big fun january 2009
DESCRIPTION
Variety Entertainment MagazineTRANSCRIPT
4 THE MIX
Variety Entertainment
6 DINING & WINE
Carter’s Chocolates
7 Lori Newby’s
Wine & Chocolate
Pairings
The correct way to
taste Wine
8 ART & DESIGN
Jewelry Designer
Amy Johnson
9 NW JAZZ PROFILE
Vocalist
Virginia Ashby
10 BEST SINGERS
IN THE SOUND
13 WHAT’S NEW
Sax Man
Tracy Knoop
14 PROFILE
Q & A with
Kareem Kandi
INSIDE
JANUARY, 2010
EMAIL: [email protected] - 253-473-1866
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010 3
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DAVID JOHNSON
Accounting / Editorial Traffic: Rose Murphy
Proofreaders: Ce’Lene Sakellis, Larry Warfield
Photography: Sean Cummings, Walter Atkins, Richard Baker
Advertising Sales: [email protected] 253-473-1866
David Johnson and Gary Grape
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE is published 12 times a year. The views
expressed in BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE are those of their respective
contributors and are not necessarily those of its publisher, editors, or staff. All images in
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ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.
Copyright 2010 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.
EMAIL: [email protected]
253-473-1866
5226 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma WA 98409
BIG FUN
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE
9
13
4 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
Jazz It Up!
With Special Guest
Jeff Kashiwa
Jazz It Up! is the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts
Council’s annual Arts Scholarship Program
fundraiser. Joining Jeff will be special guests
Doug and Sam Ried and the Shoreline School
District’s Friends and Faculty All Star Band.
Shoreline middle and high school jazz bands will
also be performing.
Jeff Kashiwa grew up in Shoreline and is a
graduate of Shorecrest High School. He became
one of the most dynamic live saxophonists in
contemporary jazz during his amazing decade long
tenure with The Rippingtons. He appeared on
many of the band’s classic recordings, including
Welcome to the St. James Club, Curves Ahead,
Weekend in Monaco, Sahara and Black Diamond,
as well as Live in L.A.
The Shorecrest Performing Arts Center is located
at 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.
Tickets can be purchased online at
www.shorelinearts.net or by calling
206-417-4645. This concert is presented by The
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council Presents
and made possible through the support of the
Shoreline Schools Foundation, Kennelly Keys.
THE MIX
Variety Entertainment
Najee
Jan 14-17
Dimitriou’s Jazz
Alley
Seattle , WA
Marc Smason
Free World
Jan 22
Gallery 1412
Seattle, WA
Dance
Theatre of
Harlem
Ensemble
Jan 29
Pantages Theater
Tacoma, WA
Gabriel
Iglesias
Jan 23
Moore Theatre
Seattle, WA
Star Machine
Every Thursday
PJ Pockets Casino Federal Way, WA
Norman
Connors
Darren
Motamedy
Jan 24
Muckleshoot
Casino
Auburn, WA
David Keys
Quartet
Jan 31
Marine View
Church
Tacoma, WA
Virginia
Ashby
Every Thursday
Vince’s Italian
Restaurant
Federal Way, WA
Saturday, January 23, - 7:30 p.m.
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center
JAZZ
POP
COMEDY
DANCE
CONTACT BIG FUN
253-473-1866
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
6 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
eattle has more than its share of show-
stealing chocolate shops and one of the best
is Carter’s Chocolates, just across the
water in lovely Port Orchard.
Af ter on ly
just over a year in
business, Matt
Carter’s exquisitely
decorated squares of
de li gh tful handmade
chocolates have found their
way into the Chocolate Box in
downtown Seattle, the dessert
menu at the Pike Brewing
Company in P ike P lace
Market, the Alderbrook
Resort, and soon, they will be
in the Westlake Whole Foods.
All this attention is for a very
good reason – Matt’s creations
represent the best that gourmet
chocolate has to offer. At the
2
nd
Annual Seattle Luxury
Chocolate Salon tasting - July,
2009, Matt Carter was among
some long es tabli shed
choco la tie rs, o ffe ring an
impressive selection from his
menu. He brought his dessert
wine truffles, flavored with Washington State
wines, plus some liqueur flavors and more.
Carter ’s Chocolates was rated by certain
bloggers as the best in the room, and took home
a prize in the Best Flavored Chocolate category.
What sets Matt Carter’s Chocolates apart from
the many other shops in the area is his use of
ingredients that reflect his desire to create the
very best, while maintaining his values.
Matt feels that “Eschewing industrial blends
in favor of single-origin chocolates brings more
flavor to our plate by ensuring proper treatment
of the cacao, which makes the end product
taste better - and also
ensures proper
treatment of the
workers, which
makes us feel
better.”
One of the organ ic
chocolates used by
Carter is from Swiss
company Felchlin,
grown on the ir
es ta te in the
D o m i n i c a n
Republic. It has a
bold fruity flavor
profile which pairs
wel l in the Grand Marnier truffle.
Another, one of the darkest truffles on the menu,
combines a 70% dark chocolate from Columbia
with Pike XXXXX Stout Ale made right here
in Seattle. That one is decorated with the Pike
logo, and is available on the dessert menu at
the Pike Pub, alongside the Kiltlifter and
Tandem Ale truffles, all paired with their
respective ales. The Kiltlifter truffle features
a 36% milk chocolate, also from Columbia, and
the Tandem brown ale combines a pure Criollo
dark chocolate with the milk chocolate, ending
up with a ma lty sweetness tha t works
surprisingly well.
One of the biggest trends in confectionery today
is the salted caramel, and, naturally, there are
a few offered by Carter’s. Squares of soft creamy
caramel are dipped in either milk or dark
chocolate then sprinkled with Fleur de Sel sea
salt for one of the most popular treats in the
country. But Carter is never happy following
the crowd. He has come up with a couple of
more interesting twists to salted caramels: one
with candied orange inside, enrobed in dark
chocolate with citrus salt on top; and a candied
pineapple and coconut caramel topped with pink
Hawaiian sea salt.
The Bananas Foster truffle, his newest creation,
is also currently the most popular with his loyal
customers and those of the Chocolate Box, but
he spends more time making pecan caramel
turtles than any other single item. And he always
seems on the verge of running
shor t. They are just too
adorable for words and don’t
seem to last long anywhere.
One more step taken that
reflects the values of the folks
at Carter ’s, is that the boxes
used to make up a nice selection
of chocola tes for the next
birthday or Chocolate Holiday
are made with recycled
cardboard. And the cellophane
bags around the turtles, the
barks loaded with nuts or dried
frui t - and al l your o ther
ch ildhood wishes - a re
biodegradable, made from plant
starch! I wonder if that means
that you can even eat the bags?
The shop where they mix all
these delights with love is located at 1700 SE
Mile Hill Dr #255, Port Orchard, WA 98366.
Email them at [email protected],
Their telephone number is 360-876-4424.
You can also order directly from
www.carterschocolates.com.
DINING & WINE
Flowers and Champagne May Set the Stage
But It’s Chocolate That Steals the Show!
Valentine’s Day Is On the Way
S
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
What is Gold?
Gold is a chemical element (symbol Au) that is
the most malleable and ductile of metals, so that
a single gram of gold can be worked into a sheet
over three feet square. Gold is a very good
conductor of heat and electricity and is not
adversely affected by most chemicals or by heat,
water or gases. In particular, gold is resistant to
nitric acid which will dissolve most other metals
and gold’s resistance to nitric acid is the source
of the term “the acid test.” Interestingly, chlorine,
a chemical commonly found in laundry products,
swimming pools and hot tubs can, in higher
concentrations and long exposures, degrade the
structural integrity of alloyed gold as used in
jewelry.
Gold Alloyed for Jewelry. What’s in it?
Pure gold is thought too soft for most jewelry
uses and is usually “hardened” by alloying it with
other metals— typically a mixture of silver,
copper, and zinc. The ratio between these alloys
when they are added to 24k gold determine the
resulting color or tint of the gold with a higher
copper content, creating a “red or pink” metal
and more silver producing a “yellow-green” gold.
When alloying to create white gold for use in
jewelry, nickel is also added to this mixture as a
bleaching agent. For jewelry, the “quality” or
content of gold in a piece is measured in karats
with 24k (karat) being 100% pure gold, 18k or
750 designating 75% pure gold, and 14k or 583
showing 58% pure gold with the rest being
alloys.
Gold’s Past
Gold was among the first metals worked by early
humans and has been used for ornamentation,
religious and spiritual symbols and to represent
wealth since prehistoric times. Gold is described
in Egyptian texts as early as 2600 BC and the
earliest known map, known as the Turin papyrus,
shows the plan of a gold mine in Nubia together
with indications of the local geology. Gold is
mentioned numerous times in the Vedas of India,
the Old Testament or Torah and many other
scared tex ts and was importan t for both
monitorial and spiritual reasons to many ancient
civilizations around the world. In Europe,
Alchemists tried for centuries to transform more
common substances such as lead to gold. The
symbol these Alchemists used for gold was a
circle with a do t in the center “O” and,
interestingly, this same symbol also represents
the sun in western astrology, the sun in Egyptian
hieroglyphs, and is also an ancient Chinese
character representing the Sun.
