INSIDE JANUARY, 2010
EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com - 253-473-1866 4
THE MIX Variety Entertainment
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DINING & WINE Carter’s Chocolates
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Lori Newby’s Wine & Chocolate Pairings The correct way to taste Wine
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ART & DESIGN Jewelry Designer Amy Johnson
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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
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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE
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: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 David Johnson and Gary Grape
EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866 5226 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma WA 98409 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.
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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THE MIX Variety Entertainment Jazz It Up!
Norman Connors
With Special Guest
Darren Motamedy Jan 24 Muckleshoot Casino Auburn, WA
Jeff Kashiwa
COMEDY Gabriel Iglesias Jan 23 Moore Theatre Seattle, WA
David Keys Quartet Jan 31 Marine View Church Tacoma, WA
DANCE
Virginia Ashby Saturday, January 23, - 7:30 p.m. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center 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.
Every Thursday Vince’s Italian Restaurant Federal Way, WA
Jan 29 Pantages Theater Tacoma, WA
POP Star Machine Every Thursday PJ Pockets Casino Federal Way, WA
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.
JAZZ Najee Jan 14-17 Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Seattle , WA
Marc Smason Free World Jan 22 Gallery 1412 Seattle, WA 4
Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
CONTACT BIG FUN info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
DINING & WINE
Valentine’s Day Is On the Way Flowers and Champagne May Set the Stage But It’s Chocolate That Steals the Show! eattle has more than its share of showstealing chocolate shops and one of the best is Carter’s Chocolates, just across the water in lovely Port Orchard.
S
Af ter on ly just over a year in bu si nes s, Ma tt Carter’s exquisitely deco rated square s of de li gh tf ul ha nd ma de chocolates have found their way into the Chocolate Box in downtown Seattle, the dessert menu at the Pike Brewing Co mp any i n P ik e P la ce Ma rk et, th e Ald erb ro ok 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 2nd Ann ual Sea ttle Lu xury Chocolate Salon tasting - July, 2009, Matt Carter was among so me lo ng es ta bli sh ed ch oco la tie rs, o ffe rin g 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 6
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 en su res pr op er treatment of the workers, which ma ke s u s fe el better.”
wel l in t he Gr and
On e o f t he or gan ic chocolates used by Carter is from Swiss company Felchlin, gr ow n o n t he ir es ta te in t he Dominican Republic. It has a bold fruity flavor profile which pairs Marnier truffle.
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 w ith a ma lt y s we etn es s t ha t w or ks 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 sh or t. Th ey are j ust t oo adorable for words and don’t seem to last long anywhere. On e mor e ste p t ak en th at reflects the values of the folks at Carter ’s, is that the boxes used to make up a nice selection of ch oc ola tes fo r t he ne xt birthday or Chocolate Holiday ar e mad e w it h r ecy cl ed cardboard. And the cellophane bags around the turtles, the barks loaded with nuts or dried fr ui t - a nd al l y ou r o th er ch il dho od wi she s - a re biodegradable, made from plant starch! I wonder if that means that you can even eat the bags?
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
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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 matt@carterschocolates.com, Their telephone number is 360-876-4424. You can also order directly from www.carterschocolates.com.
JEWELRY
Gold: Beyond the Glitter Wine By Ray J. Rousseau
& Chocolate Pairings BY LORI NEWBY
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
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 scar ed tex ts and was im portan 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 cir cle with a do t in the cent er “ O” a nd, 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.
MILK
Gold’s Present
Terra Blanca Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - Washington
concentrations and long exposures, degrade the structural integrity of alloyed gold as used in jewelry.
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 we arin g s hor ts a nd slo wly wav ing met al 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 b etween them, have gold d eposits representing nearly 6% of all gold ever mined in modern history.
Gold Alloyed for Jewelry. What’s in it?
Gold’s Future
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.
Demand for gold has never been higher than it is today. Gold ’s use in m edici ne 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 t hei r c ombi ned bi llio ns of pote nti al 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.
