JOIN US FOR NEW YEARS EVE 2006
LIVE SALSA featuring
ORCHESTRA ZARABANDA
plus DJ'd Swing, Waltzes and other dance favorites
Join us for a formal sit down dinner in the Ballroom at 7:00, OR show up afterwards for the party at 9:30.
MORE DETAILS
BUY TICKETS
Zarabanda is a 12-piece charanga orchestra based in Seattle. They've been performing traditional and modern Cuban salsa, including son, cha-cha-cha, guaguanco and danzon, to Northwest audiences since 1994. In addition to originals, their repertoire draws from the music of Cachao, Buena Vista Social Club, Orquesta Aragon, Los Van Van, Benny More, Eliades Ochoa, Candido Fabre, Original de Manzanillo and many other great Cuban artists.
AFTERNOON DANCE SOCIAL
with
HAM CARSON
1:00p Lesson
1:30p-3:00p Dance
21+
$10
Refreshments Included
Do you love to dance?
Enjoy watching others dance?
Appreciate good music?
Are you 55 or older?
Then join us for an afternoon of great live music and dancing in the beautifully restored, historic Century Ballroom. Dance instructors will be on hand to teach new and old steps, and each month will feature a special dance presentation. We will also serve light refreshments for your enjoyment. And, best of all, The Ham Carson Quarter will always be on hand to play their swingin’ songs for your dancing and listening pleasure.
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
TWO SWING BANDS!
2nd ANNUAL KILLER DILLER BALL
with
HAM CARSON
and
THE NEW ORLEANS ALE STARS
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-12:30a Dance
PLUS: HARVEST MOON LINDY HOP CONTEST FINALS!
All Ages
Lesson & Dance: $15
Formal/Vintage dress requested
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
The New Orleans Ale Stars, are a traditional jazz band based in Vancouver BC. Back In November of 2004 Simon Stribling approached Gerry Green about putting together a band to play locally on a regular basis, to find a location and play good hot traditional jazz for the love of the music. Gerry was equally enthusiastic and together the New Orleans Ale Stars was born.
What a magic combination. Simon on trumpet and reeds. Gerry, reeds. Josh banjo and guitar. Geogia on String bass and Karl on drums. From day one the band just clicked. While the original concept was to play straight ahead in the New Orleans tradition, the bands influences are diverse. The occasional bop tune will find its way into the repertoire too. It's all good, it swings and makes people happy.
SALSA w/
NEW SWING SEXTET
8:30p Lesson
9:30p-1:30a Dance
21+
$20 Adv
$25 Day Of
Lesson: $5, plus cover
A product of New York City and the excitement and turbulence of the sixties, the New Swing Sextet made its professional debut performing in the Singer Bowl at the last New York Worlds Fair in 1965. The band has been a popular and innovative exponent of Latin jazz, salsa and pop music for nearly four decades.
Composed of vocals, piano, vibes, bass and Latin percussion, the original New Swing broke up in the late seventies after successfully recording, touring and doing all the hot club dates that the New York metropolitan area had to offer. In recent years most of the groups core members have reunited and have been performing with Mambo Negro the highly popular Latin jazz ensemble, which performs regularly in and around the tri-state area. However, you can't buy or replace 40 years of history, and on special occasions the band performs as the New Swing. The New Swing offers an established and respected name with a sound from another era, which has been perfectly preserved and bottled for another generation to enjoy.
The band was part of a young crop (and new breed of aspiring Latin musicians) who grew up in the greater New York Metropolitan tri-state area with its rich ethnic mix and diverse inner-city culture, while at the same time growing up surrounded by the Latin music explosion happening in the region.
SENIOR DANCE SOCIAL
with
HAM CARSON
1:00p Lesson
1:30p-3:00p Dance
21+
$10
Refreshments Included
Do you love to dance?
Enjoy watching others dance?
Appreciate good music?
Are you 55 or older?
Then join us for an afternoon of great live music and dancing in the beautifully restored, historic Century Ballroom. Dance instructors will be on hand to teach new and old steps, and each month will feature a special dance presentation. We will also serve light refreshments for your enjoyment. And, best of all, The Ham Carson Quarter will always be on hand to play their swingin’ songs for your dancing and listening pleasure.