Gold’s Present
Because gold has been highly valued throughout
history, it is believed that perhaps 90% of the
gold produced historically is still in circulation in
some form or another. That missing 10% is
thought by some social scientists to explain the
relatively modern phenomena of older men
wearing shor ts and slowly wav ing metal
detectors over the ground. Today, gold is the
metal used by the International Monetary Fund
as the basis for a world monetary standard. Gold
is widely used in the electronics industry, in
medicine, in scientific research, the arts, for
coinage and, of course, for Jewelry. The largest
gold producers today are South Africa, Canada,
United Sates and Australia with additional mines
in Siberia, India and South America. The largest
refined gold bullion holdings in the modern world
are in the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank in New
York and at the U.S. Depository at Fort Knox,
which between them, have gold deposits
representing nearly 6% of all gold ever mined in
modern history.
Gold’s Future
Demand for gold has never been higher than it
is today. Gold ’s use in medicine and in
electronics continues to rise steadily. Perhaps
even more significant is the increased demand
for gold’s use in Jewelry due to the new global
affluence, particularly in such traditionally strong
gold markets such as India and China. Gold’s
future looks very bright, particularly when
considering the rising demand in India and China
wi th thei r combined bi llions of potential
consumers. Global growth in demand for gold,
which is used by national governments to
represent monetary wealth, in technology and
medicine, and of course in jewelry worldwide,
forecasts a steady rise in value for many years
to come. Looking forward, gold is likely to
continue to be seen and valued around the world
as a symbol of purity, value, commitment, wealth
and prestige well into the foreseeable future.
2009©RAY J ROUSSEAU
INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUAL SCIENCES
http://www.institutespiritualsciences.org
JEWELRY
Gold: Beyond the Glitter
By Ray J. Rousseau
Gold Nuggett
Wine
MILK
Terra Blanca Red Mountain Cabernet
Sauvignon - Washington
WHITE
R.L. Buller and Sons Muscat - Australia
DARK
Dark Horse Sonoma Zinfandel -
California
The Correct Way
To Taste Wine
BY LORI NEWBY
& Chocolate
Pairings
SWIRL
While holding the glass by
the stem, swirl the wine
with the glass flat on the
table.
SNIFF
With your nose in the
glass, take a big sniff. You
will actually be able to
separate the aromas on
your tongue.
SIP
Take a big sip and
vigorously swish it around
your mouth several times
before swallowing.
SPIT
When tasting more than
one wine, spit it out. You
can cleans your pallet with
a saltless cracker before
tasting your next wine.
8 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
JEWELRY
he process starts out with an idea, which
motivates someone to ask a jeweler, “how
can I have something I’m dreaming of, and
I want made just for me, but I don’t know how to
explain it?” The whole concept of custom design
is creating something for an individual, according
to their own unique tastes and desires, with
consideration of their budget, wear issues, and
schedule. There are few truly customizable
options readily available to consumers, and
jewelry ranks among the most personal.
The designers at Johnson Jewelers, of downtown
Puyallup, truly enjoy the challenging process of
creating custom jewe lry. Retailers and
manufacturers of jewelry, Johnson Jewelers has
been built by four generations of independent
thinking, experience, and artistic skills. The
founder, JG Johnson was a young Icelandic
immigrant to the US who in 1898 chose a career
in an industry that was highly competitive. He
flourished as an accomplished watchmaker and
skilled hand engraver. Over a century later, his
grandson Robert and great-grand-daughters Jodi
and Amy continue on in his footsteps.
According to the Johnsons, a custom jeweler must
listen to the emotional wants as well as the stylistic
preferences of the client. “Every commission is
different. Rather than expressing our own style,
what matters is, understanding what our client
really wants, and constructing it in a functional
way,” says Amy.
Some creations take more time than others. One
FINE & DESIGN
memorable commission was a 12.45 ct total weight
diamond and platinum ring. It took 10 months to
create, and involved many steps of sketches,
emails, and wax model approvals. The motivation
of this ring was to create something feminine,
unique, yet strong and precious – mirroring the
personality of the wearer, built around her 7.43ct
princess cut center diamond.
After extensive discussions with the client, Amy
Johnson started with scale drawings of all sides.
From this point, a basic model was produced for
approval, just to get a feel for the scale. Also a
gemologist, she then selected the diamonds for
the ring, which provided some interesting supply
challenges. The client wanted to use square
diamonds in areas of the ring with a traditional
pavé style setting method. This meant using a
very special cut, the “Flanders Brilliant” which
has beveled corners, but is not readily available
in small sizes in quantity. All of the 200 diamonds
were graded for quality – with 58 facets each,
that’s 11,600 surfaces to examine!
Platinum is a difficult metal to work with, and
required a highly skilled bench jeweler to create
this complex design. They chose to work with
their long time friend Reuben Teves, one of the
very few certified Jewelers of America Certified
Master Bench Jewelers (trademark symbol) in
Washington. To make the ring, he constructed it
Amy Johnson
in sections, most of which is covered in a
specialized setting method called “bright setting”
which has sharp angular surfaces cut around the
diamonds.
After completing the design, the Johnsons had
their local photographer Gary McCutcheon of
McCutcheon Studios shoot the ring. Gary had
fun shooting various perspectives of the piece, but
the best part was putting it on the client. An
intricate piece was made more beautiful with
human touch.
Amy Johnson - Johnson Jewelers
103 South Meridian, Puyallup, WA,
253-848-1332, www.johnson-jewelers.com
Custom Jewelry Designer - Puyallup, WA
7.43ct princess cut center diamond
Platinum is a difficult metal to
work with, and required a
highly skilled bench jeweler to
create this complex design.
They chose to work with their
long time friend Reuben
Teves...
12.45 ct total weight diamond and platinum ring
Reuben Teves working on the wax model
12.45 ct - scale view
T
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010 9
Virginia Ashby
never chose to be a singer. I was supposed to be
a neurosurgeon. Although music has always been
my soul’s deepest solace; I’ve always been
compelled to sing, science was what I was really
good at. It was the only rational path for my future.
As a kid, I relished in all my years of vocal study
and rigorous musical training. I soaked up every
drop with the understanding that one day I would
turn in my musical practices for a medical one.
Med school is not something one does half way.
So when the time came, my head’s passion vetoed
my hearts and I did stop the music. What happened
next? I became the saddest girl anyone has ever
known. My broken heart encompassed the world
around me. An inescapable darkness tarnished
everything in sight. I woke up to the sad sickness
in my chest each morning. I carried it’s heaviness
throughout each day and I lay down to sleep with
it each night.
Sometimes we wonder if we’re on the right path
in life. Sometimes we wonder if maybe we were
intended for some other destiny. And then
sometimes we unequivocally know.
My father was disappointed at first. I’d been
warned for years by my music teachers; preached
to at nauseam about how the life of an artist is
inevitably filled with struggle and hardship. One
good look at my face and I knew my father
understood. There is no struggle or hardship
greater than that which fills a life without music
for me.
Funny, the music industry has actually been very
good to me! Music affords me anything I could
want for. It enables me to meet and work with
amazing people. I’ve traveled the world, tasted
other cultures and had irreplaceable, life-enriching
experiences through music. Best of all, I
wake up each morning and get to do the
thing I love to do. Good thing, considering
I never have had a choice in the matter.
The newest development with my career
is the achievement of international
distribution! My management team is
incredible. The album is not even
completed yet and they already have
some of the songs released as singles in
Europe right now! Once the music has a
chance to sink in, there is talk of a tour.
Details will be posted at
www.virginiaashby.com and
www.myspace.com /virginiaashby.
I am surprised by the direction my music
has taking creatively. It’s a lot bolder and
hits a bit harder than anything my
listeners are used to hearing from me,
but I think they’re ready for it.
It was important to me that this album
had plenty of songs that make people
want to move. It’s unapologetically
honest, edgy but affirming and I am
absolutely in love with it! Collaborating
with Hip Hop Producer, Robbie Clinton
is always amazing. These songs are
soulful with a “clubby” twist.
Love? I could talk all day and only scratch
the surface on love. I have an imminent
awareness of the uncertainty and tragic
brevity of this life. There is no bigger
crime than wasted time. I therefore
approach love with reckless abandon.
Fear and hesitation are a waste of time. I love
everyone –even the Jerk-offs. Sound crazy? From
what I understand, people who have a lot of love
in their lives; live longer, live healthier and live
happier than those who don’t. So who’s really
crazy?
I never pass up an opportunity to make someone
smile. When I’m gone, I believe people will
remember me for more than my music, they’ll
remember me as someone who made a positive
mark on this world.
NW JAZZ PROFILE
On Music, Love & Life
I
SANDRA LOCKLEAR
CEE CEE JAMES
KIM ARCHER
OGHALE AGBRO
VIRGINIA ASHBY
JOANNE KLEIN
10 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
Your next party or event will be a hit when you hire one of the BEST SINGERS available.
Here is a small sampling of the best professional singers who will deliver what you need.
A Roosevelt Vocal Jazz Ensemble Alumni trained
by the esteemed Scott Brown.
The recipient of the Bud Shank jazz workshop
scholarship 2 times in a row.
I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work with
such artist as Greta Matassa and Edmonia Jarrett.
Performed on stages like the Rialto Theater in Atlanta, GA and at Tula’s
Seattle WA,
My voice has been described as “Sultry and Original” and “Captivating
and Abstract”
Contact: 206-351-3180, www.oghaleagbro.com, [email protected]
If ever there was a perfect match of natural vocal
talent and commanding stage presence, it is
found in Kim Archer. The soulful, natural tones
that flow through her voice engage listeners, and
her smooth, passionate delivery evokes an
energy that brings people to their feet! Since her
first live performances in Washington in 2004 with her band, she has
brought her soul, funk, jazz, blues, classic rock and R&B influences to
thousands of listeners.
