hot java cool jazz

The benefit concert, in its 26th year, features five of the state’s best high-school jazz bands and gives 100% of ticket sales back to local music programs.

Musicians from five Seattle area high schools, performing at the annual benefit concert March 18, reflect on how the pandemic’s forced break from performing in public, or even together, helped them refocus on playing for the simple love of music.

This year, Starbucks once again brought music notes and coffee notes together—and in the process raised money for some of the Seattle area’s best high school jazz bands.