SPOKANE, Wash. — May 13, 2026 — Renowned trumpeter and bandleader David Weiss of The Cookers returns to Spokane for a special performance with an all-star sextet on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 PM at Hamilton Listening Room.
Presented by Imagine Jazz, this highly anticipated performance features a powerhouse lineup of modern jazz innovators, including Myron Walden, EJ Strickland, David Bryant, Eric Wheeler, and Ben Solomon.
This return engagement follows the February 2026 appearance of The Cookers at Hamilton Listening Room, which marked the first sold-out performance for the Spokane-based nonprofit. Known for their hard-driving sound rooted in classic and post-bop jazz traditions, The Cookers feature an extraordinary roster of legendary musicians, including NEA Jazz Masters Donald Harrison and Billy Hart, alongside icons such as George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Cecil McBee.
Earlier this year, the ensemble garnered national attention after joining several artists in canceling New Year’s Eve performances at the Kennedy Center following controversial board changes involving Donald Trump. For some attendees, the February Spokane concert carried added significance, reflecting jazz’s historic ties to social consciousness and the Civil Rights Movement.
“We are musicians, but we are also human beings and citizens,” said George Cables. “Sometimes you have to take a stand.” Cables, who has longstanding ties to the Kennedy Center through his work with Billy Taylor and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, added, “The Kennedy Center name used to stand for something, and when someone who has nothing to do with the arts puts their name on it to advertise or promote themselves, it’s like sacrilege.”
For Imagine Jazz Artistic Director Rachel Bade-McMurphy, hosting The Cookers was a long-held aspiration. Having followed the ensemble for years and studied with George Cables, she described the February concert as a dream realized.
When Weiss proposed bringing a sextet back to Spokane on short notice, Bade-McMurphy embraced the opportunity.
“We already committed to another performance that week, so most organizers would say no,” she said. “But this group includes one of my all-time favorite drummers, EJ Strickland, alongside powerhouse saxophonist Myron Walden. This is exactly the type of experience and energy I want to bring to Spokane.”
In addition to the performance, Imagine Jazz will host a series of educational masterclasses and group lessons for serious students and local professionals during the band’s residency.
“This will be for serious musicians and fans,” Bade-McMurphy said. “It’s a chance to hear the modern jazz sounds of New York without having to travel.”
The Spokane stop is part of a West Coast tour that includes Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco before the ensemble returns to New York.
David Weiss Sextet Live Performance
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Hamilton Listening Room
Tickets & Information
Imagine Jazz — imaginejazz.org