Contact: 253-298-5961, [email protected],
www.kimarcherband.com, www.myspace.com/kimarcherband,
www.facebook.com/kimarcherband, www.twitter.com/kimarcherband
“The Voice of the South Sound” –Douglas
Barnett (International touring artist/Composer)
Her fortes span Pop, Soul, Blues, and Jazz. She
is a dynamic performer and a favorite for private
parties and corporate events. A few of her
performances of note include: Olympic Stadium -
Beijing 2008, performed with blues legend, Curtis Salgado, first
choice for studio vocals, sang Billboard #3 Hip Hop Single with
Legacy and Too Short. She is renowned for her versatility and
performs 6 shows weekly including Muckleshoot Casino. And she also
writes and records original music for National and European
distribution.
Contact: [email protected], [email protected]
Constant comparison to Janis Joplin puts this
“R&B Independent Artist of the Year” award
winner in the same company with the best-of-the-
best blues belters. Cee Cee James, aptly dubbed
“The Vocal Volcano” by Robert Horn of the WA
Blues Society, is a must for the music lover that
likes it low down, raw and real. “…The real deal! Her performance is
electrifying!” - Rita Ashley, Examiner.com/Seattle.
Cee Cee is available worldwide.
CeeCeeJames.com / [email protected], 360-632-9901
A veteran of cabaret, musical theatre, and
concert, JOANNE KLEIN combines her diverse
talents to present an innovative blend of music,
theatre, comedy and lyricism. From jazz to pop,
swing to R&B, classics to originals, everything
she touches becomes a fresh look at the world.
Energetic, versatile and clever with a sophisticated flair, Ms Klein is
very musical, very zany, and above all,
totally entertaining.
...incapable of being anything other than dynamite... - Wayne Johnson,
Seattle Times.
Contact: www.joannekleindiva.com, [email protected]
Pianist-Singer
Solo to combo, Sandra performs fresh swinging
jazz and pop standards, sexy bossa novas,
riveting ballads and her own compositions. With
a natural gift for connecting with audiences, she
pairs a rich alto voice with elegant jazz piano
stylings refined over many years of playing venues in the Pacific
Northwest, Canada and Europe. For bookings, contact:
[email protected]. “Sandra brings class, spirit, and artistic
inspiration ...” - David Syre, CEO
For bookings, contact: [email protected].,
www.sandralocklear.com, www.youtube.com
Local Color
Specializing In Vocal Jazz
1606 Pike Place, Seattle, WA, 206-728-1717
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egan’s Ballard Jam House
The Best In Live Music
1707 Market St., Ballard, WA, 206-789-1621
Sponsored By
SPECIAL PROMOTION
BECKI SUE
MARC SMASON
MAIA SANTELL
MERCEDES NICOLE
LEAH NATALE
STEPHANIE PORTER
SUSAN SIMS
LEAH STILLWELL
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010 11
Style - Leah’s sultry vocals capture the artful
simplicity of American and Brazilian jazz
standards. “Natale’s delivery is playful, hip, sexy
and at times, coy.” - Earshot Jazz Magazine.
Credits - Leah’s debut album My Someday,
recorded with a 10 – piece jazz orchestra, can be heard on several
radio stations around the country and has been well received
throughout Japan.
Attributes – “Leah is quietly gaining a much deserved reputation
around town with her sultry voice and slick vocal styling” - Earshot
Jazz Magazine
Mercedes Nicole is a intimately explosive
performer with a voice that is warm, expressive
and soulful. She moves from a deep contralto to
a startling clear mezzo soprano with ease and
conviction. Although her voice is uniquely her
own, fans often hear hints of Sarah, Dinah and
Nina Simone. Mercedes definitely wears the title of ‘Sassy!” When
she swings, she swings hard, and when she serenades, be
prepared to surrender your heart! She connections on such an
emotional with her voice and personality that Jazz Lovers constantly
request information about the whereabouts of her next show! For
booking information, call: 206-235-0478 -
www.mercedesnicole.com, www.myspace.com/
mercedesnicolemakesmusic
Stephanie Porter ’s rich vocals, melodic styling’s
and original interpretations of jazz standards
give her a distinctly original sound. Locally, she
has headlined at Seattle’s top rooms including
Jazz Alley, The Triple Door, Tula’s and El
Gaucho’s Pampas Room. She has performed at
high profile galas and before international audiences. After the release
of her debut album “Mood Swings”, KPLU’s Nick Morrison describes
her as “One of the freshest new jazz singers he’s heard in quite some
time”.
Contact: (206) 407.4513 - [email protected]
A descendant of Seattle’s Jackson Street era of
jazz, Maia Santell is known as “The Pacific
Northwest Queen of Swing”. She is one of the
few Northwest female singer/bandleaders that
has managed to keep an ensemble of male
instrumentalists giggin’ for over two decades. Her
vocals are clear, warm and natural; totally free of contrived theatricality,
and her phrasing is impeccable. Maia leads a “Dancing With the Stars”
style combo, as well as a jazz and blues band.
Contact: www.MaiaSantell.com, [email protected],
Suze Sims 2009 WBS Best Female Vocalist &
2008 Performer of the Year international vocalist
composer with no tricks or tweaks. Daughter of
Jazz drummer Pete La Roca; Suze’s band - the
Red Hot Blues Sisters; tour US Europe Canada
as 2008 WBS Best Band & 2008/09 Blues Foundation IBC Semi-
Finalists. A truly unmistakably soul-shaking artist & musically healing
engaging headliner or support talent for WNBA, Mavis Staples,
Shemekia Copeland, Phoebe Snow, Joan Armatrading, Elvin Bishop,
Bobby Rush, Melissa Etheridge, Bernard Alison and Canned Heat. Not
to be missed! Contact: www.cdbaby.com/cd/rhbsisters3,
[email protected], www.bigsismedia.com/RHBS.html,
www.facebook.com/.../Red-Hot-Blues-Sister,
www.peacecoderecords.com/Red_Hot_Blues_Sisters.html
Trombonist/vocalist/composer, Marc Smason
learned, from his mother, to sing as a young
child in Texas and studied classical and jazz
trombone and voice in Seattle and Los Angeles.
He has performed around the world with such
luminaries as Big Joe Turner, the Funk Brothers,
Andy Statman, Perry Robinson, Sam Shepard, Julian Priester, Buel
Neidlinger, Sonny Simmons, Hadley Caliman, Jeff Johnson, Marc
Graham, Baby Gramps and the Ivar’s Clams, as well as music for film
and theater. His playing encompasses many styles including Jazz,
Latin, Brazilian, collective improv, Klezmer and R&B.
Smason’s vocals...are at once dry and emotional, lending a fresh,
believable quality. - Mike Dennis, Earshot
www.marcsmason.com, [email protected]
Fresh and alluring, Leah Stillwell is a classy
addition to the Seattle jazz scene. Her first CD, So
This Is Love, was released under the Pony Boy
Records label to rave reviews. “Her clear alto voice
radiates optimism and love of life.” -Heritage Music
Review. “A lways understated bu t vibrant-
exhilarating!” -Overton Berry. Her stylish vocals will make your occasion
an event to remember.
For performances and booking visit: www.leahstillwell.com
or call 425-239-3079.
Becki Sue, a Texas/Chicago style blues
belter, burst onto the NW scene in 2002 as lead
singer of Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
A newcomer then, Becki Sue gained the status
of ‘Award Winning Blues Performer’ when
honored by The Washington. Blues Society with
“BB” Awards as “Best Female Vocalist” and “Performer of the Year” in
2007 ... and her band was voted “Best Blues Band” in both 2006 and
2007. This gal can flat out sing! ...and her onstage look and moves
leaves ‘em beggin’ for more every time!
Contact: www.bigrockindaddies.com, www.myspace.com/
bigrockindaddies, [email protected]
Michelle Burge
SPECIAL PROMOTION
DARRIUS WILLRICH
ALMA VILLEGAS
JACQUELINE TABOR
KEELY WHITNEY
12 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
In the past 5 years I have had the honor of
working with such clients as Microsoft, Tom
Douglas, Weber Thompson, and Northland
Communications. I understand the term
background music and always level my volume
to allow intimate conversations. I have
experience with MC’s and event planners. I
perform for such a variety of corporate clients and at more than 100
corporate events, celebrations, birthdays and weddings. If you want
experience and a touch of class please keep me in mind. I am
Jacqueline D. Tabor.
Contact: 206.890.6716, www.vocalsbyjacqueline.com
www.gigmasters.com/Singer JacquelineDTabor/
Alma Villegas’ lustful voice brings you an
exquisite and passionate selection of Latin
flavors focusing on the traditional bolero (Latin
ballad), cha-chas, bossa novas, mid-tempo
Latin jazz standards and a variety of Cuban
rhythms including son and salsa. Alma has
performed at venues and festivals in the
Northwest for over ten years. Join her on an excursion of soul and
tradition. Available as a trio, quartet or quintet.
For booking, visit www.almavillegas.com or [email protected]
Keely Whitney is Seattle’s best kept secret.
Having sung on many national recordings for
companies such as:
The Disney Channel, McDonald’s, Taco Bell,
Ben Bridge and Oldsmobile, has a reputation
for vocal excellence. In 2007 Keely won a
Soundie, a national award for excellence in
commercial recordings. With a powerful, soulful, sultry voice, Keely
can effortlessly soar into her 3½ octave range with the precision that
only a seasoned professional can achieve. Look for Keely’s debut
album coming out in 2010!
