INSIDE JULY, 2010 EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com - 253-473-1866 THE MIX 6
Variety Entertainment
DINING SPOTLIGHT 8
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar
SPIRITS 12 Where does wine get its color?
ART 14 Rich Thomas STYLE 18 Mr. Mac’s Fashion Tips
WHAT’S NEW? 24 Katy Dittmer vocalist with Dirty Old Man
19 Want rock hard abs? Get the look in 10 minutes
BLUES 20 Successful Stage Parents John Violette & Jumpin’ Josh
NW JAZZ PROFILE 22 Mercedes Nicole
SPECIAL PROMOTION 26 Best Singers in the Sound SOUND ADVICE 29 What’s the Mixup FUN STUFF 30 Photo Change Puzzle Word Search Puzzle
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID JOHNSON Accounting / Editorial Traffic: Rose Murphy Proofreaders: Ce’Lene Sakellis, Larry Warfield Writers: Rose Murphy, Kayla White, David Keys, Richard Nichols, Mr. Mac, Mojdeh Sami Photography: Sean Cummings, Larry Williams, Richard Baker Advertising Sales: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 David Johnson and Gary Grape
EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 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 advertisements and advertorials/special promotions are supplied by the advertiser. Advertiser guarantee they have the legal right to publish all images supplied to BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE. Copyright 2010 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.
4
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
THE MIX Variety Entertainment HIP-HOP
ROCK / FOLK
JAZZ
Neil Young
Jamie Cullum
July 20 The Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA
July 14 Lakewood Theater Lakewood, WA
BLUES Nick Vigarino July 24 Highway 99 Blues Club Seattle, WA
Cee Cee James July 31 Stonegate Pizza Tacoma, WA
Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube
Hadley Caliman w/ Thomas Marriott July 18 Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
Jacqui Naylor July 20 – 21 Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
July 14 The Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA
ROCK
FUNK
Toad The Wet Sproket
Dr. Funk
July 29 The Moore Theatre Seattle, WA
July 22-25 Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
July 24 Jazzbones Tacoma, WA
Cold Note
Stephanie Porter Quartet
July 31 Jazzbones Tacoma, WA
REGGAE Katchafire
ROCK / METAL
July 10 The Showbox Seattle, WA
Steel Panther July 23 The Showbox Seattle, WA
INFO@BIGFUNMAGAZINE.COM
Hotrod -A- Rama August 5 & 6 The Swiss Tavern Tacoma, WA
6
Poncho Sanchez
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
July 23 Tula’s Seattle
THEATER / COMEDY Maestro’s Menagerie The Collins Brothers Thru August 29 Teatro ZinZanni Seattle, WA
DINING SPOTLIGHT
Purple Cafe & W By Mojdeh Sami
ow I heard of Purple: The restaurant opened in downtown Seattle, a few blocks from my home, and when the 5th Avenue Theater added the establishment to its list of dining discounts for season ticket holders, I decided to give Purple Café & Wine Bar a go!