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
At CENTURY:
CLOSING DANCE OF EMERALD CITY BLUES FESTIVAL
SWING
HAM CARSON
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-12:30a Dance
All Ages
Lesson & Dance: $10
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
SALSA w/
ORCHESTRA ZARABANDA
8:30p Lesson
9:30p-1:30a Dance
21+
Dance: $12
Lesson & Dance: $17
Zarabanda is a 12-piece charanga orchestra based in Seattle. They've been performing traditional and modern Cuban salsa, including son, cha-cha-cha, guaguanco and danzon, to Northwest audiences since 1994. In addition to originals, their repertoire draws from the music of Cachao, Buena Vista Social Club, Orquesta Aragon, Los Van Van, Benny More, Eliades Ochoa, Candido Fabre, Original de Manzanillo and many other great Cuban artists.
JITTERBUG WEEKEND CLOSING DANCE
SWING w/
THE 51st EIGHT
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-12:30a Dance
All Ages
Lesson & Dance: $13
($10/campers)
The 51st Eight is a traditional jazz band based in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. They are a talented group of young musicians who are committed to continuing the tradition of authentic early jazz, while bringing their own unique style to the music.
Founded in 1998 by clarinetist Colin Farquhar, the 51st Eight has evolved from high school group to high-energy professional ensemble. They are at the forefront of a new wave of young traditional jazz musicians intent on continuing the tradition and taking the music to the next level.
The 51st Eight is fronted by Bria Skonberg, who brings her fiery trumpet playing to a front line that includes Colin on reeds, Evan Arntzen on saxophone and Luke Matheson on trombone. The rhythm section really cooks with pianist Vashti Gray, Josh Roberts on banjo and guitar, Georgia Korba swinging the bass lines, and Jeremy Roberts on the drums.
The band's unique sound is rooted firmly in the style of the early jazz masters. They feature original arrangements as well as transcriptions of the classic jazz repertoire. Their live performances are exciting, spontaneous and always thoroughly entertaining. They have filled venues at festivals from Victoria to Sacramento to Sun Valley.
SENIOR SWING DANCE SOCIAL
with
HAM CARSON
2:00p Lesson
2:30p-4:00p Dance
21+
$10
Refreshments Included
Do you love to dance?
Enjoy watching others dance?
Appreciate good music?
Are you 55 or older?
Then join us for an afternoon of great live music and dancing in the beautifully restored, historic Century Ballroom. Dance instructors will be on hand to teach new and old steps, and each month will feature a special dance presentation. We will also serve light refreshments for your enjoyment. And, best of all, The Ham Carson Quarter will always be on hand to play their swingin’ songs for your dancing and listening pleasure.
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
Photo: Scott Larson
Co-sponsored with
WASHBURN PIANO
ALL AGES
LIVE SWING w/
THE SOLOMON DOUGLAS SWINGTET
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
TBA
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet's past gigs include the Atomic TOE (December 2002, Lindy Exchange in Toronto, Ontario), Swing Out Northwest (December 2002 and 2004, in Port Townsend, Washington), the Detroit Lindy Exchange (May, 2003), and the All-Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio (May, 2003). The bandleader is himself a swing dancer, which means that everything the band plays is directly focused on the dancers. Its repertoire is rooted in those of the Basie and Ellington bands, with other big-band standards and classic jazz tunes thrown in as well.
NORTHWEST SALSA CONGRESS OPENING DANCE w/
TUMBAO
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-1:15a Dance
21+
Lesson & Dance: $15
Tumbao is a six-piece band known in the Northwest for their joyful and energetic performances. A unique combination of musicians allows Tumbao to combine traditional-style Salsa with modern Timba and Latin jazz.