Contact: website: www.keelywhitney.com, [email protected]
Seattle’s soul-singer-songwriter Darrius Willrich
drips a sensuous interplay of soul, jazz, and inner
city longings. Sure to engage your all your
senses, with the look, sound and fee l of
yesterday’s soul-today. The spirit of Stevie
Wonder, D’Angelo, and Herbie Hancock, season
the musical stew that is Darrius...Sweet Urban
Soul. Being a trained jazz pianist, a soulful singer, and an intelligent
songwriter, with love for hip-hop, Darrius Willrich delivers feel good
music drawn from a wide skill spectrum.
Contact: www.dar riuswi llrich .com, www.myspace.com/
darriuswillrich, [email protected]
SPECIAL PROMOTION
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010 13
PERFORMANCE CAREER
I am beginning a weekly jazz gig at a new
club in North Bend called Boxley’s which I
am very excited about. I also recently have
been contracting a venue in Spokane which
brings in major acts such as Bernadette
Peters, Don Rickles and many others.
RECORDING CAREER
I have one CD in the can and the last Sunday
in January I will be recording LIVE from
Boxley’s.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
I continue to be inspired by great old friends
like Bill Ramsay, Jay Thomas and Bob
Hammer, to name a few. My peers, such as:
John Hansen, Larry Holloway and Greg
Williamson continue to work constantly to
create venues for jazz players.
THE STATE OF THE MUSIC BIZ
It saddens me to see the state of live music,
real music, slowing. When I first moved back
to Seattle in 1992 gigs were plentiful and
lucrative. Of course as the economy slows,
live music is affected. With that said, I think
musicians have to create their own venues
and opportunities...such as all age venues.
[And we need to be] able to explore avenues
that appeal to a broader audience.
PERSONAL LIFE
My teaching career is wonderful...lots of
great young students...and almost more than I
can handle! After teaching privately for 17
years, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of
my new teaching program that will be offered
online coming in January 2010. Please check
out my website www.tracyknoop.com to learn
more about it.
FAMILY LIFE
With my wife’s photography business
(www.parkavenuephotography.com) and my
musical career we are extremely busy raising
our 3 boys, Parker (9), Cole (6), and Bennett
(2) who are the greatest joys in our lives.
Despite the occasional chaos, we have some
new projects in the works for both of our
businesses [that we will] launch [this year].
Stay tuned!
PERSONAL GROWTH
My original goal was always to practice,
perform, and record the music I love....and I
continue to work towards that every day!
GIG SCHEDULE
Boxley’s every Sunday in January, 7-10PM,
with a live recording of the last session of the
month.
Contact: www.tracyknoop.com,
Email: [email protected]
Tracy Knoop
Woodwinds / Private Instruction- Tacoma, WA
NW JAZZ PROFILE
14 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
areem, you seem to be working
everywhere with quite a few bands.
What’s your secret for staying so busy?
Hard work and a love of music. For my own
group, I am constantly trying to book more
shows and projects to keep the band busy. As far
as other bands go, I do a fair amount of sideman
work, but the bulk of my time is spent
performing with The Paperboys from Vancouver
B.C.
You are approaching virtuoso-status with
straight-ahead jazz; how long did it take you
to become proficient as a professional
musician?
Years. I am still working on several aspects of
my playing and composing that I feel need
improvement. There isn’t enough time in my
day to practice all the things that I’d like to
attend to.
Which international jazz stars have you
worked with?
I’ve had the opportunity to perform with several
great jazz artists through the years, including
Bill Watrous, Jon Fedchock, Pete Christlieb,
Andy Martin, Bill Ramsey, Julian Priester,
Hadley Caliman, Jay Thomas, Miguelito
Valdes, Greta Matassa, Ali Jackson, Don
Lanphere, Red Holloway, Marvin Stamm, Tracy
Knoop, and Herman Green.
You are also quite busy with teaching. Where
do you teach?
Currently, I am teaching as an artist in residence
at The Tacoma School of the Arts. I also conduct
the jazz Big Band at Pierce College, and work
with forty private students a week. Throughout
the year, I’ll also do workshops at several of the
schools around the area.
What is your average weekly schedule like?
Very busy. About thirty hours of my week are
devoted to teaching music. The rest of the time
is spent performing, practicing, composing,
booking shows, promoting, and running a band.
Usually, from the time I wake up until the time I
go to bed, I am working on something musically
related.
With such a busy schedule, what do you do to
stay physically fit?
Kareem
Kandi
Saxophone
Tacoma, WA
I don’t really have a set exercise routine, but I
do try to take care of myself by taking the dog
for long walks, eating healthy, and getting a fair
amount of sleep. This doesn’t always happen,
but I try to stay aware of my health because I
don’t have time to be sick.
Do you ever get a chance to break away and
just chill out? If so, what do you do for
relaxation?
In rare moments of spare time, I like to read,
listen to music, go for walks, and enjoy the
company of friends and family. I find these
things to be the most relaxing and they seem to
provide a nice disconnect from my busy
schedule.
What do you want people to remember about
you and your music?
Hopefully, I’ll leave a positive impact both
through my actions and my music. I’d like this
to occur as often as possible. It doesn’t always
happen, but that is my goal.
NW JAZZ PROFILE
K
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010 15
BIG FUN
IS SEEKING
AD SALES MANAGER
AD SALES REPS.
VERY HIGH COMMISSION
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WRITERS NEEDED!
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253-473-1866
SELECTED ARTICLES FROM 2009
BLUES
BLUES
Randy Oxford - ‘Bone Man’
Randy Oxford - trombonist, Blues Performer
of the Year, and notorious wild man- has been
honored more than 25 times since returning to
his home state of Washington several years ago,
following a European Tour of duty with the U.S.
Army band. He has won multiple Best Horn
awards, Entertainer of the Year, Keeping the
Blues Alive, as well as induction into the
Washington Blues Society’s Hall of Fame.
Randy plays the trombone as a lead instrument,
inventing a path through the chord progressions,
sometimes mimicking the guitars around him,
and sometimes taking them with him on one of
his wild rides. Symphony conductors have
admired his tone, but he also knows how to rip
a sound or turn it into an animal call. Randy
has become a Northwest favorite—hosting
popular invitational jams at various venues in
the area and also leading his very successful
band.
Randy has appeared on more than 30 CD’s,
including four of his own. One of these, the
lively Memphis to Motown, gained recognition
as a finalist at the International Blues Challenge
in Memphis, Tennessee. His growing popularity
nationally has resulted in a regular gig as Jam
Host on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues
Cruise.
The Randy Oxford Band reflects the energy and
talent of its leader, showcasing top-notch
musicianship, daring arrangements, and an
eclectic style Randy calls urban blues. The six-
piece band features Jada Amy on vocals, Eliud
Atondo on bass, Asial Gutierras on drums, and
two gui ta ris ts—Jho Bleni s and Rafael
Tranquilino. The two guitarists back each other
during solos and, with Randy’s killer trombone,
give the band its characteristic big, rich sound.
The in terp lay between these performers
prov ides the audience wi th something
entertaining to watch, as well as to hear. For
more in formation about Randy, v is it
randyoxford.com.Asial Gutierras
BLUES
Becki Sue: My life without Tom would
not be the life I thought I’d have. I always
dated musicians but then married a guy who
had absolutely no musical bones in his body.
Then I met Tom and my whole world changed,
everything finally “felt” right. Music or not, he
completes me.
Tom Boyle: My life without Becki Sue
would be very lonely. Whether we play
music together or not, I need Becki in my daily
life in a big way.
Becki Sue: I chose to sing
because…well, I don’t believe I chose
to sing; I believe I was chosen to sing. It
is my passion, always has been, and always will
be! I can’t go anywhere without humming a
tune. I remember, in high school, I was always
driving my friends crazy because I would sing
along to nearly every song played on the
radio—no matter what channel we
listened to.
Tom Boyle: I chose the guitar
because my parents
wouldn’t buy me drums.
They said a drum set would be
too loud and would drive my
dad crazy. So, they bought me
an electric guitar and an amp.
What were they thinking?
How long had you been
in the entertainment
industry before Becki Sue
& her Big Rockin’
Daddies! was born?
Tom: I played in my f ir st
professional blues bands in 1981,
but the story really starts before then. I was two
years into a four year Navy stint in 1976. That
was the year that, although I had played some
guitar before then, I really got serious about
becoming a professional guitarist. I was 22 years
old and not happy about my Navy “career” and
I had not yet entered “show business.” I got out
of the Navy in 1978, headed to Boston to study
Jazz Guitar at The Berklee College of Music,
met guitarist Ronnie (Earl) Horvath at a Sugar
Ray & the Blue tones gig (where he was
performing), and ended up taking blues guitar
lessons with Ronnie for about a year. I credit
that period, 1978-1979, as the biggest growth
spurt in my musical development. I moved back
to the Northwest in late 1979, and attended
Evergreen in Olympia from 1980-1982, where
I formed my first band as a school project, The
Harmonic Tremors, before moving to Seattle in
1982 after graduation. Once in Seattle, I helped
to form The Slackmasters with John Hodgkin,
Tim Sherman, Tom Brim and Nick Morrison;
Drivin’ Wheel with John Hodgkin, Howard
Hooper and Les Merrihew; rekindled Nitelife
with Mike Lynch, Mark Dalton, Ron
Weinstein, Larry Harris
and a
host of others; I also joined The Led Jaxson
Band with Doug Lynn, Kirk Tuttle, Michael
Grondin and a revolving cast. I moved back to
Olympia in 1997 and formed The Steamers
with Perry Sanders, Fred Kellogg and Smoke,
before forming The T-Boy Neal Band in 2001,
which morphed into Becki Sue & her Big
Rockin’ Daddies! in 2002. The band includes
the current all star blues line-up of Becki Sue
on vocals, Jim King on sax, harp, and vocals,
Les White on upright bass and vocals, and Jeff
Hayes on drums. We play blues, baby!
