WW News and GigLog

Seattle, WA: New Day Northwest

2012-01-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

Obviously, I do far more radio than TV--perhaps TV regulars don't get the same kick out of the language that I do, but I was giddy with anticipation when I was told by the very pleasant and capable New Day Northwest staff: "Please come camera ready (hair and make-up done). We will be powdering you for HD."

Well, consider me powdered...in the same King-5 studio as Almost Live!, no less! Glad to give the Book Club some screen time, and continue to plead Tommy Treadmill's case.

Seattle, WA: Fremont Abbey (Bushwick Book Club - Alice in Wonderland)

2012-01-06T23:44:00.000-08:00

It's neat how a great crowd in a great room can really lift up a show--tons of fun, and better shared. Got flack for assuming that I did not have a show-stealer this time, but I didn't honestly think a slow, minor-key ditty could do the trick (I'll concede comically dirge-y). Alas, now I've got to think if I've ever before received applause just for the verbal introduction preceding a song. Thankfully, Debbie Miller stepped in in the second half and stole the show for real. Yay reading!

Seattle, WA: Empty Sea Studios

2011-12-30T23:54:00.001-08:00

Nice to wind down the mostly-close-to-home-but-still-busy year with an intimate show among friends. Joe Jencks and I, of course, go back many, many years, and it's always fun to see what non-plussing may happen on-stage. And for the past few years Joe and Trina Willard have done a between-the-holidaze(-ish) date, so I'm happy to crash that tradition, too. Sold out the first show several days in advance, so pleased to add a second: double the singing, picking, and frequent grinning--all in a really special concert space.

Covington, WA: Covington Library (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Machine)

2011-12-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

So ends the great Bushwick Book Club / Time Machine KCLS Tour, 2011--and nice to go out on top. Kudos to the Covington folk for making this one such an attended and aesthetic success, and to the gentleman calling himself 'Major Fun' who showed with his own Wells-inspired offerings to perform! Next up for KCLS: March, by Geraldine Brooks.

Vashon, WA: Vashon Library (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Machine)

2011-11-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

Book Club ferryboat ride...!

Seattle, WA: Can-Can

2011-11-17T23:07:00.000-08:00

Opener Scott Katz is probably a better burlesque-bar/cabaret act than we are, but it was worth this shot...

Kirlkland, WA: Merrill Gardens

2011-11-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

Though iTunes categorizes at least one of our releases as 'country,' I knew we'd have to expand the repertoire for this retirement-center 'Hoedown.' So enter a little Hank, a little Johnny, some Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Don Gibson...and and Hank Thompson / Kitty Wells duet showdown (which, naturally, led to questions of how long Alicia and I have been 'together'). Everyone loves Dave's playing, of course, but this crowd really dug his hair, too!

Bothell, WA: Bothell Library (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Machine)

2011-10-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Another Bushwick/KCLS Time Machine show (all dudes this time), and another opportunity to marvel at modern library technology.

Seattle, WA: Columbia City Theater (Bushwick Book Club - The Shining)

2011-10-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Happy one-year anniversary, Bushwick Book Club! And Happy Halloween as well. Can't beat celebrating both here--particularly with a World Series Game 6 for-the-ages on backstage...

I enjoyed The Shining--the first Stephen King book I ever read--and found plenty of obscure potential song-threads. "Mrs. Brant's Blues" was the winner, however, leaving me to perform a randy ode to a very peripheral character while dressed as a five-year-old: a first for me, and, I assume, many others in the room.

And if you missed it, I released my Book Club recordings from the past year here!

Eugene, OR: FAR-West Conference

2011-10-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

If I try to journal everything from the four days spent at this event (I've sat the previous two conferences out) I'd come up woefully short. And I'm tired...from all the things I didn't journal over the past four days! So, in very short, thanks to friends and colleagues new and old, conference coordinators, showcase hosts, and those willing to jump into the inaugural on-site songwriting collaborative (complete with 'fishbowl' of rut-breaking song-ideas generously supplied by the Seattle songwriting corps). Coordinated that, moderated one panel, said a li'l something at the luncheon, sang late into the night and early into the morning, and got back in one piece. Not bad work...

Lurking behind (L-R) Best of the West award winners Laurie Lewis, Vivian Williams,
Phil Williams, FAR-West President Steve Brogden, and co-presenter Marni Rachmiel
Photo: Peggy Glenn

Lynwood, WA: Tacos Guaymas (y Mas)

2011-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Mmmm, churros...!

Kirkland, WA: Kirkland Library (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Machine)

2011-10-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned, Geoff has arranged for the Book Club to tour H.G. Wells' sci-fi classic The Time Machine through the King County Library System, the busiest (aggregate) library in the country! We're just across the parking lot from our location last week, but I'm almost kept from the stage by my dropped-jaw fascination with the very sci-fi-looking self-check-in sorting system 'backstage.'

Kirkland, WA: NW BookFest (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Machine)

2011-10-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Having just released my last year's-worth of Bushwick Book Club songs, said Book Club is at it again at BookFest. These types of literary events feature myriad panels, workshops, and other resources for readers and writers of all ages and levels, and mostly seem to draw folk interested in specific components of the schedule...which makes for some interesting and fun looks-on-faces from those hurriedly passing through the room on their respective ways to the next panel/workshop/reading and not expecting to encounter live music.

We'll be touring The Time Machine (H.G. Wells) through the King County Library System this fall--Kirkland on Oct. 8; Bothell Oct. 29; Vashon Nov. 20; Covington Dec. 1 (more possible)--so I'll have plenty of opportunities to croon "Take You Along."

The Bushwick Book Club Demos, Vol. 1

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

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Seattle, WA: Private Wedding

2011-09-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

With just a little rearranging, you can slide a verse of "You've Got a Friend" into "What a Wonderful World" (in case you were wondering)... Congrats to John and Heather!

Snoqualmie, WA: Puget Sound Walk for Speech Apraxia

2011-09-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

You form a special bond when your alphabetically-assigned school locker is next to the same person every year, and sometimes that connection leads to some fun and interesting places down the road. Appreciate being asked to play this inaugural event, and blown away by the work Bill and Kari put into it (long before the last-minute venue-change and uncooperative weather ever factored into the equation). Hard to keep an audience once you tap the keg of root beer, but I have my methods...

Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival

2011-09-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is Tumbleweed #9 for me, now firmly entrenched in my trophy-making and contest-hosting (congrats--again--to Tracy Spring, who is now banned-for-life after maxing out with her second victory) duties, along with a performance in there (fancy that) and plenty general question-answering. Even made it faintly into the background of a couple of these shots. Once again, they do a lot of things right here!

Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub (Bushwick Book Club - The Outsiders)

2011-08-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

Reading the book (I watched half the movie in 7th-grade), there was one passage that gave me an acute sense of déjà vu. I was elated to finally trace it to one of the first YouTube videos I ever saw.

In the hours before the show, I played a baseball game in my head between the Greasers and the Socs. The home-team Greasers win, 5-3, with Sodapop pitching a complete game victory. Soc Bob leaves early due to injury; Greaser Johnny does, too, later after laying down a sacrifice. Dally Winston goes 3-for-5 with an RBI, but is caught stealing late.

I didn't write my song about either of these things. Instead, I serenaded the noisy Bushwick crowd in this room with a fabricated history of Windrixville (where Ponyboy and Johnny escape via train-hopping after Johnny stabs Bob) and the doomed hilltop church: "All That's Left Behind."

Seattle, WA: Town Hall / KUOW 94.9-FM NPR

2011-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

It's a lovely coup for Geoff to score The Bushwick Book Club a spot on KUOW's widely-heard Weekday program (on which I also appeared ~8 years ago for "Songs of the Northwest")--now doing periodic live broadcasts from stunning Town Hall--and alongside Nancy Pearl (alternately here) no less! I'll even survive a 7am call for it. (Someday I'll play here in the PM...)

Fun challenge to try to fit the context of the 'Bagpipe' song into a compressed radio timeline...and also find 2-4 relevant-and-clever lines of something to 'riff' on the News of the Week during the second hour. Fine work, too, from Geoff (of course), Tai Shan, MoZo, Vince Martinez, and Bucket of Honey (on whose Batman-inspired piece I play guitar for the recording used in the new Bushwick compilation CD, which also features said "Bagpipe" from yours truly).

Vashon, WA: Vashon Farmers Market

2011-08-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Some folk do these kinds of gigs all summer...I tend to show up more as a customer. (Look at the size of those carrots...!) Favorite exchange:

Me, to a group of young kids who've been impatient for me to start all through set-up:
"You guys wanna sing one with me?"

The kids--plainly but definitively, on their own respective initiatives without coercion from those among the group:
"Nope."

Feels strange to leave beautiful Vashon mid-afternoon on a gorgeous day like this, but evening work with R&M beckons.

Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub

2011-07-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Things tend to move on Conor Standard Time here, but that's part of the charm. Got the full outfit along for a fun evening with The Half Brothers (love the bluegrass "White Wedding") and Brian Ledford and Cadillac Desert (who came to rock). Glad to be the inaugural Bushwick Book Club ticket giveaway, too...

Seattle, WA: Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival

2011-07-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

This thing's been going for 35 years now, with Puget's Sound helping out on the music end for the last several. With the opening of Lake Union Park now, we're taking it farther into the evening on the Fourth-proper, and I've dragged Alicia and Dave with me to get folks in the mood on this pleasant holiday evening. Seeing a British Airways 747 leaving town as we loaded in seems appropriate on today of all days...

Seattle, WA: Fred Wildlife Refuge (Bushwick Book Club - The People's History of the United States)

2011-07-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Walking through this place, with its fresh floor-to-ceiling coat of white paint, one becomes a modern art installation. And Geoff has brought America to it and to us on this Third of July: baseball; barbecue; and plenty of red, white, and blue schwag... Singing the anthem falls to me, and I find the rules of engagement similar to making a toast at a wedding: be (mostly) sober and get-in-and-get-out (don't mention exes, either). My key: A.

We've each been assigned two chapters of Howard Zinn's remarkable work, with me drawing numbers 9 ("Slavery Without Submission, Emancipation Without Freedom") and 10 ("The Other Civil War"). And though the renters featured in the latter are definitely my people, it's the first chapter that becomes the focus of my tune, "Memory and Make-Believe." Some years ago I tried to shake myself out of a dry spell with a revisionist response to the Jamie O'Hara's "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ol' Days)," made famous by the Judds, polling friends and family for suggestions of things that are better today. The song itself wasn't much of a keeper, but the exercise did get me going, and I found myself taking a different crack at some of the same themes with this tune--particularly the romantic ideal of "Gone With the Wind," and the inherent daydream assumption that, if transported to that time, one would be rich (and white).

Seattle, WA: Auntmama's Storycorner @ Madison Park Starbucks

2011-06-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world events like this would happen every night in every coffeeshop in town: an intimate group sharing stories, perhaps on a theme (Father's Day tonight), perhaps with light instrumental underscoring (me!). Auntmama does a great job of finding that comfortable middle ground between casual/impromptu gabbing over coffee and rigid performance (these are 'prepared'--or pre-written--pieces), where the vibe is easy but the quality is high. And, as a story-focused songwriter, I find myself a natural fit among touching and funny offerings from Auntmama, Olubayo Johnson, and Kathya Alexander. Check out Auntmama on KBCS or live (particularly the Rain City Tales & Tunes events)!

String of Seattle Dates...& More!

2011-06-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

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Seattle, WA: Musicquarium Lounge at The Triple Door

2011-06-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

There's a spot right in the middle of the second verse of "Out of the Way" where Dave added a nice little tambourine flourish on the studio recording. It's tough for him to re-create live without a third hand, however, but that doesn't stop Brian from staring at him expectantly at that moment every time we play it. So tonight Dave hatched a plan: given the funky, terraced confines of our little corner of The Triple Door's Musicquarium Lounge, he got ready to toss a tambourine down the steps at the perfect moment, hoping for some slinky action as gravity took over. Sadly, it landed in a bag of equipment before it could complete its percussive journey, but fate was with him that night...

We make it a point to play our 'Go'-set--five-or-so high-energy tunes--right when the Mainstage show lets out, a blatant (and often effective) attempt to convince those leaving to stop in for one more and hear us out. The real 'Go' moment of the evening, however, happened when the show across the street adjourned...after we'd already 'Gone.' So we did something we've never done before and played that mini-set twice, which gave Dave another crack at the tumbling tambourine. And it landed in the darn bag again! But, with help from Brian, he gave it one final toss during the third verse, shining brilliantly and catching me rather off-guard.

Renton, WA: Lindbergh High School

2011-06-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

As you may recall, WW Band member Brian Hoskins spends his days turning the voices of Renton's south-end youth into some of the most vital choral sounds you're likely to hear in a school auditorium. He sees nearly 300 students each day, spanning seven grades, including a Vocal Jazz Ensemble that meets beginning at 6:20am. Having just flown in from Chicago yesterday, I've dragged myself down to Lindbergh for a barely more reasonable 7:20 call to listen to the Ad Astra Choir take a crack at "Sing to Me," the song they commissioned me to write for them this year.

A few years back Brian had me arrange "Carry On" for his middle school group, a tremendous experience that has yet to fade away. But this is different: a completely new song, choral-focused from the start, for them; the group's one explicit request: tell a story!

We finish the second run through and one of the students I know fairly well tiptoes up to me. "Is it okay?" he asks. I nod. "It's just, well, you haven't said much that's been positive, and we're worried you don't like our performance of it." Oh, shoot... I'm blown away. The thrill of having sixty voices sing your song--a song they asked you to write specifically for them, no less--has knocked me over, and 'utterly blown away' (combined with feeble attempts to be an educator and offer workshoppy-feedback when asked) is reading as 'concerned.' I set everyone straight.

The evening performance is a gas...one great moment among many as the choirs give their last performances of the year. I tell Brian after: "I didn't hear anything that wasn't my own fault."

Seattle, WA: Northwest Foklife Festival

2011-05-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Wouldja lookit that: not raining! A bit cool, but dry--as it has miraculously remained all weekend. After splashing myself across radio and TV to hype this grand event (in its 40th year!), I've now completed all of my festival obligations save the set under my own name. Erin's come out to sing with me, which is always a treat, and scarf-guy (a colorful festival regular) has picked this stage as base camp for the evening. What more could a community-minded musician want?

Seattle, WA: Q13 Morning Show

2011-05-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Two years ago Folklife had me stand on the rim of Seattle Center's International Fountain while sponsor Q-13 FOX (FOX!!) filmed me for a spot promoting the festival. Thus when the phone rang yesterday morning asking if I'd pinch-hit for the previously-scheduled songwriter in-studio, I said sure--seemed like a quick turnaround, but I'm a team player. In the green room with production assistants running around and telling me what's coming and just what timeline to expect, however, I realize that this one's going on live:

Bellevue, WA: KBCS 91.3-FM

2011-05-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

With the Northwest Folklife Festival looming, the hometown heroes at KBCS are doing their usual slate of preview interviews. I'm here in my capacity as singer/songwriter community coordinator (all the jokes've already happened...) discussing the Emerald City Songwriter Circles--open-to-all, come-and-go gatherings welcoming anyone at the festival to share (or listen to!) an original song, now in their third year--and I've dragged newly-deputized host Vince Martinez with me. We gab for a bit, slide in a plug for The Bushwick Book Club, and then simulate circle rhetoric/etiquette by each leading the other through sharing a song. Get in, get out, leave 'em wanting...

Seattle, WA: Chop Suey (Bushwick Book Club - Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman)

2011-05-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

I mentioned these shows at the gig last night and a fellow came up to me during the break to share that he'd taken classes from the inimitable Feynman at Cornell. Really strong show!

Photo: Mark Blasco

Pasco, WA: Three Rivers Folklife Society

2011-05-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

It's bittersweet, really, the way this career has you constantly leaving people and places you enjoy for more of the same someplace else. So it goes, then, as I spend my morning in Gresham, OR, at Mt. Hood Community College's Northwest Vocal Jazz Festival backing (and ostensibly chaperoning) Brian Hoskins' talented Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. And then--whoosh!--down the road in a cloud of smoke to the Tri-Cities, home to the annual treat that is the Tumbleweed Music Festival, to entertain at 3RFS' annual organizational meeting. And off again in the morning.

No one got raptured.

Portland, OR: Alberta Street Public House

2011-05-07T23:57:00.000-07:00

We miss Erin and Amanda (welcome to the world li'l Walter!), of course we do, but there's barely enough room on this stage for the four of us and our gear (mostly Brian's)--I'm getting a little cozy with one of Dave's cymbals, but it's worth it to have the full crew along on our first out-of-state (just barely) venture. Also appreciate rock-star hotel room spread provided by Brian's dad...fun to play 'dress-up.' Nice opening set from Alicia. Now, if only we could pump our own gas...

