Theatre.

Internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso Lee Oskar and Friends bring their signature sound to stage on October 10. Joined by Dean Schmidt on bass, Darian Asplund on saxophone, Mack Grout on keyboards, Alex Mortland on guitar, Andrew Cloutier on drums, and Denali Williams on percussion.

On October 11, celebrated vocalist Dee Daniels will perform with her powerhouse trio: pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Michael Glynn, and drummer D’Vonne Lewis. Together they deliver a vibrant blend of jazz, gospel and blues.

Attendees can also enjoy a “jazz and blues crawl” at various gathering places in Downtown Bellevue, including The Bellettini, El Gaucho, AC Hotel Bellevue, Lincoln Square North and South, Meydenbauer Center Theatre, and Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub. Special performances will be hosted at Bake’s Place Bar & Bistro (with a food and drink minimum) and Bellden Cafe (with a three-course dinner included). A full schedule is available at bellevuejazz.com.

The series also features a student showcase highlighting emerging talent from local high school and middle school jazz combos. The showcase takes place on October 12 at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre. 

“What makes Downtown Bellevue so unique is the variety of experiences you can enjoy in just a few blocks,” said Mike Ogliore, BDA’s vice president of events and operations. “From intimate gatherings to lively public spaces, music transforms these places into shared experiences that bring people together and strengthen our sense of community.”

Now in its 18th year, the 2025 Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series is supported by City of Bellevue, 4Culture, and media partners 425 Magazine, Cascade PBS and KNKX Public Radio, reflecting the significance of this cultural celebration for the region.

“The Jazz & Blues Music Series is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss,” says Ogliore. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate incredible talent in the heart of Downtown.”

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The Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series headliners:

Friday, October 10, 2025 | 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Meydenbauer Center Theatre

Artist: Lee Oscar and Friends

Bio: Lee Oskar is an internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso, composer, producer, and lifelong musical explorer. He is renowned for his iconic role as a founding member and lead harmonica player of the pioneering funk/jazz band that composed and recorded such hits as “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ into Darkeness,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and many more chart-topping songs from 1969-1993.

Admission: $35 General / $15 Student.

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Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Meydenbauer Center Theatre

Artist: The Dee Daniels Quartet

Bio: Dee Daniels is a unique talent who transcends musical borders when she brings her jazz styling, infused with gospel and blues flavoring, to the stage. She performs and records globally with symphony orchestras, big bands, combos, and with numerous jazz legends, including Monty Alexander, John Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon, Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander, Ken Peplowski, and Russell Malone. Dee has 15 CDs as a leader to her credit, including her latest release, Let It Shine! Let It Shine!, in duo with Juno-nominated vocalist Denzal Sinclaire and 2021 multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed CD, The Promise.

Admission: $35 General / $15 Student.

GET TICKETS

For the complete schedule and ticket information, visit www.bellevuejazz.com.