The artists who make up Tumbao are Julio Jauregui (piano), Dean Schmidt (bass), Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Jeff Busch (drums), Pedro Vargas (congas) and Carlos Cascante (vocal). Julio Jauregui started his music education at a very early age in Mexico City and completed a degree in music at Eugene, OR. Julio was responsible for all the arrangements on ëRecuerdosí. Dean Schmitt and Jeff Busch, both from Washington, are well-versed in a variety of music styles, including Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Samba, Calypso and Rock. This provides the band a wealth of musical options. Jeff Busch was also the percussionist on Jovino Santos Neto's album 'Canto do Rio' which was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2004. Pedro Vargas, the newest band member, grew up in Cuba and brings a rich Cuban influence to Tumbao. Pedro has toured the World and played with many great traditional Cuban artists, such as the stars of Buena Vista Social Club, Los Van Van, Sierra Maestra, etc. Thomas Marriott is a well known Jazz trumpet player who has already recorded four of his own CDís. He has also played with an impressive roster of jazz luminaries including trumpet god Maynard Ferguson, Rosemary Clooney, the Tito Puente Orchestra, and the Chico O'Farill Orchestra. Carlos Cascante leads the group with his deep love for the music. His large knowledge of all types of Latin rhythms combined with his creative improvisational talent make him one of the up-and-coming Soneros in the Latin scene. The music and performance of Tumbao ignites the audiences and inspires to dance.
Photo: Scott Larson
1st ANNUAL CENTURY MASTERS OF LINDY HOP AND TAP CLOSING DANCE
ALL AGES
LIVE SWING w/
THE SOLOMON DOUGLAS SWINGTET
&
HAM CARSON
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
TBA
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet's past gigs include the Atomic TOE (December 2002, Lindy Exchange in Toronto, Ontario), Swing Out Northwest (December 2002 and 2004, in Port Townsend, Washington), the Detroit Lindy Exchange (May, 2003), and the All-Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio (May, 2003). The bandleader is himself a swing dancer, which means that everything the band plays is directly focused on the dancers. Its repertoire is rooted in those of the Basie and Ellington bands, with other big-band standards and classic jazz tunes thrown in as well.
Ham Carson's group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing Era... Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
WASHBURN PIANO
1st ANNUAL CENTURY MASTERS OF LINDY HOP AND TAP
ALL AGES
LIVE SWING w/
THE OPUS ONE BIG BAND
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
TBA
The Opus One Big Band, led by Chester Whitmore, is an 18-piece orchestra recreating the hot Big Band and jazz sounds from the 1920s to the 1940s. Their material includes many popular tunes from the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, with musical sources such as Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford, Count Basie, Chick Webb and Cab Calloway.
Like their idols from the old swing era, this is not a sedate, nice dinner crowd Big Band. Opus One does not make appearances dripping with sentimental grease and political correctness - Opus One is unleashed! Known for a usually, shall we say, flamboyant stage show, these musicians will play wild solos, compete for your attention, prance around on stage, parade on the dance floor and, on occasion, even place their leader in a guillotine!
Photo: Scott Larson
Co-sponsored with
WASHBURN PIANO
1st ANNUAL CENTURY MASTERS OF LINDY HOP AND TAP
ALL AGES
LIVE SWING w/
THE SOLOMON DOUGLAS SWINGTET
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
TBA
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet's past gigs include the Atomic TOE (December 2002, Lindy Exchange in Toronto, Ontario), Swing Out Northwest (December 2002 and 2004, in Port Townsend, Washington), the Detroit Lindy Exchange (May, 2003), and the All-Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio (May, 2003). The bandleader is himself a swing dancer, which means that everything the band plays is directly focused on the dancers. Its repertoire is rooted in those of the Basie and Ellington bands, with other big-band standards and classic jazz tunes thrown in as well.
1st ANNUAL CENTURY MASTERS OF LINDY HOP AND TAP OPENING DANCE
ALL AGES LIVE SWING w/
HAM CARSON
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-12:30a Dance
All Ages
Ham Carsonís group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing EraÖ Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
Saturday 8/12/06
TANGO CABARET
6:00-6:45p Limited Dinner Reservations available
7:30-9:00p
$20 (includes dance) Friday's show is followed by a Tango dance, Saturday's show is followed by a Salsa dance.
BUY TICKETS
This will be Seattle's 11th Tango Cabaret! This is going to be one of the best shows ever. Carlos and Tova are the MC's and they'll be dancing for us too. The beautiful Silvina Valz from Buenos Aires and Paris will be dancing with Jaimes. Homer Ladas and Carrie Whipple from San Fransisco are on the cutting edge of the Nuevo style. Somer from Chicago will be joining our cast as well as two other mystery couples from Argentina we are waiting to confirm. Local dancers will be Greg and Lera, Mike and Carol and Evan and Michelle. The gorgeous and talented Ellaina Lewis will be singing! It's an incredible cast and the show promises to be full of excitement, elegance, variety and style.
