Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series

October 8-12, 2025

Get ready for the return of the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, a five-day celebration of incredible live performances in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Join us as we showcase an exciting lineup of local and national talent, bringing the community together through the power of jazz and blues.

Lee Oskar and Friends

Friday, October 10th

Lee Oskar is an internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso, composer, producer, and lifelong musical explorer. He is renowned for his iconic role as a founding member and lead harmonica player of the pioneering funk/jazz band that composed and recorded such hits as “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ into Darkeness,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and many more chart-topping songs from 1969-1993. Since then, Oskar and his original band mates from the era perform as the LowRider Band. Oskar also performs around the world with outstanding musicians from the Pacific Northwest, known as Lee Oskar and Friends, featuring his own new arrangements, innovative compositions and well-loved hit songs.

Joining Lee Oskar on stage are the talented musicians of Lee Oskar & Friends, a dynamic ensemble that brings his signature sound to life. The group features Dean Schmidt on bass, Darian Asplund on saxophone, Mack Grout on keyboards, Alex Mortland on guitar, Andrew Cloutier on drums, and Denali Williams on percussion. Together, they create a rich and immersive musical experience, blending funk, jazz, blues, and world influences with masterful improvisation and energy.

The Dee Daniels Quartet

Saturday, October 11th

Dee Daniels is a unique talent who transcends musical borders when she brings her jazz styling, infused with gospel and blues flavoring, to the stage. She performs and records globally with symphony orchestras, big bands, combos, and with numerous jazz legends, including Monty Alexander, John Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon, Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander, Ken Peplowski, and Russell Malone. Dee has 15 CDs as a leader to her credit, including her latest release, Let It Shine! Let It Shine!, in duo with Juno-nominated vocalist Denzal Sinclaire and 2021 multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed CD, The Promise. Her 2013 release, State of the Art, on Criss Cross Jazz Records which made her the first vocalist and female leader in the label’s 40+ year history.

Dee Daniels will be joined on stage by her powerhouse trio of top-tier musicians. Pianist Bill Anschell brings expressive improvisation and dynamic touch, bassist Michael Glynn provides a solid, resonant foundation, and drummer D’Vonne Lewis adds electrifying energy and precision. Together, they create the perfect setting for Dee Daniels’ soulful vocals.

About the Jazz & Blues Music Series

Established in 2008, the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series is a cultural and community event that attracts national artists, showcases regional talent, and draws diverse audiences. Headlining artists are selected in collaboration with John Gilbreath, executive director of Earshot Jazz.

Past featured artists include Branford Marsalis, Booker T. Jones, Shemekia Copeland, Poncho Sanchez, Dianne Reeves, Bill Frisell, Charles Lloyd, Terence Blanchard, Hubert Laws, Mingus Big Band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra.