Benefits planned for Seattle jazz artist

Fans and friends of Ernestine Anderson, the internationally known jazz vocalist who is in danger of losing her Seattle home to foreclosure, are planning fundraisers.

Anderson, 79, faces a deadline Monday to raise $45,000 to keep her six-bedroom Central Area home from the auction block.

Friday, comedians with The Comedy Shop at the Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., will hold a benefit show. Tickets cost $10 in advance. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Anderson -- "a wonderful woman that has impacted our community for so many years," event organizers said. Seattle's Rod Long, among others, is scheduled to perform. For show times and ticket information go to brownpapertickets.com.

On Sunday, a group of Pioneer Square restaurants will hold "An Evening with Ernestine," individual fundraisers that will include dinner, wine and live music for $100, with the bulk of proceeds going to help the singer.

Supporters can visit one of seven participating restaurants: Mitchelli's, Collins Pub, Cafe Paloma, New Orleans Creole Restaurant, Al Boccalino, DeNunzio's, and Cafe Bengodi. Reservations are needed for the seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. Anderson is scheduled to drop by and meet diners.

For more information, go to pioneersquare.org or contact Dany Mitchell of Mitchelli's at 206-623-3888 or danymitchell@hotmail.com.

Dozens of Seattle-area jazz artists also are slated to play Sunday at the New Orleans between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m.