Redmond, WA: Swedenborg Church of Puget Sound

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

Lynwood, WA: Tacos Guaymas

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

5-Star Review of 'Lake' - more

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

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

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


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

Seattle, WA: House Concert

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

Northwest Folklife Festival

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

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

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.