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Big Fun Sept 2009

Mar 29, 2016

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David Johnson

Big Fun Variety Entertainment Magazine
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Page 1: Big Fun Sept 2009
Page 2: Big Fun Sept 2009
Page 3: Big Fun Sept 2009
Page 4: Big Fun Sept 2009

4 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Page 5: Big Fun Sept 2009

6 Entertainment

6 Seattle Symphony

Jazz Alley

Federal Way Symphony

Puyallup Fair

7 Broadway Center

Variety Entertainment

8 Teatro ZinZanni

Comedy

Pantages Theater

Parlor Live

Action

Dockyard Derby Dames

Art & Wine

Orting Pumpkin Festival

Wine

10 Wine Tips by Lori Newby

Dining

11 Sax Restaurant

Art

12 Art House Designs

Fashion

13 Looking Good Fashion Tips

by Mr. mac

Music & Business

14 Dean McNeal

Cover

16 Mercedes-Benz

2010 E-Class

NW Jazz Profile

18 Darren Motamedy

20 Thomas Marriott

22 Kareem Kandi

23 Steve Kim

25 Fon Morcus

26 Cole’lition

Emmanuel del Casal

27 The Collective

Blues

28 Randy Oxford

29 Maia Santell

Kimball Conant

Stickshift Annie

INSIDE

SEPTEMBER, 2009

EMAIL: [email protected]

253-473-1866

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 5

Photo Credits:

Mercedes-Benz courtesy Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma at Fife

Mr. Mac Special Promotion supplied by Mr. Mac

Lyle Lovette by Michael Wilson

Dockyard Derby Dames by Dave Poole

18

20

28

Page 6: Big Fun Sept 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

Seattle, WA – Seattle Symphony’ s Beethoven

& Wine Festival pairs the finest in Northwest

wines with popular Beethoven classics. Each

night begins with wine tasting in the Samuel &

Althea Stroum Grand Lobby, arranged by

renowned Northwest sommelier David

LeClaire and features wines from SageCliffe

Cave B Estate Winery and other local

vineyards. Following wine tasting, Music

Director Gerard Schwarz will lead Seattle

Symphony in hour-long performances of

Beethoven’s music, presented without

intermission.

 

Wine tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. each

evening, followed by a performance at 7:30

p.m. On Wednesday, September 9, Seattle

Symphony will perform Beethoven’s

Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, and

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15, with

Sara Buechner. On Thursday, September 10,

the program will feature the Egmont Overture,

Op. 84, and Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major,

Op. 55, Eroica. On Friday, September 11, the

Orchestra will perform the Coriolan Overture,

Op. 62, and Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op.

67.  

Ticket Information

Concert tickets starting at $9 can be

purchased by calling the Seattle Symphony

Ticket Office at (206) 215-4747 or toll-free at

(866) 833-4747, faxing the Symphony at (206)

215-4748, ordering online at

www.seattlesymphony.org with the Select

Your Own Seat option, or visiting the Seattle

Symphony Ticket Office in Benaroya Hall at

Third Avenue & Union Street.

Seattle Symphony’ s

Beethoven & Wine Festival

Festival Runs September 9–11

Federal Way

Symphony

Dr. Lonnie Smith

September 8-9, 2009

Dave Brubeck Quartet

September 10-13, 2009

Season Premiere Concert 2009

Sweet ‘n Savory Strings

Sunday, October 4, 2:00 pm

Seventeen-year-old, classical violin prodigy

Justine Lamb-Budge will perform Mozart’s

Violin Concerto no. 5 in A major. She will also

join Concertmaster Yuriy Mikhlin for Bach’s

Concerto for Two Violins in D minor.

December Concert, 2009

The Color of Coloratura.

Sunday, December 6, 2:00 pm

Guest artist Megan Chenovick, renowned

local vocalist, joins the Federal Way

Symphony with coloratura arias, classical

music by Mozart and his contemporaries and

holiday favorites.

Both concerts will be held at

St. Luke’s

515 S. 312

th

St.,

Federal Way, WA 98003

Tickets for each concert: Adults, $25,

Senior $20 (65 & older). Students 18 and

under are admitted free. Tickets are available

at the Symphony office (253-529-9857) and at

the door. www.federalwaysymphony.org.

Justine Lamb-Budge

Megan Chenovick

Jazz Alley

Seattle, WA

This season, Maestro Gerard Schwarz’s

exciting work with Seattle Symphony enters

into its 25th year.

