Mercer Island, WA: Youth Theatre Northwest

For the past many years, one of my regular side-gigs has been sound design (and occasional music-direction...when the serious musicians won't touch a show) at Youth Theatre Northwest on Mercer Island, a wonderful outfit that gets remarkable results from the kids it casts in its shows (and it casts only kids). Kinda fun, then, to spend an evening with the other artists and designers showing said kids and their families what our 'other lives' look like at this Faculty Showcase.

Redmond, WA: Swedenborg Church of Puget Sound

Must've passed my Super Bowl Sunday audition 'cause I'm back--nice, welcoming feel and pace to these services, and very appreciative of and eager for the music. Also neat that the guest speaker is an eloquent and sharp member of the Baha'i faith, brought in to share views and start discussions--a fine way to do things in my humblish opinion.

Lynwood, WA: Tacos Guaymas

Like Crossroads, this one doesn't at first seem the kind of place that'd work, but it's amazing what supportive staff and good sound'll do to a place (not to mention great food!). And hopefully folk'll clue in in this mall-centric burg. Steff Kayser, point-man Ray Boyce, and Ron Dalton join.

5-Star Review of 'Lake' - more

Wildy's World, an independent music blog from one Wildy Haskell in upstate New York, has published a five-star review of "By the Side of the Lake"--some highlights:

Seattle singer/songwriter Wes Weddell is not only a jewel of the Emerald City's musical crown; he's also one of the biggest boosters of DIY music in the American Northwest. Aside from winning songwriting awards, recording 3 critically acclaimed albums and working as an in-demand session and side-man, Wes Weddell also established a not-for-profit organization, Puget's Sound Productions, to assist in the development of community live music spaces in the Northwest as well as supporting independent musicians in pursuing their craft. The idea of a folk singer/songwriter as Renaissance Man may be hard to get your head around, but Weddell breaks the mold. His latest album, By The Side Of The Lake, features Weddell's masterful story-telling style and distinctive character voices against the backdrop of musical arrangements that simply won't leave you alone...

If it wasn't apparent before now, By The Side Of The Lake makes it abundantly clear that Wes Weddell is a master craftsman as a songwriter. Weddell's easy going delivery and simple mien make him instantly likeable, whether on CD/MP3 or on stage. Weddell has attracted a crack band over time, but it's the singer/songwriter himself that keeps people coming back again and again. By The Side Of The Lake brings folk music back to its roots; telling true stories about real people and places. Weddell will make you laugh and make you cry; inspire anger and thoughtfulness. He'll entertain and educate you with his songs if only you will listen. Like the great bards of olden times, an encounter with Wes Weddell will leave you a little richer in mind and spirit than when you started. By The Side Of The Lake is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc; a must-have album.


'Lake' has also gathered reviews from a couple of Dutch Americana websites: altcountryforum.nl and altcountry.nl.

Seattle, WA: House Concert

I have written before how wonderful house concerts can be, and how much they depend on the graciousness and benevolence of the host--and, well, that all remains true...and wonderful. A delight, as always, to see so many faces (many familiar) so focused on the performance, and to give 'em a good show! (Others presenters are welcome to take note...) And no tear-down or rough travel after!