posts that contain mini-bios of our writers
ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Olympia’s Art House Designs is not your typical art gallery. They seldom have regularly scheduled shows. Rather, it is more like an art fair or a funhouse of contemporary art with prints, paintings, ceramics, and sculpture by more than 30 artists, including such popular local artists as …
by Adam McKinney If you saw a band list a collection of absurdly disparate influences, including System of a Down, Tower of Power, Modest Mouse, James Brown, and many others, wouldn’t you be inclined to think that the band probably sounds like a mess? Idaho-based outfit Lounge on Fire does just that, and perhaps the …
By ADAM McKINNEY If there’s any wonder why cover bands have played a consistent part in nightlife scenes over the years, one needn’t look any further than the 1960s and ’70s. The sheer wealth of outstanding music to come out of those decades is truly staggering, which explains why it’s that era so often mined …
By TOM SIMPSON If you are under age 15, and you like to rock, Lacey in Tune and Timberland Regional Library’s Summer Reading program has you covered. The Not-Its, a Northwest “Kindie Rock” quintet, is composed of Sub Pop alumni and radical musicians who create kid-friendly harmonies infused with punk sensibility and rocking beats. Are …
By TOM SIMPSON Danny Vernon is well known to Olympia and Lacey audiences for his fascinating recreation of Elvis Presley’s passion, style and tunes. He performs music from across Presley’s career, including the young, hillbilly Elvis of the 1950s, the sleek movie-star Elvis of the 1960s and the dissolute, glam Elvis of the 1970s. Performing …
By ADAM McKINNEY There’s an ongoing movement around the world to foster positivity, community support and creative outlets for young people. Locally, the Bridge Music Project works with at-risk youth, teaching them to combat the difficulties of life through the expression of songwriting. The organization started the Bridge Summer Concert Series, now entering its fourth …
VISUAL ART REVIEW By Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Christopher Mathie is a frequent exhibiting artist at Childhood’s End. It’s been long enough since I’ve seen his work that it’s a pleasure to see it again, even if the paintings in his current show are a tad too much like ones I’ve seen before. Is …
by Tom Simpson On August 16, Harlequin Productions opens the musical Ruthless! – The Stage Mother of all Musicals. Ruthless! is a unique all female musical. The story spoofs the genre of classic Broadway musicals that feature an ambitious young female lead, embodied by well-known shows like Annie, Gypsy and Mame, as well as movies that embody this genre, like All About …
By ADAM McKINNEY As a unit, the Michelle Taylor Band rides atop an effortless wave of cool, exploiting pose and attitude for all they’re worth. Taylor cites soul and blues powerhouses Beth Hart and Susan Tedeschi as touchstones. Their influence is clear: Like those artists, Taylor exudes a constant sense of a firm hand, leading …
By TOM SIMPSON Country singer and songwriter Kaitie Wade spent the last five years in Nashville, performing and recording to international acclaim. Her single “Don’t Wanna Miss” received airplay on U.S. and international radio last year. Wade recently opened for country star Russell Dickerson during his Washington-state tour. Her entertaining style includes a classic-country feel …