Alexa Peters

Seattle

Journalist and Copywriter at Freelance

Freelance journalist/copywriter writing about music, culture, social justice for @soseaemerald, @audiofemme, @leafly, @paste, @nodepression etc | #binder 💜

Articles

Seattle jazz and music nonprofits see their 2025 NEA grants vanish

1 week ago | knkx.org | Alexa Peters

In early May, after President Trump stated he’s looking to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) next year, his administration swiftly withdrew or terminated hundreds of NEA grants that had been promised or already awarded to cultural organizations across the country. Grants promised to three jazz-centered organizations in Seattle—Earshot Jazz, Seattle JazzED, and South Hudson Music Project—were among them. Each were promised $25,000 in funding.
Wynton Marsalis is coming to town, and bringing 'Louis'

3 weeks ago | knkx.org | Alexa Peters

When it comes to the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis is a natural expert. A Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Marsalis is Jazz at Lincoln Center’s longtime artistic director and president of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. He’s also the son of Ellis Marsalis Jr., an influential jazz pianist and educator, who taught Marsalis about the jazz forefather from a young age. By 18, Marsalis recognized Armstrong as the “Shakespeare” of trumpet players.
‘Ideal’ hall for live, genre-bending music opens in Seattle

1 month ago | knkx.org | Alexa Peters

Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood is more of a music hub than meets the eye. Nestled among this district’s quirky sculptures and charming storefronts, music fans can find the headquarters of nonprofit Earshot Jazz, instrument shops like Dusty Strings Music Store & School, record stores like Jive Time Records, recording studios like Studio Litho, and of course, music venues like Nectar Lounge and High Dive.
Local Musicians Remember Quincy Jones

Nov 5, 2024 | thestranger.com | Alexa Peters

In 2017, during a performance from local garage-jazz quartet Industrial Revelation at Upstream Music Festival, I noticed a commotion near the stage as people huddled around the VIP seats. I stood on my toes and lookedâ€”Is that Quincy Jones?! While Jones, the legendary musician, producer, and alumnus of Seattleâ€™s Garfield High School, had given a keynote address earlier in the festival, I didnâ€™t expect to see the mastermind behind Michael Jacksonâ€™s Thriller sitting amongst the crowd.
Catch up on all the Seattle area jazz happenings this fall

Oct 17, 2024 | knkx.org | Kirsten Kendrick |Alexa Peters

October is a big month for jazz events in the Seattle area. A new self-guided tour called the Jackson Street Jazz Trail tells the history of jazz in two Seattle neighborhoods, the Chinatown-International District and the Central District. And the Earshot Jazz Festival is kicking off this week with shows in Seattle as well as Tacoma, Bellevue, and Bainbridge Island.
Another Year Of Great Music At Bumbershoot 2024

Sep 2, 2024 | northerntransmissions.com | Alexa Peters |Charles Brownstein

Landing during a stretch of hot, sunny weather in Seattle after two weeks of atypical summer thunderstorms, Bumbershoot 2024 was overrun with a mix of ravenous live music fans—dancing toddlers in sunhats, old Seattle hippies, and everything in between. Bumbershoot’s music lineup was as diverse and unique as the crowds, offering a sublime balance between old favorites and fresh faces. On both days, the early afternoon slots highlighted the talent and variety within Seattle’s music scene.
Bumbershoot 2024: The World Is Finally Catching On to Dean Johnson

Aug 29, 2024 | thestranger.com | Alexa Peters

For the better part of 10 years, Dean Johnson was one of Seattle music’s best-kept secrets. I first heard him sing in 2016, during a time in my life when I’d make almost nightly outings to Ballard to sloppily two-step at Conor Byrne, grab a late-night snack from Sexy Alley Puffy Tacos (may it rest in peace), or catch a show at Tractor Tavern.
Volunteer-run Olympia Jazz Central celebrates 15 years

Jul 16, 2024 | knkx.org | Alexa Peters

When someone thinks about Olympia music, it’s likely K Records or riot grrrl that come to mind. But, Olympia, the state’s quaint capitol city with a population of approximately 56,000 people, also has a rich tradition of jazz. “Olympia has been a jazz town for a long time. There are a lot of really amazing jazz musicians,” said Betsy Perkins, a resident since 1992. Perkins works as an elementary school music teacher and performing percussionist and vocalist.
Grace Kelly’s Grand Movie Entrance

Jun 11, 2024 | downbeat.com | Alexa Peters

News, From the Magazine, Grace Kelly By Alexa Peters I Jun. 11, 2024 Growing up near Boston, 31-year-old saxophonist-singer-songwriter Grace Kelly had a Friday night tradition with her family. They’d eat at their favorite Chinese restaurant, then rent a movie at Blockbuster and watch it together. Kelly first laid eyes on actress Grace Kelly during one of these family movie nights.
Lemon Boy’s Pissed-Off Pop-Punk Is Empowering Seattle’s DIY Scene

May 30, 2024 | thestranger.com | Alexa Peters

The first time I heard Lemon Boy, the scorching pop-punk brainchild of Nicole Giusti and Yaz Ahsani, I was wearing glitter wings in an audience of prosthetic-eared goblins and maidens with floral crowns. This was last month, at Springtime in the Shire, a whimsical and unpretentious “fantasy crossover costume party” at the Capitol Hill DIY venue Mosswood Loft. Lemon Boy opened the party with a biting set, setting the tone for the rest of the bill: Faerie Born, Salt Lick, and Sux.