Elias Hampton is a Seattle-based musician known in jazz-adjacent spheres as a guitarist. While guitar-playing may be the most densely forested neck of his musical ‘woods’, his work with different artists lends itself toward other nestled roles like producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. He recently played at the Earshot Jazz Festival alongside some of the area’s finest musicians. He’s played bass in the experimental pop outfit Chanel Beads, and currently plays synth in Latin-pop band Aquíestoy (led by Carlos Snaider).
His newest release, “Eyes Like Wings”, brings these many roles together through a jazz-infused strain of indie rock with glints of chamber music. Recorded between July 2024 and October 2025, the album explores mythopoetic themes, further animated by a carefully selected cohort of musicians with strong Seattle ties. Elias is excited to present new music with a full band that showcases longtime collaborators, many of whom contributed to the recording process. Joining him tonight are Hannah Paulus (cello), Millie Runion (violin), Tony Lefaive (bass), and Rocky Martin (drums). “Eyes Like Wings” comes out February 13, 2026 on CD and streaming platforms, with an extra special bonus track exclusively on BandCamp. CDs will be available for purchase at the show, and on BandCamp.
Primarily known as an improviser and bassist for groups like Grammy-nominated band Alvvays and Seattle surfers La Luz, Abbey Blackwell has moved into writing songs that feature the voice and guitar (a time-tested combination). Under her name, she has released one EP and two LPs with another on the way in April 2026. All of which have garnered recognition — The Brooklyn Vegan recognizing Big Big Motion as “a lovely slice of folky indie rock with a lush atmosphere and just a little ragged edge,” and My Maze (2023) ended up being one of Gorilla vs Bear’s top albums of 2023.
Sweetgum currently enjoys writing fun songs with “psychedelic”, “folk”, “rock” and “pop” elements and has an immense blast weaving and playing them. Currently working on the fifth album, the latest release from 2024 entitled “Moth Math” can be found on Bandcamp as well as other streaming platforms.