Puyallup Fair

Dave Koz &

Brian Culbertson

Special Guest Peabo Bryson

Thursday September 24, 7:30 pm

6 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Page 7: Big Fun Sept 2009

Broadway Center

Tacoma, WA

Pantages Theater

Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Pink Martini is the ‘little orchestra’ with a

colossal sound. Melding jazz, rhythm and exotic vocals, Pink Martini’s

eclectic splash of world music features songs in Spanish, English,

French, Italian, Japanese and Croatian. Pink Martini has been featured

on hit television shows like The Sopranos, Desperate Housewives, and

The L Word. Tickets: $48, $68 and $88

Pink Martini

Broadway Center’s 2009-10 Season Opening Night

Pantages Theater

Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Together Lyle Lovett, one of the all-time great American singer/

songwriters and John Hiatt, who has been nominated for eleven

Grammy’s will perform a rare acoustic show in the intimate Pantages

Theater. As two of the most revered musicians of the last century this

is one show not to be missed!

Tickets: $59, $79, $99 and $129

$129 tickets will include the best seats in the house along with a

complimentary pre-party from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Pantages

Mezzanine before the show!

Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt,

Two legendary names, one stage.

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 7

Page 8: Big Fun Sept 2009

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DAVID JOHNSON

Accounting / Editorial Traffic: Rose

Murphy

Proofreaders: Se’Lene Sakellis

Photography: Sean Cummings, Walter

Atkins, Richard Baker

Advertising Sales:

[email protected] 253-473-1866

David Johnson and Gary Grape

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE is

published 12 times a year. The views expressed in BIG FUN

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE are those of their

respective contributors and are not necessarily those of its

publisher, editors, or staff. All images in advertisements and

advertorials/special promotions are supplied by the advertiser.

Advertiser guarantee they have the legal right to publish all

images supplied to BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS &

LEISURE GUIDE.

Copyright 2009 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE.

EMAIL: [email protected]

253-473-1866

5226 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma WA 98409

BIG FUN

ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE

GUIDE

Will Durst

and Chris Bliss

Pantages Theater

Sat, November 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

The Dockyard Derby Dames roller derby

league is a not-for-profit organization run by

the skaters. Founded in 2006, DyDD has

changed from a small group of women with a

dream to skate competitively to a four-team

functioning league.

Who are the Dockyard Derby Dames?  As

individuals, they work as teachers,

accountants, mothers, lawyers, nurses,

machinists, social service workers, journalists,

designers, students, business women, sales

associates, hairdressers, and engineers. 

Together, DyDD is composed of over fifty

passionate, professional, and athletic women

who range in age from 21 to 49 and are

devoted to fostering sisterhood and good,

clean competition.

SEE THEM IN ACTION

BOUT 5: Saturday September 12 at Soccer

Center 2610 Bay St E Tacoma, WA

Doors @ 5 PM

CHAMP BOUT: Saturday October 24 at

Soccer Center 2610 Bay St E Tacoma, WA

Doors @ 5 PM

Pantages Theater

Tacoma, WA

Dockyard

Derby Dames

Bottega ZinZanni

All Dressed Up with Some Place to Go

Liliane Montevecchi and Frank Ferrante

Now playing through October 11

An artistic collaboration with International

Fashion Designer Luly, Bottega ZinZanni – All

Dressed Up with Some Place to Go is an

affectionate send-up of the world of high

fashion. Now playing through October 11.

222 Mercer Street in the heart of Seattle

Center’s Theatre District. For reservations,

call 206.802.0015 or visit zinzanni.org or at

the box office at 222 Mercer Street.

Teatro ZinZanni

Seattle, WA

Parlor Live

Bellevue, WA

8 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

COMEDY ACTIONVARIETY

Page 9: Big Fun Sept 2009

If you enjoy fine wine and local art, then the

Fall Art & Wine Walk is the place for you to

be this October. The Puyallup Main Street

Association’s Art & Wine Walk is held

twice-annually—in spring and fall—and is

attended by over 5000 people. The event’s

main sponsor to date is BECU and

everyone is once again expecting a great

turnout this fall’s event. Guests will also be

able to peruse the local artists’ art market

and shop for reasonably priced pieces of

art and jewelry.

