Darren Motamedy, former music teacher in Covington, to play jazz showcase in Kent in June

Former Kent School District music teacher Motamedy to play at Kent's Evening of Jazz and Art Showcase June 22

Saxophonist Darren Motamedy will return to Kent to play in the fifth annual Evening of Jazz & Art Showcase June 28 at the Kent Senior Activity Center.

Motamedy taught music in the Kent School District including at Jenkins Creek Elementary and other Covington-area schools.

The Kent 50 Plus Program and the Kent Arts Commission will host the annual showcase from 5-8 p.m. at the senior center, 600 E. Smith Street in downtown Kent.

Families of all ages are encouraged to attend the free concert.Doors open at 5 p.m. when boxed dinner/desserts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, compliments of Stafford Suites.

The Kent Valley Artists’ exhibition and demonstration begins at 5 p.m. and is open for the duration of the event. Guests are invited to share a toast in the no-host “Mocktail Garden” on the patio. Any sized donations are also welcome.

Jazz pianist Richard Dean plays indoors from 5-5:15 p.m. and 6:15-7 p.m. Motamedy and his band will play at the outdoor stage from 7-8 p.m. Local musicians, still to be determined, will play from 5:15-6:15 p.m.Motamedy is a former Kent resident and music teacher who now lives in Las Vegas.

Limited indoor concert seating is available. Guests are asked to bring blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas for outdoor seating. The concert is free due to a grant from the Kent Arts Commission and generous co-sponsorships from Stafford Suites as well as Aegis Living of Kent, Chateau @ Valley Center, Northwest Primetime, Regency Renton, SHAG Housing, Talbot Rehab and The Weatherly Inn.

Last year’s Jazz and Art Event was the recipient of the 2011 Programs of Excellence Award from the National Council on Aging.

For more information about the showcase, call 253-856-5164.