In what direction was your life headed
six months before you met Becki Sue?
Becki: I think I was heading in a positive
direction when I met Becki. We were both
working for the state of WA at the time, in about
2001. I don’t think Becki would have been
interested in me had I not been heading in an
upward direction already.
What were your plans for your life six
months before you met Tom?
Becki: Trying to land a job with the State. It
was December of 1999 and I had just been hired
at DSHS temporarily and was going on several
interviews a week trying to get on permanently.
It was May of 2000 when I got a call from a
former co-worker of my mom’s from Labor
and Industries. I knew when I got that call
that the job was mine, just had to get
my mom to make her famous “spinach
balls” to seal the deal! My plans
from there were to try to get my
husband (at the time) a job as
well. We had a little baby at
home at the time, and things
were rough between us.
Then, I met Tom…
Tom, how and
where did you meet
Becki Sue, and
what led to the
creation of Becki Sue
and her Big Rockin’
Daddies!?
Tom: As I mentioned, I met
Becki at work. We knew each
other for a couple of months
before I knew that she liked to
sing Karaoke. She was already
aware that I played in blues bands.
She invited me out to hear her sing and I was
really blown away by her vocal quality, but was
not too keen on the Karaoke play list. So, I made
a cassette with about 20 of my favorite blues
songs on it. Much to my surprise, Becki had
every song nailed within about two weeks! She
has a great set of pipes for blues!
Which internat ional ly respected
performers has the band shared the
stage with?
Tom: As a band ,we have performed with Sean
Carney, a great guitarist from Ohio who won
the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
Becki Sue
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
&
BLUES
Photoby Piera & Maurizio
the same year that we competed—in 2007. We
also backed world class boogie-woogie piano
man, Mitch Woods, on a couple of gigs. The
great guitarist, Peter Dammann, not only joined
us on stage, but also recorded with us. We have
had various “special guests” over the years and,
at the moment, I am drawing a bit of a blank.
Individually, I have performed with Larry Davis
(who wrote SRV’s “Texas Flood”), Jimmy
McCracklin, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones,
Ronnie Earl, Cash McCall, Mark Dufresne,
and... ohh... I’m leaving out somebody really,
really big, I’m sure. Haha!
Did you ever dream you would be
fronting such a successful group? Did
you feel that something was coming that
would change your life?
Beckie Sue: It was always my dream to be in a
band and I always craved attention, so I wasn’t
going to let anyone not notice me. I think that’s
a huge part of what makes us successful, we
always look like we’re having fun, even if we’re
not. We’re doing this for the fans, and we want
that to show—we want THEM to have a good
time. When people are smiling and dancing to
the mus ic, i t d rives me to enhance my
performance. I always have fun no matter what,
it’s just more fun when others join in.
Tell us about your newest/
latest recording. Who
produced it? Where was it
recorded? Who’s on i t?
What’s unique about it?
Include release date and
label.
Becki: A new CD recorded by
Nick Moon at Supernatural
Sound in Oregon, with overdubs
cur rently being recorded by
Jason Lackie at Fastback Studios
in Seattle, is in process and is
yet to be titled. It will feature
several originals by Jim, Les, Jeff
and Tom, and is be ing co-
produced by Steve Murray, from
Portland, and Tom Boyle. Our
latest, already released CD, is
“Big City Blues” which recorded in 2007 on
our own Root Note Records; it was produced
by Tom Boyle, recorded and mixed at Fastback
Studios by Jason Lackie, and features several
originals by Les, Jeff and Tom. The CD has been
favorably reviewed by Blues Review Magazine
and Alligator Records founder, Bruce Iglauer,
won several regional awards and still sells
surprisingly well. It really represents what we
do “live,” while still being a studio album with
extra instrumentation. Special guests include
Candye Kane, Mitch Woods, Ron Weinstein,
Peter Dammann and Two Scoops Moore.
What were some of the obstacles you
had to overcome to make the project a
reality?
Tom: Money and Time.
Tell us about the inner workings of your
production company. Who does what?
Becki Sue: Jeff and Tom do most of the band
business.
To date, what are your most significant
achievements as performers?
Tom: Being able to balance the rigors of playing
in a band together that travels just about every
weekend it seems, both of us working full time
day jobs, and being married and trying to find
balance and making sense of it all. It can be
mind boggling!
Becki Sue: Be ing recognized outside of
Washington State is a huge achievement. We
won Portland’s Cascade Blues Association
award for “Best Regional Band.” To me, being
honored with that award was like “we’ve
arrived.”
What personal growth have you
experienced during the last year?
Tom: We got married so that was a big, GOOD
change for me!
Becki Sue: Becoming a respected singer among
singers. Over the years, I’ve come to know Duffy
Bishop, Candye Kane (thanks to Les J) and
Janiva Magness. When a musician of their
caliber asks you to share their stage, you know
you’re doing something right. In a non-musical
light, marrying Tom was a huge step in the right
direction of life.
What are your thoughts concerning the
state of the music/entertainment
industry?
Tom: We “live” musicians are a dying breed.
Describe yours “Gig from Hell.”
Tom: Any of them where I got stiffed on the
money. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened in a long
while!
Becki Sue: We played a birthday party at a
country club and some girl got drunk and
belligerent and was screaming about how
horrible of a singer I was, and how her “friend”
was so much better. Her husband apologized
for her behavior, although she couldn’t even be
thrown out of the club because she pays dues
and had a “right” to be there.
Other than performing on stage, which
activities do you enjoy as a couple?
Tom: Just hanging out at home in Olympia with
our wiener dog, Frankie, and spending time with
family, especially my daughter Adriane, my son
Alex, and their brother, Elliot and Becki’s son,
Colin.
Becki Sue: I enjoy hanging out with Tom, going
skiing, and just being a couple.
You have been on the scene for many
years. Is the scene healthier now than it
was 20 years ago?
Tom: The scene is always so mobile with bands
and clubs coming and going. There has always
been more good bands than there are places to
play. Twenty years ago, we had Isaac Scott,
Dave Conant, Tom McFarland, and a host of
other REAL bluesmen. There are still some left,
but most of the really great ones—original
Seattle blues pioneers such as like Mike Lynch,
Mark Dalton, Kirk Tuttle, Brian Butler, Jack
Cook, Dav id Brewer, Mark
Whitman, Ron Ussery, Steve
Bailey, John Lee, John Stephan,
and many more—just do not get
their due respect in this area like
they should.
When did you two tie the
knot?
Beckie Sue: August 30
th
, 2008.
What are the keys to
balancing the di fferent
facets of your professional
life with your family life?
Tom: A certain level of insanity
and immaturity. Hell, I don’t
know.
Becki Sue: Knowing where the
band ends and where our marriage begins.
Sometimes that line gets crossed and it can be
tough to deal with, but we DO deal with it!.
What do you know for sure?
Tom: I love Becki with or without the music.
Becki Sue: Tom and I will always be together
whether we’re in a band or not.
What do you want people to remember
about you and your music?
Tom: That I was a bluesman with an original
voice, a good husband, a good dad to Adriane
and Alex, and a positively contributing member
of my family and of society... not necessarily in
Continued on page 28
BLUES
“I chose a career in music because I had a
desire to play guitar like John Denver.”
Why is music such an important part of
being human?
Music, as I see it, is an important part of culture.
It is the essence of documenting the human
experience with an emotional attachment. I
think a culture without music to share their
human experience would be dead.
Describe your style of music. Why are you guys
always working when some other bands can’t
find gigs? Why are you guys so hot?
Our music is a combination of John Denver,
John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Eric Johnson.
Our gigs consist of Blues Jams three nights a
week and then the weekend gigs. Our weekend
gigs consist of different material than our jam
nights. Most people seem to like our jams
because, having a different special guest each
Billy Shew
week, each gig is an attempt at something new
with a different special guest each week. I think
that when people come out to our jams they have
a different mindset; they are there to either jam
or just listen to the music and, of course, have
a great t ime. Our weekend g igs a re a
combination of acoustic rock, funk, classic rock,
and modern rock. We have a great line up of
players that play in the
Billy Shew Band: Hank
Yanda on bass and vox, Jay
Douglas on drums, Ivan
Pla on keys and then
there’s me on guitar and
vox.
What’s happening with
the Bi lly Shew Band
right now? Any good
news?
At this time in our career,
we just released a new CD.
I am real excited about it.
The late Tom Pfaeffle,
from the Tank Studios in
Covington, engineered and
produced this CD. I found
it be some of my best work
to date. You can find our
CD through our web page,
iTunes , Ver izon, and
various other web pages.
We are also working with
the folks at A& R Select
in Ho llywood who are
he lp ing us find
distribution points for this
CD, amongst other help.
Tell us about your new/
la test recording. Who
produced it? Where was it
recorded? Who’s on it?
What’s unique about it?
Include release date and
label.
The musicians that are on the CD are Jay
Douglas on drums and percussion, Hank Yanda
on bass, Tom Pfaeffle on background vox, Bryan
Lee on slide guitar, Diggy Bell on keys, Ivan
Pla on Hammond B organ, and myself (Billy
Shew) on guitar, vox, and a snoopy harp on
“How about Now.”
What were some of the obstacles you had to
overcome to make the project a reality?
The obstacles for me was finding the time to
get in the studio. Since I am gigging so much,
there was a time when I would go to the studio
record and the jet towards my next gig. There
was a time when I recorded all night and slept
in the apartment above the studio. The Tank is
an incredible and affordable studio with the
luxuries of going big time. Regardless, I
wouldn’t change anything. I got to hang out with
Tom and his family and enjoy the artistic spirit.
Are you a 24/7 musician? What else do you
do to keep the home fires burning?
I play music full-time, teach guitar, and teach
mathematics part-time at Gig Harbor High
School.
Other than choosing a career in music, what is
the most adventurous or dangerous thing you
have ever done?
I served in the military for six and half years; I
was a cook in a field artillery unit. I spent a lot
of time cooking in the field.
You guys have been performing at Dawson’s
Bar and Grill in Tacoma, Washington for some
years now. What’s so cool about Dawson’s that
keeps you guys there, year after year?
The song that comes to my mind about this bar
is “ I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith. We love
the people and environment. We all ways feel
at home there and the people are very friendly;
they like to party and have a great time. They
are always encouraging and they’re always
willing to listen to new music and except it for
what it might be. If it’s got a beat, makes your
foot tap, and makes you feel good, then they’re
all about that. Moreover, Kenny Bender, the
owner, has always managed to keep good music
in the club four nights a week.
What does success mean to you?
Living your dream and being happy. I like
money too; It does take a little of that to do
both.
Performance Schedule
Jam Every Monday at the Firecreek Grill in
Kent from 7-11
Jam Every Wednesday at the Halftime Saloon
in Gig Harbor from 8-12
Jam Every Thursday at Dawson’s in Tacoma
from 8-12
10/16: Druid’s Glen in Covington from 8-11
10/23: Tacoma Exec. Party in Fircrest
10/31: Jazzbones from 8-11
11/13: Druid’s Glen in Covington from 8-11
11/28: The Barrel Tavern in Burien from 9-1
www.billyshewband.com
Email: [email protected]
Guitar, Vocals - University Place, WA
BLUES
I chose a career in music because music has
always been an integral part of my life. My
mother played piano, my brother played guitar,
and my grandfather was first chair trumpet in
the Marine Corp Band under John Philip Souza.
I wanted to be creative and reach out to people,
knowing that music is a universal language all
over the world. Songwriting to me is a challenge
and is menta lly s timulating . My love is
collecting guitars— each with a unique sound
and personality of their own. I could not imagine
a world without music. I have passed my love
for music on to my children—my son plays
drums and guitar and my daughter plays the sax.
Why is music such an important part of
being human?
It is a perfect way to release your emotions and
beliefs, reaching out to other people and maybe
making a difference in the world. The Musicians
Trust Fund is something I am deeply involved
in. Musicians are always being asked to perform
at benefits for free for people in need, which
we love to do. Now, we have started the
Musicians Trust Fund and we have benefits to
reach out and help our own local musicians that
may be having financial or medical problems.
Describe your style of music. Why are you
guys always working when some other bands
can’t find gigs?
Why are you
guys so hot?
I love playing all
styles of
mus ic—Blues ,
Rock, Latin, Jazz
and even a little
bit of Country
Rock! The Tim
Hall Band has
been together for
over twenty
years and has
played countless
fest iva ls and
shows, so we
have had the
opportunity to be
heard and to play
a lot more often.
We work to get
our mus ic out
there jus t like
anyone else and
our love of
playing keeps us
going.
W h a t ’ s
happening with
the band right
now? Any good
news?
We are in the
process of
recording our 4
th
CD and we plan on spending
the winter months to finish it.
Tell us about your new/latest recording. Who
produced it? Where was it recorded? Who’s
on it? What’s unique about it? Include
release date and label.
Runnin’ with the Blues was our 3
rd
and last
recording. I produced the CD and it was
recorded at Outlaw Studio. At the time of
recording, we had Tim Hall on guitar and vocals,
Chris Cardinal on bass, Doug McKinnon on
drums, Ronnie Wahl on keyboards, and specials
guests Mike Skansie on guitar, Pete Lira on
saxophone and Greg Marinacci on keyboards.
It was released in 1999 and Seaport Records
was the label. It’s been a while and our fans
are constantly asking when our next CD is
coming out, so we are excited about our new
project.
What were some of the obstacles you had to
overcome to make the project a reality?
Writing the right songs, coordinating times for
everyone to record, making sure the mix is
perfect and then there are always the finances
that come along with recording a CD. A lot of
hours are put in to produce a good product.
Are you a 24/7 musician? What else do you
do to keep the home fires burning?
Yes. I currently host two legendary Blues Jams:
every Sunday night at Dawson’s in Tacoma and
a new one at O’Callahans in Key Center every
Thursday night. I try to keep the Tim Hall Band
working every weekend, whether it is local or
out of town gigs, personal parties or festivals,
and I teach guitar lessons to anyone who has
the fire and wants to learn to play.
Other than choosing a career in music, what
is the most adventurous or dangerous thing
you have ever done?
Flying to Mexico (just kidding), but seriously,
it was pretty adventurous when we were
younger traveling around and doing rock
festivals everywhere. You never knew what to
expect, or when I was living on the Sunset Strip
in Hollywood as a starving musician for several
months. If you want to talk dangerous, I live
that every time I drive home from my gigs at
2:30 in the morning!
You guys have been performing at Dawson’s
Bar and Grill in Tacoma, Washington for
some years now. What’s so cool about
Dawson’s that keeps you guys there, year
after year?
The owner, Kenny Bender, is an avid supporter
of live music and gives us the total freedom to
be ourselves and play the kind of music we love.
The atmosphere is “come as you are and fun”
and reminds you of the old TV show “Cheers,”
where everyone knows your name. The staff is
great as well as the food and drinks. People
now know that they can always come to
Dawson’s and hear good music.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to make a living by doing what you
love, remaining healthy and enjoying time with
family and friends. Of course a hit record
couldn’t hurt!!
Guitar, Vocals - Tacoma, WA
Tim Hall
Website: www.TimHallBand.com
Email: [email protected]
BLUES
MUSIC AND HUMANITY
It’s not a part of being human to us performers;
it is what makes us human, period.
WHAT’S NEW
Oh, my. I have so many fun things going on in
my life. I am in rehearsal as we speak, with my
new show called 3-Dames. This will be a
ret rospec tive of three divas; Ms. Are tha
Franklin, Mavis Staples
and Etta James (hence the
name 3-Dames, A for
Aretha Frankl in, M for
Mavis Staples and E for
Etta James). I also have just
landed a gig at Cafe Amore
5th & Bell Seattle, Friday
nigh ts at 9:30pm
to12:30am.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
CIRCLE
I have had the honor of
working with some of the
greats: Mr. BB King, John
Popper from Blues
Travelers, Roy Orbison,
Mary Wells, etc. (more on
this at ljporter.com)
TRAVEL
I’ve worked only in the
United States and Canada.
They love big black soul
singers in Canada.
RECORDING
We are in the process of
doing a new project as we
speak. The new CD will be
ca lled 3-Dames a
Retrospective. My music
director Kenny Cole (my
piano player) and I will be
producing it at my studio here in Seattle. I have
my wonderful back up singers—Susan Apple,
Megan Smith and Anne Leatherman—and my
band, of course—Kenny, Tom Erak, Jon
Hanford, Ben Smith and Rodney Duncan. This
is unique because of the immense talent of these
ladies. Being compared to them all my life has
been really cool, so, when I was asked to do
this tribute, I was pretty excited. People always
ask me, “Where did you get that name for the
show 3-Dames?” Well, I always liked the
concept of 3-D, so, while I was driving along
one day minding my own business, I started
thinking about my church Ebenezer AME and
voil a, 3-Dames was born. It was divine
intervention, I think.
THE GIG FROM HELL
When I was a little younger, I accepted four gigs
in 36 hours in two states. What was I thinking?
We had a gig way up north of Seattle by a couple
of hours. Then, I had to go to Oregon and had
two outdoor festivals in two different cities.
LJ Porter
Vocalist
Then, I had to get back for an awards show.
This was the craziest couple days of my life.
Who knew?
ADVENTURE AND DANGER
Falling in love is pretty adventurous! Dangerous
too, but, I managed to stay out of jail!!
WITH BILL GATES’ MONEY
I would certainly take care
of the hungry people in the
US. I was on the internet
today and saw that people in
Detroit had to have police
take them to the grocery
store under armed guard
because people are hungry
and have no means of getting
food. I am originally from
New Orleans so don’t even
get me started. It upsets me
that we take care of the rest
of the world before we clean
our own back yard. I think
this needs to stop. America
should not have to be the
police for the rest of the
world (in my opinion of
course).
SPIRITUAL ASPECT
For me there is [a spiritual
aspect]. I started in church.
Most of the people I perform
with also did. I think I am in
spiritual mode all the time.
God put me on this earth to
sing and that’s what I do.
ON LJ PORTER,
W E B S T E R ’ S
DICTIONARY WOULD
SAY
See Sassy, Feisty & Soul
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Debuting 3 Dames sometime in late fall (so,
technically that gives me till December 20
th
).
Keep looking for the new show at
www.ljporter.com. It’s going to be a fabulous
tribute to some very talented ladies.
BLUES
BLUES
Preston Miller
Michal Miller Band
I was born in Alabama but I never called
that home. A big Influence when I was a
kid were Yazoo Records of old Blues 78’s
with that nice scratchy sound KA-
CHUNCK they’re all on Cd’s now.
Michal Miller Band has been sent twice to
the IBC in Memphis. With
luck a little juice and a lot of pain maybe
we can go again. The Blues Rollon...
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
Known for his signature stingin’ Texas and
Chicago blues style, Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle is a
5-time winner (‘03, ’05, ’06, 0’7, ’09) of the WA
Blues Society’s “Best Electric Guitar” BB Award.
