The Ballard Jazz Festival will kick off its ninth annual event tonight with a talent-packed line-up.

The musician-run festival was created in 2003 to support the local jazz scene and give it a proper performance arena, without the cost and stipulations of a corporate-run show. In the last years, the event has more than doubled the amount of bands and venues as the festival welcomes jazz-loving old-timers as much as young listeners and high school musicians.

This year the festival will take place April 18 through the 21st with different main events each night. A festival pass can be purchased for $110 or tickets can be bought for each individual show.

April 18 – Brotherhood of the Drum | Conor Byrne Pub | 21+
The calculated and smooth grooves of jazz drums are incomparable. Drum enthusiasts will gladly take note of this special collaboration between Kobie Watkins, Eric Eagle, Todd Bishop, and King Tears Bat Trip. These drummers have performed with the likes of Thomas Campbell, Christopher Icasiano, and others.

April 19 – Guitar Summit | Conor Byrne Pub | 21+
In the same vein as “Brotherhood of Drum,” the guitar summit will feature exceptional talents from the west coast and elsewhere. Notably, Bobby Broom has received acclaim from the likes of Jazz Times comparing his group with John Coltrane and has worked with hero artists such as Miles Davis and Kenny Burrell.

April 20 – The Ballard Jazz Walk
The festival boasts the jazz walk as the “most recognizable event of the festival.” One ticket grants spectators access to twelve different venues in downtown Ballard and the Market area. Everything from the Conor Byrne to coffee houses like Aster Coffee Lounge. It’s a luxury to be able to come and go to different as one pleases to hear endless variations and interpretations of jazz. Take note: some performances are 21+. (Click here for the Jazz Walk Map in pdf).

April 21 – Swedish Pancake Breakfast Jazz Brunch | Nordic Heritage Museum | All Ages
Breakfast is much more sultry and sweet when pancakes are the main course and Jeff Baker is crooning with his spectacular jazz vocal arrangements. A ensemble from Cornish College of the Arts will also be performing jazz standards as well.

April 21 - Nordic Heritage Museum Mainstage Concert | Nordic Heritage Museum | All Ages
Bobby Broom will return again at the festival with his group Bobby Broom Trio. Orrin Evans Quartet will also join the evening with his R&B influenced jazz styling. Both groups will give a soulful and appropriate end to the weeks performances.

To Purchase tickets and to see a full line-up of the artists performing, check out the Ballard Jazz Festival official website: http://ballardjazzfestival.com .