Live Jazz in Spokane: Where to Hear Great Music

Spokane Jazz Orchestra at Myrtle Woldson

The Spokane Jazz Orchestra has anchored the city's jazz scene since 1975 as a community-supported big band. You'll hear them at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center on the Gonzaga University campus, a dedicated concert hall that's separate from the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox downtown.

The organization says each concert features a guest artist who helps shape the music. Start with that program and collaborator when choosing a date: the guest gives you a more specific reason to attend than the broad jazz label.

Use the Spokane Jazz Orchestra site for its current program and ticket route. Its Gonzaga venue is Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, a separate building from Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Keeping those similar names straight is essential to reaching the right destination.

Emma Rue's Thursday Jazz Sessions

For a more intimate weekly experience, Emma Rue's at 17 S Howard Street hosts live jazz Thursday evenings from 7–9 pm. This recurring slot provides a regular place to hear local and regional players without committing to a full concert-hall evening.

The official live-music page lists Thursday jazz alongside Friday DJ music. They are separate programs, so choose Thursday when jazz is your goal and confirm the dated appearance. A recurring listing tells you where to look without establishing each week’s performer.

Ask about entry, reservations and age access if those details matter to your plan. Do not assume a cover-free or walk-in evening from the music description. This is a different planning task from choosing a ticket for a named theater concert.

Listen before choosing your next outing

Hear a regional jazz performance recorded for KSPS PBS. Use it for listening inspiration, rather than as a listing for a future appearance.

Zonky Jazz Band | Inland Sessions | KSPS PBS

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Postmodern Jukebox: Vintage Jazz-Pop Crossover

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox reworks modern pop hits into vintage jazz and swing arrangements, offering a very different experience from traditional big-band or small-ensemble sessions. This is a ticketed theatrical concert at the Bing Crosby Theater, not a weekly jazz club or orchestra subscription.

Its combination of modern songs and older jazz or swing styles is an entry point if you enjoy familiar material through a different musical lens. Preview the group’s work; a recording does not establish the cast or songs for a future Spokane performance.

Postmodern Jukebox is separate from Spokane Jazz Orchestra. One is a vintage-pop crossover act; the other is the community-supported jazz orchestra. Neither is the Spokane Symphony. Follow the artist and exact venue rather than relying on a broad music label.

Choosing Your Jazz Experience

Your choice among these three options depends on format, schedule flexibility, and musical preference. The Spokane Jazz Orchestra delivers full big-band sound with guest-artist programs in a formal concert setting—ideal when you want a complete evening built around a specific performance.

Emma Rue’s Thursday slot is a lead for a recurring outing. If that suits you better than a scheduled concert, verify the dated appearance and entry details directly. The posted 7–9 p.m. window describes the listed music, not the admission or reservation arrangements.

Postmodern Jukebox may appeal if your interest begins with modern songs and vintage arrangements. Compare it with other Spokane concerts rather than expecting one guide to cover every musical preference. Choose the approach before comparing ticket sections.

Keep the venue and ticket route straight

For Spokane Jazz Orchestra, follow its site to the Gonzaga concert information. For Postmodern Jukebox, open the matching Spokane event and the Bing Crosby Theater guide. These are separate organizations and booking paths.

For Emma Rue’s, contact the venue about the dated appearance. For a ticketed concert, compare the selected offer’s total cost, seating and delivery terms. For a recurring venue program, establish entry and reservation requirements first.

Discovering More Regional Jazz

Beyond these three core options, you can explore Spokane-area jazz through KSPS PBS's Inland Sessions program, which records regional musicians performing in a studio setting. While these aren't live concert bookings you can attend, the series introduces you to local players and groups whose work you might encounter at smaller venues or private events.

The Inland Sessions archive offers a listening resource when you want to familiarize yourself with the regional sound before committing to a ticketed concert. Use it as a discovery tool rather than a performance calendar—these are television recordings, not upcoming show listings.

For a near-term outing, use live music tonight for listed evening concerts, or return to the jazz organizers above for their own programs. Choose the music you want to hear, then check the specific appearance’s arrangements.

Before you head out

Questions, answered