Official site of the Jazz Port Townsend jazz festival, as well as other jazz education and performance programs at Centrum, the nonprofit center for the arts at Fort Worden State Park, in Port Townsend, Washington.
Artistic Director John Clayton was kind enough to take a few moments and share his thoughts about a few of our Festival performers and teachers. Many of you have been viewing these on the faculty bio pages. However, as we get closer to the Festival performances, we'll be posting these here on the main page, as well.
Want to become more accomplished at improvising? We have the perfect opportunity for you. October 29-November 1 we are inviting one of jazz's great improvisers, Geoffrey Keezer, to spend a long weekend with you taking your existing improvisation skills to the next level. We're calling it "Advanced Improvisation."
Here's video of Geoffrey in action...
This intensive is designed for experienced improvisers (instrumental
and vocal) looking for specific suggestions as well as more abstract
concepts to further their skills. In addition to playing with other
participants and receiving coaching in a master class setting,
significant time will be given to discussions about improvising and
being a musician.
Pianist Geoffrey Keezer
draws on 20 years experience touring and recording with the greatest
artists in jazz, offering students a chance to interact on a one-to-one
basis with a contemporary jazz master. Geoffrey's free-flowing,
inclusive, positive teaching style encourages and empowers young
players to access their highest musical and creative potential, while
giving down-to-earth advice on all aspects of the jazz business.
For those of you who enjoy American Idol, be sure to watch on Wednesday, 5/13 to see Jeff Clayton featured in a solo with contestant Danny Gokey. Jeff has been a faculty member many times at Jazz Port Townsend, and will join us again this year on our mainstage with Ernie Andrews and the Clayton Brothers Quintet. Come and join us July 24 and 25 to see him live!
