Big Fun July 2010

4 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010

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

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

INSIDE

JULY, 2010

EMAIL: [email protected] - 253-473-1866

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: [email protected] 253-473-1866

David Johnson and Gary Grape

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE is published 12 times a year. The views

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ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.

Copyright 2010 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.

EMAIL: [email protected]

253-473-1866

BIG FUN

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE

WHAT’S NEW?

24 Katy Dittmer

vocalist with Dirty Old Man

SPECIAL PROMOTION

26 Best Singers in the Sound

SOUND ADVICE

29 What’s the Mixup

FUN STUFF

30 Photo Change Puzzle

Word Search Puzzle


THE MIX

Variety Entertainment

Hotrod -A- Rama

August 5 & 6

The Swiss Tavern

Tacoma, WA

Toad The Wet

Sproket

July 29

The Moore Theatre

Seattle, WA

Cold Note

July 31

Jazzbones

Tacoma, WA

Maestro’s

Menagerie

The Collins

Brothers

Thru August 29

Teatro ZinZanni

Seattle, WA

Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube

July 14

The Paramount Theatre

Seattle, WA

ROCK

HIP-HOP

Jamie Cullum

July 14

Lakewood Theater

Lakewood, WA

Hadley Caliman

w/ Thomas

Marriott

July 18

Jazz Alley

Seattle, WA

Jacqui Naylor

July 20 – 21

Jazz Alley

Seattle, WA

Poncho Sanchez

July 22-25

Jazz Alley

Seattle, WA

Stephanie Porter

Quartet

July 23

Tula’s

Seattle

JAZZ

Steel Panther

July 23

The Showbox

Seattle, WA

ROCK / METAL

REGGAE

Katchafire

July 10

The Showbox

Seattle, WA

BLUES

Cee Cee James

July 31

Stonegate Pizza

Tacoma, WA

Nick Vigarino

July 24

Highway 99 Blues Club

Seattle, WA

ROCK / FOLK

Neil Young

July 20

The Paramount

Theatre

Seattle, WA

FUNK

Dr. Funk

July 24

Jazzbones

Tacoma, WA

[email protected]

THEATER / COMEDY

DINING SPOTLIGHT

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar


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!

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 garlic-

chive 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,

H




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)


Enjoy!


Where Does Wine Get Its Color?

FYI

By Lori Newby

Corkscrew Cellars

Puyallup, WA

SPIRITS

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



ART


Artist

Tacoma, WA

Rich

Thomas


“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.”

Peacock In A Box

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.

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: [email protected]

ART

Top: Off To A Good Start, Bottom: Ace Of Spades


Mr. Mac’s

Fashion Tips

Classic Color

Combinations for

the Stage

Throughout time,

certain color

c o m b i n a t i o n s

have always

worked in show

business. Most of

them are simple

and readi 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

contemporary style pai red wi th a

matching belt, with a good 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.

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

dates, check h is ca lendar onl ine at:

w w w . t h e c o d y r e n t a s b a n d . c o m ,

www.myspace.com/thecodyrentasband

Photo by Lawrence Williams

Cody Rentas


STYLE

STYLE

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

remember one

woman who

actually cried when

she saw herself in

the mi rror. She

cried! That’s how

happy she was.

Ardyss transforms

the way women see

themselves 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 involved 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 hunger is rampant. The packages

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.

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.

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.

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:

Email: [email protected]

Want Rock Hard Abs?

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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 - 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

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

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Sizes: Small to XXL

Men’s Shaper

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What It Takes To Be A

Successful Stage Parent

John Violette and His Super-Special Son Jumpin’ Josh

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.

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

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

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

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), Alex Richmond (15) and the

Pendergrass sisters (13 and 14). He also

plays in a kid band called 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.

A

BLUES

Continued on page 24


INTERVIEWED BY ROSE MURPHY

NW JAZZ PROFILE

Mercedes Nicole

Sounding Better Than Ever

Seattle, WA

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.

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 that’s literally quite

intoxicating.

Last ly, my fans a re

lovers of mus ic,

particularly of

jazz , and I

love the

respect and love

they show me.

That love keeps

me going.

W h i c h

performers

do you

a d m i r e ,

and or,

emulate?

I’m not so

sure I

e m u l a t e

a ny o ne ,

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 the Afr ican

American

A r t

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.



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

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

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.

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.

