The Ballard Jazz Festival, which gets under way Thursday, showcases pianist George Colligan, who recently moved to Portland, where he has become an integral part of the scene. The festival is just one of several jazz events in the area this weekend.
The Ballard Jazz Festival is just one of several top-flight jazz shows this week, which include an all-acoustic performance by Medeski, Martin & Wood; a Duke Ellington concert by the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra; and world premieres from Seattle guitarist and composer Tom Baker.