ALL AGES LIVE SWING w/
HAM CARSON
9:00p Lesson
9:30p-12:30a Dance
All Ages
Tickets only available through THE SEATTLE LINDY EXCHANGE - Have you registered yet?
Ham Carsonís group plays swing jazz which is a joy to hear and dance to. They improvise freely on the great tunes of the Swing EraÖ Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington.
The regular players are: Buddy Catlett, Bass; Patti Patton, Drums; Casey McGill, Piano; Ham Carson, Clarinet, Saxophone. He has been at the New Orleans Restaurant playing hot swing jazz for sixteen years.
At CENTURY:
SALSA w/
SON DE CALI
with
LATIN EXPRESSION
8:30p Lesson
9:30p-1:30a Dance
21+
Dance: $30
Lesson & Dance: $35
BUY TICKETS
Son De Cali, is regarded as one of the most promising and dynamic music groups on the music scene. The band includes ex-Grupo Niche singers Javier Vazques and Willie Garcia.
Son De Cali delivers an explosive mix of tropical music rooted in traditional Colombian sounds. Their new album includes nine original tracks including the songs "Y Entonces" and "El Amor Es Mucho Mas Que Eso" arranged by renowned composers Omar Alfano and Tommy Villarini. The entire album is energetic and uplifiting and they are on the top charts all over the world.
Photo: Scott Larson
Co-sponsored with
WASHBURN PIANO
ALL AGES
LIVE SWING w/
THE SOLOMON DOUGLAS SWINGTET
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
$10
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet's past gigs include the Atomic TOE (December 2002, Lindy Exchange in Toronto, Ontario), Swing Out Northwest (December 2002 and 2004, in Port Townsend, Washington), the Detroit Lindy Exchange (May, 2003), and the All-Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio (May, 2003). The bandleader is himself a swing dancer, which means that everything the band plays is directly focused on the dancers. Its repertoire is rooted in those of the Basie and Ellington bands, with other big-band standards and classic jazz tunes thrown in as well.
| At CENTURY: A WESTERN SWING DANCE ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL with JO MILLER 9:00p 21+ Advance: $28 Day Of: $33 Sorry, no Salsa dance tonight BUY TICKETS |
"After the Ride With Bob album was done and it was doing real well, I was sitting in my office reading the sales reports on Asleep at the Wheel that they had sent me," says Benson. "And I looked at all the 'Best Of' Asleep at the Wheel albums, of which there are many, and none of them contained all of the songs that are our top requested songs night after night on the road. Every night they ask for certain songs, and there's not a package with that in it. So that's what we set out to do."
The result is The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel, the very first album to round up every single one of the legendary Western swing band's most requested songs after thirty-one years of rolling on the road. "It's not ballad heavy," understates the 6'7" bandleader and guitarslinger with a deep laugh. "We're a dance band. That's what we're about. And that's plenty."
But The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel is more than just a collection of fourteen great dance tunes (though it's certainly an excellent place to start), just as Asleep at the Wheel is way more than just a dance band. They're an institution: an ever-shifting lineup (80 members to date) of like-minded musicians united under Benson's crusade to carry the torch of big band Western Swing music into the 21st Century. It is a mission that has won the band and Ray nine Grammys to date -- including one this year for best Vocal Performance By A Duo or Group for "Cherokee Maiden" from their acclaimed Ride With Bob album. Comprised of freshly minted takes on the Wheel's best loved songs, The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel is both a celebration of the miles and miles they've covered and a living, breathing, swinging snapshot of where the Wheel is today, merging seamlessly onto the highway of their fourth decade.
As is to be expected from any record bearing the Asleep at the Wheel name, the playing on these fourteen cuts is impeccable, but, for perhaps the first time in the band's history, Benson's vocals alone are every bit as worthy of a hearty, Bob Wills style, "Aw Haw!" whoop of approval. Who is that man singing "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read" with a rich, commanding presence that evokes George Jones? Who's that lively rooster bringing all that swinging fun to "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens"? Whodathunk? As proven with the star-studded Ride With Bob and 1993's A Tribute to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Benson's never been afraid to hand over the vocal reins and stick to rhythm guitar and band leading duties, but The Very Best of Asleep at the Wheel is testament to his quiet evolution into one of the best and understated vocalists on the country and western scene.