WHAT’S NEW? | ROCK

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 4

th

- Freedom Fair in Tacoma w/ The SSBA

Back to Beale Street All Stars. 8:00 – 10:00pm

July 9

th

- Angle Lake Park in SeaTac w/ Little Bill

and the Bluenotes. 5:00 – 7:00pm

July 10

th

- Old Towne Blues Fest in Tacoma w/

Little Bill and the Bluenotes. 12:15 – 2:15pm

July 10

th

- The Spar Tavern in Tacoma w/ Maia

Santell and the House Blend. 8:00 – 11:00pm

July 31

st

- Mt Baker Blues Fest in Deming. Jumpin

Josh with Jesse James. TBD

John Violette

BIG FUN

IS

SEEKING

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

[email protected]


SANDRA LOCKLEAR

CEE CEE JAMES

KIM ARCHER

OGHALE AGBRO

VIRGINIA ASHBY

JOANNE KLEIN

Your next party or event will be a hit when you hire one of the BEST SINGERS available.

Here is a small sampling of the best professional singers who will deliver what you need.

A Roosevelt Vocal Jazz Ensemble Alumni trained

by the esteemed Scott Brown.

The recipient of the Bud Shank jazz workshop

scholarship 2 times in a row.

I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work with

such artist as Greta Matassa and Edmonia Jarrett.

Performed on stages like the Rialto Theater in Atlanta, GA and at Tula’s

Seattle WA,

My voice has been described as “Sultry and Original” and “Captivating

and Abstract”

Contact: 206-351-3180, www.oghaleagbro.com, [email protected]

If ever there was a perfect match of natural vocal

talent and commanding stage presence, it is

found in Kim Archer. The soulful, natural tones

that flow through her voice engage listeners, and

her smooth, passionate delivery evokes an

energy that brings people to their feet! Since her

first live performances in Washington in 2004 with her band, she has

brought her soul, funk, jazz, blues, classic rock and R&B influences to

thousands of listeners.

Contact: 253-298-5961, [email protected],

www.kimarcherband.com, www.myspace.com/kimarcherband,

www.facebook.com/kimarcherband, www.twitter.com/kimarcherband

“The Voice of the South Sound” –Douglas

Barnett (International touring artist/Composer)

Her fortes span Pop, Soul, Blues, and Jazz. She

is a dynamic performer and a favorite for private

parties and corporate events. A few of her

performances of note include: Olympic Stadium -

Beijing 2008, performed with blues legend, Curtis Salgado, first

choice for studio vocals, sang Billboard #3 Hip Hop Single with

Legacy and Too Short. She is renowned for her versatility and

performs 6 shows weekly including Muckleshoot Casino. And she also

writes and records original music for National and European

distribution.

Contact: [email protected], [email protected]

Constant comparison to Janis Joplin puts this

“R&B Independent Artist of the Year” award

winner in the same company with the best-of-the-

best blues belters. Cee Cee James, aptly dubbed

“The Vocal Volcano” by Robert Horn of the WA

Blues Society, is a must for the music lover that

likes it low down, raw and real. “…The real deal! Her performance is

electrifying!” - Rita Ashley, Examiner.com/Seattle.

Cee Cee is available worldwide.

CeeCeeJames.com / [email protected], 360-632-9901

A veteran of cabaret, musical theatre, and

concert, JOANNE KLEIN combines her diverse

talents to present an innovative blend of music,

theatre, comedy and lyricism. From jazz to pop,

swing to R&B, classics to originals, everything

she touches becomes a fresh look at the world.

Energetic, versatile and clever with a sophisticated flair, Ms Klein is

very musical, very zany, and above all,

totally entertaining.

...incapable of being anything other than dynamite... - Wayne Johnson,

Seattle Times.

Contact: www.joannekleindiva.com, [email protected]

Pianist-Singer

Solo to combo, Sandra performs fresh swinging

jazz and pop standards, sexy bossa novas,

riveting ballads and her own compositions. With

a natural gift for connecting with audiences, she

pairs a rich alto voice with elegant jazz piano

stylings refined over many years of playing venues in the Pacific

Northwest, Canada and Europe. For bookings, contact:

[email protected]. “Sandra brings class, spirit, and artistic

inspiration ...” - David Syre, CEO

For bookings, contact: [email protected].,

www.sandralocklear.com, www.youtube.com

Local Color

Specializing In Vocal Jazz

1606 Pike Place, Seattle, WA, 206-728-1717

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Egan’s Ballard Jam House

The Best In Live Music

1707 Market St., Ballard, WA, 206-789-1621

Sponsored By

SPECIAL PROMOTION


BECKI SUE

MARC SMASON

MAIA SANTELL

MERCEDES NICOLE

LEAH NATALE

STEPHANIE PORTER

SUSAN SIMS

LEAH STILLWELL

Style - Leah’s sultry vocals capture the artful

simplicity of American and Brazilian jazz

standards. “Natale’s delivery is playful, hip, sexy

and at times, coy.” - Earshot Jazz Magazine.