H
Type of cuisine: Classic American styles with Northwest ingredients. Ambiance: The atmosphere is casually sophisticated with metropolitan style, an urban retreat with rustic elements. The space is large and very open, with high ceilings. In the center of the restaurant one finds a large pillar of wine extending from floor to ceiling, with a staircase wrapped around it for easier access to the bottles. An upstairs loft-like lounge offers comfortable sofa-seating for patrons wishing to indulge in drinks, cheeses and small bites. The space is often loud, with conversations throughout the bustling venue and music playing in the background. What I ordered: Being one of the first days of summer, I went in feeling more like sandwiches and burgers than pasta and large entrees, so I asked for the server’s recommendation between the BLTA ($11.00), the grilled chicken sandwich ($12.00), or the burger ($13.00). He suggested the grilled chicken sandwich, with bacon, provolone, avocado, shaved red onion and roasted garlicchive spread. It was served with a side of mixed spring greens and raspberry vinaigrette. He also added that “tomatoes make the sandwich”. How could I refuse that recommendation? Seeing as how our waiter gently, but persuasively noted the popularity of the sweet potato fries ($4.00), I had to tack on a side order for the table. My dining companion was leaning toward one of a number of specialty pizzas. His choice was the white balsamic chicken pizza ($12.00) which came topped with mozzarella cheese, shaved red onion, avocado, cilantro and tomato sauce. Our waiter was very conscientious of our time, as we had plans to enjoy the musical theater production of Candide after dinner, and quickly provided us with dessert menus. Purple’s desserts are served in small quantities to encourage the sampling of a variety of sweet treats. We narrowed our choices down to a trio including: mango cheesecake ($3.50) served over a kiwi coulis, topped with mango gelée, and a handful of shaved, 8
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Wine Bar
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
9
toasted coconut, the rhubarb crisp ($4.00) topped with a dollop of rose water whipped cream, and the red velvet cake ($3.50) with a generous helping of lavender cream cheese icing. What I loved: My favorite thing consumed on this evening was the grilled chicken sandwich with fresh avocado - and plenty of it! I also really enjoyed the lightly dressed greens on the side of the sandwich. Of the desserts, the red velvet cake had the best taste due to the novelty of lavender in the cream cheese frosting. The white balsamic pizza was nice, simple, despite the combination of flavors, and beautifully fresh, plentiful slices of avocado and a generous dusting of finely chopped cilantro. Why I loved it: I love the high-ceilinged open space and the setting which allows for conversations, collaboration and jokes to be shared with neighboring diners. I also really loved the avocado (in case that was not clear). I enjoyed the food greatly and really loved saving 10% with the dining voucher from the 5th Avenue Theater. Cost: $$ for dinner pizza or sandwich
LEGEND: $ - $0-$7 $$ - $8-$16 $$$ - $17-$25 $$$$ - $26-$35 $$$$$ - $36+ (http://www.thepurplecafe.com/index.html) 10
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Enjoy!
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
11
SPIRITS
FYI Where Does Wine Get Its Color? By Lori Newby Corkscrew Cellars Puyallup, WA Maybe you’ve noticed that not all Chardonnays are the same golden color. Or some red wines are darker than others. The explanation is quite easy. White wines vary in color from a pale greenish yellow to deep gold, red wines from a ruby to deep purple to almost black. Older red wines are almost tawny. This variation in color has to do with the types of grapes used to make the wine, the color of the grape skins, the amount of extraction used during crush and the age of the wine. Wines that are fermented on the grape skins (red) will retain more color than wines aged without the skins. White wines received some of their color from the grape variety as well as the ageing of the wine in oak barrels. Some of the color change is caused by the chemical reaction of the barrel when it comes in to contact with the wine. This generally is seen in wines after they have been aged for some time. The style of wine the winemaker is trying to achieve and the amount of contact the liquid has with the skins will determine the color of wine once it reaches the bottle. Older wines will change color due to oxidization through barrel ageing as well as the type of closure used to keep the wine in the bottle (eg. cork, Stelvin closure, Zork, etc) Next time you shop for wine, look at the white wines on the shelf and see if you can tell the difference in the grape variety based on the color of the wine. Reds are bottled in darker colored glass to keep them from being harmed from overexposure to light, much like vitamins.