"This is improvisational music, which I think is the whole ball of wax, because that's where the rubber really meets the road -- and it's why we play it," says Benson. "I think it's interesting to listen to updated versions of what people do, hearing how they have evolved. People change, and I love to have the luxury of having a career this long to do it. Part of the impetus was touring with Bob Dylan last year. Every night, Dylan would do those damn songs a little differently and it made it very exciting to see where they were going to go each night"
For Benson, the will to pick began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- far, far away from the city of Austin, Texas, which the Wheel has proudly called home for the last twenty-eight years. "I was born in 1951, and big band music was still very much around and in my community, it was still very much the thing," Benson explains. "I played bass in my school stage band in tenth grade, and my musical director introduced us to Count Bassie. And I knew jazz, because Philadelphia is a great jazz community. And Lucky's parents were sort of like beatniks; and his dad gave us some Lester Young records when we were still in high school. But I just happened to be a weird kind of guy: I was also into folk music, Chicago blues and country. My goal was to be more different than anybody, and that's what Asleep at the Wheel was all about: doing roots music that was different and eclectic."
LIVE SALSA w/
TUMBAO
8:30p Lesson
9:30p-1:30a Dance
21+
Dance: $12
Lesson & Dance: $17
Tumbao is a six-piece band known in the Northwest for their joyful and energetic performances. A unique combination of musicians allows Tumbao to combine traditional-style Salsa with modern Timba and Latin jazz.
The artists who make up Tumbao are Julio Jauregui (piano), Dean Schmidt (bass), Thomas Marriott (trumpet), Jeff Busch (drums), Pedro Vargas (congas) and Carlos Cascante (vocal). Julio Jauregui started his music education at a very early age in Mexico City and completed a degree in music at Eugene, OR. Julio was responsible for all the arrangements on ëRecuerdosí. Dean Schmitt and Jeff Busch, both from Washington, are well-versed in a variety of music styles, including Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Samba, Calypso and Rock. This provides the band a wealth of musical options. Jeff Busch was also the percussionist on Jovino Santos Neto's album 'Canto do Rio' which was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2004. Pedro Vargas, the newest band member, grew up in Cuba and brings a rich Cuban influence to Tumbao. Pedro has toured the World and played with many great traditional Cuban artists, such as the stars of Buena Vista Social Club, Los Van Van, Sierra Maestra, etc. Thomas Marriott is a well known Jazz trumpet player who has already recorded four of his own CDís. He has also played with an impressive roster of jazz luminaries including trumpet god Maynard Ferguson, Rosemary Clooney, the Tito Puente Orchestra, and the Chico O'Farill Orchestra. Carlos Cascante leads the group with his deep love for the music. His large knowledge of all types of Latin rhythms combined with his creative improvisational talent make him one of the up-and-coming Soneros in the Latin scene. The music and performance of Tumbao ignites the audiences and inspires to dance.
Wednesday 5/17/06
21+
SINGER / SONGWRITER
BRANDI CARLILE
with
GRAN BEL FISHER
7p General Admission
8p Show
$20.00
Limited dinner reservations available. Reservations need to be made separate from ticket purchase through Century Ballroom Office (206 324-7263).
This show is produced by House of Blues, not Century Ballroom. Tickets available through TicketMaster.
Authentic. That's the first word that springs to mind when you encounter Brandi Carlile. From her rootsy bell-clear voice to the palpable emotion that seeps through every song on her stunning debut album, everything about this 23-year-old from rural Washington state is the real deal.
Deeply driven to be an artist, Carlile's life-long love affair with performing began when her musician mother brought her out onstage at the Northwest's version of the Grand Ole Opry. Carlile sang Roseanne Cash's "Tennessee Flat-Top Box". She was 8.
Growing up in the isolated foothills of Ravensdale, 50 miles outside of Seattle, Carlile turned to music for company. "Ravensdale wasn't a town," she says. "We were the only house around for acres and acres. Being in the middle of nowhere, it wasn't the kind of place you brought friends back to, so I just hung around the woods and built forts and played music with my brother and sister. That's all we did. And we thought that's what everyone else in the world did, too."
