Kenny G is a true Pacific Northwest treasure, and every December you can count on his annual residency at Seattle’s Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley during the final week of the year, right up to New Year’s Eve, playing a mix of holiday hits, jazz standards, and more. 

I first interviewed him in 2023, and catching up with him has become something of a tradition. Ahead of this year’s shows, we connected again by email to talk about what audiences can expect and how he spends the holidays.

When asked what this year’s Jazz Alley residency will bring, Kenny said that the band has crafted a set that feels “just right” — a blend of high-level musicianship and an inviting atmosphere. “We have a really nice set that we play at Jazz Alley that we think works really well,” he explained. “We like to show off our musicianship, but we also want people to connect with us and not feel like they need to be jazz experts to enjoy the music. I feel like we’ve found the perfect combination: delivering great musicianship in a way that people can embrace and connect with.”

Having grown up in Seattle, Kenny always speaks with genuine warmth about returning home. This also means returning to family. Kenny still has relatives in the area (his sister and cousins) as well as high school classmates, many of whom come to the shows each year. “We always have a great time reconnecting,” he said. “I really look forward to those days at the end of the year in Seattle. And of course, I really appreciate John Dimitriou and the great venue he provides for all of us.”

For many people, the holidays are a time to slow down, but for Kenny, performing is part of the joy of the season. “Actually, for me, I like to work,” he said. “I feel proud that I can provide the entertainment people look for when they’re with family and friends during the holidays. I feel like I offer a great destination for people searching for something special to do. I still love getting together with friends and family, but I really enjoy performing during the holidays.”

Looking ahead, Kenny hints that 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. He recently recorded with the Jonas Brothers on their Christmas album and movie, and he has a new collaboration in the works with a Korean pop star who requested a signature Kenny G solo. “The lucky thing for me,” he said, “is that young people are recognizing that you can’t replace real musicianship — and that AI can’t play those heartfelt solos that I can do! Thank goodness!”

As the year winds down, so Kenny G’s tradition of returning home repeats: sharing music, reconnecting with his roots, and offering Seattle a soundtrack for the season.

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley welcomes Seattle’s own Franklin High School and University of Washington graduate, Grammy- and American Music Award–winning saxophonist, Kenny G, for five nights and ten shows: twice each evening from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30.