Credits - Leah’s debut album My Someday,

recorded with a 10 – piece jazz orchestra, can be heard on several

radio stations around the country and has been well received

throughout Japan.

Attributes – “Leah is quietly gaining a much deserved reputation

around town with her sultry voice and slick vocal styling” - Earshot

Jazz Magazine

Mercedes Nicole is a intimately explosive

performer with a voice that is warm, expressive

and soulful. She moves from a deep contralto to

a startling clear mezzo soprano with ease and

conviction. Although her voice is uniquely her

own, fans often hear hints of Sarah, Dinah and

Nina Simone. Mercedes definitely wears the title of ‘Sassy!” When

she swings, she swings hard, and when she serenades, be

prepared to surrender your heart! She connections on such an

emotional with her voice and personality that Jazz Lovers constantly

request information about the whereabouts of her next show! For

booking information, call: 206-235-0478 -

www.mercedesnicole.com, www.myspace.com/

mercedesnicolemakesmusic

Stephanie Porter ’s rich vocals, melodic styling’s

and original interpretations of jazz standards

give her a distinctly original sound. Locally, she

has headlined at Seattle’s top rooms including

Jazz Alley, The Triple Door, Tula’s and El

Gaucho’s Pampas Room. She has performed at

high profile galas and before international audiences. After the release

of her debut album “Mood Swings”, KPLU’s Nick Morrison describes

her as “One of the freshest new jazz singers he’s heard in quite some

time”.

Contact: (206) 407.4513 - [email protected]

A descendant of Seattle’s Jackson Street era of

jazz, Maia Santell is known as “The Pacific

Northwest Queen of Swing”. She is one of the

few Northwest female singer/bandleaders that

has managed to keep an ensemble of male

instrumentalists giggin’ for over two decades. Her

vocals are clear, warm and natural; totally free of contrived theatricality,

and her phrasing is impeccable. Maia leads a “Dancing With the Stars”

style combo, as well as a jazz and blues band.

Contact: www.MaiaSantell.com, [email protected],

[email protected]

Suze Sims 2009 WBS Best Female Vocalist &

2008 Performer of the Year international vocalist

composer with no tricks or tweaks. Daughter of

Jazz drummer Pete La Roca; Suze’s band - the

Red Hot Blues Sisters; tour US Europe Canada

as 2008 WBS Best Band & 2008/09 Blues Foundation IBC Semi-

Finalists. A truly unmistakably soul-shaking artist & musically healing

engaging headliner or support talent for WNBA, Mavis Staples,

Shemekia Copeland, Phoebe Snow, Joan Armatrading, Elvin Bishop,

Bobby Rush, Melissa Etheridge, Bernard Alison and Canned Heat. Not

to be missed! Contact: www.cdbaby.com/cd/rhbsisters3,

[email protected], www.bigsismedia.com/RHBS.html,

www.facebook.com/.../Red-Hot-Blues-Sister,

www.peacecoderecords.com/Red_Hot_Blues_Sisters.html

Trombonist/vocalist/composer, Marc Smason

learned, from his mother, to sing as a young

child in Texas and studied classical and jazz

trombone and voice in Seattle and Los Angeles.

He has performed around the world with such

luminaries as Big Joe Turner, the Funk Brothers,

Andy Statman, Perry Robinson, Sam Shepard, Julian Priester, Buel

Neidlinger, Sonny Simmons, Hadley Caliman, Jeff Johnson, Marc

Graham, Baby Gramps and the Ivar’s Clams, as well as music for film

and theater. His playing encompasses many styles including Jazz,

Latin, Brazilian, collective improv, Klezmer and R&B.

Smason’s vocals...are at once dry and emotional, lending a fresh,

believable quality. - Mike Dennis, Earshot

www.marcsmason.com, [email protected]

Fresh and alluring, Leah Stillwell is a classy

addition to the Seattle jazz scene. Her first CD, So

This Is Love, was released under the Pony Boy

Records label to rave reviews. “Her clear alto voice

radiates optimism and love of life.” -Heritage Music

Review. “A lways understated bu t vibrant-

exhilarating!” -Overton Berry. Her stylish vocals will make your occasion

an event to remember.