During those years, Carlile taught herself to sing. "I locked myself in my room when no one was home to see how loud and high I could sing, and how long I could hold a note," she says. "I knew that's what it would take to develop a big, powerful voice." She also figured out how to play the piano --"I wanted to be like Elton John," she remembers -- and eventually guitar at age 17.
"I've never had a real job," she says. "I've insisted that I do nothing but play music and not let my head go anywhere else. If that means playing in a smoky bar for three hours, five nights a week, that's fine. It's discipline. It teaches you how to grab your audience, no matter who they are."
Carlile's determination and work ethic paid off in late 2004 when she signed with Columbia Records, home to several of her favorite artists including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, and James Taylor, whom she has shared a stage with. The timeless quality of her debut album for Columbia, Brandi Carlile, is proof of her intention to become a classic artist alongside her labelmates.
The album is a showcase for Carlile's expressive voice, which can turn from a tough, bluesy growl to a vulnerable, aching falsetto on a dime. The catch in her throat before she launches into those alpine high notes is reminiscent of her idol, country singer Patsy Cline. "Patsy Cline had a really gutsy, powerful voice," she says. "I identify with that. I've gone through all sorts of vocal phases, from pop to blues to R&B, but no matter what I do, I just can't get the country & western out of my voice."
Rather than fight it, Carlile makes good use of the country flavor by juxtaposing it with dark, otherworldly melodies on songs like "Follow" and "Tragedy". Think of a female Roy Orbison or Radiohead's Thom Yorke fronting a roots-rock band and you're not far off. The contrast led Rolling Stone, which named her one of their 10 Artists to Watch in 2005, to declare: "Carlile's ethereal, melancholy ballads have a spare heartache that reflects her love for old-school countryÖbut she loves new-school mopers like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley just as much". Indeed, those artists' influence can be felt on the simple, acoustic strummers "Happy", "Gone" and "Tragedy". Other musical stand-outs include "Throw It All Away" and "Fall Apart Again".
Photo: Scott Larson
Co-sponsored with
WASHBURN PIANO
ALL AGES
LIVE "EASTER BONNET" SWING w/
THE SOLOMON DOUGLAS SWINGTET
9:00p
Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-midnight
Dance
$10
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet's past gigs include the Atomic TOE (December 2002, Lindy Exchange in Toronto, Ontario), Swing Out Northwest (December 2002 and 2004, in Port Townsend, Washington), the Detroit Lindy Exchange (May, 2003), and the All-Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio (May, 2003). The bandleader is himself a swing dancer, which means that everything the band plays is directly focused on the dancers. Its repertoire is rooted in those of the Basie and Ellington bands, with other big-band standards and classic jazz tunes thrown in as well.
VALENTINE'S SALSA
with
YERBABUENA
9:15p
Salsa Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:45p-1:30a
Dance
$12
Yerbabuena is a 12-piece charanga orchestra based in Seattle. They've been performing traditional and modern Cuban salsa, including son, cha-cha-cha, guaguanco and danzon, to Northwest audiences since 1994. In addition to originals, their repertoire draws from the music of Cachao, Buena Vista Social Club, Orquesta Aragon, Los Van Van, Benny More, Eliades Ochoa, Candido Fabre, Original de Manzanillo and many other great Cuban artists.
LIVE SALSA & CD RELEASE PARTY w/
LATIN EXPRESSION
9:15p
Salsa Lesson
(Free w/Cover)
9:30p-1:30a
Dance
$15
CD
$15
Buy the CD at the door when you arrive and get BOTH the CD and dance for $25 - Save $5!
Hot Salsa! The only way to describe Latin Expression is "phenomenal". This 12-piece orchestra creates a sound complimented by flashy styles and synchronized movements. The orchestra is driven by balancing four horns, a five piece rhythm and percussion section, followed by three vocalists. This is the premier Salsa band in all the Northwest. The orchestra's repertoire includes a unique variety of merengue, bolero, cumbia, Latin Jazz, and other rhythms and styles generally encompassed by the term "salsa". Also described as "Power Salsa".
Latin Expression has been playing all over the West Coast including British Columbia for over 15 years, and are now recognized as an experienced, enthusiastic compilation of professional musicians.