Portland Be Warned (5/7) - Tri-Cities On Notice (5/21)

2011-05-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

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Seattle, WA: The Ould Triangle (Ye Ould Ear Feed)

2011-05-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Good to know I can still shout 'em down and make 'em (pretend to) listen.

Seattle, WA: Chop Suey (Bushwick Book Club - The Time Traveler's Wife)

2011-04-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

I must have missed a memo regarding including some Freudian-time-travel mention of co-protagonist Henry De Tamble's mother in my song. Oops. I gave my free-will/self-determination-vs.-pre-destination effort for Slaughterhouse-Five, so that left me the love-story route (having apparently missed other, creepier options), which seemed to satisfy those who enjoyed Audrey Niffenegger's work. (Learning that Niffenegger herself was born in South Haven, MI--the town from which other-protagonist Clare Abshire hails--lends credence to a few of the songs that suggested she'd written her own I've-been-waiting-for-this-tamable-bad-boy-to-come-along fantasy.) Great hosting vibe from Chop Suey, and fun connections as always!

Photo: Mark Blasco

Everett, WA: Historic Everett Theatre

2011-03-26T23:46:00.000-07:00

Across the region lie many communities that have reclaimed and restored old downtown theaters, and though programming slates may vary through each respective attempt to stay afloat, the one constant among all of these cases is an utterly beautiful hall. Given that, I'm delighted at Everett's choice to feature so much live music in general, and my outfit tonight in particular--co-billing with fellow Americana pickers ThorNton Creek (I've always enjoyed Thornton Bowman's songwriting). The 'full' WW Band is down to three (me, Alicia, Dave) tonight after scheduling conflicts and a wicked March flu have had their way with us, but TC guitar player Don Miller graciously accepts our invitation to sit in on several numbers...and again, I'm not complaining in this setting.

Hope we can all keep it going!

Seattle, WA: Can*Can (Bushwick Book Club - Shel Silverstein)

2011-03-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

And tonight, it's the grown-ups' turn... Shel Silverstein fascinates me: such a beloved kids' author who also wrote some very-adult material and held a longtime position with Playboy. This duality is on display from many of the Bushwick participants (in burlesque/cabaret setting) tonight...including me, as I debut the 'secret' (i.e., not performed for kids at Town Hall!) dirty verse to my tune based on the "The Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No"--a sweet-if-sad (and long and obscure) kids' poem that I believe drew inspiration from an off-color, music-related joke Mr. Silverstein must have encountered in one or more of his circles. Heck, the verse practically wrote itself given the double entendre possibilities one easily finds when simply naming different parts of a bagpipe! Fun, too, to close with everyone singing "It's the End of the Sidewalk as We Know It," after apologies to Messrs. Silverstein, Stipe, Buck, Berry, and Mills, of course.

Seattle, WA: Town Hall (Bushwick Book Club for Kids!)

2011-03-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our fearless Bushwick leader/poobah Geoff Larson is bringing the vision of original-songs-inspired-by-collective-reads to a new audience this month: kids! And what better pick than Shel Silverstein's much-loved collection of poems and drawings, Where the Sidewalk Ends? Fresh off a nice plug from the Seattle Times (still wondering when the local music media'll take any note), Geoff, Tai Shan, Bucket of Honey, and I find ourselves featured for Town Hall's Saturday Family Concert this morning/afternoon, and boy do we have a show for you! We tackle poems ranging from "Jumping Rope" and "Dancing Pants" to "Ourchestra" and "The Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No" (my offering, along with a jumbled R.E.M.-inspired take on the table of contents), with me slinging three different instruments over the course of six tunes. Witness some fine dancing-along from our crowds.

Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

2011-03-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a curious choice for St. Patrick's Day entertainment...though my latest Bushwick Book Club offering, based on Shel Silverstein's poem "The Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No" and set to premiere at this coming weekend's events, has a bit of an Irish-y groove (probably should've been more Scottish...) and gets rushed into service. And I am wearing a green shirt. Crossroads, however, is the kind of place that might attract a crowd looking for not-the-usual-green-beer-and-pub-jams, and as such it's a fine fit as ever. Plus who can resist the chance to drop the non-profit's name and visit with sound guru Bob Conger?

Plugging Away

2011-03-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

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Seattle, WA: Century Ballroom (Bushwick Book Club - High Fidelity)

2011-02-14T23:58:00.000-08:00

Over the last, oh, 10-or-so years if you told me I'd one day play The Stranger's famed (but conceived and promoted differently this year...) Valentine's Day show, I'd've called the bluff. Similarly, if you'd let me know I'd crack the Century stage, a holy grail of dance scene-age, I'd similarly scoff. Yet such is the magic of The Bushwick Book Club that here I am doing both.

Nick Hornby's High Fidelity is the charge this month (the book, unlike the John Cusack movie, takes place in London), and I've got a little waltz. [VIDEO] And a few people even dance!

Next month: Town Hall! (Seriously.)

Photos: Wade Trenbeath

Seattle: University of Washington

2011-02-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

As I mention from time to time, this coming spring marks the 10th anniversary of the Project that really kicked off my involvement in the local music community and scene. This being the case, I recently made efforts to reconnect with the University of Washington's Mary Gates Endowment for Students, which lovingly awarded me its inaugural Venture Fellowship to aid in my efforts. The foundation asked me to speak (and sing) at this year's welcome event for new scholars--heck, Bill Gates, Sr., opened for me (in a manipulative manner of speaking)--and I gladly accepted.

Here's my 'official' account, complete with the entire text of my remarks. (For the full effect, read the speech and then watch this...!)

Uniontown, WA: Dahmen Barn

2011-01-29T23:51:00.000-08:00

And sometimes it all comes together... I've admittedly viewed this trip with the band as a bit of an exercise in vanity--I really wanted to bring the whole outfit over for a hometown release, and was willing to be impractical in doing so. But turnout, space, response, performance, taco-buffet at the nearby Churchyard Inn B&B, you name it...all fantastic! Faces I haven't seen in years (and lots of 'em!) materialize inside the much-loved and much-used Artisan Barn (Dad had a hand in the wonderful restoration!), and it's a all tribute to so many things across so many different times. I joke about my the band's largely-fabricated "You're taking us where??" response, but my gratitude at their making the trip is real and tremendous. If this isn't success, I don't know what is...

Spokane, WA: nYne Bar & Bistro

2011-01-28T23:42:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to take the full WW Band on the road--particularly toward the homeregion hinterlands--for years, and this weekend it finally comes together. I find myself wishing we were all 20 and happy to just throw-in and buy a van, heedless of careers, family, life... Of course, I wouldn't have the players I have now at 20--nor the relationships (among bandmates, I've known Drummer Dave for the shortest amount of time: 9 years)--but I suppose that's the trade. At any rate, I'm thrilled to offer 10-months-late CD Release events in Eastern Washington this weekend...and pleased that local media is as excited as I am.

nYne is an interesting spot: women's sports bar by day; club by night. The dance floor under the basketball hoop is a nice touch, but the promoter immediately begins covering it with seats (I guess we're not a dance band tonight). But wait, the cowboys are waltzing anyway... And the space is working splendidly!

Never enough time to see and visit properly with all the old friends and familiar faces, but touched to have 'em come out. Also a joy to have a band's-worth of foils...foils who play brilliantly, mind you, even if their post-gig meal plans don't always line up with mine... Great opening set from Mark Ward.

At 20, I stayed up this late every night!

Leavenworth, WA: Leavenworth Community Coffeehouse

2011-01-21T23:02:00.000-08:00

This is such a great model for a community live-music series: 16 years strong. And, though I've certainly been through town in intervening moments, it's been an embarrassing seven years since I appeared under the Coffeehouse banner-proper. This is also a nice spot to kick of the spate of 'Project' 10th-Anniversary shows that will appear this year, as I celebrate the passage of a decade by highlighting and celebrating many of those songs and communities. (Choice line tonight from My Northwest Home: "Hard times have hit us too, you know, but see how we move on / When our logging towns go belly-up they go Bavarian.") Many more to come!

Seattle folk think I'm nuts for booking this gig this time of year, but I love the Bavarian Paradise in winter...though, to be fair, this town has stunning scenery to offer in all seasons. And though the evening's black-ice onset likely keeps some folk in, I lodge no complaints: how could I, when I'm waking up to this view (plus snow) from the Barn Beach Reserve's cozy River Room? Or this, from Icicle Ridge later that next morning?:

Seattle, WA: Can*Can - Bushwick Book Club (A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court)

2011-01-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

I stand in delicious awe of the momentum these Bushwick Book Club shows are gaining, though I also get the feeling quite early that fewer members of the normally well-read audience are as familiar with this particular Mark Twain offering as they were with the likes of Slaughterhouse-Five and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (song/video coming soon, I hear!). With apologies to Craig Robinson (not the president's brother-in-law), I share my own scorecard from the baseball game I played in my head between Hank 'Boss' Morgan's Bessemers and Ulsters, with the Bessemers prevailing 5-2 and Arthur (CF, batting leadoff) going 2-for-5 with a pair of singles.

My song, of course, has nothing to do with this. "Dr. Eternal" explores the market for time travel medicine that would emerge were time travel itself ever available commercially; think of the shots you need just to visit the tropics, say...now imagine how you'd have to prep your system for the unfamiliar air/food/water/bugs you'd encounter on a swing through Camelot...

Props to the Can*Can for making such great use of the new/temporary space!

Photo: Justin Sorensen

Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub (Full Band)

2011-01-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

I love this group! I don't care that no iTunes 'genre' seems to fit whatever full-band songwriter-Americana-ish-ness we lay down: I want people to hear this outfit and see and share the utter joy on my face when Brian takes a lead and Alicia and Erin kick in with their harmonies. I am fortunate to have these players and friends answer my calls!

Thanks to the great crowd that turned out at Conor's, and to Paul Benoit and Ryan Purcell for sharing the bill--special thanks to Paul for adding some enthusiastic, impromptu tambourine to the always-fun cover of "Take On Me." And extra special thanks to Brian Hoskins, whose left hand was pressed into extra duty when we learned that Alicia would have to sit most of the night out with vocals-only availability. (I suppose Laurens Hammond deserves in-absentia kudos as well for creating the apparatus that made all this possible, as does Donald Leslie; Harold Rhodes, however, could stand to see what lighter-weight options might exist regarding his [wonderful-sounding] contribution...)

Next stop: homeregion concerts to the east!

Photos: John Wright (more here)

New Year, Full Steam

2011-01-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

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End-of-Year News Tidbits

2010-12-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

A few scattered notes as 2010 winds to a close--thanks to everyone who had a hand in this year's successes!!

-By the Side of the Lake appears on KBCS DJ Larry Lewin's list of best recordings from 2010 and the Wildy's World music blog's Top 60 Albums of 2010 (#23: you may recall the glowing review from earlier in the year), capping a nice run of airwave and cyberspace successes for the new disc (many highlights in the Press-Kit section at www.wesweddell.com). 'Lake' also sneaked (snuck?) back onto the Washington State Roots Music Report charts this month.

-Seattle's flagship NPR station, KUOW, has been featuring "Not Enough" (audio/video), one of my Bushwick Book Club songs, in a recent segment.

-And, sadly, the scheduled January 8, 2011, performance at Isadora's in Snoqualmie, WA, is canceled on account of the venue closing its doors effective January 1.

Happy New Year!

Seattle, WA: Can*Can - Bushwick Book Club (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe)

2010-12-19T23:51:00.001-08:00

These are just too much fun. If you've forgotten the premise: The Bushwick Book Club songwriters read book, then give show of original songs inspired by book. This month's offering, back at the Groovy Can*Can: C.S. Lewis' second Chronicle of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (If you missed October's Slaughterhouse-Five throwdown, recap here. And thanks to KUOW 94.9-FM NPR for the week-long plugs!) And my particular angle: Turkish Delight is, in my songwriter-humble opinion, gross. (Working title: "Edmond Gets Served.")

What makes these shows really tick, aside from the diverse talents and touches of each participant, is that they read as one big, fun show--not a jumbled, overcooked in-the-round, but one quirky, goofy-but-sincere celebration of literature, music, and art. Check your reputation at door, and jump in the middle. Can't wait for next month: Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.

Spokane, WA: Fall Folk Festival

2010-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

This has got to be one of the more underappreciated regional festivals...though certainly not by its attendees. The Spokane Community College venue focuses the action in one nice spot, with all of the various stages close by and a big craft-and-jam fracas in the middle. Performances kick off with a live radio broadcast show featuring a cross section of festival performers (honored to make the cut!), co-hosted by Carlos Alden, an old friend from 'Project' days (nearly ten years ago [gulp]...stay tuned for anniversary plans!) and frequent muse-prodder. My full set is in an unpretentious conference room, with a Power Point projector inches above my head and a lovely white-board-scribbled mountain scene behind me. Folk, all right. And here comes the snow...

Some Gigs, Some News...

2010-11-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

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Renton, WA: Lindbergh High School (plus Commission News)

2010-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

Though I can name many different musi-performance roles I embrace regularly and eagerly, this one caught me a bit off-guard: sole speaker at a school Veteran's Day assembly. Yes, you are correct: I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of my country's armed services.

WW Band organ/keys player Brian Hoskins spends his days teaching choir (brilliantly!) in the Renton schools. A few years ago, his middle school kids premiered--and later reprised (audio/video)--my choral arrangement of "Carry On," a wonderful experience for me and nice tribute to the late Don Shawe, a World War II veteran and the song's inspiration. Many of those kids are now at Lindbergh, and Brian's Ad Astra choir chose to perform the piece (they all apparently remember it!) as their selection for the school's Veteran's Day assemblies. I, of course, happily agreed to accompany the group and perhaps say a few words about Don.

Somewhere in between, however, I became not just a component of the Leadership Class' program, but the featured speaker! So Don's life and words got center stage for a few moments this morning, along with my 'this is one story--every veteran and servicemember has his/her own (as do their families!)' disclaimer. So it goes...

Thanks to Brian and the kids for getting it up on its legs with such scant notice. I will never tire of hearing that many voices sing my song! (And honor Don and those whom his experiences represent...) And I will get to experience it all over again next spring as the LHS Ad Astra group has commissioned me to compose a new, original work for them to premiere! (More details coming soon.) Honored, excited...and ready to get to work am I!

Redmond, WA: Swedenborg Church of Puget Sound

2010-10-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

At the risk of saturating the market, I'm making my third appearance this year with these swanky Swedenborgians--sure is nice how they celebrate music and songwriters and insist on having both as part of their weekly services! As I alluded to previously, I enjoy the art of picking songs from my repertoire to fit the particular theme, conceding that often said 'fit' has as much to do with how I present/introduce a number as the song-itself-as-independent-entity. "Ghosts, Goblins, and Spirits - Halloween and All Saints Day," however, is an area I have pretty much left alone in my writing... I can run with seasons, though, and also steal a post-sermon opportunity to share my newest creation: "Not Enough," written for the Bushwick Book Club (Seattle) and touching on some of the themes of grief and uncertainty that Rev. Paul Martin addressed in his talk.

AND...for those clamoring, you can hear a quick recording of "Not Enough" here!

Seattle, WA: Beery House

2010-10-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

For the past fifteen years, the unassuming Beery House atop Seattle's Capitol Hill has hosted an astonishing variety of musicians--sometimes performing, sometimes just crashing between wayward road dates--and gatherings, and I'm honored to add my name to the list (and partake in the always-filling potluck) after having been a lurking attendee for years. Someday someone'll write a book about wonderful secrets like this 'venue,' and we'll learn just how many people have keys to Max's and Teresa's back door.

Seattle, WA: Can*Can - Bushwick Book Club (Slaughterhouse-Five)

2010-10-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

You knew this was gonna be memorable: twelve songwriters asked to pen a piece inspired by a different novel each month and then give a show (in the Can*Can's ultra-funky confines, no less); tonight's offering: Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. What a wide and wonderful range of interpretations (and a lot of "so it goes" refrains...), from the slapsticky and suggestive to the darkly serious, and many waypoints in between. I titled my too-many-words (as usual) tune "Not Enough" as it sprung chiefly from the following passage:

Rosewater said an interesting thing to Billy one time about a book that wasn't science fiction. He said that everything there was to know about life was in The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky. "But that isn't enough anymore," said Rosewater.

