Blowing in from Chicago
Joel Spencer and Joan Hickey meet Jay Thomas, Steve Griggs, and Phil Sparks

Wed, Aug 9, 2017 at 8pm

This event has passed.

Doors at 7:00pm

Tickets: $10 adv/$12 dos

Chicago drummer Joel Spencer and pianist Joan Hickey join Seattle's Jay Thomas, Steve Griggs, and Phil Sparks to re-interpret songs from the 1957 Blue Note record Blowing in from Chicago. In addition to songs by Clifford Jordan, Gigi Gryce, Horace Silver, and John Neely, the repertoire will include originals by Hickey and Griggs. 

Spencer and Hickey have been a musical team for three decades. Spencer's credits include stints with Earl “Fatha” Hines, Barney Kessel, Eddie Gomez, Red Rodney, Clark Terry, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Joe Henderson, Eddie Harris, Wayne Shorter, David Liebman, Hank Jones, and Cedar Walton. Hickey has been teaching jazz piano at the University of Illinois for 22 years. The Chicago Sun Times described Hickey's Between in the Lines on Origin as "a vibrant harmonic glow."

The Seattle musicians have performed together for over two decades. These two seasoned teams join forces to rekindle the flame of hard bop from the 1950's. 

Joel Spencer's Website
Joan Hickey on Origin
Jay Thomas' Website
Steve Griggs' Website


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Please note: Tickets do not guarantee seating during shows at the Royal Room. For sold out shows standing room may be the only available space. If advanced tickets are sold out, limited tickets will be available at the door on a first come, first serve basis. Please come early to ensure you get a table. Reservations can be made for those who are coming for dinner as well as the show. The Royal Room is All Ages until 10pm.


Royal Room

5000 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118