Tula's

Nearly every seat was filled on a recent Thursday evening at Seattle jazz jem Tula's. Its doors open over 11 years now —a rare feat in the nightclub business—the mainstay has garnered a reputation nationwide for bringing quality local and national jazz acts (legend Wynton Marsalis has even stopped by for a session) to the room on a regular basis. We're talking a full seven-nights-a-week regular—yet another difficult endeavor. Consistency and caliber are to credit for the magnetism of the joint, which draws a crowd of refreshing variety. A recent weekday-evening excursion found a couple upwards of 70 bobbing their heads next to a table of twentysomethings out for a night on the town, all without a hint of irony. Tula's reasonably priced menu touts provisions of the Mediterranean and American type; supplement the steady stream of standards with some flaky spanakopita or spicy chicken wings. Whatever snack you select, save room for what's coming up next. Starting Friday, Tula's takes part in the acclaimed Earshot Jazz Festival for a 12-day run (Oct. 20–31), with acts such as award-winning multihornman Jay Thomas and Cuban pianist Manuel Valera. AJA PECKNOLD