Kudos to organizer Geoff Larson (who plays on By the Side of the Lake!) and *all* of the other Bushwick Book Club-Seattle members and songwriters! Next month's pick (which, sadly, I will miss as I am playing in Spokane): William Goldman's (and S. Morganstern's) The Princess Bride. And hey - I finally made The Stranger Suggests!

UPDATE (10/30/10): Video HERE.

Renton, WA: Sartori Education Center

2010-09-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

A little forum on songwriting for Sartori's Creative Writing Class, taught by a former guitar student. Came in ready to play a bunch of examples to illustrate various ideas, comparisons, etc., but was pleased to forgo such a performance-heavy approach in favor of honest discussion. Also enjoyed sharing my own notes from a songwriting master class with Texas legend Eric Taylor (so accomplished that he can get away with being a Texas songwriter and only having two names), lending my voice to his thoughts and observations as they resonated with me. Hope I get to see/hear some of the songs the class produces!

Leavenworth, WA: Icicle Arts Festival

2010-09-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

As I told the audience at the performance where I served as a judge, I'm of two minds regarding songwriting contests: I appreciate and understand their role in the celebration of original music and as a means for some of gaining traction in the industry...but, at the same time, the very idea of comparing and rating songs along one particular continuum is tough to digest. So congrats to *all* Icicle Prize finalists for this accomplishment and for keeping at it: Ben Bonnema; Michael Carlos; Chelsey Craven; Michael Dickes (whose song has been most stuck in my head since); Rachel Lippert; Hannah Loeffelbein; Brian McMahon (2nd Place); Margee Peterson (Audience Choice); Andrew Thompson; Nadine Van Ness; Sandy Vaughn (3rd Place); and Beth Whitney (1st Place)--and student finalists: Marija Bosnar (1st); Chloe Grace Caemmerer (2nd); and Claire Seaman (3rd).

Also charged with sorting out this madness were my other co-judges: Dan Maher; Linda Waterfall; Andre Feriante; Andrew T. Miller; and Aimee Mell. Most of us gave workshops the day previous at the stunning Barn Beach Reserve, and all were treated splendidly by the Icicle Arts folk, who pulled of the whole thing smashingly. Indeed, anyone who wants to put me up on the Sleeping Lady grounds (even feeding me occasionally) is more than welcome to do so!

Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival

2010-09-05T23:35:00.000-07:00

Over the years (this is #8) I've likely exhausted available positive adjectives for describing just how pleasant this event is, yet extreme pleasantness is what I have to report yet again. Fun as always to see friends old and new, roast fellow songwriters while emceeing the contest (and presenting the handmade-by-yours-truly trophy: congrats to Tracy Spring!), play a set of my own (that was a lot of folk assembled to hear it!), and hang by the river. And I modeled this years theme of "Paying Forward - Giving Back" with a stint on local TV ... and a performance of "Thanks to the Many" in the Sunday Evening Concert. Same time next year...?

A Little of This, A Little of That...

2010-09-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

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Big Rapids, MI: Jensen Family Reunion

2010-08-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Big Rapids Jensens are second cousins of mine (with varying degrees of removal), and two years ago one asked me if I would pen a tune about the family farm outside of town as a gift to the clan. No one lives on the property presently, and those who did (a long generation older than me) remember very tough times, but a spirit of 'this place won't go to seed on my watch' persists, and the 120 acres have thus become a wonderful play-spot for the youngest generation of Jensens (et al - for a delightfully loose criteria for 'family' also pervades). I sifted through various cousins' journals and thoughts on the place and emerged with "On My Watch," which I recorded on "By the Side of the Lake." Playing it on-site was, in a word, special.

Mercer Island, WA: Youth Theatre Northwest

2010-06-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

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!

Northwest Folklife Festival

2010-05-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

I'm getting some pretty cagey looks from the group of underage smokers huddled at the foot of Key Arena's north steps, but I'm merely jogging a few flights to get the blood going some before my set. Nonetheless, it feels like I'm playing with my feet the last few songs, though I'm flattered by just how many folk are sticking it out in the cold-but-not-too-wet. Tomorrow and the next day I'll don my 'Community Coordinator' hat (the staff-like badge just encourages folk to ask me questions for which I haven't a clue re: helpful answers) for the second-annual Emerald City Song Circles celebrating original music at the festival...indoors! Ah, Folklife--there's none quite like you...

New Full-Band Video

2010-05-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Several songs from April's full-band CD Release concert have found their way to the WW YouTube site--enjoy!

U-District Street Fair: Cafe Allegro HOOT

2010-05-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

So many connections for my detail-oriented brain to make, from my first U-District Street Fair in 1999 when I left for the day to explore and locked my showering dorm-roommate out in his boxers to all of the Allegro-HOOT stories I've absorbed over the years from Eric Apoe and his motley crew. When it's raining--as it often is in Seattle on May weekends--the indoor stage at Cafe Allegro is a blessing; when it's delightfully sunny (as it is today), less so perhaps...but still a grand time, with a fascinating-as-always lineup. Someday someone'll write a book about events like this, the folk who've passed through 'em, and the web connections and further/future exploits born out of 'em.

'Lake' charts!

2010-04-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

Having yet to make my for-real radio push, I am tickled to see By the Side of the Lake pop up on this week's Roots Music Report Folk charts: #4 in Washington State, and #40 overall!

Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge (Full-Band CD Release!)

2010-04-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

What a celebration! Thanks to all who came out, Nectar, the WW Band (Alicia Healey, Brian Hoskins, Dave Bush, Erin Kreiger, Amanda Monger)... Fun to play "By the Side of the Lake" start-to-finish, even with the hassle of lugging around three extra instruments for one song each (ooh, look at how many things I can play!--and none're as heavy as anything I made Brian schlep, particularly that Rhodes...). Onward and outward...

'Lake' on iTunes, more

2010-04-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

By the Side of the Lake hit iTunes mere moments ago, and continues to seep out through various other digital media outlets, etc.--right on schedule with tonight's full-band Seattle release concert!

Bellevue, WA: KBCS Interview/Performance

2010-04-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

One of the challenging things about radio performances is that you cannot read your audience. In a typical live setting, I pay close attention to the vibe(s) in the room and make adjustments accordingly; with radio, you just have to hope they're with you... Thankfully, KBCS host Christine Linde leads a pleasant and intelligent conversation, so pressure's off: play a few tunes, talk about my songwriter-self, call it good... And the station'll have a podcast of it available before long!

It's Here! - New CD, "By the Side of the Lake" - Seattle release concert April 11

2010-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

At long last, "By the Side of the Lake" has arrived in tangible CD form! It'll start making its way out to some radio stations this week, and should appear on iTunes and a host of other digital media outlets before too terribly long. A copy, of course, can be yours with just a few clicks of the mouse at www.wesweddell.com, which is sporting a brand new look in conjunction with the release.

The full 'WW Band' will also be on-hand for a special release concert April 11 at Nectar in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood (bandmate and 'Lake' co-producer Alicia Healey will open the show). Truth-be-told, we're awfully excited!

* April 11 (Sun) - 8:00pm
Seattle, WA: Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St.; (206) 632-2020
Advance Tickets (21+)
Full-band CD release concert for "By the Side of the Lake"
Featuring: Alicia Healey; Brian Hoskins; Dave Bush; Erin Kreiger; Amanda Monger
- Alicia Healey opens -

Tukwila, WA: Cascade View Elementary School (March 15 & 16)

2010-03-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

More innocent questions from the younger kids, though "Are you rich?" seems to transcend age... Kudos to Amanda for packing me a sack lunch both days!

Seattle, WA: The Children's Museum

2010-03-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

I swear, if they hired me for ten minutes, the room'd clear out after eight--just something about the space, I suppose, and the delightfully restless nature of young kids. Slow day on account of the gorgeous weather, so we try the more central Storytelling room instead of my usual 'theater' space. One huge plus: the small balcony-like fort off to my left makes for great heckling aesthetics (Statler & Waldorf at age four...).

By the Side of the Lake - Lyrics

2010-03-01T23:34:00.000-08:00

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Rough Mixes: One Way It Might Look

2010-03-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

Victory Music asked me to write for the now on-line only Review a while back, and this is the first one I've gotten in. Calling the column, however regular it might be, “Rough Mixes” ...

“Want to know one of the great things about being a musician?” I asked the students assembled in front of me for the first of six school presentations recently: “Gigs rarely start at 8:00am.”

Regarding my invitation to speak here on theme ‘doing what you love’, of course, the fix was in (as it so often is). One of my band-mates teaches in the district, and I’ve backed up his choirs going on five years now—it’s not like I made some exclusive cut or won the Yellow Pages/Google lottery. Just the same, I’ve learned that the narrative can assume markedly different appearances based on what details I choose to omit. For example: “Wes Weddell was pleased ‘Musician’ made the cut at a local middle school’s Career (‘Impact’) Day, and honored to be asked”, read my third-person vain Facebook status that afternoon, rather than “friend-of-a-friend called in a favor”, which would have been no less accurate. One’s a whole lot more romantic, though—and feels a whole lot more validating.

This brings me to what has become one of my stock phrases when describing many facets of the ‘scene’: “It’s not about what you’re doing, it’s about what people think you’re doing.” Problem is, I resent the hell out of this perception, and I still care tremendously about the art itself, while the marketplace tends also to weigh a few other factors that may or may not overlap with my creative skill sets.

Read the whole thing here.

Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

2010-02-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

As I do more and more work with Reilly & Maloney, whose aversion to monitors is legendary, I get better and better and trusting the room and working with what it gives me--but, man, it's nice to hear yourself well! The work Bob Conger does at Crossroads is nothing short of remarkable, given the mall/food-court traffic, tiled floors, and massive glass pergola... Enjoying getting the new stuff further out there (and, as always, a treat to do it under the Puget's Sound banner), though after tonight I'll likely clamp down on local appearances to put a 'premium' on the inevitable "By the Side of the Lake" release concert.

Redmond, WA: Swedenborg Church of Puget Sound

2010-02-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

A lot of peers in my various circles do gigs like this all the time, often with UU / UCC / Spiritual Living congregations in addition to these sweet Swedenborgians (fascinating fellow), and becasue I speak the language folk often assume that I have a lot of overt material in my canon suitable for these sorts of occasions. Not that my songs are incongruous, but I think of my writing as being more story-centered than message-centered, with perhaps more ambiguity and room for listeners to draw their own conclusions. That said, it was a blast to have some 'community'-oriented tunes that fit this morning's messages (unknown to me until I arrived) to a T! And the DanceWorks Studio space in which they met is way cool, too...

Renton, WA: Nelsen Middle School 'Impact' Day

2010-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Nice that musician made the cut here at Nelsen, and honored to be asked. Maybe should've gone a little more media-heavy, though I made a conscious choice to try to show just how many music careers exist between here and what you'' see on the Grammys this weekend (rather than impress with audio/video). Favorite question: "Are you married?" Easy, ladies...

Seattle, WA: The Children's Museum

2010-01-21T23:52:00.000-08:00

I like these little Children's Museum engagements, probably because they're unlike anything else I do...and they're apt to be different each time through. In fact, today was a perfect example of what a day-in-the-life of this calling can look like: 30-minute set for the young'uns; walk across the street to the Northwest Folklife offices to meet in my capacity as community coordinator for singer/songwriters (i.e. cat-herder); drive down to Renton to play bass behind the Lindbergh High School jazz choir (directed by WW organist, Brian Hoskins), then home via Mercer Island and the last half-hour of Youth Theatre Northwest's Dracula rehearsal, which features my sound design. And I'll get up tomorrow and hit it again!

Seattle, WA: House Concert

2010-01-17T23:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight was supposed to be a film screening, not another Joe Jencks-Wes Weddell performance, but the producers didn't ship a copy out in time... Oops.

Snoqualmie, WA: Isadora's

2010-01-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, this doesn't really count as a performance--it's rogue-logger-fiddlin'-friend Bob Antone's birthday, and he's invited friends to hear him play and to heckle--but I'm struck by two things worth sharing. One, Isadora's is a wonderfully funky spot, the kind of place that caters to everyone and seems in ever-shorter supply; and two, there are likely dozens of people and places in Seattle right now trying noticeably hard to be this real.

Bob's got the artist's soul, and plays and writes great music unlike anything I've encountered anywhere else. He and his brother, Mike, play host tonight to an unusual scene: everyone is captivated and dead-quiet fascinated while they're playing, but as soon as they finish a song and everyone whoops then people (pursuant to the heckling ground-rules in place) start yelling really dirty things. Thankfully, this mood subsides by the time I get up for a few (Bob insists).

Oh, and a third thing: you must hear this man sing.

Seattle, WA: Egan's

2010-01-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

Egan's Ballard Jam House is one of my favorite rooms in town, and it's exciting to see folk start to discover it; reminds me of a much-smaller take on the Iridium, the Midtown Manhattan club where I was blessed with the chance to see the late, so-great Les Paul in 2005: such a great listening room, and such without sacrificing comfort or amenities! And, of course, always a treat to play/sing with Joe Jencks--we even practiced some for this one!

Everett, WA: House Concert

2010-01-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

2009 was an awfully transitional year for this songwriter, and at some point in the spring I realized that I'd likely need a project into which to pour myself during choice stretches. Said project became By the Side of the Lake, a new album whose audio lies finished and perches just a couple of design/administrative steps from release. Indeed, I am thrilled to welcome 2010 with a house concert performance full of new tunes and old friends--a double-bill with Joe Jencks.

The cuts from Songs to Get You From Here to There were all tunes that I'd been playing quite a bit before hitting the studio (a process that limped mightily along itself), and thus even though I'd applied full-band treatment to several songs, I had solo arrangements secured prior to release. Kinda fun to work backward with this one: many of these tunes came together with the band, and I find as I toss them out there just-me that I'm still learning where some of the holes are and how they move. Plus, always interesting to see how (and to what specifically) people respond, and how it's never quite what I anticipate.

Joe was riffing between songs at one point about Woody Guthrie and "This Land is Your Land" contrasted with Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," which--as can happen 'in-the-round'--led me to introduce and play "Got Out Some," one of the new tunes (in which the bridge borrows from both aforementioned pieces). I know what I meant to say, and I don't know if I somehow swallowed a word or what, but what people heard was something regarding Irving Berlin's Woody. And a new bit is born...

2009 News Archive

2009-12-31T23:59:00.002-08:00

12/30/09
Wes has posted two new tunes, “Remember When” and “Dear Abby,” from his forthcoming album (By the Side of the Lake) on his MySpace Profile (public) and Facebook Fan Page. Look for the full album in early 2010!

10/21/09
Songwriting Scene blog interviews Wes regarding the Seattle scene.

9/1/09
Wes adds mandolin to the song “Button” on UK singer/songwriter Ian Lang’s album The Whisper, slated for release later this fall. A new WW CD is also in the works—check back for updates!

4/29/09
Footage of Wes and audio from “Autumn’s Calling” are featured in a television spot promoting the Northwest Folklife Festival, now airing on Q-13 FOX.

3/20/09
“Carry On” appears on Victory Music’s new compilation CD, A Northwest Acoustic Celebration, Vol. 1, along with many other fine local artists.

3/10/09
Film from the full WW Band 5/8/08 performance at Conor Byrne Pub in Seattle now available on the WW YouTube Channel.

2009 Gig Archive

2009-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

2009: Stickin’ around, makin’ a record...

Date	City	Venue

12/17/09	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
10/17/09	Pasco, WA	Three Rivers Folklife Society Opening for Bill Staines
10/11/09	Charlottesville, VA	Private Wedding
10/8/09	New York, NY	Googie’s Lounge
10/3/09	Everett, WA	KSER Sound Adventure Aboard the Schooner Adventuress
9/24/09	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
9/12/09	Seattle, WA	The L.A.B. at Seattle Drum School
9/6/09	Richland, WA	Tumbleweed Music Festival
8/4/09	Seattle, WA	Maple Leaf Lutheran Church
8/2/09	Seattle, WA	Westside UU Congregation
7/24/09	Mercer Island, WA	Youth Theatre Northwest (Faculty Showcase)
July 18-19	Seattle, WA	Sound Transit Link Light Rail Launch
6/4/09	Kent, WA	Sunnycrest Elementary School
5/28/09	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
May 23-24	Seattle, WA	Northwest Folklife Festival
5/22/09	Bellevue, WA	KBCS 91.3-FM Interview/Performance
4/28/09	Edmonds, WA	Driftwood Players (Full-Band)
4/11/09	Everett, WA	House Concert
4/10/09	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
3/20/09	Seattle, WA	Q Cafe
2/12/09	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
1/29/09	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
1/8/09	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
1/3/09	Seattle, WA	House Concert

Performance Notes

Thu., December 17, 2009
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

Nice to close out a more reclusive, close-to-home year on a home-court gig. Looking forward to hitting it harder in 2010 with a new record!

Sat., October 17, 2009
Pasco, WA: Three Rivers Folklife Society (Opening for Bill Staines)

When I was very young, I refused to go to sleep until my folks had spun both sides of The Whistle of the Jay, and I still remember my father helping a 7-year-old me gather up all of my stuffed animals to take to a Bill Staines concert, where we sat in the back and held them up appropriately (yes, appropriately!) during the verses of “All God’s Critters.” How delightful (for me), then, that Bill couldn’t go on until I’d done my 25 minutes! A special evening for yours truly...

Thu., October 8, 2009
New York, NY: Googie’s Lounge (Above The Living Room)

Through my Northwest Home work—and general disposition—I’ve developed an acute defensiveness toward the prevailing New York ‘how could anyone live anywhere else?’ attitude: many are where they are for a reason, I counter, and their lives matter! But...this city really is unlike any other place imaginable (or not; further proof, Brooklyn-based friend Pat Wictor remarks, that the ‘NY-is-the-only-way’ approach is absurd). And Googie’s is a great little songwriter spot on up-and-coming Ludlow Street! Feels good to stretch out a little (and road-test some new tunes) after a largely close-to-home year thus far.

Sat., October 3, 2009
Everett, WA: KSER Sound Adventure - Aboard the Schooner Adventuress

What a day for a sail! (And not like last time, when the breeze howled at the dock and then died once we made our way out into the sound...) And kind fun to play for a very captive audience—little chance anyone’ll jump ship—but hard to shout down the wind.

Sat., September 12, 2009
Seattle, WA: SDS L.A.B.

The Seattle Drum School’s L.A.B. (‘Little Auditorium in the Back’) is a cool space, and it’s nice to be part of a ‘songwriter’ evening that’s not full of the usual suspects (much as I love ’em)—and probably good for me to learn a Neil Young tune, too (everyone had to do one). Particularly enjoyed Mary Lydia Ryan’s piano stylings, and always nice to hang with Steve Mason; additional co-bill props to Sarah Burgess, Judd Wasserman, and Zach Moss, who’ll be great fun to watch as time keeps marching on.

Sun., September 6, 2009
Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival

The ‘lucky’ 13th Tumbleweed festival, with a theme of Superstition to boot—figures it’d dump rain on the evening concert...in the desert (steppe...). Stays dry enough for my set, but plenty-windy; and there’s enough flat surface area on the back of an acoustic guitar (or, perhaps, significant dearth of available shielding material on the player’s bean-pole body) to catch the gusts pretty well a la a sail. Nice to be back on the buddy-system for a weekend with Joe Jencks, hear a great winning song from Mike Murray (who took home a trophy hand-made by yours truly), learn a very effective way to deal with hecklers from Tom Lewis, and visit with old and new friends alike. RIP, John F. Perry (1943-2009)—thanks for all you’ve done.

(From my post to the FAR-West list-serv earlier this year:)

The FAR-West community lost a gem with the passing of John Perry (66) last Friday, co-founder (along with his wife, Micki, and others) of Three Rivers Folklife Society in SE Washington State. Like any of us, John was a wonderfully complicated fellow, a folkie as folky as they come with a distinguished career as a nuclear engineer for the Navy and then local power companies. I could list a host of accomplishments and names in tribute, but I'd rather share an endearing memory and some personal thanks:

What's remarkable about the vast, 'non-Seattle' expanse of Washington State known to most merely as 'Eastern Washington' is just how far away from the popular Northwest image of rain-in-your-Starbucks these communities lie: distance; climate; politics; life... I grew up in one of these towns--not near *anything*--and determined local citizens with a 'why not?' vision were the only reason I could be exposed to live music as a child.

Under John's watch the Tumbleweed Music Festival (www.3rfs.org/tmf.htm) in Richland, WA, has grown to attract performers from across the country (without sacrificing a close, local feel), built a reputation for its splendid treatment of artists, and almost single-handedly revived a songwriting scene that had been spinning its wheels in places. John hand-made the trophies presented to the winners of the festival's annual songwriting contest, which feature striking copper-wire tumbleweed sculptures in a style John learned from his father-in-law.

I will never forget John attending the house concert panel at the 2007 FAR-West conference. As the discussion began to wind down and artists looked for subtle ways to be seen by the panel, John started asking some pretty pointed questions about how certain templates might apply in more rural, conservative settings. He certainly violated the atmosphere of gentle-schmooze, and his style might not have won him any points, but his thesis deserves repeating: do not assume any community is less vital because it is less known.

RIP, friend -

Sun., August 2, 2009
Seattle, WA: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation

It’s not every day that one gets to contribute songs to a service with the sermon “Spiritual Practice: From Twitter to Prayer”...in a Masonic Lodge, no less! Can’t make it east to kick off the second decade of Gospel Sundays, so I suppose this is the next-best place to be...

July 18-19, 2009
Seattle, WA: Sound Transit Link Light Rail Launch (Rainier Beach Station)

I remember when ‘Light Rail coming in 2009’ seemed an eternity off, but here we are (and here I am singing at the opening). And come another ten or so years, the landscaping vision in place down MLK is likely to pay off handsomely as the trees fill out. For the time being, however, the sight of a scrawny songwriter inching slowly east to follow the shade of a scrawny Henderson Plaza tree as each afternoon dwindled must’ve been worth a chuckle or two... Nice to pass the musical time withAmanda and Erin , and really neat to finally ride the train when my four sets finally wound down—riding a subway through Seattle feels like I’m in a completely different city taking in new views!

May 23-24, 2009
Seattle, WA: Northwest Folklife Festival

Folklife has asked me to be ‘Community Coordinator’ for singer/songwriters at this year’s festival, a task which—after all requisite cat-herding jokes—I have enthusiastically embraced. What makes songwriter music different from anything else one might encounter at the festival (and one can certainly encounter most everything else here!) is that it is original music, so rather than host a performance of select individuals for my community’s ‘show,’ my crack-coalition has created events in the form of open, unamplified Emerald City Song Circles where anyone is welcome to share an original song (just as anyone is welcome to just come and listen!). Our hope is that this becomes a recurring way to celebrate local songwriting, and I think we’re well on our way. (I also had a normal set...and ended up on aTV promo from the local FOX affiliate...)

Tue., April 28, 2009
Edmonds, WA: Driftwood Players

Kinda nice to run the full outfit out there on a stage with some elbow-room. And a few choice prop-room finds really tied the set together...

Sat., April 11, 2009
Everett, WA: House Concert

Backing Nancy K. Dillon (good friend) and the UK’s Ian Lang (fast becoming good friend) tonight—sideman gigs don’t usually make it onto here (don’t know what I’d say in a dozen annual Reilly & Maloney entries...), but this one was so fun and new that it made the self-indulgent cut.

Fri., April 10, 2009
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

Excited that Crossroads is trying a songwriters in-the-round format with one of its weekend dates, and can’t think of a better group with which to (half-)circle than Messrs. Larry Murante (New CD!), Orville Johnson, & Brad Warren—though, if the format sticks and Crossroads wants to do this again (I hope it does!...judging from several comments, folk dig it), we’ll have to get a female or two involved!

Fri., March 20, 2009
Seattle, WA: Q Cafe

Victory Music has long been a custodian of and presence in the local acoustic music community, and for the first time in quite a while it has released a new compilation of works from Northwest songwriters and artists: A Northwest Acoustic Celebration (Vols. 1 & 2). My tune “Carry On” appears on Vol. 1, so I’m joining many of the stellar other artists for a release concert tonight. Nice hall, nice crowd, and always fun to drag Erin along—the Vol. 2 concert’ll be April 17!

Thu., January 29, 2009
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

It just works here. You wouldn’t think it would, but it does. And I love it! Good place to road-test some new tunes and keep the organization’s efforts humming.

Sat., January 3, 2009
Seattle, WA: House Concert

Joining Joe Jencks at the last minute for a pleasant gathering to kick off 2009 with potluck and song!

2008 News Archive

2008-12-31T23:59:00.002-08:00

9/4/08
GigDoggy, an on-line blog/forum for bands and musicians, quotes Wes (a ConcertsInYourHome.com featured artist) in an article on house concerts.

5/28/08
Reilly & Maloney release Brighter Light: A Tribute to Tom Dundee with Wes appearing on mandolin.

5/17/08
Nelsen Middle School Concert Chorus in Renton, WA, revives Wes’ arrangement of “Carry On” for its Guest Composers Concert. Wes again performs with the choir.

1/12/08
Film from Wes’ Seattle house concert is available on his new YouTube channel.

2008 Gig Archive

2008-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

2008: Still Ramblin’

Date	City	Venue

12/5/08	Seattle, WA	Columbia City BeatWalk
11/15/08	Boise, ID	House Concert
11/11/08	Seattle, WA	Musicquarium Lounge @ the Triple Door (Full-Band)
11/2/08	Seattle, WA	Dusty Strings (Mandolin Workshops)
10/30/08	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
Oct. 24-26	Mesa, AZ	FAR-West
10/13/08	Lake Forest, IL	Lake Forest College Guest Lecture: World Music Survey
10/12/08	Chicago, IL	Uncommon Ground
10/12/08	Clarklake, MI	Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty
10/5/08	Big Rapids, MI	House Concert
10/4/08	Saginaw, MI	White Crow Conservatory
9/26/08	Seattle, WA	Conor Byrne Pub (Full-Band)
Aug. 30-31	Richland, WA	Tumbleweed Music Festival
8/5/08	Seattle, WA	National Night Out: Block Party
7/20/08	Moscow, ID	Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse 10th-Annual Gospel Sunday
7/2/08	Seattle, WA	Musicquarium Lounge @ the Triple Door (Full-Band)
6/20/08	Seldovia, AK	Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival
5/22-28/08	Kerrville, TX	Kerrville Folk Festival
5/17/08	Renton, WA	Carco Theatre
5/8/08	Seattle, WA	Conor Byrne Pub (Full-Band)
5/8/08	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
4/20/08	Oysterville, WA	Oysterville House Concert
4/19/08	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads (Full-Band)
4/12/08	Pioneer, CA	Log Cabin House Concert
4/11/08	Nevada City, CA	KVMR Interview
4/9/08	Oakland, CA	Strings
4/6/08	Campbell, CA	TrueWind House Concert
3/27/08	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
3/22/08	Seattle, WA	Seattle Folklore Society
3/21/08	Portland, OR	Portland FolkMusic Society
2/3/08	Seattle, WA	Dusty Strings (Mandolin Workshops)
1/26/08	Maple Ridge, BC	Candlelight House Concert Series
1/20/08	Moscow, ID	Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse
1/12/08	Seattle, WA	House Concert

Performance Notes

Fri., December 5, 2008
Seattle, WA: Columbia City BeatWalk

A few years ago friends of mine had a baby, who emerged with an awfully-full head of sandy hair that at times seemed to showcase frosted tips. People often asked my friends which stylist they used for their newborn... If they had needed to go somewhere to trick out the little guy, though, they might’ve wanted to check out this place, my venue tonight for the fabulous first-Friday BeatWalk event. Holiday displays (buy! buy!) have displaced us (brought Dave and Erin along) from the front window, but there’s nice space in the back—only catch (aside from low visibility): one of the items for sale in the store is the classic egg-shaker, and the kids on hand’ve found ’em (more snare, Dave...).

Sat., November 15, 2008
Boise, ID: House Concert

A house concert just as it should be: good folk (& good food!) filling a good room. Great hosting helps, too...!

Tue., November 11, 2008
Seattle, WA: Musicquarium Lounge @ the Triple Door

Could get used to food/drink/company this good; might try...

Thu., October 30, 2008
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

I suppose this is a good economy to have work (especially in my field), but I’ve been worried my scrambling around will lead to a slip-up sooner or later, and tonight it happens: I can certainly get by without the forgotten tuner, and could get creative without capos (capoes?) if I had to, but I didn’t askAmanda to come all this way not to be able to play the songs in her keys... Thank goodness this’un starts on the early side (and traffic wasn’t bad!), and perhaps the two new capo(e)s I now own will live in my car’s ashtry near the extra cable, mic stand, guitar stand, and D-I that travel with me after having at one time or another been a ‘forgotten item.’ Otherwise, nice show/crowd...!

October 24-26, 2008
Mesa, AZ: FAR-West Folk Alliance Conference

Ah, the Hustle. Gotta show up now just to remind folk that I’m still around and at it. Kept plenty-busy this time running the Puget’s Sound Presents showcase room, playing numerous others, backing the versatile Rain Perry and former Leonard Cohen vocalist Julie Christensen (who also had original Stone Poneys member Kenny Edwards in tow—that was a fun collaboration!), stealing some baseball time with delightful roommate Pat Wictor, and avoiding the Crossroads Gun Club gathering happening concurrently. Not a lotta time left over for sleep...

Did learn this to pass along, however: if you’re gonna run from one showcase to another, flouncing into the second just a bit late to back up another singer, make sure the folder of charts you have is really full of your charts and some a similar manila folder full of someone else’s e-mail printouts. Just FYI.

Sun., October 12, 2008
Chicago, IL: Uncommon Ground

Seriously? 85° & sunny...in Chicago?? With co-bills bailing left and right (is it me?), couldn’t ask for better last-minute luck than FARM-fatigued (Sandy) Andina & (Stephen Lee) Rich. And the guilty friends making up for a half-dozen years of blowing me off by driving from Lansing (where a mutual friend just got hitched) to catch the show doesn’t hurt, either... Nice room (is an annual visit now tradition??), sound, and crowd—I’m content! (UG records and streams shows there—check out the ‘Radio’ links if you like...)

Sun., October 12, 2008
Clarklake, MI: Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty

“Almost too nice for church,” one woman says to me slyly while soaking in a ray or two on the stoop before the service. Hard to find strong fits with the Association Sunday plug—though community, as ever, abounds and folk’re willing to go with me—so what’s the harm in plugging my dear Reverend-cousin’s own work here? Now, off down the road...

Sun., October 5, 2008
Big Rapids, MI: House Concert

It’s a delightful family affair again, with one young removed-cousin wishing it were her show. Great visit, potluck, and after-excursion to the family farm...

Sat., October 4, 2008
Saginaw, MI: White Crow Conservatory

Ominous to see a road sign pronouncing Flint, MI, “CLOSED” on the drive up (perhaps it referred only to a stretch of I-475...couldn’t snap a pic in time, though we’ll see how the ones of the giant, in-transit pumpkins turn out). I do love neat spaces, and the White Crow is certainly that!—converted church with stage, studio, teaching spaces, in-house store, and fearless cat. Veeerry mellow pace to the evening.

Fri., September 26, 2008
Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub

Well, I feel bad about this: I put a photo of the wrong “Boston to Austin” group on the poster—but hey, no one else made a poster... These B2A gals make a fine co-bill, as does the velvet-voiced, improv-skilled Robert (Sarazin) Blake, an old chum of Amanda’s...speaking of whom, after finally memorizing her new last name re: on-stage reciting, gotta start over with Erin. Interesting crowd/room tonight, but after so many Thursdays here we wanted to see what we might be missing.

August 30-31, 2008
Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival

In my family, it only takes once for something to become a tradition (in fact, I’d wager we have some ‘traditions’ that we’ve never actually carried out), so mychoice of shirt this year is an obvious one. And though they tried their darndest to get me double-time Saturday when the performer scheduled before me cut it close re: arrival time—and then effectively yelled “psych!” when the stage-power went out just as I was to go on (the blender from the smoothie-hut overloaded the breaker, I later hear...thought about announcing “smoothies on me!” during select others’ sets just for grins)—the extra slot comes Sunday when a projected no-show really doesn’t show... Nice to get at least as many positive comments on the performances themselves as the emcee work this year (I think folk’re just really used to bad emceeing at folk festivals...). Still a favorite event of mine.

Sun., July 20, 2008
Moscow, ID: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse 10th-Annual Gospel Sunday!

Can’t believe they’ve let us do this for ten years! I’ve never seen a crowd so big for any UUCP summer service (others concur), and though Dad and I’ll happily claim it, I’m sure it owes for to the imminent departures of one-time UUCP Music Director Cathy Green and Gospel Sunday Celebrant (and co-founder) The Rev. and newly-Doctored (maybe newly-‘Doctorated’—no plastic surgery involved...) Tami Moore, headed to Oklahoma...along with the Sonics... Love it when they come to sing!

Wed., July 2, 2008
Seattle, WA: Musicquarium Lounge @ the Triple Door

The best-laid plans... Drew up two sets tonight, plus a special five-song attention-grabber to insert whenever the mainstage show let out, but in hindsight I recognize two fatal assumptions: one, that we would have ample time/space to set-up; and two, that the esteemed mainstage headliner would not wrap before we were even underway (or all assembled for that matter...though nice of him to stick around for some of the set!). Once we settled some—which likely took me longer thaneveryone else given my personal makeup and the fact that I’d just come from a memorial service (R.I.P., Jim; glad to have known you)—’twas a nice evening in a fun room with a good (if occasionally over-enthusiastic) crowd. Whew!

Fri., June 20, 2008
Seldovia, AK: Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival

People come to Seattle and remark: “Wow!—water and mountains everywhere!” But all through my first twenty-four hours here in Alaska I find myself exclaiming: “WOW!—water and mountains everywhere!!” What a neat, unpretentious event in a marvelous setting (as billed) where one can walk anywhere (even to the airport to hop a John Deere ‘bush-plane’ back across the bay) and a tremendous community feel (even before a ton of family showed up!). Can’t wait for my next excuse to head back!...though the daylight plays with the sleep schedule quite a bit...

Sat., May 17, 2008
Renton, WA: Carco Theatre: Nelsen Middle School Concert Chorus Guest Composers Concert

My problem is that I don’t exaggerate like others do. I don’t drop ‘-est’ tags on everything, proclaiming each item I encounter in daily life the best, worst, or most-incredible thing ever, yet people shrug off my judicious superlatives as bombast or white noise just the same, assuming I’m like them in that respect (I’m not). I have, as folk point out regularly, a pretty good understanding of the English language, and if I need to use particular words—especially in writing—I will...so pay careful attention: whatBrian Hoskins is doing with his choir program at Nelsen Middle School is nothing short of remarkable and unlike any other comparable outfit in the region and likely beyond. What other middle school director is commissioning original works from internationally-renowned composers, flying others across the country (twice!) to deliver Gospel goods to people who need to be told, tackling works last seen by the Seattle Men’s Chorus...and premiering works by a local singer/songwriter who thinks he tells it like it is better than you do (he does)? What other seventh-grader gets to sing at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre without American Idol-style humiliation? What a gift to the community and to the lives of these students and families!!

A treat to hang with Pete Malinverni, Jody Sandhaus, Scott Warrender—and, of course, the kids!! Amanda joins for “Carry On”.

And a big raspberry to the punk(s) who bashed in the window of Pete’s and Jody’s rental car...

Thu., May 8, 2008
Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub

Again, if I could get these folks insurance (and convince ’em that their own abundant, additional undertakings should take a back seat) then I’d conscript all to WW band life full-time. Alas... Alicia opens with a set of her own and then the full outfit takes it the rest of the way for a nice house (and one local celebrity-type—who might’ve proved helpful at the other in-town attraction this evening) kept up past bedtime on an almost-springlike Thursday in the Northwest-People’s Republic. I’m happy to bring this group in any time; wonder if the film turned out...

Sun., April 20, 2008
Oysterville, WA: Oysterville House Concert

The entire community of Oysterville lies on the Register of National Historic Districts (and has since 1976), and my host (Oysterville gentry herself) has much to do with the town’s present presence and preservation (say that three times fast). Great crowd, enthusiasm, and all-around gig, and I much enjoyed the walking tour (Sydney and Nyel live in No. 13, across from the church) and visit afterward. I eagerly await a return: ‘Oysterville’ is not just a clever name.

(Those’re some massive piles of oyster shells on the drive in. And I couldn’t help thinking of The Fog at times while strolling around...)

Sat., April 19, 2008
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

The Crossroads contract reminds performers that “our audience takes offense to comments like ‘I can’t believe I’m playing a mall’ and other put-downs of the venue”—which is perfectly appropriate given the wonderful,previously-espoused live-music-model-in-unlikely-setting this particular mall has maintained for sixteen years—but you try keeping your cheeky, in-the-knowrhythm section in line for two full sets...on Brian’s birthday, no less! Good crowd as usual, and fun to debut a few new numbers/arrangements: Bon Jovi was meant to take the form of an acoustic waltz...

Sat., April 12, 2008
Pioneer, CA: Log Cabin House Concert

Not much one can do when the whole town has the flu... Still, sometimes the connection one makes to those in modest house-concert attendance—especially in such a strikingly-comfortable setting—is worth more than trying in front of scores in a noisy barroom. Fun, woodsy conversation before and after (learned about the Miner’s Cat), and figured this would be as good a time as any to attempt this forgotten chestnut, recovered a few days earlier whilst visiting an old friend who had unearthed a film from 2002.

Wed., April 9, 2008
Oakland/Emeryville, CA: Strings

What a cool model!: like other societies, etc., Strings members for their dues get great live music in a fabulous space and the chance to visit with one another at the regular events, hosted for fifteen years by one Joey Lent. Splitting a bill with Doug Blumer—late of The Westerleys and a truly great songwriter/entertainer/personality/presence—and pleased to be doing just that; nice pairing and fun night. These folk came to sing!

Sun., April 6, 2008
Campbell (San Jose), CA: TrueWind House Concert

If the spirit and benevolence it takes to host a house concert aren’t asking enough by themselves, TrueWind hosts Bev Barnett & Greg Newlon are doing it mid-remodel...and hosting a potluck and post-concert song-circle too! (Well, the potluck helps when you have no operable kitchen...) Nice in-the-round grouping/sharing, but the highlight comes after when the gathering becomes an episode of This is Your Life ambushing co-bill Ginny Mitchell, who finally discovers that the amiable gentleman who has sat right in front of her all night is in fact the very fellow whose dubious cover band played her eighth-grade graduation thirty-plus years ago and whom she has been trying to track down for more than a year. Love it. And better than thelast time I was in-area.

Sat., March 22, 2008
Seattle, WA: Seattle Folklore Society

Night Two with the fearsome foursome. Happy to pull double-, producer/performer duty, though glad to do it on the back end. Got all into road-mode and now I find myself back after ~26 hours.

Fri., March 21, 2008
Portland, OR: Portland FolkMusic Society

PFS and my cronies with Seattle Folklore Society have collaborated some with bookings this season, and this month comes a special Portland/Seattle songwriters in-the-round billing in both cities: me; Val D’Alessio; Dan’l McIlhenny; and Joni Laurence. Always interesting to trace the musi-conversational thread in ITR settings—didn’t think we’d stay on goats for two full passes...

Sat., January 26, 2008
Maple Ridge, BC: Candlelight House Concert Series

Yes, greater-Vancouver is effectively tropical Canada, but I still think all Canadians should know how to drive in the snow as a requirement for citizenship (though it is really coming down). Still, some hearty souls make it out to Pam Southwell’s welcoming abode—likely winding (or sliding) their respective ways there more efficiently than me (how many darned Dewdney Trunk Roads are there?!)—and a nice night is had by all.

Sun., January 20, 2008
Moscow, ID: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse

Another Gospel-y MLK service with Rev. Jim-Bob at UUCP. Got a title this time: Guest Soloist (with the choir).

Sat., January 12, 2008
Seattle, WA: House Concert

Took away from the recent FAR-West conference the sense that house concert presenters want some video content...so I thought I’d film one. Thanks to Dustin Patterson (camera) and Alicia Healey (sound):

More HERE

2007 News Archive

2007-12-31T23:59:00.002-08:00

8/18/07
Wes is the featured ‘Spotlight Artist’ on Whole Wheat Radio, an on-line station based in Talkeetna, Alaska.

8/13/07
The episode of Tom May’s syndicated River City Folk radio show featruing Wes airs this week (August 13-19) on these stations—and XM Satellite Radio channel 15.

6/1/07
Performing Songwriter Magazine lists Songs to Get You From Here to There among its picks for this month’s Top 12 ‘Do-It-Yourself’ albums (“showcasing independent songwriters who have released an album without the backing of a label”); check it out here.

5/7/07
“Hills That I Call Home” from Songs to Get You From Here to There occupies the #29 slot on the Online Folk Festival’s Top 42 for April 2007.

4/16/07
Wes is one of the featured guests on A River & Sound Review’s latest podcast, available via iTunes or here (MP3).

4/12/07
Wes records an episode of Tom May’s syndicated River City Folk radio show, to air on these stations—and XM Satellite Radio channel 15—August 13-19, 2007 (change in date from original posting).

3/9/07
DJ Mara Noelle (aka Ruby Slippers) of KFOK (Georgetown, CA) and KVMR (Nevada City, CA) lists Songs to Get You From Here to There among her Top 6 albums that she took the most pleasure in playing for February, 2007, in her submission to the Freeform Americana Roots (FAR) Chart.

1/28/07
Songs to Get You From Here to There has found airplay on a growing list of stations from Ohio to Belgium to New Jersey to New Zealand in its first full month ‘out there.’ On Wes’ home-station-of-sorts, KBCS-Bellevue, “Carry On” became the first song broadcast via iPod on the station when Richard Gillmann spun it earlier this month. Wes has also announced a date for his Seattle release concert: Thursday, March 8, at Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard with a full band behind him!

2007 Gig Archive

2007-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

2007: Gettin’ the new disc out there
(And plenty of unlisted side-work, too!)

Date	City	Venue

11/18/07	Seattle, WA	Dusty Strings (Guitar Workshops)
11/15/07	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
11/15/07	Seattle, WA	Seattle Children’s Museum
Nov. 1-4	Vancouver, WA Portland, OR	FAR-West Folk Alliance
10/18/07	Puyallup, WA	A River & Sound Review
10/7/07	Seattle, WA	Dusty Strings (Mandolin Workshops)
10/5/07	Seattle, WA	Beatwalk
9/20/07	Seattle, WA	Conor Byrne Pub (Full-Band)
9/16/07	Chicago, IL	Uncommon Ground
9/15/07	Big Rapids, MI	House Concert
9/1/07	Richland, WA	Tumbleweed Music Festival
8/11/07	Coeur d’Alene, ID	Private Wedding
7/29/07	Bellevue, WA	6th Street Fair
7/19/07	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
6/30/07	Seattle, WA	Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
6/23/07	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads (Full-Band)
5/27/07	Seattle, WA	Northwest Folklife Festival
5/12/07	Curlew, WA	House Concert
5/6/07	Coeur d’Alene, ID	North Idaho Unitarian Universalists
5/3/07	Missoula, MT	Sean Kelly’s
4/28/07	Seattle, WA	Seattle Folklore Society with Ter-Ra
4/15/07	Moscow, ID	Palouse Folklore Society with Joe Jencks
4/14/07	Boise, ID	House Concert with Joe Jencks
4/12/07	Salem, OR	House Concert with Joe Jencks
4/11/07	Portland, OR	The Funky Church with Joe Jencks
3/8/07	Seattle, WA	Conor Byrne Pub (Full-Band)
3/3/07	Spokane, WA	Caterina Winery
3/2/07	Pullman, WA	Daily Grind
Feb. 21-25	Memphis, TN	Folk Alliance

Performance Notes

Thu., November 15, 2007
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

Sometimes I think I get the call here because they don’t wanna try too hard for some dates...and I’m happy to come out, visit with Bob, bringAmanda, and, or course, support the cause. Two food-court gigs in one day...!!

Thu., November 15, 2007
Seattle, WA: Seattle Children’s Museum

“That was great!” I learn from the nice folk who’ve hired me as I finish my hour-long Arts in the Afternoon program; “We really appreciated that you interacted with the kids.” Wait...you mean some people come here and don’t interact with the kids?!

They got some of my favorites, like Rosalie Sorrels’ classic “I’m Gonna Tell” and Barry Louis Polisar’s underappreciated “My Brother Threw Up On My Stuffed Toy Bunny”, and some re-workings of my own—the ‘raise-your-hand-if-you-hear-a-town-you’ve-been-to’ rendition of my exclusively-Washington State “I’ve Been Everywhere” produced a sort of visual Whack-a-Mole effect...and considerable (though fun!) confusion. Our mad-libbed overhaul of Hank Williams’ “Mind Your Own Business,” however, was the hands-down highlight—select verses below (kids’ contributions in bold):

Once upon a school I used to ride my hair
Now I use a curtain, so you’d better beware
Why don’t you mind your own business...?

I’ve got a skinny, fat Tinkerbell that I fly a lot
I used to swim a table when it got too hot
But you should mind you own business...

November 1-4, 2007
Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR: FAR-West Folk Alliance Conference

Not sure I’m caught-up enough to offer an appropriate, full recap of the conference—lots good!—so I’ll steer the ultra-interested (or ‘industry’) folk to the list-serv archives: early-November has a good bunch of folks’ feedback... In addition to the elusive pursuit of ‘making it’ (am I somebody yet??), Puget’s Sound took the opportunity to brand itself a little (new logo!), hosting a table in the exhibition hall and a Seattle Sounds, etc. showcase room in addition to two after events, one at The Funky Church (LOVE that space!!) and another at Alberta Street Pub—all great chances for me to show off my new PSP poster board! A lot, sure, but I’m feeling like it was worth it...

Thanks to all the great souls and spirits who made for a fun and productive weekend, and who make up this strong and growing community.

Thu., October 18, 2007
Puyallup, WA: A River & Sound Review

Enjoyed my appearance on River & Sound Review’s studio podcast in April—I like what Jay Bates is doing and hope to see the “one-of-a-kind literary entertainment variety show” series grow—and glad to be part of this month’s live podcast. Worried that the “significant wind event” (what?!) hyped by the media might keep folk away, but all-told I’ve played to far emptier rooms... Quite enjoyed Casey Fuller’s poems, and neat to see Karen Fisher’s book taking off after years of hard work.

Fri., October 5, 2007
Seattle, WA: Columbia City BeatWalk

On the first Friday of the month, many businesses in Columbia City’s downtown core (a vibrant neighborhood in South Seattle) participate in BeatWalk, which brings in musicians and charges a modest, flat cover while a two block sector of Rainier Ave. S explodes with people from the community. (What a great live-music model!) In my continued efforts to play-solo-as-little-as-possible-around-town (I fought it for years, but it really is more fun for everyone with more people involved...), I’ve convinced Dave and Erin to join me (in lieu of the still-tentatively namedSüper Band ) at my venue—Bookworm Exchange—creating a fun and still-versatile trio that seems to provoke a positive response. Lotta in-and-out traffic (including one couple who made quite a face—I guess we really weren’t what they were hoping to find...and, luckily, they have plenty of options on a BeatWalk night!), but lotta sustained listening, too, which is fantastic. And a lotta enthusiastic kids (bless ’em!) up later than I ever was at that age. (Of course, we are sorta situated in the kids section, and this is the book that stares at me for most of the three sets, taking me back to another ‘in-store’ performance from my past, where this is what filled my field of vision...)

Thu., September 20, 2007
Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub

Good to be back here with the full band, even with only the short notice provided by Hot Club Sandwich’s cancellation (we seem to have kept HCS’ “High-energy Gyspy Jazz” tagline on the Conor’s website...)—no better time to try the new ‘Süper Band’ handle (Brian’s suggestion), if you ask me! Nice to see some band identity coming together and—can you believe this, coming from a songwriter?!—have it not all be about me all the time: stretch out with some surf-y numbers; let Erin take a few; watch Brian and Alicia launch into some impromptu lounge selections; add more cello; make fun of Dave... Yup, gotta keep this group working.

Sun., September 16, 2007
Chicago, IL: Uncommon Ground

It’s far nicer than it oughta be here in the Second City, considering that it dipped into the 30s in Michigan last night, even given the expected breeze coasting in from Lake Michigian. In the shadow of Wrigley Field (Go Cubs, Go...), Uncommon Ground has built a great reputation for hosting good music (great food, too!) and plenty of it; honored to be part of a bill here, and thrilled to see some familiar faces come out on a Sunday evening to support a boy far from home.

(The one item I forgot to pack this trip: Q-Tips.)

Sat., September 15, 2007
Big Rapids, MI: House Concert

Man, house concerts are really the way to go. This one’s full of family on my father’s side, many of whom I’ve met only once or twice before (I’m trusting others’ memories on this...)—and one good, old friend from high school music-making days. Fall is definitely creeping into the air, which gives the large, wood-heated room that surveys the large, air-cooled grounds a wistful-but-pleasant feel as my voice skips about from pine floor to high ceiling (“Autumn’s Calling” seems to hold particular effect tonight). Wish the visit could be longer, but at least we got to close down the Big Rapids Bennigan’s.

