For many West Seattle residents, Thanksgiving Day has a beloved tradition that extends beyond the family table: the complimentary Friendsgiving spread offered annually by the Admiral Pub. This year, pub owners Billy Conwell and Alex Garcia are expanding their generous community effort by hosting a free concert featuring the talented local jazz duo Reis & Cates.
The Admiral Pub’s doors will open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, 2025, at 2 p.m.. This annual event is designed to give back to the community and provide a warm, inviting space for those without a traditional family celebration. They are located at 2306 California Ave SW
A Community Tradition Continues
The annual Friendsgiving Feast, described as an "important tradition," is wildly popular with neighbors. Dinner is scheduled to begin around 6 p.m.. Attendees can look forward to standard Thanksgiving dinner fare, including Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy.
While the dinner is offered entirely free to all guests, donations are welcomed. These contributions go directly to the cooks who volunteer their time to prep and cook the food over three days.
Jazz Takes the Stage
If the free feast wasn't enough cause for gratitude, Thanksgiving 2025 will feature live music. The concert begins at 9 p.m. and stars Reis & Cates, the jazz duet composed of West Seattle residents Rachael Reis and Jay Cates.
They will be joined by other local music-friends, and the evening promises a tantalizing "big Jay Cates reveal" during the event. The event is promoted with the hashtags #BigJazzEnergy and #framily, emphasizing the upbeat atmosphere and sense of chosen family.
Spotlight on Jay Cates
Jay Cates, an active West Seattle resident, is a nationally recognized singer-songwriter and an essential figure in the local music scene. Cates is currently promoting his soon-to-be-released, original, solo jazz album, At Long Last Love.
His musical career is extensive; he was formerly signed to LMNOPop/RCA Records and has toured across North America with numerous projects. This includes The Bends, a band he co-founded with West Seattle business owner Ben Jenkins, which charted in the PNW top 10.
Cates’s local roots run deep, extending beyond his musical contributions. He was selected as Seattle Weekly’s ‘Best Bartender’ in 2017 and has been an essential part of several West Seattle businesses, including Shadowland, The Corner Pocket, VIDIOT, Boombox, Yen Wor, and MAX’s Triangle Pub. Furthermore, he has led charity efforts for the University of Washington’s Neurological Vocational Services for West Seattle.
All are welcome to join the Admiral Pub for this tremendous free opportunity to commune and celebrate the holiday
