Jam in the Atrium

SATURDAY | Sept 6 | 1-3pm
Free- no ticket required
Jazz bassist Bruce Phares invites accomplished musician friends and colleagues to help him fill the Atrium at Vashon Center for the Arts with high-quality live jazz, for FREE. We’ve opened the bar and pulled out a chair for you and your friends to take in some great jazz surrounded by the latest art exhibit! Arrive early as seats fill up quickly.
Upcoming Jam Guest: Jay Thomas (Saxophone & trumpet legend)

Jay Thomas is one of the Northwest’s best-kept jazz secrets.
A Seattle native, Jay is a versatile multi-instrumentalist (trumpet, flugelhorn, multiple saxophones, and flutes) known for his soulful improvisation and deep jazz roots. With a 50+ year career spanning Boston, New York, San Francisco, and beyond, he’s played with legends like Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Ray Brown, Elvin Jones, Bud Shank, and Slim Gaillard.
Jay appears on over 100 recordings (21 as leader/co-leader), including acclaimed albums like Easy Does It, Blues for McVouty, 360 Degrees, and Jones for Elvin. His music has taken him around the world — from Japan to Europe to major jazz festivals across North America.
A founding member of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Jay is also a dedicated educator, teaching at jazz camps and universities in the U.S. and Japan. Honors include multiple Earshot Musician of the Year awards and DownBeat recognition.
Known for his warm tone, lyricism, and rhythmic fire — Jay Thomas continues to inspire both on stage and in the classroom. Catch him live — you won’t be disappointed.
Free Jam in the Atriums are proudly sponsored by: