Seattle Subsonic - Recommended Events
P.A. Mathison at Alki Arts, Music and Painting, Whiskey and Wine
Like many musicians, P.A. Mathison of Sightseer has other artistic outlets. Sometimes, one form of expression just isn’t enough, so when not playing music, she paints in the abstract. Actually, she painted first and wound up in music later in life when she heard a band rehearse “Man in the Box” one too many times, heard the singer fumble notes and melody one too many times, and she said to herself, “I can do way better than that.” I’ve seen Sightseer a number of times, even filled in on bass for one gig, and I can assure you, she was right.
She paints rather well, too, and as luck would have it, both skills will be on display this Thursday over at Alki Arts. Mathison partners with Jessica Apodaca (both in the picture below) at the Lushworks art studio (got to love the name) and will have some wine inspired paintings on display. To quote from Mathison, “What makes [these paintings] unique is that each painting comes from two different perspectives, because we each get our hands on ‘em at some point. Sometimes at the the same time! So it truly is a collaborative effort.” Along with the paintings, Sightseer will perform an acoustic set on the opening night of the 12th. The band has a new CD coming out next month. I’ve heard it, and simply put, it’s excellent. It’s a blend of alt-country rock with a double shot of Makers, neat. They’re one of my local favorites, and hopefully, 2012 will finally see them get some much deserved success.
Also performing will be Hurricane Chaser and special guest Debbie Miller.
Wine will be House Wine
Facebook event for January 12 opening 6:00 – 9:00: Lushworks at Alki Arts
Mike McCready with Shadow at the Tractor
When I heard Mike McCready was playing a show at the Tractor on Tuesday, December 27 with his old band Shadow I knew I had to go. I mean, come on, it’s Mike McCready at the Tractor. Not often can one see someone of his stature at such an intimate venue. So I contacted Shadow drummer, Chris Friel, who I had the pleasure of jamming with when backing up Kim Virant and asked about getting in to write about the show. He said, “Sounds good!” and thus, it’s set. I’m going. I don’t know much about Shadow’s music but Strangest Tribe author, Stephen Tow, refers to them as a “metal band” so I’ll go with that. Some good metal and, I’m sure, plenty of good guitar solos at the Tractor it is then.
The complete line up of Shadow is Chris and Rick Friel, Danny Newcombe, and Mike McCready. The show will feature a special surprise guest, and I’d say get there early as I can’t image it not selling out. Tickets are $15 and the show is a benefit for Carbon Roots International.
Details:
Who: Shadow with Chasers and Surprise Guest!
When: Tuesday, December 27
Where: The Tractor Tavern 8:00pm until 1:00am
Cost: $15. Buy online.
Facebook Event: Shadow with Chasers and Surprise Guest!
The Missionary Position @ The Tractor
On the day after Thanksgiving, I met the photographer who to took the cover photo for Chris Cornell’s Songbook. We were at Easy Street in West Seattle to pick up copies of the vinyl and have her sign it, and over the course of signing and breakfast and pots and pots of coffee, she asked me a question, “Have you ever heard of the Missionary Position?”
“Uh … I’ve heard the name but not their music.”
“Oh, you NEED to go December 2nd. They’re playing at the Tractor. They’re awesome. We’re going.” A friend of hers who was there confirmed it. “Yeah, we’re going. You should come.”
“Hmm, I’ll check them out online.”
And I did. I listened to “Here Comes the Machine”:
Only one song, and it was settled.
I’m going. And they’re right. I think it will be awesome.
Who: The Missionary Position
Where: The Tractor Tavern 5213 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
When: Friday, December 2 9:00
How Much: $8.00
Julia Massey and the 5 Finger Discount @ Hard Rock Cafe
I saw these guys at the Crocodile for Dia De Los Muertos, and they were good so I’ll see them again on December 1 at the Hard Rock Cafe. With bands, I’m like I am with beer. I find something I like, and I stick with it. On any given night if you see me around town, I’ll have either a Blue Moon or a Manny’s in hand. And on any given night when Julia is playing, you can find me in the audience with said Blue Moon or Manny’s
Thursday’s show is a contest of some sort with things like recording time and video production up for grabs, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is getting out to see and hear some goods musicians playing music and making something happen. And it’s a benefit show to boot. Some portion of the profits will go to Treehouse: a foster care program in Seattle. The door fee is either a donation ($15, suggested) or a NEW TOY for the kids there. Julia is bringing a toy. I’m on the guest list, but I’ll bring a toy too.
Photo by Sandy Lane
Who: Julia Massey & the 5 Finger Discount
Where: Hard Rock Cafe
When: Thursday, December 1
How Much: Donations for Treehouse ($15, suggested) or a New Toy.
The Debbie Miller @ The Conor Byrne
Singer/Songwriter Debbie Miller will be performing this Wednesday at The Conor Byrne in Ballard. I found this show on the recommendation of multi-instrumentalist Jason Welling of Sightseer, a local favorite of mine. Welling will accompany Miller for the show as she plays songs from her debut CD, Fake Love. I’ve listened to “Tippy Toe” and “Kindly Remove” from the CD and have to say I’m suitably impressed. It’s catchy, quirky, and a little unexpected.
Fun stuff. See you at the show.
Who: Debbie Miller w/Jason Welling
Where: The Conor Byrne 5140 Ballard Ave NW. Seattle WA, 98107 – (206) 784-3640
When: Wendesday, November 30 at 9:00 pm
How Much: $7.00
Kim Virant, Songs From a Small House at Darrell's Tavern November 25
Seattle rocker Kim Virant will be playing at Darrell’s Tavern on Friday, November 25th. Yes, it’s the day after Thanksgiving, but what better way to end Black Friday and to rid yourself of Thanksgiving food comas than with cheap drinks and good rock and roll? Virant made a name for herself and nearly made it big with Lazy Susan in the late 90′s and has since continued on in Seattle with her solo material, namely her most recent CD, Songs From a Small House.
And as a bit of full disclosure, I will be filling in on bass as her usual bass player cannot make the gig. I’ve never been so glad I decided not to visit relatives for the holiday, but my involvement aside, the star of the show will be Kim of course. She’s fantastic in the more earthy alt-organic-rock of Songs From a Small House. Come on out. There will be grooves, a few slower numbers, and some covers for good measure. You won’t be disappointed.
Kim Virant on MySpace
Who: Kim Virant
Where: Darrell’s Tavern
When: Friday, November 25. 8:30
Cost: $5.00
Starving Artists on Parade, Noc Noc, Horse Bite
I’ll be at the Noc Noc on Monday, November 21 with a few of my books. I’ll be signing and sipping a few beers and listening to and watching the variety of performers, artists, and musicians. Come say hi, especially if you’re in a band and want a SeattleSubsonic review of an upcoming show.
Taken straight from the Facebook Event page:
Starving Artist on Parade is a true variety night like no other. This month we have burlesque, bellydance, music, magic, mayhem and more! Come out and see what your friends have been talking about. Show starts at 8 and with only a $3 cover and Happy Hour ALL night, you cant lose! See you there!
Live band: Pri Prizm
Live music: Ronald McFondle & Billy the Fridge
Singing: Kelly Mother F#
Bellydance: Seraphina Fiero
Magic: Acep
DJ: Stella Vaughn & DJ Nodak
Sideshow/ Host: Twisted Trystan
Vendors:
Haut Under the Collar
Bisected Beauty
La Vie Macabre
Book sale by all local authors: Raven McCracken and Dave O'Leary
It should be a good time, and with happy hour prices all night ($3.00 beers!), what’s not to like?
What: Starving Artists on Parade
When: Monday, Movember 21. 8:00 – 11:00
Where: Noc Noc. 1516 2nd ave, Seattle, WA
Cost: $3.00 cover. Happy hour all night.
Halloween at the Skylark – Come As You Aren't
My main musical haunt, the Skylark Cafe in West Seattle, has just done quite the unexpected thing for Halloween. They asked me to be a judge for the Halloween Come As You Aren’t battle of the bands party in which various bands pick their favorite artists and dress and play the part in an attempt to win “the coveted Golden Cowbell™.” I don’t know much about the Golden Cowbell itself, but the evening proves to be a fun one as I like and have written about a few of these bands:
Like Lightning will be THE PRETENDERS
Bone Cave Ballet will be BJORK
Supernauty will be THE RAMONES
Julia Massey & The Jesus Rehab will be ARCADE FIRE
and more…
I’m sure there will be a few surprizes along the way, and what’s not to like about getting your costume on and drinking a few too many as the bands do their best efforts to channel the muse and music of artists that inspired them. And well, one fourth of the Golden Cowbell is mine to give away, and that’s the most power I’ve ever been offered. Now, I just need to think of a costume. If I still had long hair, Jesus would have been the obvious choice, but now, I have no idea. Henry Rollins? He’s a musician and a writer. I don’t quite have the same muscle tone though. When I was in Korea, a number of people told me I looked like Nicholas Cage in Con Air. That was years ago though, and these days without the hair, I guess it’s more like Leaving Las Vegas.
See you on the 29th.
What: Halloween Come As You Aren’t Battle of the Bands
Where: Skylark Cafe
When: Saturday October 29
Time: Doors at 7:00, first band at 8:00
Cover: FREE
Book Release Party: Horse Bite by Dave O'Leary. Published by Infinitum
Critical Sun Recordings: Darrius Willrich, Reji Lefluer, Down North
Seattle-based record label, Critical Sun is bringing some of their artists to the High Dive on Saturday, October 1st. I’ve seen Down North, and after listening to some of Reji Lefluer, I know to be prepared a lot of wah pedals through the course of R&B, alternative soul, and funky rhythms that might even get the likes of me to dance a little.
Who: Darrius Willrich, Reji Lefluer, Down North
When: Saturday, October 1. 9:00 P.M.
Where: High Dive
Tickets: $8.00
Visit Critical Sun for more information about the label and their artists.