Corkscrew Cellars Wine Merchants 207 N. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371 253 770-(wine)9463 www.corkscrewcellars.com 12
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
13
ART
Rich
Thomas Artist Tacoma, WA
14
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Peacock In A Box
“I started a few years ago creating abstracts with oil pastels. This very soon gave way to creating on a computer screen. This suits me far better, as I can experiment quickly with multiple shapes and color combinations.” BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
15
ART
Top: Off To A Good Start, Bottom: Ace Of Spades CAREER IN THE ARTS I’m creating digitally now, almost exclusively. TECHNIQUE AND TOOLS I recently acquired a couple new computers (Mac and HP) along with some really good Corel software. I’m looking forward to adding other peripherals and software in time. STATE OF THE ARTS My hope is that digital art will continue to gain stature as a legitimate and highly creative medium. 16
PERSONAL LIFE I have had some very positive response from gallery owners here in Washington and in California. I have the opportunity to display my work at shows in Las Vegas, Santa Fe and Fairfax Virginia. It’s very exciting! MY QUEST I really enjoy making things that cause people to look twice and feel something. This keeps me striving for new, unexpected shape and color combinations. Website: richthomasart.com Emaii: richthomasart@yahoo.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
STYLE
Mr. Mac’s Fashion Tips Classic Color Combinations for the Stage Throughout time, ce rt ain c ol or c o mb i n a t io n s ha ve al wa ys wo rk ed in sh ow business. Most of them are si mple an d rea di ly accepted by the public as classy. The red shirt and black slack is one such combination. A performer playing just about any style of music can wear these colors without appearing to be cheap or gaudy. A group of performers can use these colors and not appear to wearing clown suits. Red and black can be accessorized with ties, cuff links, belts, shoes and hats without much effort, and they can be mixed and matched to achieve a variety of effects. Just remember that, in most cases, less is always more. The look should appear to be effortless. When it comes to shoes and belts, always match the color. You will always be safe with black shoes and a black belt. A nice pair of shined shoes in a co nt emp ora ry st yl e p ai red wi th a matching belt, with a goo d looking buckle, can be all you need. Try it for your self and see how your audience reacts to your look. I bet that during the breaks, you will receive compliments on your appearance from the opposite sex. When done right, red and black just works.
For more advice, contact Mr. Mac at his store in Tacoma, WA, where he stock the NW’s largest selection of high fashion looks that work well on stage, on the street or in the office. Here’s his info: 1210 MLK Jr. Blvd. Tacoma, WA, Telephone: 253-383-2737. 18
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Cody Rentas Young blues guitar wiz Cody Rentas playing for keeps at the Blues Competition in Gig Harbor, WA. - June, 2010. Cody is fast becoming one to the hottest hard-rocking blues guitarist in the Northwest. Catch him live now before he breaks onto the national scene. For booking information and performance da te s, ch eck h is ca len da r o nl ine a t: www.thecodyrentasband.com, www.myspace.com/thecodyrentasband Photo by Lawrence Williams
STYLE
Want Rock Hard Abs? Get the Look in 10 minutes with Body Shapers from Ardyss International
Loretta Diallo Authorized Representative When was your business established? The business is 20 years old and started in Mexico. Here in the US, the company is two years old and growing. Why this business? I love this business because it is an instant self esteem booster for our clients. I love the response from a woman when she sees herself in her garment for the first time. I can re me mb er o ne wo man w ho actually cried when she saw herself in th e mi rro r. S he cried! That’s how ha pp y s he wa s. Ardyss transforms the way women see th em sel ve s by offering a fabulous line of shape ware and we s trive to help women of all sizes learn to love their bodies. We also have a fabulous line for men as well and men get the same benefits as women, an instant in self esteem. Plus, Ardyss offers nutritional support to help reshape the body from the inside out. Is your business involve d in any charitable activities? Our company has a program called Ardyss Cares. Through this program, meal packages are shipped to areas around the world where child h unger is ram pant. The pa ckages contain 50 servings of a product in powder form with vital nutrients, so that when mixed with water, children in unfavorable situations can consume it. These meals are designed so that children who are in deep starvation can still assimilate it. Ardyss was able to send over 64,000 meals to assist in the recent Haiti Earthquake Relief effort.
Body Magic Men’s Shaper
Corselette D’Luxe - This reshaper
is wonderfully designed for the career woman to help relieve back aches brought on by poor posture and weight of the bust. The cross-section designs in the back of the garment helps push the shoulders back and correct posture. Shoulder straps are adjustable with 3 rows of hooks in the front to adjust to your comfort. Sizes: 26 to 44
Body Magic
Do you have a favorite night-time activity? I enjoy entertaining friends at home, cooking, reading, shopping, trying ethnic foods and traveling. I enjoy traveling, tasting new foods, seeing new cultures, and the world from others perspective. My dream is to take a long vacation to Bora Bora, Tahiti.
- The Body Magic is an
innovative creation that will sensationalize your body by giving you the appearance of a liposuction transformation without the surgery. Innovative in design to lift your bust and stomach as it flattens and controls your abdomen muscles. This body shaper lifts and reshapes the buttocks and helps thin your thighs and hips while pulling the shoulders back to correct posture. Sizes: 26 to 42
Name your three favorite recordings. I love anything by Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond &_Byron Cage. Their music is always uplifting and inspires me to keep striving to improve.
Men’s Shaper -
Designed with special support for a busy man who experiences annoying back aches from being behind the wheel of a vehicle, or from bending and stooping. The front zipper provides ease of use while the wide elastic waistband adds support to the lower back and waist. A highly orthopedic garment in nature, acts with the spine by encouraging proper shoulder and back posture. Garment tones the muscles in the abdomen. Sizes: Small to XXL
What one thing would make the Puget Sound a better, more interesting, place to live? Less rain, more sun. But that’s two. Telephone: 253-678-1108, Fax: Corselette D’Luxe
Email: divagirlcurves@yahoo.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
19
BLUES
What It Takes To Be A
Successful Stage Parent John Violette and His Super-Special Son Jumpin’ Josh
A
t what age did you first notice your son was interested in music? I’m not sure when Josh first became interested in music, but I can tell you we started taking him to blues festivals when he was only 2 years old. . When did it become clear he has a very special talent? Josh started playing when he was about 8 ½ years old. He came to me and asked “Dad will you take guitar lessons with me?” Of course I said “Yes,” because I knew this would be an activity that would strengthen our bond. Soon after we started the lessons, my wife Dana and I realized that, with Josh, this was more than just a passing interest. It was a passion. He learned very quickly and soon began to push his teacher beyond what the other students in the class could keep up with, so we started looking for a new teacher. After interviewing a few candidates, we talked to Nicole Fournier, and she began teaching him. Josh and Nicole had this sort of symbiotic relationship where they seemed to know what the other was thinking. It was as if they had been playing together for years. This only fueled Josh’s passion for music, and with Nicole’s tutelage, it didn’t take long to realize that Josh was a natural entertainer with serious musical skills.
Ted Dortch, and every Wednesday he has a guitar lessons with Jho Blenis. On Thursday he plays at Happy Days with many of the local professionals with the South Sound Blues Association. On Friday he practices with a kid band called Perfect Coincidence. Most Saturdays Josh has a [paying] gig somewhere, and two Sundays a month he gets to sit in with Maia Santell and Little Bill Engelhart at Johnny’s Dock in Tacoma. As you can see, Dad has very little time for himself, but it’s worth every minute to see Josh’s smile
when he walks off stage. That’s priceless!! How is he doing in school? He does very well in school. He’s in an advance curriculum called the Cambridge Program, that
How did he get his stage name? He got his nickname “Jumpin’ Josh” from Randy Oxford, a very good friend of ours. It started back when we were going to Sunbanks. Randy would have Josh up on stage when they, Junkyard Jane, would do a song called “Jump”, and the two of them would jump around the stage like a couple of jumping beans. So after that, whenever Randy saw us in the crowd, he would call for “Jumpin’ Josh” to come up on stage, and the nickname stuck. As a “Stage Dad,” what is involved in your typical week helping Josh do all he has to do? Our week starts out on Monday with family night. We do our best to keep Monday’s for the family, except for one Monday a month, when we go to the South Sound Blues Association board meeting, where Josh and I sit on the board of directors. I am the Vice-President and Josh is our youth representative. He helps the board keep things fresh, and to consider the next generation of the blues. Although Josh is not officially on the board, he’s not 18, his opinion counts just as much. He has defiantly earned the respect of all the members of the board because of his hard work and dedication to the Blues and music in general. Every Tuesday he has a saxophone lesson with 20
