The 2018 Ballard Jazz Festival Mainstage Concert features a double-bill with New York City drummer Clarence Penn and his group Penn Station, as well as Swedish trumpeter Oskar Stenmark and his quartet.

Since his arrival in New York City in 1991, drummer / composer / arranger Clarence Penn has placed his unique blend of mega-chops, keen intellect, and heady musicianship at the service of a staggering array of A-list artists, all documented on several hundred studio albums.

Oskar Stenmark Quartet plays traditional melodies from Sweden, inherited from Oskar’s ancestors mixed with New York jazz. The lyrical melodies will give you a Nordic flavor – but the rhythm, harmony and feel can only be found in New York City. Stenmark is the tenth generation in his family to play music and has performed with stars such as Chris Potter, Dave Liebman and multiple Grammy award winner Maria Schneider. This is the first time Oskar Stenmark Quartet performs on the west coast as part of a tour that stretches from Seattle to Los Angeles. Also joining the quartet is Finish bassist Kaisa Mäensivu.