By Molly Walsh With a tagline of “full throttle rockabilly,” the Roostertails reimagine classic-rock hits with a 1950s, country-rock twang. Upright bass adds just the right amount of old-school-Americana flair to Presley-style, low-octave vocals. Heavily influenced by Johnny Cash, the Roostertails can help any concert-goer find a rhythm. WHAT The Roostertails WHERE Sylvester Park, 615 …
By Molly Walsh Between hidden gems and retro hits, Platinum Soul transports listeners to a 1970s funk and rhythm-and-blues dream. It plays throughout the Pacific Northwest, blending Earth, Wind & Fire; Hall and Oates and Rick James into its set. Band leader LaRoi Carter Jr. grew up in Lacey and has always wanted to return …
By Molly Walsh “I remember one time,” Walchak-Sloan says, “me and my friend were maybe eight years old, and her babysitter took us to Lakefair. At the fair, it was a big thing to go on the Ferris wheel and look down and see all of Lakefair. It was really big and there’s a lot …
By Molly Walsh After encouragement from her leadership teacher and friends who were involved in past Lakefair Courts, Kim decided to take a chance and apply for a position. In addition to travel to other parades, including one in Canada, Kim enjoys the service opportunities provided by being a member of the Royal Court. A …
By Molly Walsh Roebuck, who’s lived in Olympia for over a decade, has not only attended Lakefair but served as part of the festival staff. “I actually worked at Lakefair last year, which was fun,” she says. As a Lakefair princess, Roebuck’s always looking to meet people and make connections with service organizations. A standout …
By Molly Walsh “I’ve been to Lakefair many times,” says Byerly. “It’s what you do in the summer.” A longtime Olympia resident, Byerly often saw princesses on the Lakefair Parade float, never imagining she’d one day be the person waving at the crowd. As a member of the court, she most enjoys the social aspect. …
By Molly Walsh “I’m most excited for the speaking engagements,” says Waldon. “I really, really enjoy public speaking and meeting new people and making new connections.” While speaking to such nonprofit organizations as Zonta Club of Olympia, Waldon says she enjoys getting to know club members better and learning how each organization participates in the …
By Molly Walsh Hometown Olympia act WineHouse Band is a young, seven-piece, alternative-rock lineup that crosses funk with hints of rock and jazz. It recently released an extended-play album, Le Voyeur. Half the band’s members are teenagers, but don’t let that distract from their especially tight, enthusiastic performances, as on the tune “Midnight.” Dreamy vocals …
By Molly Walsh Capital Lakefair is a local carnival full of fun and nostalgia. Here is the full schedule of this year’s events. Read more of OLY ARTS’ Lakefair coverage here. Wednesday, July 17 Noon – 11 p.m. Arts-and-crafts vendors, carnival, entertainment, food concessions 6 p.m. Battle of the high-school bands, main stage Thursday, July …
By Molly Walsh and Billy Thomas On Olympia’s third week of July, a five-day summer vacation rolls into town with an opportunity for residents and visitors to relive childhood memories and create new ones. Capital Lakefair delivers time-honored landmarks evoking an atmosphere best suited to balmy summer evenings. Flashes of color whirl around the festival’s …