Hot Java Cool Jazz

Originally published in Earshot Jazz March 2013

Popular and strong are two words that describe both Seattle’s hometown coffee and public school jazz programs. Starbucks continues to support Seattle music education through Hot Java Cool Jazz, an annual fundraising concert now in its 18th year. Five Seattle area public high school jazz bands will perform at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 22.


At a recent Ballard High School Music Booster meeting, Band Director Michael James explained that public school districts only fund rehearsal facilities and teacher salaries. All other expenses for instrument repair, music library, supplemental coaching, publicity and travel must be paid for from private contributions. At Ballard High School alone, the combined fund raising goal for choir, orchestra and band this year is $50,000.

Thank goodness one of Seattle’s most successful corporations helps foot the bill. Adina Johnson, Starbuck’s liason for the Hot Java Cool Jazz program, handed out concert posters to the Ballard Music Boosters, expressing her admiration of the high quality of musicianship presented and broad community support. She has been involved with the program for the past eight years and most of the concerts have sold out. Kennelly Keys Music provides musical equipment for the event.

This year’s Hot Java Cool Jazz program will begin with Hamilton International Middle School ensemble performing in the Paramount lobby. The first half of the main stage concert will feature Newport, Ballard and Garfield High School bands. During intermission, the audience can head to the lobby to pick up refreshments, shop for merchandise from the schools and enjoy a performance by an ensemble from Seattle JazzED. The second half of the concert will feature Mountlake Terrace and Roosevelt High School bands. Each group will play three or four selections.

All ticket revenue goes directly to the schools involved. Tickets cost $20 and are available at Starbucks locations near each school (see below), University Village, Paramount ticket office and www.stgpresents.org. Tickets sales at University Village, Paramount and website are divided equally among the schools but sales at the other Starbucks stores go directly to the nearby school.

Starbucks Locations
Ballard: 2204 NW Market Street, SeattleGarfield: 2300 S Jackson, SeattleRoosevelt: 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, SeattleMountlake Terrace: 22803 44th Avenue West, Mountlake TerraceNewport: 3720 Factoria Boulevard SE, Bellevue