Internationally acclaimed clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski will bring his legendary sound to Spokane for a special concert with Hot Club of Spokane, Zonky Jazz Band, and the Red Hot Kitten Stompers at Hamilton Studio on Sunday, October 12, 2025 with a matinee at 2pm with Hot Club of Spokane and an evening show at 6pm with Zonky Jazz Band and the Red Hot Kitten Stompers.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest living jazz clarinetists, Peplowski’s career spans more than four decades. He has appeared on hundreds of recordings, worked with icons from Benny Goodman to Peggy Lee to Madonna, and headlined jazz festivals and concert halls around the globe. Known for his warm tone, technical brilliance, and witty stage presence, Peplowski carries forward the rich tradition of jazz clarinet while continuing to expand its possibilities.

“Ken Peplowski is a true giant of jazz — his artistry connects audiences to both the golden era of swing and the excitement of modern improvisation,” said Garrin Hertel, bandleader, Hot Club of Spokane. “For Spokane to experience him up close in an intimate venue like Hamilton Studio is a rare opportunity.”

The New York Times referred to one of his concerts as “Goodman Straight Up, With A Twist Of Lightning.”

Ken Peplowski has recorded more than 50 albums as a soloist and appeared on over 400 as a sideman. Early in his career, he joined Benny Goodman’s last working band, cementing his place in the lineage of great American jazz clarinetists. He has since toured internationally, performed with leading symphony orchestras, and been a featured artist at nearly every major jazz festival in the world. Critics have called him “the greatest living jazz clarinetist” (BBC). Mel Tormé said: “Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic.”