was designed by Cambridge University for advanced students. Even with this accelerated curriculum he still gets A’s and B’s. That’s why I make every effort to let him play every chance he gets. If he can work hard at school and still have time for his music, I can work hard to get him to
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
the show. Josh performs regularly with professional adult entertainers in adult environments. Do you ever worry he’s growing up too fast? No! He’s still just a typical kid. He plays his Xbox and rides his skateboard, and he won’t keep his room clean or eat his vegetables. Does he still perform with musicians his own age? Josh plays in a couple of kid bands. One is called Biscuits and Lace with his friends Little Lisa (13), Al ex Richmond (15) and the Pendergrass sisters (13 and 14). He also plays in a kid band calle d Perfect Coincidence with the soulful singing sensation Olivia (11), drummer Anna Seymour (11), and bassist Quinton Brown (13). Josh also plays occasionally with his friend Cody Rentas (17). The thing about Josh is, like little Bill said, “Josh is not full of himself, he just loves to play music.” It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, Josh enjoys playing in the band. What advice can you give to other parents who are just starting to get involved with their child’s music career? If you recognize that your child has a passion for something, whether its music, baseball, or whatever it is, make the time to be involved. It will only bring them closer to their dreams and you closer to them!! So my advice is, “Just Do it.” Take them to music lessons, baseball practice or band practice. Support them in any way you can. Push them when they need it, and back off when they take the lead. Like Josh asked, “Dad, will you take guitar lessons with me?” Oh, by the way, I still can’t play the guitar, but I have fun trying. Jumpin’ Josh has already performed with the following national and international blues stars: Josh has played with Lee Oscar, Sean Carney, Doug McCloud, Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Bernard Alison and Johnny Mannion. Eric Sardines played with Josh at Cobo Wabo in Mexico where he gave Josh his “Preaching Pipe Side.” It’s the one they used to cast the replicas you can buy today at Guitar Center, and Josh owns the original. John Lee Hooker Jr. inducted Josh into the “Blues Brotherhood.” Hubert Sumlin told us, “This kid’s got it. He’ll do just fine playin’ the blues.” And BB King told him, “Stay true to the music, and don’t worry about all the hype, just stay true to you. You’ll do fine with the blues son, [and] I’ll check in with you in a few years.” This is just to name a few.
Continued on page 24
NW JAZZ PROFILE
Mercedes Nicole Sounding Better Than Ever Seattle, WA INTERVIEWED BY ROSE MURPHY Mercedes, why did you choose singing as a profession? This may sound familiar, but music found me. I grew up listening to jazz. Both my parents love music, and jazz is their favorite. My oldest brother played the saxophone all over Southern California, and I would sit on the steps with him in the warm summer evenings and hum along with everything he was playing. When did you start your singing career? The last time I saw Nancy Wilson at Jazz Alley, I knew all I ever wanted to do was sing Jazz! That was in 2004, and I’ve never looked back! I was so smitten by her charm, her sass, and her beauty and voice, that if I could have, I would have followed her all over the world. I was also blown away by the fact we have the exact same birth date, which we share with Sydney Potier…another of my favorites.
but I certainly admire Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Shirley Horne, Nina Simone, and of course Nancy Wilson. Oh, if I could scat like Ella…I’d probably just die and go to heaven! Who inspires you? Seriously, I admire my hair dresser Ms. Tracey Avery! She’s also my stylist and very on point! When I go to her, and she whirls me around in the chair, by the time she gets through schooling me on the goodness of God, and transforming my hair, I feel like “I’m Born Again!” Also the men and women who own local venues that are doing their best to keep live music alive, in my opinion, ROCK! The owners of Egan’s, Bake’s Place, Local Color, Tula’s, Lucid, Seattle First Baptist Church, Island Soul, the Seattle Art Museum and th e Afr ic an Am eric an Art
What do you like best about performing? Music is mystical, magical and moving! I love tapping into the emotions and hearts of others, and watching them surrender to the messages in a song. There’s an intensity that happens between the audience, the musicians and the singers that’s so magnetic it literally takes everyone into another time and place t hat’s literall y quite intoxicating. La st ly, my fa ns a re lov ers o f mus ic, particularly of ja zz , a nd I lo ve t he respect and love they show me. That love keeps me going. W h i c h performers do y ou admire, an d or, emulate? I’m not so su re I emulate a ny o ne , 22
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Museum and the entire Columbia City Corridor …all these owners and venues give us a chance to live our dream and make life a brighter place for everyone. What are your dreams and goals for your career? Getting signed by a major record label would be fabulous. I’d love to sing at Yoshi’s one day, and at Lincoln Center. Headlining at some of the major jazz festivals and traveling all over the world doing my thing would be amazing. One dream I’ve had for years is to be a Program Director for a performing arts center that would not only highlight all the young talent we have in our city, but give those women and men who have turned their lives around, or, at last, found their voice, a place to shine and grow. Despite age, there’s a child in each of us that deserves to have their moment to shine! Name a few people who have helped you get to this point in you career. There are three women in my life that quietly encouraged me even though I was just another stranger. Gretta Matassa, Josephine Howell, and Beth Winters. I believe they are three of the finest vocalist in the Northwest. How do they help you? When I sing, they listen intently, and gently coach and correct. When they put their arms around me, I weep because they touch something deep in me that has been fighting to get out, and I know it’s about the art - not the technique - not the politics, but the love they have for each of their students and the pure art form.
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
23
WHAT’S NEW? | ROCK
John Violette
Katy Dittmer Vocalist with Dirty Old Man PERFORMANCE CAREER Our performance schedule has exploded this year! Beginning on July third, we only have two weekends off through mid-September. We’re all performance junkies and are stoked about our robust calendar. RECORDING CAREER We keep trying to get back to the recording
their bottom line. We like to find that balance with our customers because we all win. PERSONAL LIFE I’m enjoying being a fulltime horticulture student tremendously, and have just landed a nice part-time contract job running the garden center for a major hardware store franchiser in my hometown.
Josh’s performances at blues festivals and events include: Legendary Blues Cruise, at Cobo Wabo in Mexico, Back 2 Blues Fest in Canada, Portland Waterfront Blues Fest, Oregon’s Ashland Blues fest in Oregon, Music on the Mountain, Mt. Baker Blues Fest, Rock Cut Blues Fest, Sunbanks Blues Fest, Suncadia Blues Fest, Tacoma’s Freedom Fair, Gray Sky Blues fest and, Tacoma Blues and Jazz fest in Tacoma, Rum Boogie, New Daisy, Club 152 on Beale Street in Memphis, Taste of Tacoma, Big Sky Blues Fest in Montana. July Performances: July 4th - Freedom Fair in Tacoma w/ The SSBA Back to Beale Street All Stars. 8:00 – 10:00pm July 9th - Angle Lake Park in SeaTac w/ Little Bill and the Bluenotes. 5:00 – 7:00pm July 10th - Old Towne Blues Fest in Tacoma w/ Little Bill and the Bluenotes. 12:15 – 2:15pm July 10th - The Spar Tavern in Tacoma w/ Maia Santell and the House Blend. 8:00 – 11:00pm July 31st - Mt Baker Blues Fest in Deming. Jumpin Josh with Jesse James. TBD
studio but we’re too busy performing! Right now we’re looking at November to cut some new tracks. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS We’re very fortunate to have such a supportive group of friends (you know who you are!!) and for the most part, they’re doing great. They’re healthy, happy and dancing like teenagers when we play. We really enjoy it when fellow musicians come out to see us and visa versa. Supporting each other is hugely important. STATE OF THE BIZ The music industry is an interesting place to orbit. It’s changed a lot with the economy. It’s a ‘buyer’s market’ today with the small to medium venues. You have to work with owner’s expectations. They no longer hire a band to add atmosphere for their clientele, they hire a band ONLY if you help them add to 24
BIG FUN IS SEEKING FAMILY LIFE My youngest daughter got engaged!! No date set as of yet. She finished her degree in June, so wedding bells sometime [soon]. And yes, she is absolutely incandescent. When our drummer, Tony, asked her if we were playing at the wedding, she said she’d take it under advisement. He couldn’t believe she didn’t give him an instant “yes.” I suggested they may want a string quartet. “Impossible,” he replied. We are all one big family, for sure. PERSONAL GROWTH I’m always working on taking life as it comes and letting go of my controlling ways. Just because the plan isn’t going the way I conceived it doesn’t mean it’s not going along just fine! Good litmus tests for me are my husband, children and band mates. They will always tell me when I need to chill out.
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
AD SALES MANAGER & AD SALES REPS HIGH COMMISSION + PERKS
WRITERS NEEDED! DINING, WINE & ART, FASHION, BEAUTY, TRAVEL CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, FILM, HEALTH & SPORTS
253-473-1866 info@bigfunmagazine.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Sponsored By
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
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.
OGHALE AGBRO
KIM ARCHER
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”
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: 206-351-3180, www.oghaleagbro.com, oghalea@gmail.com
Contact: 253-298-5961, kim@kimarcherband.com, www.kimarcherband.com, www.myspace.com/kimarcherband, www.facebook.com/kimarcherband, www.twitter.com/kimarcherband
VIRGINIA ASHBY
CEE CEE JAMES
“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.
Constant comparison to Janis Joplin puts this “R&B Independent Artist of the Year” award winner in the same company with the best-of-thebest 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 / FWGRecords@hotmail.com, 360-632-9901
Contact: virginia@virginiaashby.com, deanconnections@aol.com
JOANNE KLEIN
SANDRA LOCKLEAR
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.
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: info@sandralocklear.com. “Sandra brings class, spirit, and artistic inspiration ...” - David Syre, CEO
Contact: www.joannekleindiva.com, joanneklein49@netzero.net
26
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
For bookings, contact: info@sandralocklear.com., www.sandralocklear.com, www.youtube.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEAH NATALE
MERCEDES NICOLE
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.
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
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
STEPHANIE PORTER 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 - portersings@comcast.net
SUSAN SIMS 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 SemiFinalists. 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, sus14an@yahoo.com, www.bigsismedia.com/RHBS.html, www.facebook.com/.../Red-Hot-Blues-Sister, www.peacecoderecords.com/Red_Hot_Blues_Sisters.html
LEAH STILLWELL 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 Revi ew. “A lways u nderst ated bu t vibr antexhilarating!” -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.
MAIA SANTELL 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, santellswings@comcast.net, gwgrape47@comcast.net
MARC SMASON 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, musicetc@clearwire.net
BECKI SUE 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” Michelle Burgein 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, rebekahd@comcast.net
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
27
SPECIAL PROMOTION
JACQUELINE TABOR
ALMA VILLEGAS
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.
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 mail@almavillegas.com
Contact: 206.890.6716, www.vocalsbyjacqueline.com www.gigmasters.com/Singer JacquelineDTabor/
KEELY WHITNEY
DARRIUS WILLRICH
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!
