Star-studded, music-filled celebration at Northwest African American Museum

More than two decades ago, the idea for the Northwest African American Museum sprouted, and Saturday the doors will finally open to the public.

To commemorate the opening, there's free admission, a ribbon-cutting, live performances and — later this month — even a Quincy Jones extravaganza.

"It's a momentous event to finally open up a museum with black performers and artists," said Seattle jazz artist Buddy Catlett, who is performing at the museum's March 16 fundraising concert at the Paramount with Jones.

The museum's opening exhibit will showcase two influential Northwest artists — painter Jacob Lawrence and sculptor James W. Washington Jr.

Also in the 19,000-square-foot space will be timelines and visual and interactive exhibitions of the history, culture and art of the region's African-American community.

The museum will house a multimedia learning center, along with a genealogical research area where visitors can trace their family histories. In the future, the outside area will feature a sculpture garden. Also planned is a young docent program in which students can organize their own museum shows.

Here are the details on the opening events:

March 8

11:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting.

Noon-4 p.m.: The Overton Berry Group. Seattle jazz mainstay Overton Berry has played all around Seattle, and his credits reach as far back as music director for the Peggy Lee Concert at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.

• The George Griffin Trio. Seattle jazz and blues drummer George Griffin Jr. played with the likes of Ray Charles, Etta James and Sammy Davis Jr. Back in the '60s. The Garfield High School graduate performed on Jackson Street, Seattle's famed jazz hub, at the Black & Tan Club. At NAAM, Griffin will be joined by guitarist Tom McElroy and keyboardist Paul Richardson.

• Dave Holden. The jazz keyboardist is son of local jazz legend Oscar Holden and also a Garfield High School graduate.

• The Adefua African American Music and Dance Company. The West African music and dance troupe has performed here and abroad, showcasing the traditions of Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Zaire, Guinea and the Caribbean.

March 16

8 p.m.: Along with an A-list lineup of performers, the Northwest African American Museum will be awarding superproducer Quincy Jones its first Lifetime Achievement Award.

On the bill:

• Carlos Santana. The Grammy Award-winning Latin rock guitarist is known for his fusion of salsa, rock, jazz and blues.

• James Ingram & Band. The Grammy Award-winning R&B/soul singer has worked with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones and Natalie Cole. He collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on "Somewhere Out There" for the animated feature "An American Tail."

• Ernestine Anderson. The Grammy-nominated blues singer has sung with Russell Jacquet's band and the Johnny Otis band. She's also worked with jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones and Gigi Gryce.

• Clarence Acox & Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. Acox is artistic director for the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra and is the director of jazz bands at Garfield High School. Seattle jazz artist Buddy Catlett, who plays the bass, saxophone and clarinet, will also perform with the orchestra.

• Garfield Jazz Band. The award-winning jazz band from Garfield High School counts Quincy Jones as one of its alumni. Jimi Hendrix and Ernestine Anderson also attended the school.

Also on the lineup: Siedah Garrett, Steve Connell & Sekou (tha misfit), Laura "Piece" Kelley Jahn & Grandmother Ruby and Juan Huey-Ray & the Sound of the Northwest.

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com