WHITE R.L. Buller and Sons Muscat - Australia
DARK Dark Horse Sonoma Zinfandel California
The Correct Way To Taste Wine
Gold Nuggett
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
Gold’s Past
When tasting more than one wine, spit it out. You can cleans your pallet with a saltless cracker before tasting your next wine.
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
2009©RAY J ROUSSEAU INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUAL SCIENCES http://www.institutespiritualsciences.org iofss@aol.com
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
FINE JEWELRY & DESIGN
Amy Johnson Custom Jewelry Designer - Puyallup, WA 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
T
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
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... personality of the wearer, built around her 7.43ct princess cut center diamond.
12.45 ct total weight diamond and platinum ring
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 8
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
in sections, most of which is covered in a specialized setting method called “bright setting”
7.43ct princess cut center diamond
Reuben Teves working on the wax model
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
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
12.45 ct - scale view
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
NW JAZZ PROFILE
Virginia Ashby On Music, Love & Life 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.
throughout each day and I lay down to sleep with it each night.
I
Sometimes we wonder if we’re on the right path in life. Sometimes we wonder if maybe we were
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.
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
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.
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.
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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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
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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
For bookings, contact: info@sandralocklear.com., www.sandralocklear.com, www.youtube.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
LEAH NATALE 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
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.
MERCEDES NICOLE 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
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 • JANUARY, 2010
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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
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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
Cont act: w ww.dar riuswi llrich .com, darriuswillrich, me@darriuswillrich.com
www.my space. com/
NW JAZZ PROFILE
Tracy Knoop Woodwinds / Private Instruction- Tacoma, WA 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
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!
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:
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: tracyknoop@comcast.net BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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NW JAZZ PROFILE
Kareem Kandi Saxophone Tacoma, WA
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.
K
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,
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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?
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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.
BIG FUN IS SEEKING AD SALES MANAGER AD SALES REPS. VERY HIGH COMMISSION AND PERKS.
WRITERS NEEDED! DINING, WINE & ART FASHION, BEAUTY & TRAVEL CONCERTS, FESTIVALS & FILM HEALTH & SPORTS.
253-473-1866 info@bigfunmagazine.com BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JANUARY, 2010
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BLUES
BLUES SELECTED ARTICLES FROM 2009
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 sixpiece band features Jada Amy on vocals, Eliud Atondo on bass, Asial Gutierras on drums, and tw o gui ta ris ts —Jh o Ble ni s a nd Ra fa el Tranquilino. The two guitarists back each other during solos and, with Randy’s killer trombone, give the band its characteristic big, rich sound. Th e in terp lay bet ween the se perf orme rs pr ov ide s the a udi en ce wi th so met hi ng entertaining to watch, as well as to hear. For mo re in fo rm ati on ab ou t R an dy, v is it randyoxford.com.Asial Gutierras
Becki Sue Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle BLUES
& Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
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.
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 wi th Mi ke Lynch, Mark Dalton, Ron Weinstein, Larry Harris an d a
Be ck i S ue : I c hos e to si ng 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 ch annel we listened to. Tom Boyle: I chose the guitar be cau se my pa ren ts 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 t he en te rta in me nt industry before Becki Sue & her B ig Roc ki n’ Daddies! was born? To m: I pla yed i n m y 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 h e 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
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… To m, h ow a nd where did you meet Be ck i S ue, a nd wh at l ed to t he creation of Becki Sue an d he r Big R oc ki n’ 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! Wh ic h i nt ern at ion al ly re spe ct ed 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
Phot
BLUES 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 yo u ever dre am you wou ld 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 th e mus ic, i t d ri ves m e t o e nh anc e my performance. I always have fun no matter what, it’s just more fun when others join in. Tell us about your newest/ la te st re cor di ng. W ho produced it? Where was it re cord ed? Who ’s on i t? What ’s uniqu e about it? Include release date and label. Becki: A new CD recorded by Ni ck Mo on at Su per nat ur al Sound in Oregon, with overdubs cur rentl y bein g rec orded 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 an d Tom , a nd is be ing c oproduced 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! Be cki Su e: Be ing re cog niz ed ou tsi de 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.” Wh at pe rs ona l g ro wth h ave y ou 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
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 Co ok , D av id Bre we r, Ma rk 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 30th, 2008. Wh at a re th e k ey s to ba la nci ng th e di ffe re nt facets of your professional life with your family life? Tom: A certain level of insanity and immaturity. Hell, I don’t know.
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 stat e o f t he mu si c/e nt ertain me nt 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
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
Billy Shew Guitar, Vocals - University Place, WA “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
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 gr eat t ime . Our w eek en d g ig s 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 Pl a on ke ys an d th en there’s me on guitar and vox. What’s happening with th e Bi ll y S he w Ba nd rig ht n ow? A ny g ood 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, iTun es , Ver izo n, a nd various other web pages. We are also working with the folks at A& R Select in Ho lly wood wh o a re he lp in g us fi nd distribution points for this CD, amongst other help.
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
Tell us about your new/ la te st re cor di ng. W ho 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 luxu ries of going big ti me. Reg ardles s, 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: admin@billyshewband.com
BLUES
Tim Hall Guitar, Vocals - Tacoma, WA 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 an d is me nta ll y s tim ul ati ng . M y lov e 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.
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.
Describe your style of music. Why are you guys always working when some other bands can’t find gigs? Wh y are y ou guys so hot? I love playing all st yle s of m us ic —B lu es , Rock, Latin, Jazz and even a little bit of Cou ntry Rock! The Tim Ha ll Ban d h as been together for ov er tw en ty ye ar s a nd h as played countless fe st iva ls a nd sh ow s, s o we ha ve h ad t he opportunity to be heard and to play a lot more often. We work to get ou r mus ic o ut th er e jus t li ke anyone else and ou r lov e of playing keeps us going.
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.
W h a t ’ s happening with the band right now? Any good news? We a re in t he pr oce ss of recording our 4th 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 3rd 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
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 tr aveling 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!! Website: www.TimHallBand.com Email: tootallhall63@hotmail.com
BLUES
LJ Porter Vocalist 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 thr ee div as; M s. Are tha Fran klin, Ma vis Sta ples and Etta James (hence the na me 3- Dam es, A fo r Ar etha Fr ankl in, M f or Mavis Staples and E for Etta James). I also have just landed a gig at Cafe Amore 5th & Bell Seattle, Friday ni gh ts at 9: 30 pm to12:30am.
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- Dame s w as b orn. It was divi ne intervention, I think.
INTERNATIONAL CIRCLE I have had the honor of working with some of the greats: Mr. BB King, John Po ppe r fro m B lu es Travelers, Roy Orbison, Mary Wells, etc. (more on this at ljporter.com)
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 worl d (in my opinio n 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.
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- Da me s 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—Ke nny, 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
Then, I had to get back for an awards show. This was the craziest couple days of my life. Who knew?
ON LJ P OR TE R, W E B S T E R ’ S DIC TIONA RY WO ULD SAY See Sassy, Feisty & Soul 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.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Debuting 3 Dames sometime in late fall (so, technically that gives me till December 20th). Ke ep lo oki ng fo r the n ew sho w at www.ljporter.com. It’s going to be a fabulous tribute to some very talented ladies.
BLUES Rafael Tranquilino Randy Oxford Band
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.
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.
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.”
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle
Kimball Conant
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
Kimball Conant & the Fugitives
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!
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
www.bigrockindaddies.com - www.myspace.com/tboyneal tboyneal@comcast.net - Cell: 360-790-6105 - Fax: 360-357-5454
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
Billy Shew
Preston Miller
Billy Shew Band
Michal Miller 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: admin@billyshewband.com.
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 KACHUNCK 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...