He is a founding member of one of the Pacific
Northwest’s hottest blues acts, Becki Sue & her
Big Rockin’ Daddies!
www.bigrockindaddies.com - www.myspace.com/tboyneal
[email protected] - Cell: 360-790-6105 - Fax: 360-357-5454
Kimball Conant
Kimball Conant & the Fugitives
Credits: Bumbershoot, 2005
Fisherman’s Restaurant last 3 summers, Seattle
Sunbanks Blues Festival 2006 & 07
Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival 2006, 07, 08
New Orleans Creole Restaurant, Seattle
Interbay Golf Course “Jazz on the Green” 2007, 08, 09
Everett Waterfront Festival 2007, 08, 09 EMP Seattle Center, 2006
Styles: Jazz, Blues, R & B Standards, Samba, Rhumba, Salsa, Tex-Mex, Polka, Cumbia,
Rockabilly, Country and Western, Western Swing, Folk, 50s/60s/70s Rock ‘n Roll Hits.
Booking: www.kimballconant.com www.stickshiftannie.com 206-661-7177
Mike Wright
Guitarist Mike Wright began performing as a
young man when he was in the Air Force, and he
continued playing professionally until he was
thirty-one years old. He took a hiatus to raise a
family, and after twenty four years he came back
in full swing, rediscovering his love for an old
friend, his guitar. He carefully reworked his 1970
Les Paul Custom “tuxedo”, revitalizing this fine
instrument that he plays today. Mike says he is
grateful to the South Sound Blues Association and the other blues
organizations for keeping the blues alive, and for welcoming and
encouraging musicians to participate in this great art form, called
“the blues.”
Billy Shew
Billy Shew Band
Billy has played in many diverse bands, which
include Blues, Jazz, Rock and Concert Bands.
He has performed in various clubs and festivals
throughout the Midwest and West Coast including
Big Reds in Amarillo Texas, Hwy 99 club in
Seattle, Dawson’s in Tacoma, Jazz Bones
Tacoma, Halftime Saloon in Gig Harbor, The
Firecreek in Kent, The Bite of Seattle and the Taste of Tacoma just to
name a few. Contact info: www.billyshewband.com, myspace.com/
billyshewband and email: [email protected].
Rafael Tranquilino
Randy Oxford Band
Rafael Tranquilino, of the Randy Oxford Band, is
one of the hottest young guitar-slingers in the
region. His style is spirited and energetic, a
skillful blend of Blues with Jazz, Rock, Funk, and
Latin. He has a smooth, soulful voice and a
knack for writing songs that speak to the heart, whether the words are in
English or Spanish. Rafael has several side projects, including an
up-coming CD and his own band, Jesse the Wolf.
Al Alto
Maia Santell and House Blend
Intense and edgy, and sometimes over the top.
Al Alto’s guitar playing is finger pickin’ wild, with a
tone and style that give him ranges of expression
that few others come close to. He owes his claim
to fame “redneck jazz” finger-style to guitarist
Danny Gatton. Like many musicians he was a fan
of BB King and Jimi Hendrix, and studied
Hendrix’s unique style, rooted in blues. Like Hendrix, Alto is a multi-
stylist, often playing four or five styles in one - jazz, blues, rock, funk
and country. To check out Al with Maia and the rest of the band see:
www.MaiaSantell.com
There are usually four main elements that
come together to make a hot blues band. Of
course there are the vocals, the bass and the
drums, but the average blues band just
wouldn’t be able to deliver that in-your-face,
burning urgency without a guitarist who’s
really laying it down. When you’re ready to
hear some great blues, and dance your butt
off, use this guitarist showcase as your guide
to the areas hottest blues bands. See you at
the show.
You Can Be In
Guitar Slingers!
Coming In February, 2010
CONTACT BIG FUN TODAY TO
RESERVE YOU SPOT.
253-473-1866 - [email protected]
Why is music such an important part of
being human?
It can instantly mark time with an
emotion and mark it for the rest of your
life.
What does the blues mean to you?
The Blues means you get to feel! The
Blues takes you completely and does not
mind roll ing you on the g round or
making you dance.
Tell us about your new/latest
recording.
‘Red On Blue’ from Peace Code Records
in 2008. It was self-produced by the Red
Hot Blues Sisters—Teri Anne Wilson
and myself. It is now distributed in Japan
Canada and Europe. We focused on
capturing our live show talent and
energy. It was completed in eleven days,
from click to mix, at The Tank with Tom
Pfaeffle.
What’s new with your music career?
We are looking for a new producer. The
only Red Hot Blues Brother -Tom
Pfaeffle was shot and killed on July 17,
2009. We had twenty years with him
and his sweet family. He’s simply the
best. Teri and I are sorting nearly forty
tunes this October. Our release of ‘Red
On Blues’ to Japan is new, and we will
return to Europe again in Spring of 2010
with our US band.
What is your most significant achievement
as a performer?
Each time I am asked to perform, and setting a
12K attendance record in Switzerland.
What is the difference between peace and
satisfaction?
Peace requires stillness. Satisfaction requires
grease.
What does success mean to you?
Success is the ability to pay-it-forward—passing
on knowledge, opportunity, or techniques.
What are the obstacles you have to overcome
when searching for gigs?
Finding touring musicians who are willing to
do homework for their instrument. I don’t like
to teach tunes; I prefer to rehearse the show.
Which tour will you remember forever?
SUSAN SIMS
BLUES
“The one thing you must realize
about the business of the blues is…
it never stops and it always tells you
the truth. Everybody is presumably
ballsy in this genre. Get ready for
that and don’t take it personally.”
This ‘09 tour was pretty mind-blowing. We
played Memphis, changed personnel, moved,
lost Ted after Europe; lost Tom in July, and
toured every song recorded with Tom at
extraordinary shows.
What is your valuable attribute?
My voice has characters/textures I use for each
song, melody or story.
Other than singing, what is the greatest love
of your life?
Fishing, football, and telling stories until
you pee.
What turns you off?
Realizing I am too loud. Having to tell
the band they’re too loud.
What turns you on?
Kissing with your eyes in a public place.
Who would you like to work or tour
with?
Brickhouse of Vancouver BC, Mia Dyson
and Wes Mackey. I’d like to record at
Abbey Road with the above and Annie
Lennox, Bettye Lavette, Chrissie Hynde,
Joan Armatrading, Bonnie Raitt and with
god-brother/engineer, Brian from LA.
Performance schedule
12.13.09 Forecasters Redhook
Brewery
12.18.09 Japan Release of ‘Red On
Blue’
Discography
Available at shows and at
cdbaby.com/cd/rhbsisters3
Red On Blue Nov ‘08
Feel the Burn Aug ‘07
Hot Off the Press ‘06 EP
Flood in the Basement ‘04 EP
www.peacecoderecords.com/
Red_Hot_Blues_Sisters.html
Email address: [email protected]
Lead Vocalist for Seattle’s
Red Hot Blues Sisters
Eight years ago, Seattle veteran jazz and blues
singer Maia Santell married Gary Grape, native
Tacoman and entertainment buyer
for the Tacoma Events
Commission. Little did she know,
she’d soon become part o f a
vibrant, thriving South Sound
dance scene — a community of
dancers hungry for live music and
a dance band a la “Dancing With
The Stars.”
Thanks to the old Brickyard Bar
and Grill (on 56
th
Street in South
Tacoma), Santell and her band,
“Maia Santell and House Blend,”
es tabl ished a fan base that
flourished in 2002 with swing and
ballroom dancers. Fans traveled
from as far north as Arlington and
as far south as Chehalis to shake a
leg and cut a rug to the mix of
rhythms and tempos that her band
offered up.
Today, seven years later, Maia and
her band are part of a network of
dance events and productions
around the Northwest that pairs up
with top-notch dance coaches and instructors.
Among the many dance events they perform for
(USA Dance Tacoma, USA Dance Olympia,
Seattle Singles Yacht Club, Northwest Dance
Network, Sonny Newman’s, Seattle Sunday
Swing at China Harbor), Maia’s favorite (held
in her own backyard) is Studio 6 Ballroom in
Tacoma’s Entertainment District — founded
and operated by master dance coach, Natasha
Thayer.
MAIA SANTELL
Swingin’ On Sixth Avenue!
Kimball Conant
The one thing you must realize about blues
is…it’s anything but sad.
What’s in the magic
potion that makes you and
Stickshift Annie such a
successful team?
Even the lousiest gig beats
watching TV.
Other than choosing a
career in music; what is
the most adventurous or
dangerous thing you have
ever done?
Live in Paraguay for four
years.
What do you want people
to remember about you
and your music?
I played my ass off.
Stickshift Annie
The one thing you must
realize about blues is…that it is not about
making people sad or blue. Blues is really about
making people feel better by sharing their
experience and saying, “ I understand how you
feel and I have been through that too.”
What’s in the magic potion that makes you
and Kimball Conant such a successful team?
It is respect, from my perspective. I respect
Kimball’s craft; he is an excellent guitar player
and musician. I think we have a great time
performing together, and we share a common
respect for the songs we perform, the other
musicians we perform with, and the people that
come to see us play. We enjoy what we do and
have become good friends with many of the
folks that come out to see us. It gets back to that
previous statement about the blues.
Other than choosing a career in music, what
is the most adventurous or dangerous thing
you have ever done?
Bronze casting.
What do you want people to remember about
you and your music?
I hope they can see and hear that I truly love
making music, and that I am always striving to
learn and improve. There is always somewhere
else to go.
