Five Night Series of Free Jazz Concerts at John Howie Steak

From June 1st through 5th, John Howie Steak will be hitting the high notes during a five-night stand of free live concerts featuring celebrated jazz artists.   In conjunction with the fourth annual Bellevue Jazz Festival, the popular Eastside eatery will be one of a handful of hosts showcasing a blend of free and ticketed performances by top national and regional musicians. Artists will perform in the restaurant’s Piano Lounge, where guests can enjoy handcrafted classic and seasonal cocktails, the world’s finest single-malt scotch and fine cognacs while dining on custom aged USDA Prime steak and fresh seafood.

Jazz Festival Concert Schedule:

Eugene Bien

• Wed, June 1st  7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• A skilled keyboardist, Eugene Bien is well versed in a multitude of musical styles.  He has played with many nationally acclaimed musicians, including Eric Gale, Paul Brown, David Lanz, Greg Adams, Jeff Golub, Ronnie Laws and Jeff Kashiwa as well as with groups like The Cadillacs and the Platters.  He also creates horn, string and band arrangements for backing music tracks and composes original scores.

Murl Allen Sanders

• Thurs, June 2nd   7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Murl Allen Sanders is a freelance musician, composer, teacher and recording artist who has been active in the music scene both locally and internationally for over twenty-five years.  He performs and records regularly with his own bands, as a soloist and with numerous bands in the Northwest.  Sanders has worked with such diverse artists as Chuck Berry, Etta James, Glen Yarborough and Theodore Bikel.

Duo:  Susan Pascal, vibes and Dave Peterson, guitar

• Fri, June 3rd 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Vibraphonist Susan Pascal has performed on movie soundtracks, at festivals, nightclubs and concerts throughout the region and abroad.  She will be playing in tandem with guitarist Dave Peterson.  Known for his brilliant soloing, and performances throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, Peterson has recorded with Cedar Walton, Diane Schuur, Don Lanphere and many others. 

Darrius Willrich

• Sat, June 4th 7 p.m - 12 a.m.
• Seattle soul-singer-songwriter Darrius WIllrich is known for his sensuous interplay of soul, jazz and inner city longings.  With a degree in jazz piano and his years of experience as an instrumentalist, sideman, leader, producer and recording artist, he has played to sold out crowds internationally as well as been an instructor at both college and high school institutions.

Susan Pascal, vibes and Bill Anschell, piano

• Sun, June 5th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Vibraphonist Susan Pascal has performed on movie soundtracks, at festivals, nightclubs and concerts throughout the region and abroad.  She will be playing in a duo with award-winning pianist Bill Anschell.  Anschell has performed in premiere venues internationally, both leading his trio and as pianist/musical director for vocalist Nnenna Freelon.

Ticketed shows will take place at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center.  The Bellevue Jazz Festival is produced by the Bellevue Downtown Association.  For information visit www.bellevuejazz.com.

John Howie Steak is located in The Shops at the Bravern, 11111 NE 8th, Suite 125 in Bellevue.  Call (425) 440-0880 or go to www.johnhowiesteak.com .