Seattle’s soul-singer-songwriter Darrius Willrich drips a sensuous interplay of soul, jazz, and inner city longings. Sure to engage your all your sens es, with the loo k, 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: website: www.keelywhitney.com, keelytyler@yahoo.com
Cont act: w ww.dar riuswi llrich .com, darriuswillrich, me@darriuswillrich.com
www.my space. com/
SOUND ADVICE
What’s the Mixup? By Richard Nichols - Circle of Sound Studio Olympia, WA t used to be simple, don’t mix with headphones. We all tracked with phones (and still do), but when it came time to mix, the cans were put away and the monitors were employed. This isn’t always the cas e today, however. As more music is bought through digital distribution and is primarily played on ipods or cheap computer speakers, mixing with headphones is be com ing m ore co mmo n p lac e. Wi tho ut preaching to the choir, I would like to reiterate that we only get two ears in life, and they serve
I
impulses into the phones, the sound is almost indistinguishable from the loudspeakers. Most of us won’t or can’t afford ourselves this quality, howev er, so the debate o ver mixing with headphones rages on. The placement and panning of instruments can not be accurately ju dg ed wi th mo st he ad pho ne s. The individual instrument levels vs. the vocals levels become exaggerated. It’s easier to misjudge the effects, and because so many phones don’t have extended bass range, getting the proper balance for the mix is difficult. Now, that being said, some of the newer headphones are very neutral sounding, and those with the bigger drivers can be quite impressive. A few of the lower cost models worth checking out include: 1. Sony MDR7506 2. AKG 240’s 3. Sennheiser HD280 & 448 4. Grado SR60i The list wouldn’t be complete without including some of the break the bank models, too: 1. Sennheiser HD800 2. Beyer Tesla T1 3. Ultrasone Edition8 4. Dennon AH-D7000
us best when the ringing is kept to a minimum. Headphones more times then not are abused, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Of course ear fatigue and mixes that don’t translate well on conventional systems is secondary. The main thing is, don’t hurt your ears. If you are going to use headphones a lot, give your ears a break, ofte n, and cut b ack on the v olume. And re me mbe r, ex te nde d per io ds wi th so me headphones can also result in neck pain. Headphones have come a long way over the years, and 5.1 headphone monitoring is living proof. With the ability to incorporate room
Now I have to ask a simple question; if you are going to spend upward of $1500.00 on a set of headphones to mix with, why not use the tried and true conventional monitors? And remember, pa yi ng s ome on e wi th experience and the proper gear to master the project isn’t such a bad idea either, and ultimately, a lot cheaper.
Comments in reference to this article are welcome. Let us know what you think, and we’ll include your feedback in a future article. Please em ai l y our t hou ght s to BIG F UN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE at: info@bigfunmagazine.com. You may contact Ri ch ard N ich ol s dir ec tly a t: ri ck .ni ch ol s@g mx .co m, a nd www.circleofsound.net. BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
29
FUN STUFF
CAN YOU FIND THE 10 CHANGES?
B E F O R E
A F T E R Byron VanNoy - Seattle Drummer Photo by Sean Cunningham
Find These Cool People & Places Amore Restaurant (Seattle, WA) Becki Sue (Olympia blues vocalist) Billy Shew (Tacoma guitarist) Blue 55 Band (Seattle, WA) Brad Buck (Seattle, guitarist) Broadway Center (Tacoma, WA) Danny Welsh (Seattle, saxophonist) Doug McGrew (Seattle drummer) Fingertips Band (Tacoma, WA) Jazz at Marine View Church (Tacoma, WA) Jazzbones Club (Tacoma, WA) Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra (Seattle, WA) Jumpin’ Josh (Young upcoming NW blues star) Kareem Kandi (Tacoma saxophonist, educator) Kimball Conant (Seattle guitarist) LeNard Jones (Seattle drummer) Lucid Restaurant & Bar (Seattle, Wa) Mark Bullis (Seattle bassist, educator) Merende Restaurant (Tacoma, WA) Michal Miller Band (Tacoma, WA) Moore Theatre (Seattle, WA) Mr. Mac Clothing Store (Tacoma, WA) Nearly Dan Band (Seattle, WA) Nick Vigarino (NW blues star) Puyallup Fair (Puyallup, WA) Soul Provider Band (Seattle, WA) 30
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Y E E J L L A B M I K P S
A D R K A E I N N A D O P
WD N E O O M I R O Z A WZ S E T R A Q R A H C I T
A O R E M N J E WA Z R M L B Y I O Z V N E K R R E
R M L K L L G M E N L O G
B S C U U U I L E C E P N
H I C O O K B R A E A S I
N D I U S E D E WB J M O O E A R C H I R C R A F T
Star Machine ( NW Live Karaoke Band) Steve Kim (Seattle bassist, educator) Stickshift Annie (Seattle Vocalist) Teri Derr (Seattle vocalist) The Hub Restaurant (Tacoma, WA) Tracey Hooker (Olympia trumpeter, Grammy Uncle Porkchop Band (Seattle, WA)
winner)
V R H U A F I S V K A I K
R S H C E U L B H Q I F M
HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS!