Centrum's 41st annual Jazz Port Townsend, a weeklong festival and workshop, concludes July 26 at Fort Worden. Friday, July 24 is a day of free performances and workshops starting at 9 a.m. On Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. are mainstage shows at McCurdy Pavilion; Thursday-Saturday nights are Jazz in the Clubs performances in various venues downtown. The Cellar Door returns as a venue, along with several others including the downtown business formerly known as the Public House Grill & Ales, now reopened as the Old Whiskey Mill. For more information, visit centrum.org.

8th Annual “Friday Workshop Blowout”

Centrum’s Jazz Port Townsend workshop is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Why? Because of the extraordinary collection of world-class faculty assembled by Artistic Director John Clayton. You’re invited to experience these masters yourself and learn something about jazz that will deepen your understanding—all free and open to the public! Please join us.

9:00 – 10:15am

• “The Music of Miles Davis” For as long as Miles Davis played the trumpet he was always the one to watch. Each of his bands was a ground breaker and responsible for launching the careers of the next generation of musicians who set the pace for their generation. In this class we will examine the man who never stood still musically and was affectionately known as the "Prince of Darkness.” (Joe LaBarbera) Wheeler Theater

• “The International Jazz Scene” America may be the cradle of jazz, but that baby has become a sophisticated citizen of the world. Hear a panel of faculty talk about the jazz scene in other countries. (John Clayton, Jiggs Whigham, Nilson Matta, Duduka Da Fonseca, Jay Thomas) 204 Rm. 10

10:30 -11:45am

• "Playing MUSIC, Not Just Your Instrument!" How to actually create music as an ensemble by listening and playing together. It's not about "you," but "us!" (Ben Wolfe) 204 Rm. 10

• “Criticism or Critique?” Non-musicians sometimes think the way teachers talk to students sounds negative, while students want all the suggestions they can get. Come and listen to a coaching session and decide for yourself. Please come with three questions about the session or about music in general! (Eric Reed) Wheeler Theater

12-1:00pm

• “Free Fridays” Concert: Workshop Participant Big Band Performance Directed by Clarence Acox. Outside at the Commons. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy some music in the sun. Lunch is available in the Commons or bring your own!

1:15-2:45pm

• “Developing a Feel For Brazilian Rhythms and Syncopation” Americans have been in love with Brazilian music since Samba and Bossa Nova swept onto our scene more than 60 years ago, but many still find playing the rhythms elusive. Hear a native and master teacher explain and demonstrate. Not for bassists! (Nilson Matta) 204 Rm. 10

• “Jazz, A Historical and Cultural Perspective” Steve Wilson will use a several videos featuring key performers to lead you through jazz history. (Steve Wilson) Wheeler Theater

3:00-4:30pm

• " The A, B, C's of Listening” A session introducing novices to jazz greats whose names begin with A, B, or C. Approached like a game or quiz, the object is to guess the artist with the only clue being A, B, or C as the first letter of the name. Instrumentalists, vocalists, big bands, or groups are all possible. It's also a fun way to learn how to listen! (Kim Nazarian) 204 Rm. 10

• “Guitar Summit” Master class and discussion. (Romero Lubambo, Graham Dechter, Dan Balmer) Wheeler Theater