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Big Fun July 2010 Web Version
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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: info@bigfunmagazine.com - 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: info@bigfunmagazine.com 253-473-1866
David Johnson and Gary Grape
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE is published 12 times a year. The views
expressed in BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE are those of their respective
contributors and are not necessarily those of its publisher, editors, or staff. All images in
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.
EMAIL: info@bigfunmagazine.com
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
6 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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
INFO@BIGFUNMAGAZINE.COM
THEATER / COMEDY
DINING SPOTLIGHT
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar
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
8 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar
Purple Cafe & Wine Bar
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 9
toasted coconut, the rhubarb crisp ($4.00) topped with
a dollop of rose water whipped cream, and the red
velvet cake ($3.50) with a generous helping of
lavender cream cheese icing.
What I loved: My favorite thing consumed on this
evening was the grilled chicken sandwich with fresh
avocado - and plenty of it! I also really enjoyed the
lightly dressed greens on the side of the sandwich. Of
the desserts, the red velvet cake had the best taste due
to the novelty of lavender in the cream cheese frosting.
The white balsamic pizza was nice, simple, despite the
combination of flavors, and beautifully fresh, plentiful
slices of avocado and a generous dusting of finely
chopped cilantro.
Why I loved it: I love the high-ceilinged open space
and the setting which allows for conversations,
collaboration and jokes to be shared with neighboring
diners. I also really loved the avocado (in case that was
not clear). I enjoyed the food greatly and really loved
saving 10% with the dining voucher from the 5th
Avenue Theater.
Cost: $$ for dinner pizza or sandwich
LEGEND:
$ - $0-$7
$$ - $8-$16
$$$ - $17-$25
$$$$ - $26-$35
$$$$$ - $36+
(http://www.thepurplecafe.com/index.html)
10 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Enjoy!
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 11
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
12 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 13
ART
14 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
Artist
Tacoma, WA
Rich
Thomas
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 15
“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: richthomasart@yahoo.com
ART
Top: Off To A Good Start, Bottom: Ace Of Spades
16 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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
18 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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: divagirlcurves@yahoo.com
Want Rock Hard Abs?
Get the Look in 10 minutes
with Body Shapers from Ardyss International
Loretta Diallo
Authorized Representative
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
posture. Garment tones the muscles in the abdomen.
Sizes: Small to XXL
Men’s Shaper
Body Magic
Corselette D’Luxe
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 19
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
20 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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.
22 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 23
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
info@bigfunmagazine.com
24 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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, oghalea@gmail.com
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, kim@kimarcherband.com,
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: virginia@virginiaashby.com, deanconnections@aol.com
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 / FWGRecords@hotmail.com, 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, joanneklein49@netzero.net
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
For bookings, contact: info@sandralocklear.com.,
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
26 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
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 - portersings@comcast.net
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
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,
sus14an@yahoo.com, 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, musicetc@clearwire.net
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, rebekahd@comcast.net
Michelle Burge
SPECIAL PROMOTION
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 27
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 mail@almavillegas.com
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, keelytyler@yahoo.com
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, me@darriuswillrich.com
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: info@bigfunmagazine.com. You may contact
Richard N ichols direc tly a t:
rick .nichols@gmx.com, and
www.circleofsound.net.
I
SOUND ADVICE
BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010 29
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)
B
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CAN YOU FIND THE 10 CHANGES?
A
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Byron VanNoy - Seattle Drummer Photo by Sean Cunningham
30 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • JULY, 2010
HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS! HOT PLAYERS!
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