BLUES
On Wednesday, Sept 16
th
, Studio 6 Ballroom
and the Sixth Avenue Business Association
present the f if th month ly
Progressive Dinner — a restaurant
wa lk that fea tures delectab le
samples and ample portions of
food from restaurants along the
avenue, followed by live music by
Maia Santell and House Blend.
After feasting on tasty fares, the
satisfied crowd joins up at Studio
6 Ballroom (2608 6
th
Ave, Tacoma)
for dessert, coffee, tea and live
blues, swing, Latin, jazz standards
and contemporary favorites. You
can dance or just kick back and
listen on comfy sofas and floor
cushions. If it’s just dancing
you’re interested in, arrive early
for a dance lesson by Natasha or
one of her g rea t team of
instructors. Once you’ve sampled
a delicious cuisine, paired with the
talents of music and dance, you’re
sure to come back for refills!
For booking and information on
upcoming performances contact Maia at
or see: www.MaiaSantell.com
These seasoned pros have known and
respected each other for many years. They
finally came together to perpetuate the classic
and not-so-classic Hammond Organ, Guitar
and Drums trio sound that was established in
the 1950’s and 60’s.
Jho Blenis, on guitar, is a well-known player
of all styles and a much sought after
instructor. He deserves his award-winning
“icon” status.
Michael Slivka, on drums and percussion, has
worked most venues and festivals with many
of the best since coming home to the greater
Pugetropolis.
Clifford ‘Buck’ England, on the Hammond B-
3 Organ, was “taken” by the Hammond
Organ! While appearing at most local venues
and traveling around the west, most of his
energy has gone into performing with the
traditional (and not-so-traditional) Hammond
Sound.
The group is determined to make their whole
greater than the sum of its parts and won’t be
sidetracked by their individual projects which
only serve to sustain the band. HIPBONE
is their passion.
Be on the lookout for HIPBONE’S first self-
produced recording which will be coming
soon.
You can find out more about the band and
contact them at:
www.myspace.com/hipbonestrio,
www.buckengland.com, [email protected]
The group is determined to make their whole
greater than the sum of its parts...
ARTIST PROFILES
VENUE SPOTLIGHT
How did Merende come to be?
While Ian was attending culinary school in
Florence, Italy, we discussed opening something
Italian together. This is especially important to
us because of our Italian heritage. We searched
for about two years for the perfect location; with
each space, the concept changed. When we
walked into our current space, with its brick
walls, it just lent itself to become the perfect
Trattoria.
What was the most challenging aspect
of preparing to open for business?
Remodeling and, of course, everyone agreeing
on the same thing. This is especially hard when
you are family and have to go home and eat
together. In the end, we were very happy with
the results.
What makes Merende unique among
other restaurants in Tacoma?
‘Merende’ is an Italian tradition of eating small
meals in between lunch and dinner. The word
literally translates into “small bit es.” We
wanted to expand on this concept by offering
smaller portions that could be shared with
friends, perhaps a bottle of wine, and pleasant
conversation.
We also try to be as ‘local’ as possible and draw
from the farmers such as Westover Farms and
Zestful Gardens in the surrounding area.
Nothing beats the taste of fresh produce being
integral to the dishes you are creating. We feel
tha t we represent the Itali an S low Food
movement here in Tacoma.
The atmosphere is easy and relaxed.
How do you classify the decor?
It’s pleasantly upscale and still maintains an
inviting and warm environment. It’s perhaps a
bit eclectic. It’s exposed brick walls, the
beautiful slate covered bar hand made by Ian,
and the overall feel of that wonderful little
Italian Trattoria you found in Firenze.
Tell us a bi t about your chef ’s
background.
Jeff went to culinary school in Maryland. After
culinary school he went overseas to Guam,
working in the hotels there, then he spent time
refining his trade in Thailand and Australia.
After returning to Washington he worked at
Fircrest Golf Club, Palisades, and Stanley &
Seaforts.
He then found a home and spent four years at Il
Fiasco on 6
th
Avenue and Brix 25 in Gig Harbor.
Just prior to Merende, Jeff was working at
Sound Food Café on Vashon Island.
Chef Bishop has worked closely with us to
develop a wonderful menu containing a wide
variety of Merende items, flat breads, pasta
il Trattoria di Merende
Tacoma, WA
“The one thing you must realize
about starting a restaurant is, it
requires that you have a love and a
passion for what you are doing. We
are so fortunate that we get to work
not only with our family, but also with
a great group of people everyday. It’s
a delight to walk through the front
doors just to find out what’s going to
be on the menu. “
Julia Martin-Lombardi
dishes and other delicious lunch and dinner
entrees. We hope to offer a recipe book in the
near future.
Describe some of your signature dishes
and pair them with a wine.
Pan-seared U-10 scallops with roasted garlic mash, arugula salad, and Nueske”s Bacon.
Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread & La Caudrina
Moscato di Asti
Crispy grilled flatbread, topped with house-
made fig & onion jam, thinly sliced prosciutto
and creamy gorgonzola cheese, then baked to
perfection. You won’t want to pass up this salty
& sweet creation. A slightly sweet sparkling
wine may seem at odds with this flatbread, but
it plays off the sweet notes perfectly and offsets
the saltiness of the prosciutto and blue cheese!
Lemon Rosemary Chicken & Scurati Siciliana
Bianco
We start with an 8 ounce chicken breast, pan
sear it, then roast it in the oven to a golden
brown. Marsala wine, fresh rosemary, chicken
stock and heavy cream finish the pan sauce to
accompany the chicken and mashed potatoes.
We recommend the Scurati Siciliana Bianco.
This bright, clean white wine from Sicily
compliments the lemon and rosemary flavors,
and balances out the depth of the Marsala wine
in the sauce.
Tagliatelle all Bolognese & Fillipo Gallino
Barbera
Tender strips of egg pasta, tossed in a ragu meat
sauce of ground lamb, pork, veal, garlic,
tomatoes, finished with fresh cream and shaved
Reggiano cheese. Bordering on a full-bodied
red, the Fillipo Gallino Barbera offers balanced
tannins, and makes a wonderful pairing with
the layered flavors of the Bolognese sauce.
How often do you change your menu?
Some parts of the menu, wine and desserts and
daily specials in particular change regularly.
These changes are often based on the
availability of fresh local produce, fruits, berries
and other items. We also have large seasonal
menu changes in spring, fall and winter.
Merende features live jazz every
Thursday evening. How are your
customers receiving your music
program?
We feel that the response to Thursday Jazz with
Ed Taylor has been great. The number of people
coming to enjoy the music continues to grow
every week. This continues to be a great
opportuni ty for people to enjoy th is
entertainment in a very personal venue. Based
on feed back from customers, we are very happy
with the music nights.
Will you be adding music on Friday or
Saturday nights?
We would like to focus on Thursday nights for
now as our music night. Perhaps as the
Holidays approach, we can look at expanding
into other evenings or different offerings in
addition to Ed Taylor. We are just seeing the
positive effects of the word spreading about our
Thursday Music and really want to solidify this
program first.
Which is your most challenging daily
activity?
Tasting the different specials daily (yes, that
part is the fun) and paring down that selection
to the couple I should Tweet about on that day.
That’s tough to do with only 140 characters.
What is your business doing to give back
to the community?
We will continue to be involved in a number of
community activities—donating our time and
food to assist with the theatre, Art walk, several
local youth programs, as well as offering a
number of local jobs. Tap into T-Town, local
charities and school auctions have been some
of the events we participate in.
How do you define success?
When the dining room fills up with people, it
creates this sound like the music of happiness;
I still remember the wonderful feeling I got the
first time this happened here at Merende. It is
such a gratifying feeling to know that we have
created this wonderful place for people to enjoy
their food and time together.
il Trattoria di Merende - 253-722-1993
813 Pacific Ave Nw, Tacoma, WA 98402
Website:www.merenderestaurant.com
BIO BRIEF
Karen Hollowell graduated with a B.F.A. from Syracuse
University in Syracuse, New York. Her blues series ran as
a solo exhibition at The Delta Blues Museum - home of the
legendary “crossroads” in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Her
paintings hang in private collections throughout the U.S.
and Canada.
She is currently exhibiting her jazz paintings in New
Orleans, Louisiana at the Steve Martin Fine Art Gallery and
at Capones Jazz Club in Vancouver, Canada.
THE WORK
“My work is currently focused on exploring the fluid
relationship between music and images. My paintings strive
to capture a moment within sound: a wailing guitar solo or
a haunting trumpet riff. I hope people are attracted to my
paintings the same way they are to a good song.
“There are parallels between creating a song and a painting;
a song begins with a simple beat or a phrase and a painting
begins with a bold stroke. Both artist and musician lay down
the bones to create a foundation. I begin with bold shapes.
After much layering, I add colorful geometric organic shapes
throughout the canvas to form unique patterns and textures.
Eventually, elements of heightened realism appear through
cloudy forms of expressionism. There is as much
significance found in the seen as there is in the unseen.
“In recent years, I have pushed myself creatively through
exploration of musical themes and variations on musical
genres including jazz, rock and blues. I hope my canvases
encourage people to not only decipher any message I may
convey, but to also spark thoughts or feelings on their own.
“I have just returned from my first trip to New Orleans. It
felt so amazing to immerse myself in that culture—both in
the music and the food. I am represented there at the Steve
Martin Fine Art Gallery, 624 Julia Street, New Orleans,
Louisiana, 504-566-1390. This is where I have half a dozen
recent canvases on display.”
You can see more o f Karen’s work at
www.karenhollowell.com
Karen Hollowell
Fine Artist
ART SPOTLIGHT