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 multistylist, 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
You Can Be In Guitar Slingers! Coming In February, 2010 CONTACT BIG FUN TODAY TO RESERVE YOU SPOT. 253-473-1866 - info@bigfunmagazine.com
BLUES
SUSAN SIMS Lead Vocalist for Seattle’s
Red Hot Blues Sisters “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.” 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 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?
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 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.
What turns you on? Kissing with your eyes in a public place.
Te ll us a bou t y ou r n ew /la te st 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 t alent and energy. It was completed in eleven days, from click to mix, at The Tank with Tom Pfaeffle.
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 Brewery 12.18.09 Blue’
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.
This ‘09 tour was pretty mind-blowing. We played Memphis, changed personnel, moved, lost Ted after Europe; lost Tom in July, and toured eve ry song recorded w ith Tom at extraordinary shows.
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?
Fo re ca st ers
R ed ho ok
Japan Release of ‘Red On
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: sus14an@yahoo.com
BLUES
MAIA SANTELL Swingin’ On Sixth Avenue! Eight years ago, Seattle veteran jazz and blues singer Maia Santell married Gary Grape, native Tacoman and entertainment buyer fo r the Taco ma Ev en ts Commission. Little did she know, she ’d s oon becom e pa rt o f a vibrant, thriving Sout h Sound dance scene — a community of dancers hungry for live music and a dance band a la “Dancing With The Stars.”
Network, Sonny Newman’s, Seattle Sunday Swing at China Harbor), Maia’s favorite (held
On Wednesday, Sept 16th, Studio 6 Ballroom and the Sixth Avenue Business Association pr ese nt th e f if th mon th ly Progressive Dinner — a restaurant wa lk t hat fea tur es d ele ctab 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 6th 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 on e of he r g rea t tea m 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!
in her own backyard) is Studio 6 Ballroom in Tacoma’s Entertainment District — founded and operated by master dance coach, Natasha Thayer.
For booking and information on upcoming performances contact Maia at Santellswings@comcast.net or see: www.MaiaSantell.com
Thanks to the old Brickyard Bar and Grill (on 56th Street in South Tacoma), Santell and her band, “Maia Santell and House Blend,” es ta bl ish ed a fa n bas e th at 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 e vents and prod uctions 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
What’s in the magic potion that makes you and Stickshift Annie such a successful team? Even the lousiest gig beats watching TV.
Kimball Conant The one thing you must realize about blues is…it’s anything but sad.
feel and I have been through that too.”
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’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.
What do you want people to remember about you and your music? I played my ass off.
Other than choosing a career in music, what is the most adventurous or dangerous thing you have ever done? Bronze casting.
Stickshift Annie
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.
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
ARTIST PROFILES
The group is determined to make their whole greater than the sum of its parts... 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 B3 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 selfproduced 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, b3buck@gmail.com
VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Julia Martin-Lombardi 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. “ 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 literall y translates i nto “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 Ga rdens in the surroun ding area. Nothing beats the taste of fresh produce being integral to the dishes you are creating. We feel tha t we repr esent the Itali an S low F ood 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 exp osed 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. Te ll us a bi t abo ut yo ur ch ef ’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 6th 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
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.
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.
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 housemade 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
How often do you change your menu? Some parts of the menu, wine and desserts and daily specials in particular change regularly. Th es e c ha nge s are o fte n bas ed on t he availability of fresh local produce, fruits, berries and other items. We also have large seasonal menu changes in spring, fall and winter. Me re nde fe at ure s liv e jaz z e ve ry Th ur sda y e ve nin g. Ho w a re yo ur cu st ome rs re cei vin g you r m us ic 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 op po rtu ni ty fo r p eo ple t o e nj oy 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?
Website:www.merenderestaurant.com
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
ART SPOTLIGHT
Karen Hollowell Fine Artist 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 clou dy forms of expr essioni sm. Ther e 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 www.karenhollowell.com
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