For performances and booking visit: www.leahstillwell.com

or call 425-239-3079.

Becki Sue, a Texas/Chicago style blues

belter, burst onto the NW scene in 2002 as lead

singer of Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!

A newcomer then, Becki Sue gained the status

of ‘Award Winning Blues Performer’ when

honored by The Washington. Blues Society with

“BB” Awards as “Best Female Vocalist” and “Performer of the Year” in

2007 ... and her band was voted “Best Blues Band” in both 2006 and

2007. This gal can flat out sing! ...and her onstage look and moves

leaves ‘em beggin’ for more every time!

Contact: www.bigrockindaddies.com, www.myspace.com/

bigrockindaddies, [email protected]

Michelle Burge

SPECIAL PROMOTION


DARRIUS WILLRICH

ALMA VILLEGAS

JACQUELINE TABOR

KEELY WHITNEY

In the past 5 years I have had the honor of

working with such clients as Microsoft, Tom

Douglas, Weber Thompson, and Northland

Communications. I understand the term

background music and always level my volume

to allow intimate conversations. I have

experience with MC’s and event planners. I

perform for such a variety of corporate clients and at more than 100

corporate events, celebrations, birthdays and weddings. If you want

experience and a touch of class please keep me in mind. I am

Jacqueline D. Tabor.

Contact: 206.890.6716, www.vocalsbyjacqueline.com

www.gigmasters.com/Singer JacquelineDTabor/

Alma Villegas’ lustful voice brings you an

exquisite and passionate selection of Latin

flavors focusing on the traditional bolero (Latin

ballad), cha-chas, bossa novas, mid-tempo

Latin jazz standards and a variety of Cuban

rhythms including son and salsa. Alma has

performed at venues and festivals in the

Northwest for over ten years. Join her on an excursion of soul and

tradition. Available as a trio, quartet or quintet.

For booking, visit www.almavillegas.com or [email protected]

Keely Whitney is Seattle’s best kept secret.

Having sung on many national recordings for

companies such as:

The Disney Channel, McDonald’s, Taco Bell,

Ben Bridge and Oldsmobile, has a reputation

for vocal excellence. In 2007 Keely won a

Soundie, a national award for excellence in

commercial recordings. With a powerful, soulful, sultry voice, Keely

can effortlessly soar into her 3½ octave range with the precision that

only a seasoned professional can achieve. Look for Keely’s debut

album coming out in 2010!

Contact: website: www.keelywhitney.com, [email protected]

Seattle’s soul-singer-songwriter Darrius Willrich

drips a sensuous interplay of soul, jazz, and inner

city longings. Sure to engage your all your

senses, with the look, sound and fee l of

yesterday’s soul-today. The spirit of Stevie

Wonder, D’Angelo, and Herbie Hancock, season

the musical stew that is Darrius...Sweet Urban

Soul. Being a trained jazz pianist, a soulful singer, and an intelligent

songwriter, with love for hip-hop, Darrius Willrich delivers feel good

music drawn from a wide skill spectrum.

Contact: www.dar riuswi llrich .com, www.myspace.com/

darriuswillrich, [email protected]

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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 case today, however. As

more music is bought through digital distribution

and is primarily played on ipods or cheap

computer speakers, mixing with headphones is

becoming more common p lace. Wi thout

preaching to the choir, I would like to reiterate

that we only get two ears in life, and they serve

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,

often, and cut back on the volume. And

remember, ex tended per iods wi th some

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

impulses into the phones, the sound is almost

indistinguishable from the loudspeakers. Most

of us won’t or can’t afford ourselves this quality,

however, so the debate over mixing with

headphones rages on. The placement and

panning of instruments can not be accurately

judged wi th most headphones.

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

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,

paying someone 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

emai l your thoughts to BIG FUN

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE

at: [email protected]. You may contact

Richard N ichols direc tly a t:

rick [email protected], and

www.circleofsound.net.

I

SOUND ADVICE


Find These

Cool People & Places

FUN STUFF

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)

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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 winner)

Uncle Porkchop Band (Seattle, WA)

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CAN YOU FIND THE 10 CHANGES?

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Byron VanNoy - Seattle Drummer Photo by Sean Cunningham


HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS!

Documents

Big Fun July 2010