This week 9.28.2026 Monday Jazz @ Brother Don’s showcases featured guest vocalist Dennis Hastings. Dennis is a bit of a mystery among musicians in the Puget Sound. He’s been at this game for over forty years, but has preferred to live in Olympia Washington, honing his craft patiently and performing select gigs in the lower Sound and Tacoma instead of constantly gigging on the jazz circuit further North. That’s not to say that he hasn’t had some prestigious events come his way, for instance playing on the same bill with Bobby McFerrin at the now extant Rosario’s resort back in the late 80’s, and opening for Cleo Laine on one occasion. At one point Mr Hastings developed a taste for the jazz vocals of Mel Torme’ and performed with his band ‘The Mel Torme’ Retrospective’, focused on the musical arrangements of the Marty Paich Dektette. Over time he transitioned to a trio version of his focus on Mel Torme’ simply due to the difficulties of booking such a large ensemble. Beyond this, you’ll find Dennis is a vocalist who is very much at home with the stylizations of many genres, from Johnny Adams or Louie Jordan, to the compositions of Kurt Elling and even the colorations of Leon Thomas, but he prefers to not be typecast at all due to his love for all vocal stylizations. Regardless of all of that, Dennis is an outstanding jazz vocalist and will surprise you with his choice of material whenever he plays. Of course he always lines his presentations with choice standards along with original arrangements of those great tunes. Not to be missed, from the blues and even the avant-garde, to the classics and beyond, you’ll be entertained by the sheer diversity of Dennis Hastings.

Also in the band David Joyner - keys, Clipper Anderson - bass, and Steve Bentley - drums. Come enjoy great food, your favorite beverage, a kid friendly comfortable atmosphere, and World Class Jazz … Hope to see you!

Check out all of the great Monday Jazz at: https://www.chrisbickleyjazz.com/calendar