Sat., September 1, 2007
Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival

I forget to pack one item (at least...) on every trip I take. And though I grow better and better at packing quickly and completely as I do it more and more often, there is always something; in fact, I now find that I cannot relax until I discover what it is that I have forgotten (this usually happens in the car en route, sometimes mere blocks from the house). When before it might have been something consequential such as swimsuit or guitar tuner, these days it’s usually quite manageable: frisbee, perhaps; sharp razors; etc. (certain oft-forgot items, such as guitar stands—and said frisbee—now live permanently in the car).

This trip, it’s a smart shirt in which to perform. And a quick call to Dad, who’s coming down for the festival, has me set (though somewhat serendipitous to see an article on area thrift stores—likely my fallback had Dad and the wardrobe that used to outfit many a Pullman High School dancegoer not been available—in the local Herald).

Year five for me now at this wonderfully-paced-and-placed event, and though I have to watch my songwriting title depart from the position of emcee (deserved congrats to Chris Roe!), I emerge otherwise unscathed. Thanks to fellow Pullmanite Rajah Bose for the photograph below!

Sat., August 11, 2007
Coeur d’Alene, ID: Private Wedding

Congrats to Amanda & Brian!!

Sun., July 29, 2007
Bellevue, WA: 6th Street Fair

Give Bellevue some credit: I don’t know that Seattleites would turn out at noon on a cold-and-cloudy Sunday for an arts festival the way folk’re milling about here as I arrive. (Been to the ’Vue a lot lately...) Nice stage and sound, and glad to see some of the moisture burn off. And good, as always, to getErin out.

Thu., July 19, 2007
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

Speaking of events co-sponsored by Puget’s Sound that I don’t book... Good to be back in this inimitable, glass-pergola-covered, linoleum-plated showcase (band-less, but a nice opportunity to addAmanda to a few more tunes and share more laughs with Bob)!

Sat., June 30, 2007
Bellevue, WA: Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival

Though Puget’s Sound is an official co-sponsor, I have no part in the booking of this event (wish word’d get out...) and I assumed that, since I played here last year, I’d sit this year out (seems fair). Imagine my surprise, then, when I opened the schedule attachment to send off confirmation e-mails and saw my name in this slot! Fortunately, I’m free...

And, if you can get over the constant—and literal—horn-tooting from the Steamship Virginia V and Tugboat Arthur Foss (both within spitting distance...and awfully loud!), it’s a great gig. Better-than-expected weather and a chance to do most of a full set withErin make for a most-pleasant outing!

Sat., June 23, 2007
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads

Though folk who’ve seen me on the Crossroads Stage before may tire of hearing it, I’ll state once more: there’s no other place quite like this. A mall food court with one of the best sound-techs in the region (thanks, Bob!) and a sizeable, attentive audience that comes (to a mall!) to listen, support, and—perhaps most importantly—sustain one of the most uniquely vibrant live-music venues in the region...or anywhere... Fun to bring the full band around, play withthese terrific musicians again, keep Erin singing, and move a few more copies of the new disc. And looks like I’ll be back soon.

Sun., May 27, 2007
Seattle, WA: Northwest Folklife Festival

With all of the visitors in town, playing/emceeing a Folklife in-the-round set almost seems an afterthought. Sharing the intimate-ish Cafe Impromptu stage with me in this Songwriters’ Circle are Tim Garon, Ali Marcus, and Jess Grant—a motley crew indeed. Nice turnout (my plan that it be sunny in the morning to bring folk out and then dump rain to drive festival-goers indoors to my stage in the later-afternoon never quite materializes as it’s stayed gray-and-sprinkly all day; this’ll prove to be the festival’s only cloudy offering), but, to be honest, I’m just glad to have been on time after scurrying over from my one-song mandolin-cameo with Reilly & Maloney several stages over...

Sat., May 12, 2007
Curlew, WA: House Concert

If I could do events just like this 4-5 times a week, I’d have it made. Hosts Greg and Linell caught me a few months ago in Spokane and had inquired about a house concert; after several near-misses, I now find myself outside of Curlew, WA—just an Ichiro-peg from Canada—in a fabulous octagonal home along the banks of the Kettle River (pretty high right now...). If the setting (and drive over) wasn’t enough, the crowd that arrives is as wonderful an example of comfortable rural community as you’ll ever find: fun to sing and interact with, and I’d never find this group here on my own in a short amount of time. Also fun to bust out some older NW Home stuff, especially “We’ve Got Stories.” In her introduction, Linell had mentioned the Law of Attraction, and I’m certainly glad it brought me here!

Sun., May 6, 2007
Coeur d’Alene, ID: North Idaho Unitarian Universalists

Schedule has allowed me a few ‘free’ days, and I’ve arranged to hide myself out on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, ID, at my old stomping grounds: Camp Sweyolakan. In many ways, the lake and the town of Coeur d’Alene are the second hometown of my heart, and I’ve got the perfect perch to sit and ponder the rapid development and change at hand. Perhaps a song’ll come of this...

After finally getting the aging Kayot to start, I’m able to rendezvous with Dad Sunday morning for our gospel-y service for the NIUU folk,another in a long line of such endeavors (our second here together). Gotta sing when the spirit says sing...

Thu., May 3, 2007
Missoula, MT: Sean Kelly’s

SK’s here in chilly-but-pleasant Missoula (why, incidentally, do I always pick up the radio signal for my beloved M’s just as they’re blowing a lead??) is a nice find: a straight-up bar gig, sure, but supportive ownership/management and a nice community presence to be sure. Much less room for storytelling amid the clink and clatter, but they’re more with me than not. And always nice to have one table of old-and-new-friendly faces up front to keep you going as the evening wears on.

The skill saw revving right outside my window the next morning is a surprise, as are the fierce snow/hail flurries that follow me all the way back to the Idaho border.

Sat., April 28, 2007
Seattle, WA: Seattle Folklore Society with Ter-Ra

Though I find myself on the Phinney stage (so helped by the new floor!) once or twice a year emceeing for SFS, I have not, I realize, officially performed for the organization that was so good to me as I was getting a feel for the local scene and immersed inThe Project since the Grateful Bread days of 2000 and 2001. I appreciate tremendouly the gesture from producers Marni and Susan of offering me the date—a double-bill with sweet-harmony duo Ter-Ra (from Portland)—though I’m a touch concerned that the nice weather will keep folk away (that happens when this town gets its daylight back!) and sabotage my attempt here to cash in some ‘good behavior’ chips from the community... Anxiety proves a waste, however, as a nice house turns home to hear my usual yammering and some fun collaborations. As usual, thanks to all who keep these doors open!

Sun., April 15, 2007
Moscow, ID: Palouse Folklore Society with Joe Jencks

Lot’s of competition, we hear, for community-minded folk tonight who aren’t burning the night oil finishing taxes. Always a delight to sing in the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse, which, for a diversity of reasons, holds a special place in the hearts of Joe and myself. And always nice for me to be home—great run!

Sat., April 14, 2007
Boise, ID: House Concert with Joe Jencks

After 05-05-05’s smash debut, our anticipated (we’re told) return meets with much of the same enthusiasm and merriment. Fun to reprise the appearance—now a goshdarned bi-annual event, I suppose—and make some great new connections with folk as jazzed about ‘consuming’ music in this wonderfully intimate and interactive environment (got more folks singing this time!) as I am. Another fine effort from ‘M&M Productions’...

Thu., April 12, 2007
Salem, OR: House Concert with Joe Jencks

Hard to ask for more from a mid-week offering from a first-time presenter in a town where neither of us have ever played... Glad for the opportunity to meet and share music with Diana, Gerry, Sam, and their wonderful group of friends!

Wed., April 11, 2007
Portland, OR: The Funky Church with Joe Jencks

Funky, indeed!! Presbyterians, Catholics, and—judging from the size of the baptismal font—some folk from a serious dunking tradition have all passed through this stately-but-warm neighborhood church now converted (by a toy-maker in the 1970s, we hear) into a four-plex apartment building. I don’t want to know what it costs to heat the sanctuary unit in the winter, but I do think I may have found a solution to my family’s not-enough-room-for-everyone-to-stand-around-and-talk-in-the-kitchen woes. And I can’t stop humming “Alice’s Restaurant” (“Alice doesn’t live in the restaurant, she lives in the church nearby...”).

As a concert-space, it works well enough (we’re on top of one of the bedrooms, looking toward the altar-kitchen/movie-loft with the gorgeous stained-glass window behind us...and a mirror-ball right above), and the modest-but-supportive gathering makes a kick-off for the week’s regional-romp with Joe.

Thu., March 8, 2007
Seattle, WA: Conor Byrne Pub Seattle CD-Release Party!

Such a treat to have a band behind me...and a full room of enthusiastic folk (most enthusiastic about me...). And can’t overstate how nice it is to have great players who dig each other’s respective company. Repeated thanks to Alicia Healey, Brian Hoskins, Dave Bush, and Erin Clancy—wonderful to hear her back out singing! Couldn’t’ve asked for better anywhere...though I could have listened to the organ purr all night... Will be looking to do more of these!

Sat., March 3, 2007
Spokane, WA: Caterina Winery

Great room, nice folk. Logan Heftel opens. Still trying to make sense of the Inlander’s blurb recommending the show: “Woodie (sic) Guthrie, James Taylor, and your geeky physical science teacher are the major touchstones for Wes Weddell.” (Logan was wearing a James Taylor T-shirt...)

Fri., March 2, 2007
Pullman, WA: Daily Grind

Hometown release concert (still catching up on my ‘notes’).

February 21-25, 2007
Memphis, TN: 19th International Folk Alliance Conference

Okay, not off to a great start in ’07 with the note-keeping; FA is still its over-stimulating self, with me doing my in-on-the-joke darndest to insist as much as anyone else present that I’m somebody, darnit! Memphis is a great town, and nice to grab a car and sneak away through Arkansas and Mississippi some on Sunday (though I wouldn’t’ve minded the airline flying me back to Seattle the day I wanted, either—can always use time to plant feet fimly underneath...). It’s not who sees you showcase (though some did!), just that you did showcase!

2006 News Archive

2006-12-31T23:59:00.002-08:00

12/6/06
After a good-sized wait, Wes’ new Songs to Get You From Here to There album arrives, offering twelve original songs at home on the road.

11/7/06
The Concert Chorus at Nelsen Middle School in Renton, WA, premiers Wes’ own choral arrangement of “Carry On” to honor Veteran’s Day. Wes performs with the choir.

9/2/06
“Carry On” wins the Tumbleweed Music Festival Songwriting Contest in Richland, WA.

2006 Gig Archive

2006-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

2006: Lotta time in the studio...

Date	City	Venue

1/15/06	Moscow, ID	Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse
Feb. 10-14	Austin, TX	Folk Alliance Seattle Sounds
2/24/06	Mercer Island, WA	Youth Theatre Northwest with Reilly & Maloney
2/25/06	Oak Harbor, WA	Whidbey Playhouse with Reilly & Maloney
2/26/06	Everett, WA	Puget’s Sound with Reilly & Maloney
3/25/06	Moscow, ID	Mikey’s
5/26/06	Bellevue, WA	KBCS 91.3-FM
5/26/06	Seattle, WA	Northwest Folklife Festival
5/27/06	Seattle, WA	Northwest Folklife Festival
5/28/06	Seattle, WA	Northwest Folklife Festival with David Maloney
6/4/06	Everett, WA	KSER Adventure on the Sound
6/21/06	Sacramento, CA	Luna’s Cafe
6/25/06	Roseville, CA	Placer County Fair
6/27/06	Everett, WA	KSER 90.7-FM
7/1/06	Seattle, WA	Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
7/9/06	Bellevue, WA	SEAFAIR Marathon
7/16/06	Moscow, ID	Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse
7/28/06	Bothell, WA	Park at Bothell Landing with Reilly & Maloney
8/2/06	Duvall, WA	McCormick Park with Reilly & Maloney
Sept. 2-3	Richland, WA	Tumbleweed Music Festival Songwriting Contest Winner
10/14/06	Seattle, WA	Haller Lake Arts / Puget’s Sound
11/3/06	Ellensburg, WA	Hal Holmes Center with Reilly & Maloney
11/4/06	Kennewick, WA	Three Rivers Folklife Society
11/5/06	Seattle, WA	Seattle Folklore Society with Reilly & Maloney
Nov. 7-8	Renton, WA	Nelsen Middle School
12/8/06	Everett, WA	House Concert

Performance Notes

Sun., January 15, 2006
Moscow, ID: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse (Gospel Sunday...reprise)

Another ‘regular gig’ in-the-making...especially if they let us do it twice a year! Dad and I are reprising last year’s service (with a new addition or two) for the Martin Luther King celebration. No summer potluck this time (just some good discussion), but rumor has it that Rosauers in Moscow may have Moon Pies...

February 10-14, 2006
Austin, TX: Folk Alliance

So much I could write about the 18th International Folk Alliance Conference—overstimulating as usual, but 180° different from the last one of these I did (which is good!). Suffice it to say for now, at least, (I’ll maybe add more stories later...), that to be in Austin when the story broke that our beloved Vice President had shot—in the face—a man from the Texas capital was worth the trip alone.

Sat., March 25, 2006
Moscow, ID: Mikey’s (Benefit for Palouse Peace Coalition)

PPC has been doing some good work in the home-region, and I’m happy to play this benefit at a favorite old haunt. Nice crowd.

Fri., May 26, 2006
Bellevue, WA: KBCS 91.3-FM

“Lunch With Folks” host John Sincock couldn’t get Folklife ‘headliners’ Jay Ungar & Molly Mason on the show, so the interview-call fell to me (plugging tonight’s set)—not bad company for finishing second...

Fri., May 26, 2006
Seattle, WA: Northwest Folklife Festival

“What kind of music does this stage usually feature?” asks Gerhardt, the amicable emcee for the McCaw Hall Cafe Impromptu stage this evening, who, it appears, can somehow sense that I’m the type who knows what’s coming in environs such as this. “Um, ‘white-people’ music,” is my cheeky-but-overly-honest reply. In stitches, Gerhardt decides against working that into his shtick. So begins another year of singer/songwriter stages at Fabulous Folklife...

Sat., May 27, 2006
Seattle, WA: Northwest Folklife Festival

There may be a certain irony to my hosting a “Live Music in the Community” panel discussion—for which a number of articulate and qualified members of the ‘community’ hold an open discussion about how to sustain our venues—in front of precious few souls. But it’s early!...and it appears it might rain... Deep thanks to John and Micki Perry (Three Rivers Folklife Society), Sandy MacDonald (Seattle Folklore Society/KBCS-FM), Reggie Garrett, and Joshua Powell (The Vera Project) for their participation.

Sun., June 4, 2006
Everett, WA (Posession Sound): KSER Adventure on the Sound

My good friends at KSER 90.7-FM have asked me to appear on this benefit cruise aboard the stunning schooner Adventuress. A short set singing is gravy to get to wander the deck (and below!) of this 74-foot beauty, built in 1913. The whole Sound Experience crew do a nice job with we community-radio-types, and I learn upon disembarking that one of the hands is an old colleague of my mother’s, well-disguised in the out-of-context encounter: big boat, small world...!

Wed., June 21, 2006
Sacramento, CA: Luna’s Cafe

TSA has had a thing for me lately. I don’t mind the searching of my beat-up blue duffel bag every trip, but slicing the cord on my cell-phone charger in two (quite cleanly...)??

Luna’s is a nice little spot in downtown Sacramento, though I realize we’re in trouble when the posse splitting the bill with me pulls up its second pickup with the full drum kit. Pleasant, supportive turnout, though, and Scott Rodell & co. prove a fun pairing...especially given the double-‘Dell’-bill angle.

Sun., June 25, 2006
Roseville, CA: Placer County Fair

105°-weather is a tough sell for most, but throwing a heavy canopy on top and asking a fellow to sing three sets on a dusty beer-garden stage with competing-activity loudspeakers on either side makes for quite the scene... But you gotta love a fair.

Tues., June 27, 2006
Everett, WA: KSER 90.7-FM

Phone’s ringin’, dude. “Are you back in Seattle,” asks KSER Music Director (and charming citizen) Ann McCoy; I answered that I was. “Wanna come on the radio with me tomorrow?” Can’t turn that down. Ann is always a hoot—anyone listening the time I was on with Jencks and she suggested that Joe called me ‘Wishbone Wes’ (his blues-sideman name for me...that he’d just thought up) because I had “that microphone jammed between [my] legs”?—but she’s also thoughtful and attentive in ways that frequently lead to great interviews. I enjoyed the chance to talk about my specific style of guitar playing and the ways in which I use it to fill space as a solo performer, something I don’t get to do much in the standard ‘where-you-playing-next?-okay-sing-us-a-song’ visits. Once again, thank goodness for KSER!

Sat., July 1, 2006
Seattle, WA: Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival

After last Sunday’s fair-sweltering, the low-80s-clear-with-light-lakefront-breeze setting for today’s set is confrontationally pleasant (Larry Murante, performing later in the day, will threaten to ‘never leave this stage!’ in the middle of his performance...which itself was awfully pleasant, too). And I’m getting some fun interactions with passerby-listeners: one fellow takes me aside (an awkward undertaking when I’m onstage performing) after“Happiness Fulfilled” (the ode to Virgin-Mary Gilled-Cheese) to share that he and a buddy had sold a Cheeto resembling baby-Jesus to GoldenPalace.com, buyer of the famed sandwich (the Cheeto, it appears, sold for more than 1,000-times less $$...). And another gal working with boats nearby really gives me looks during“Ballad of the Whitman Greeks” —a song that often gets quizzical attention in festival environments where folk-in-motion may not have heard the intro—turns out she’s a Whitman grad herself. An utterly comfortable day!

Sun., July 9, 2006
Bellevue, WA: SEAFAIR Marathon

I thought I was being so clever arranging “Running On Empty” and “Born to Run” for my appearance this (early!) morning at the SEAFAIR Marathon (“Born to Run” is tough for solo voice/guitar...!), but when the contract specifies your performance location as a four-block stretch of road (“Look for the orange traffic cone...”), one ought to keep expectations in check. To be sure, there were plenty of other distractions—including intermittent traffic going up the other side of the road (and let’s not forget the focus and stamina it takes to get 8+ miles into a marathon!)—but I think I coulda played anything for the hour and received the same response (which was exhaustedly-cheerful when it wasn’t sweatily-apathetic)...

Sun., July 16, 2006
Moscow, ID: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse (8th-annual Gospel Sunday!)

After eight years, how you improve a comforting summer ritual of singing and chicken-potluck? Why, with mini-Moon Pies and Pecan Tarts, of course! (Some great guest combos and inspired solo selections help, too...)

September 2-3, 2006
Richland, WA: Tumbleweed Music Festival Songwriting Contest Winner

In 1893, Frederick Jackson Turner published his famous essay entitled “The Significance of the Frontier in American History” in which he proclaimed that the American frontier was, for all intents and purposes, closed. “To the frontier,” he wrote, “the American intellect owes its striking characteristics.” But now, 113 years later, true closure has come to the subject with my discovery of the, um, closure of Richland’s marvelously tonk-ish Frontier Tavern. Progression, we remember, does not always bring progress.

The rest of the festival, of course, is its usual, delightful self. The folk at Three Rivers Folklife Society really know how to offer an event accessible to all: good food, company, and tunes abound as the mighty Columbia rolls along nearby. To have been selected to perform with such a particularly deep field in the Songwriting Contest is itself an honor, and to emerge as the winner, with “Carry On” judged the top song on the subject of community, makes for a truly great weekend.

October 14, 2006
Seattle, WA: Haller Lake Community Club (Haller Lake Arts / Puget’s Sound)

I’ve admired Larry Murante’s singing and writing for years, and it’s a treat to share an evening with such a talented and heralded performer. Also fun to collaborate: I think we may have respectively peaked with our guitar-and-djembe rendition of A-ha’s ‘classic’“Take On Me.”

November 4, 2006
Kennewick, WA: Three Rivers Folklife Society

Fun to return and play a quick opening set here after Tumbleweed in the cozy (and revamped) Highland Grange Hall, and back R&M intermittently the rest of the evening. Also great to catch a quick visit with John and Micki Perry, go-getters and lifeblood of the Tri-Cities’ Three Rivers Folklife Society.

November 7-8, 2006
Renton, WA: Nelsen Middle School

Earlier this year my good friend Brian Hoskins, choir director at Nelsen Middle School in Renton (and organ player on Songs To Get You From Here To There), asked me to arrange “Carry On” for his concert chorus, with the idea that we would perform as part of the school’s efforts to honor Veteran’s Day. And finally, after weeks of working with the kids (and arranging the song before that, fun and challenging exercise well outside my usual work-realm), the performance date has come. STGYFHTT cellist Amanda Larson and I will be the only accompanyment—unless you count the complimentary slide show put together by Nelsen’s multimedia classes, featuring this picture of Don Shawe, the song’s inspiration—and, I must admit, it’s a real kick to hear ~70 voices singing my song!

The response is overwhelmingly positive—also nice!—though I’m still unable to shake the subtle-but-persistent worry that the ‘wrong’ hands might someday find this song: the narrative of Don’s experiences as a B-17 bomber pilot in World War II is decidedly not a these-colors-don’t-run offering. Many gracious interactions follow, as do three more performances for the Nelsen Veteran’s Day Assemblies the next morning. Brian has done remarkable work with his program (I told the largely-parent crowd this, repeatedly), and it’s truly been an honor to do this!

December 8, 2006
Everett, WA: House Concert with Joe Jencks

Haven’t seen Joe since our Austin collaboration, and I’m glad that we can squeeze tonight’s event into his visit—my first with the NEW CD in hand! Ed Bremer, a great KSER personality and advocate, and his wife Lucia expertly host an awfully pleasant evening of song and visit.

Songs to Get You From Here to There - Lyrics

2006-12-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

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2005 Gig Archive

2005-12-31T23:59:00.001-08:00

2005: Sharing stages...

Date	City	Venue

12/30/05	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads with Joe Jencks
12/29/05	Seattle, WA	Haller Lake Community Club with Joe Jencks
12/17/05	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads with Reilly & Maloney
12/16/05	Seattle, WA	Puget’s Sound with Reilly & Maloney
11/12/05	Seattle, WA	Seattle Folklore Society with Reilly & Maloney
11/10/05	Mount Vernon, WA	Lincoln Theatre with Reilly & Maloney
11/6/05	Studio City, CA	Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City
10/20/05	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
9/9/05	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads
8/21/05	Seattle, WA	Northgate August Festival
7/31/05	Moscow, ID	Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse
6/19/05	Seattle, WA	History House with Erin Clancy
6/18/05	Seattle, WA	El Diablo with Ron Dalton
5/15/05	Everett, WA	Flying Pig with Joe Jencks
5/8/05	Spokane, WA	Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane with Joe Jencks
5/7/05	Spokane, WA	The Shop with Joe Jencks
5/6/05	Moscow, ID	Palouse Folklore Society with Joe Jencks
5/5/05	Boise, ID	House Concert with Joe Jencks
5/4/05	La Grande, OR	Northeast Oregon Folklore Society with Joe Jencks
5/3/05	Hood River, OR	Mid-Columbia Folklore Society with Joe Jencks
4/29/05	Seattle, WA	Seattle Poetry Festival
4/10/05	Moscow, ID	Palouse Folklore Society with Reilly & Maloney
4/9/05	Spokane, WA	The Met with Reilly & Maloney
4/8/05	Kirkland, WA	Kirkland Congregational Church, UCC with Reilly & Maloney
4/3/05	Coeur d’Alene, ID	North Idaho Unitarian Universalists
3/10/05	Bellevue, WA	Crossroads Bellevue
3/7/05	Seattle, WA	Hop Vine Pub

Performance Notes

Fri., December 30, 2005
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads (with Joe Jencks)

Rehearsal time for my songs (as presented by a Wes/Joe duo) became a casualty of last night’s musi-fracas, so the set (and, at times, the chops) are a bit impromptu...but that seems to be just the kind of presentation that the nice-sized, holiday-weary crowd seeks as I close 2005 with my fifth visit to the Crossroads stage. A happy and safe new year to all—thanks for the support & company!

Thu., December 29, 2005
Seattle, WA: Joe Jencks “Rise As One” CD Release Concert at Haller Lake Community Club

Lotta particulars to this one—a special CD-release concert for Joe’s new live album, “Rise As One”—but a heckuvan event: fun to be a pure sideman, swapping mandolin, acoustic-, and electric guitars (and singin’ some) to compliment the arrangements, which are really enlivened by the presence of the fabulous Cary Black on upright bass. Linda Allen and the Seattle Labor Chorus guest, and everyone sings along (decently). A welcome celebration in these lean times for live-music (though I wish 100+ more people would find events like this!!).

Sat., December 17, 2005
Seattle, WA: Crossroads (with Reilly & Maloney)

Back again, slinging mando (never far from sight after last night...!) from the sidelines.

Sat., December 16, 2005
Seattle, WA: Puget’s Sound (Meadowbrook) (with Reilly & Maloney)

Looks like a Reilly & Maloney Holiday Concert is now an annual Puget’s Sound event, and we’ve turned out another animated and engaged crowd as I juggle my multiple role-hats. The standard ‘never-take-your-instrument-away-from-the-stage’ rule surfaces as I take my mandolin back to the ad-hoc green/dressing-room just a shade early in an attempt to make sure that David & Ginny find an unlocked door at intermission. Oops...

Sat., November 12, 2005
Seattle, WA: Seattle Folklore Society (with Reilly & Maloney)

Trying a new hall (Haller Lake Community Club) tonight with my now-annual (wearing my Seattle Folklore Society concert producer hat), fall presentation of R&M, and the early returns are great. Desiree and Larry Smith of the spirited, fledgling Haller Lake Arts Council had literally grabbed my arm at the Kirkland show earlier this year after hearing my Puget’s Sound spiel, sharing their desire to see this facility used. (We also collaborated some for the Northgate August Festival). Nice house (I was gonna be upset if I’d done all that chair-wrangling fer nuthin’!), sound, and, to my great relief, playing from me and the finger I smashed in a microphone stand at last night’s Puget’s Sound event. Busy weekend...and I look forward to more like it as HLAC’s Arts Live! at the Club gets set to take off this spring.

Thurs., November 10, 2005
Mount Vernon, WA: Lincoln Theatre (with Reilly & Maloney)

I’m purely along for the ride tonight (well, I’ll play some sparse mandolin...)—David wants an ally and thinks I might like to scope out the gorgeously warm Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mt. Vernon. The industrious Don Wick has arranged the event (the story he tells is that he was driving in his car when his phone rang: “This is David Maloney...I have your business card...who the hell are you?”), guaranteeing at least the attendance of his ‘For No Particular Reason’ dinner club. The crowd that turns up, though, is much more: numerous; rowdy; and great fun! (Someone gave me flowers...) Seems like I keep busy even when I’m not really working...

Sun., November 6, 2005
Bellevue, WA:

A favorite high school classmate of mine is marrying himself off outside of San Diego (home of my somewhat-grievous 2004 Folk Alliance experience—hence my lack of overt enthusiasm surrounding a few days in obscene November sun), and, as it turns out, another old friend has begun coordinating some activities for the Unitarian-Universalist congregation in Studio City, so I’m able—with a little more driving than I’d like—to add some work to the trip, immerse myself in plenty of good company, and share tunes with another UU community. The ocean (dolphins!) is a bit like a good Northwest lake plunge in May, and I wonder, as I romp around in sandals, if Southern Californians sing the same winter-holiday tunes as the rest of us... The Studio City crowd is pleasantly receptive (and, in one particular instance, charmingly- and disarmingly-decisive...), and Rev. Atkinson reveals some fire beneath his gentle, liberal-white-guy-with-beard deportment. Nice to share music, stories, small-world connections, and future planning with this neat group...and then feel underdressed (not hip enough...) at our Hollywood lunch spot.

Thurs., October 20, 2005
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads Hurricane Katrina Benefit

Crossroads is starting to feel a bit like my ‘regular’ gig: I’m back tonight for a Hurricane Katrina benefit organized by the generously-spirited Reggie Garrett, a great performer and citizen—all donations from the evening will go to Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts. My short set to kick off the evening becomes a double-set as Richard Middleton has phoned in ill, and it’s nice to see folk meandering over to Reggie’s table with open pocketbooks. Brad Warren, Reggie with the so-smooth Gary Westcott (who sound great!), Larry Murante, Grant Dermody, and Paul Benoit follow; Jim Page couldn’t make it, but a few patient folk who’d come looking for the Victory Music Open-Mic do a few songs each before the promised song-circle/performer-jam. (And Nes-Quik Guy is back for a brief cameo!!) It’s been great sitting around and catching up with these guys, and it’s even more fun all stumbling about in a self-indulgent, ad-hoc jam: Gary, Reggie, and Larry cover guitars; Grant (of course) on harmonica; Brad takes piano; and I commandeer Brad’s funky mandolin. Bellevue loves it! And nearly $600—and two guitars (eleven strings between ’em...) and a clarinet—are headed down to help.

Fri., September 9, 2005
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads Bite of Crossroads

Glad I chose to eat after my set... Just a quick hour on this great stage (with Bob Conger’s fabulous sound), rewarded with phad thai, gyro, popcorn chicken, spring rolls, peach cobbler, and bubble tea (my first time...) from the third-annual Bite of Crossroads celebration. The shakily-enthusiastic fellow who pleaded for me to really shred some tunes on my Martin departs early, perhaps to refill his large, yellow ‘Nes-Quik’ bottle with whatever he had in it (not, Bob and I agree, Nes-Quik...).

Sun., August 21, 2005
Seattle, WA: Northgate August Festival

Puget’s Sound is coordinating the live-music stage at the first-annual Northgate August Festival, so I’ve got a brilliant-yellow nametag and a radio to make me look far more official than necessary in my capacity as Stage Manager for the local lineup—some of which I’ve arranged—featuring High Class Brass Quintet, Johnny Moses, Nancy K. Dillon, John Nelson, Tim Noah, Brian Butler, Filé Gumbo...and me. The shadow of Interstate-5 is hardly a sonic paradise, but the trademark-Seattle slowdowns and convenient placing of giant, inflatable ‘bouncy-toys’ help limit encroaching traffic noise. I’m following Tim’s dynamic kids act on stage, and, one must admit, nothing from my near-hour set compares to my impromptu role as “Superkid” (we were, sadly, a bit thin on youth in the crowd) for the Emmy®-winning Mr. Noah, which saw me dress to just below my ribcage with a confrontationally-pink, converted-kayak-life-jacket-looking muscle-suit and cape, running (‘flying’) and flexing through the sparse crowd as Tim sang my super-praises.

Sun., July 31, 2005
Moscow, ID: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse (Gospel Sunday!!)

My father—now a real, live, ordained e-mail-order minister through Universal Life Church—and I reprise our Gospel Music Sunday program from April at his home church (UUCP), with the usual (and growing!) cast of characters, including the also-Reverend Tami ‘Faye’ Moore and an ad-hoc choir to help us lead the songs of spirit/labor/justice that comprise the sermon: what undeniable fun!! After, our traditional fried-chicken / RC Cola potluck (Dad and I drove all over the Palouse looking for Moon Pies...no dice) prolongs the fun (and tastes delicious!!), a welcome distraction for me from the heavy (though healing) memorial of a lost high school classmate the day previous.

Sun., June 19, 2005
Seattle, WA: History House of Greater Seattle: Music in the Sculpture Garden (with Erin Clancy)

History House of Greater Seattle is a great non-profit community museum/resource that celebrates neighborhoods around Seattle (the building itself lies in Fremont), and this summer it’s been hosting an outdoor Music in the Sculpture Garden concert series Sundays May-September—I (lucky me!) am booked for Fremont Solstice Fair weekend. Once a year (or therabouts—I’d like to make it more frequent) I call my dear friend and fine singer Erin Clancy to join me for a gig, and this ’un seemed like a good ’un: I’ve recently finished a song (“White Hats & Wild Times”) begun live on-air on KPBX-Spokane’s Nacho Celtic Hour last year, and it’s turned into (my producer’s mind tells me) a duet with a unassumingly twangy female voice—perfect!! With a fragment of the Berlin Wall behind us and a spot of sizzling sun streaming through a strategic skylight in the awning directly onto me, Erin and I teeter through some our annual favorites for the transient festival crowd.

Sat., June 18, 2005
Seattle, WA: El Diablo (with Ron Dalton)

Ron Dalton, a skillful songwriter and altogether-pleasant fellow, has asked me to join him this evening at El Diablo, a funky little coffeehouse on Queen Anne Hill with great coffee, victuals, and décor: a low-maintenance evening swapping songs to the comings and goings of an awfully light Saturday crowd that chosen to step indoors on this near-longest day of the year.

Sun., May 15, 2005
Everett, WA: Flying Pig (with Joe Jencks)

Puget’s Sound and KSER recently completed a nice first-season run at the Flying Pig in Everett, a great all-ages brew-pub (though, I learn, it’s starting to outsource its beers...and has sold it brewery equipment to a joint in Israel called the Dancing Camel...) with music-supportive ownership and a loyal clientele, and I’m excited to play one more ‘non-sanctioned’ show (neither organization is officially involved, just owner Joel Starr’s benevolence) with Joe. Joe scored a nice write-up in the Everett Herald, and, through Chris Glanister’s infamously-crippling stagelights, I can sense a reasonable Sunday crowd enjoying the collaborations, which continue to evolve: a nice, pleasantly comfortable way to close the run—looking forward to the future possibility of more!

Sun., May 8, 2005
Spokane, WA: Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane (with Joe Jencks)

Joe has had striking successes lately sharing his music in spiritual communities, and I’ve lined up this morning’s guest-spot with the Spokane Unitarian-Universalists’ Mother’s Day service. Our first impression of The Rev. Dr. Richard Erhardt is that he’s not from Spokane...and we’re dead-on right (never lived a day outside New York-metro area prior to his move to the Inland Empire). And neither of us’d ever heard the word “Hussy” delivered in a sermon before, either...! But the morning proves to be really special—a gathering where people and energies and spirit all line up in a wonderfully human celebration of the moment (Boise was this as well). Of Joe’s songs we offer “For the Singing” (a nice way to start with folk singing together) and “Fox River Song” (written for his mother), and I’m excited to sing “Lakeside Summer Home”—a song based on maternal jounal-keeping—in its ‘home’ environment. Special thanks to Music Director Deborah Jacquemin for beyond-the-call support and kindness!

And thus end 1,500 quick miles of mayhem...

Sat., May 7, 2005
Spokane, WA: The Shop (with Joe Jencks)

After yesterday’s run, Pullman-to-Spokane is nothing, so it’s fun to linger around bed and then with the folks—Joe finds it particularly relaxing to have two sit-down meals in succession at the same table. I’m also looking forward to revisiting tonight’s venue (The Shop), which I last played during the Project Tour of 2001. A groovy little converted auto-body shop that’s coffeehouse by day, slick Pro-Tools-equipped concert hall by night, The Shop has run into trouble of late from predatory city officials demanding back taxes on tickets from five years of by-donation events, so the details of tonight’s show took some time to throw together. But, with that long squared-away, it’s time to enjoy the setting and the last evening-gig of our manic week of shows. I’m blown away by the attendance-response from the Camp Sweyolakan network, a former summer haunt of mine (as camper and, later, staff), and we play to a nice-sized (though oddly docile) crowd. And always nice to visit, however briefly, with good friends Phill and Amanda Kopczynski (and 4½-month-old Cole!), our hosts tonight in newly-liberated Spokane Valley.

Fri., May 6, 2005
Moscow, ID: Palouse Folklore Society (with Joe Jencks)

Conscientious singer/citizen-types like Joe and myself should know better than to stay up as late as we did last night, and, to complicate our still-hazy lives, Joe’s State of Ohio Driver’s License has vanished. A morning on the phone with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles yields a faxed copy of Mr. Jencks’ ‘Abstract of Driving Record’ from the previous three years (squeaky clean!), which, the state assures us, will keep us legal for the time being. So instead of taking the endless meanderwindings of ID-55 and US-95 at the suggested leisurely pace, we’ve got eyes on the clock (we get that hour back!) in our deteriorated state. And the green is still rather alarming!

Moscow is a hometown show for me (back at the familiar Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse!), and it’s always neat to see who turns out; in addition to the Palouse-area Wes-Faithful (thanks for the phone-banking, Mom & Dad...!), the crowd features many won-over from Joe’s previous visits and the cohorts of a young man who’ll receive a surprise birthday serenade prior to intermission (Joe is his favorite singer, his mother tells me, as if I don’t have feelings of my own...). It’s nice to build on the energy from last night (though we ourselves have decidedly less), and to show the two former music instructors of mine in the crowd that I’ve stuck with it!

Thurs., May 5, 2005 (05/05/05!!)
Boise, ID: House Concert (with Joe Jencks)

¡Cinco de Mayo!—and not only that, but today’s date is 05/05/05 as well...!! Before bouncing out of town we’re thankfully able to visit briefly with one of our hosts to apologize for our post-concert ruckus and fill our heads with train fantasy: David is a model railroad enthusiast (as is Joe...on the ~3 days a year he allows himself the opportunity) with a heckuva spread downstairs (where we slept), and he also, we learn, serves on the board for the new Eagle Cap Excursion Train, a startup tourist rail line through the gorgeous Wallowa Mountains that’ll also haul freight! We lose an hour on today’s show time, so we’re nonetheless out quickly and pushing further down I-84, whose hillsides continue to shine greener than we’ve ever seen.

Tonight’s venue is the stately house of Marvelous Mike Reuling (Jessica’s father; Jess has been traveling with us thus far) and his fiancée, Marianne McIntosh. Mike has been a great sport in slinging this together, willing to take my word that house concerts are in fact a common, accepted practice: I located a helpful New York Times article on the phenomenon, aimed at a readership like Mike’s, to build my case, and ended up including it in my Boise press releases (the Boise Weekly, incidentally, has starred this evening’s listing (great!)...but also listed it as a “House Party,” which, on Cinco de Mayo, may prove interesting...). The nice-sized audience isn’t yet sure what to make of the setting (I expected some of this): is this a party?; a concert?; are these real musicians...? But as folk’re warming up to the idea (and the vino), Joe begins with a superb rendering of “Red River Valley,” and I’m elated to see everyone jump right in!—with this gesture, Mr. Jencks has won over the masses and paved easy rest-of-the-way. And Joe and I are starting to really click playing together, too!

A particular highlight for us is an exchange that transpires following Joe’s performance of “Men Are Good,” his charmingly- and constructively-assertive response to 30+ years of Women’s Music...which, we discover, assumes one has said frame of reference! “Now you need to write ‘Women Are Best!’ ” a woman in front demands good-naturedly; not realizing the fire we’ve faced from the Holly Near-, Tret Fure-, and Cris Williamson-types (all wonderful songwriters and people!) in the folk music community, some in the room may have thought we were beginning negotiations with the independent contention that, Y’know, men are pretty fantastic...! What a great night!!

Wed., May 4, 2005
La Grande, OR: Northeast Oregon Folklore Society (with Joe Jencks)

After a pleasantly slow morning, we’re off to La Grande, OR, for a date with Northeast Oregon Folklore Society. Rolling into town (and navigating streets that, we agree, should be through in places they’re not) we find our venue at The Olde Meeting House, an Evangelical Quaker haunt (who knew?!) that proves wonderfully warm and welcoming in its role as a concert hall (I especially dig the eight-inch white picket fence at the foot of the stage, protecting us, I assume, from unruly La Groupies). As showtime nears and a modest crowd trickles forth, however, Joe and I elect to forgo the staging and invite all to circle chairs to share music—we’ve nothing really to prove (and mid-week in La Grande has its challenges). The gathering grows (touching to have folk go home and bring others back with a “You gotta hear these guys!” appeal) and the end result, despite an awkward admission-charge miscommunication (resolved with moving generosity), is a neat musical experience.

Tues., May 3, 2005
Hood River, OR: Mid-Columbia Folklore Society (with Joe Jencks)

“Let’s take my car,” Joe Jencks had asserted as we planned the transportation details for our week’s-worth of shows together; “I really trust it.” I’ve really been looking forward to this string of shows, a chance to share the road with a good friend and spend evenings singing with such a tremendous voice as Joe’s, and the first 90 miles are cake. After filling the gas tank in Centralia, WA, however, the car (“Bertie, ” a 2000 Saturn wagon with the same name as my mother...) offers nothing. No dash lights, engine turning...nothing; new battery, just drove ’er 90 miles... An hour-and-a-half of head-scratching and two agreeable and openhanded Good-Samaritan helpers help us determine that Bertie’s battery terminals have become so corroded as to prevent any current whatsoever from passing through, and another ten minutes of scrubbing have us back on I-5 headed south, rattled but moving.

The gig in Hood River, OR, is one I’ve played before (December, 2002): a pleasant house-concert setting at the home of Paul Blackburn, Kristen Dillon, and their two daughters Althea and Rosalie, hosted by the Mid-Columbia Folklore Society. On my previous visit Paul had taken me out to a sauna post-show where I met Don Shawe, whose chilling and touching World War II stories inspired the song “Carry On, ” which I’m thrilled to return to its home community. Joe and I trade songs through the evening, backing each other on many and making note of what’s working (and, of course, what isn’t...). No sauna this time, but Paul and Kristen have added a hot tub to the grounds...

Fri., April 29, 2005
Seattle, WA: Seattle Poetry Festival at Richard Hugo House

While thumbing through a recent issue of Poets & Writers magazine, I stumbled upon an ad calling for, literally, cheesy poetry: “Did you know that April is National Poetry Month AND National Grilled Cheese Month?” it inquired with visible enthusiasm (I didn’t...but Google tells me that plenty did/do!); “Celebrate by sending your best couplet using ‘cheese,’ ” it continued, “...[to] be featured at the National Grilled Cheese Poetry Booth during the upcoming 2005 Seattle Poetry Festival...” I wondered whether my recent musical ode to the infamous Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich (hear it *HERE*)—written on a challenge from good friend and quirky-music aficionado Carlos Alden—would qualify, so I sent the lyrics along. One week later I received a request to perform.

I arrive at the cozy Richard Hugo House not at all sure of what to expect—I know that I’ll perform “Happiness Fulfilled” (the cheese song) and perhaps a few others from the Northwest Home collection for a group of schoolkids from Lowell Elementary School, who have themselves constructed cheese-sonnets, but beyond that I have no idea what the organizers have in store for the remainder of the three-hour ‘shift’ to which I’ve agreed...though I have a sneaking suspicion (my favorite kind of suspicion) that they plan to put me to work. And I’m right. Before I can even uncase the guitar I’m hanging banners and moving chairs, and after my little presentation—much fun and nicely interactive (I debate playing “Ballad of the Whitman Greeks,” a song that I know will hold attention and inspire, but which also has overt ‘brothel’ references; as it turns out, the fifth-graders have recently completed a unit on old Seattle history and, the teachers tell me later, should be well aware of the phenomenon of brothels!...I play the song...)—my job for the next two hours is to hunch over the George Foreman Grill and act as grilled cheese line-cook for the lunch rush that never quite happens. (Note the lesson in real-life economics, I encourage the teachers to tell the kids: the professional musician is now making lunch for everyone, gone from taking #2 pencil autograph requests on notebook paper to placing toothpicks affixed with a G.K. Chesterton quote—“Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese”—into sandwiches.) How the mighty have fallen...

Sun., April 10, 2005
Moscow, ID: Palouse Folklore Society (with Reilly & Maloney)

The weekend concludes with a visit home and a show with the good folk of Palouse Folklore Society in the majestic Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse, which my father attends. Taking most of the day easy (except for a chance brunch encounter with the entire spirit/cheer squad from Washington State University’s Mom’s Weekend festivities) after the scramble of yesterday and David’s rough night at the Spokane Valley Super 8, low-key is just what we need and the comfortable setting, responsive crowd, and great PFS volunteers make everything easier. I open again (“My name’s Wes Weddell, and I’m from here,” I drawl stupidly, preparing to follow with something clever but overtaken by boisterous applause) and add mando later, realizing that I’ll be back on this stage in less than a month (Friday, May 6, with Joe Jencks).

Sat., April 9, 2005
Spokane, WA: The Met (with Reilly & Maloney)

First trip east of the mountains for Reilly & Maloney in nearly twenty years, and I’m delighted to act as chauffer and ambassador to the home-country. Spokane has had more big-ish events than usual of late (Elvis Costello tonight...), and The Met has suffered some, I think, as a result. Elvis is, it turns out, playing next door (I thought he’d be in the Arena across the river), and I pull right behind his bus into the parking spots clearly reserved for us (“Reserved - Met - Reilly & Maloney” & “Reserved - Met - Wes”), noticing my name on the marquee (I wasn’t supposed to be on the bill-proper). Elvis’ posse, it seems, didn’t think it’d have to share the block, and several goateed fellows with sport jackets and ear-pieces hustle over to sort me out (“I’m ‘WES,’ ” I respond, gesturing to my sign). The bulk of the seats in the gorgeous Metropolitan Performing Arts Center lie in balcony, so the modest crowd isn’t too lost in the orchestra level (save the three folk who choose said balcony)—nice for the collective pride. I play a three-song opener, a late (and generous) decision encouraged by the glowing marquee outside, and join in for my planned mandolin accompaniment in the second set. Fun to see all the posters in the dressing rooms of acts who’ve passed through, and to work with the great staff.

Fri., April 8, 2005
Kirkland, WA: Kirkland Congregational Church, UCC (with Reilly & Maloney)

As my busi-musical relationship with the beloved folksinging duo Reilly & Maloney continues to grow, I find myself with increasing chances to put on shows under creative circumstances. Tonight is one such opportunity: though we’ve done a Puget’s Sound-sponsored night at Kirkland Congregational before (and had a very nice experience; great folk here!), we haven’t while the church has been hosting Tent City IV homeless encampment! As a former volunteer with Real Change Newspaper (& Homeless Empowerment Project), I’m especially excited to see how my scheme will materialize—I’ve arranged with Brown Paper Tickets (another neat organization that’s treated me well) for community members to sponsor Tent City IV residents to attend the evening (a rare non-‘benefit’ opportunity to reach out and raise awareness while doing okay for ourselves). The idea never reached front-page status, but it’s been neat to see a handful of sponsorship-sales trickle in and, now, a few residents enjoying the show (which has become an enthusiastically-cozy happening!). At some point, however, I have to yield enough organizational verve to try to be a musician and sit in with R&M, and as the manic pounding of kid-feet increases upstairs (what’s going on up there?!) I add some mandolinnings to tunes in the second set. Wonder what we’ll do here next...

Sun., April 3, 2005
Coeur d’Alene, ID: North Idaho Unitarian Universalists

My father, the sometimes-Right Reverend Jim-Bob (Unitarian Gospel Crusader—see 8/1/04 Notes), has invited me to join in his second visit to the North Idaho Unitarian Universalists in Coeur d’Alene, ID—a town that holds many fond memories for me (piqued by the presence of a Camp Fire USA branch office in the NIUU’s multi-use schoolhouse-ish home, a former employer of mine in these parts...). Dad has put together a truly great service featuring traditional songs that all have three versions from particular contexts: a gospel/spiritual version (usually the ‘original’); a Labor version; and a civil rights/social justice version. I (introduced twice as Jim Weddell’s brother, not son) am here to lead the singing. It’s wonderful to hear the evolution of a gospel song like “I Will Overcome” as it becomes “I’ll Be All Right” (from a 1945 Negro Food and Tobacco Union worker’s strike in Charleston, SC) and then the better-known “We Shall Overcome.” Other highlights include “You’ve Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley”/“You’ve Got to Go Down and Join the Union”/“Ballad for Bill Moore,” “Revive Us Again”/“Hallelujah I’m a Bum” (Love that one!)/“Hallelujah I’m a-Traveling Down Freedom’s Main Line,” and “Sweet Bye ’n’ Bye”/“Preacher and the Slave” (Joe Hill’s brilliant satire)/“Elected Officials All Say” (another clever parody). Great to hear folk singing and renewing commitments to social justice and community well-being! And a Paul Bunyan milkshake for the road never hurt, either...

Thurs., March 10, 2005
Bellevue, WA: Crossroads Bellevue

Puget’s Sound has agreed to co-sponsor the new alternating-Thursday Singer/Songwriter Showcase at Crossroads Bellevue, one of the last strong local-music stages in the area, and I’m excited to be kicking the venture off this evening...well, I had been even more excited before that bug I began to feel Monday at the Hop Vine turned into a full-fledged-flu... I’ve had little voice—or energy—all day, but I find that, with help and hot monitor levels from Bob Conger (Crossroads’ wonderful house sound-tech), I’ve got enough to make do. The lights, however, are toying with my body temperature something fierce, but the evening ends with another surprising number of attentive souls expressing satisfaction, so no harm done. Excited as I remain for the future of this series and the collaboration between Puget’s Sound and Crossroads, it’s time to head home and crawl into bed!

Mon., March 7, 2005
Seattle, WA: Hop Vine Pub

Barbara Buckland, an active and spirited promoter of local music, has commandeered hosting duties at the Hop Vine’s Monday Singer/Songwriter Showcases, and I have accepted her invitation to appear this evening along with Michael Fleckenstein and Heidi Newman. More than customary for the busy-pub environs heed my hour-long set to open the night, and it feels good to get back up in front of folk after a few months’-time off from performing—despite the bug I feel coming on...