The Fall Art & Wine Walk, taking place

Saturday, October 3 from 3:00 pm to 7:00

pm will be in historic downtown Puyallup.

This season’s event theme “Come

Together,” takes its cue from Beatles’

“Come Together”

at the Puyallup Art & Wine Walk

inspired piece titled “I Am Saved” created

by Jack Widmann, Vice Principle at Kalles

Jr. High. This never-before-shown piece is

comprised of 190 pen and ink drawings

that took Widmann five years to complete.

In a response to the Beatle’s fifth album

“Help,” each drawing represents the artist’s

impression of one Beatles’ song.

Assembled together, all 190 drawings form

yet another composition, which is a classic

silhouette of the Fab Four.

Over twenty downtown merchants will be

participating in this popular event.

Attendees may stroll through the shops of

downtown Puyallup sampling fine blended

wines while feasting their eyes on works of

art created by members of Valley Arts

United and Arts Downtown. This season the

Fall Art & Wine Walk will also be

supporting MultiCare’s Grannies’ Attic

through a children’s clothing and toy drive.

Merchants will be

accepting

donations of new

or gently used

clothing or toy

items to assist this

organization’s efforts

in supporting many

children and health-

related community

programs.

Tickets for the event

are $20/person and

will go on sale in

September. Tickets

are limited and you

must be at least 21

years old to

participate. Tickets can be purchased online

at www.puyallupmainstreet.com or at

several participating merchants.

Semiannual event takes

place Saturday, October 3rd.

Those attending can enjoy an assortment

of food with pumpkin as the main ingredient

including pumpkin Sloppy Joe burgers,

pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pizzas, etc.

Of course, other food will be available for

enjoyment as well. Adults and children will

have the opportunity enter their carved

pumpkins into the Third Annual Pumpkin

Glow with a three dollar entry donation;

carved pumpkins will all be lit at once at

sundown. Festival goers can also enjoy free

entertainment, the Little Pumpkin Pals

Parade, arts and crafts vendors, a car show,

a pumpkin pyramid, and even a beer garden

with pumpkin flavored beer! This is a great

event to enjoy some family fun.

For more informat ion on the Or ting

Pumpkin Fest, visit www.ortingnews.com,

or TacomaEvents.com under the Pumpkin

Fest tab.

Orting Pumpkin Festival

Saturday and Sunday,

October 10

th

and 11

th

, the

City Of Orting will host the

Orting Pumpkin Festival.

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 9

Salutation: Courtesy

of

Valley Arts United/

Arts Downtown

Page 10: Big Fun Sept 2009

With thousands of grape varietals in the

world, there will be many you have probably

never heard of before now. Some have

different names because of the country they

are grown in or the language that is used in

that country. A great example of this

confusing lingo is Syrah and Shiraz; same

grape, different location. In the Northern

Hemisphere, it is called Syrah, and in the

Southern Hemisphere it is Shiraz.

First, we will introduce you to four

white grape varieties:

Auxerrois is a slightly fuller, less acidic

version of Pinot Blanc widely planted in the

Alsace region of France. We have good

examples of the grapes varietal from

Adelshiem in Oregon and from Gray Monk in

Canada. A cooler climate grape it likes the

Northwest but is not widely grown ion this

area.

Muscadelle is one of the three grapes that

make up the famous Sauternes from

Bordeaux. This variety of grape is in decline

in this area, but there is still a lot in the Entre

Deux –Mers region of France. It is also used

to make the rich, dark fortified wines of

Australia known as Tokay, not to be confused

with Tokai from Hungary.

Siegerrebe is a relatively low yielding grape

from Germany, famous for its high ripeness

levels. There is a great example of this grape

grown here in Washington State on the

property of Whidbey Island Winery.

Trebbiano is a grape variety that probably

makes more white wine in the world than any

other. It gives good yields, but makes

undistinguished wine at best. It can be fresh

and fruity, but doesn’t keep long. Its high

acidity makes it important in cognac

production. Also known as Ugni Blanc,

Hermitage White, Saint Emilion in France

and White Shiraz in Australia. Some of

the best known producers of wine using

this grape are Farnese, from Italy.

And now, four red grape

varieties:

Aglianico varietal is admired for is deep,

dark garnet graphite scented grape and

it’s found on the Campania region of

southern Italy. Some of the most

recognized wineries in Italy producing

wine from this grape are Feudi di San

Gregorio and Terredora DiPaolo.

Counoise is a grape variety from the

Rhone Valley in France. Used as a grape

for blending, this grape is now being

grown in California and Washington.

Known for its peppery flavor and high acidity,

it is a rare ingredient in the famous

Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines.

Maréchal Foch is named after the French

marshal Ferdinand Foch who played an

THE UNKNOWN GRAPE

BY LORI NEWBY

important role in the negotiation of the

armistice terms during the closing of the First

World War. It is a very early ripening French

hybrid grown in Canada, New York and

Oregon. Some great examples of this often

vibrant, deep purple color, light-medium

structure and dark berry fruit grape are Amity

Vineyards and Eola Hills in Oregon.

Pinot Meunier is a variety of black wine

grape most noted for being one of the three

main grapes used in the production of

champagne (the other two are Pinot Noir and

Chardonnay). Until recently, champagne

makers did not acknowledge Pinot Meunier,

preferring to emphasize the use of the

other noble varieties, but now Pinot

Meunier is gaining recognition for the

body and richness it contributes to

champagne. It is believed to be a mutation

of Pinot Noir. It is called a “miller’s” vine

because its leaves are dusty white

underneath.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about

these somewhat obscure grape varietals.

There are many, many more to research

and enjoy.

Cheers!

Lori Newby may be contacted at

Corkscrew Cellars,

116 East Stewart Ave

Puyallup, WA 98372

Phone: 253-770-9463

Email: [email protected]

10 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

WINE

Page 11: Big Fun Sept 2009

People are always telling me that Tacoma

needs more places to go hear live jazz. I hear

it all the time; ‘Where can I go to get a nice

meal, have some drinks and listen to some

good jazz?’ Well, go check out Sax Restaurant

and Lounge on Sixth Avenue and let them

know you’re glad they are there. As the

newest spot to present jazz on a regular basis,

Sax is doing a good job offering a variety of

quality players a place where they can

showcase their talent to an attentive

audience. The restaurant is booking straight-

ahead jazz, smooth jazz, funky jazz and a

sprinkling of R&B and blues throughout the

week, so there is something for most folks to

get into. Puget Sound’s top Smooth Jazz artist

Darren Motamedy just finished a month-long

run on Wednesdays, and Tacoma’s Kareem

Kandi hosts a Tuesday night jam session that

draws a wide variety of musicians, from

seasoned pros, to music students who are just

entering the scene.

Sax has a nice, clean, and modern

atmosphere. The lighting is low, the seating is

not overcrowded, and the place has that fresh,

new venue smell about it. Since the room

is not small, but cozy, the live music

sounds good. You get the feeling that the

musicians are playing just for you, and

that’s always a nice thing.

Owner Andy Yee is a sharp cat. He knows

that the world doesn’t revolve around jazz,

so he’s doing things to make sure his

restaurant/live music venue has something

to offer beyond jazz. He made room for a

dance floor, and after the live music is over,

he has good DJs spinning hot dance mixes

on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Come on, admit it, even us jazz lovers like

to cut loose from time to time and just let

off some steam. So, if you want to enjoy

your jazz and shake your groove thing all in

the same place, Sax is the spot that has what

you want.

How are the drinks? They’re stiff! And Sax’s

seasoned bartender Rick Young has quite a

few custom cocktails that will delight your

taste buds and set you back in your seat at the

same time. He says, “I’m not stingy with my

concoctions, so take care and drink

responsibly, because I want to serve you for

years to come.”

There you have it. Now you can stop asking

where you can go out to hear live jazz in

Tacoma. Sax Restaurant and Lounge is here,

and they’re doing a damn good job of filling a

void in the city’s nightlife scene. Make sure

you put your face in the place and help keep

jazz live in Tacoma.

Menu Highlights:

Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallops - $22.00

Served with a microgreen caprese

salad.

Wine Recommendation:

Riff Pinot Grigio - $7.00

Herb-Crusted Halibut Puttanesca - $24.00

Served with garlic pasta & garden vegetables.

Wine Recommendation:

Ajello Majus Blanco Igt - $7.50

Roasted Apple-Stuffed Porkloin - $15.00

Served with herb potato caked & garden

vegetables. 

Wine Recommendation:

Cono Sur Vision Series Pinot Noir - $7.50

Chicken Angelino - $18.00

Butternut Squash Raviolis tossed in a creamy

garlic & black pepper sauce. Topped with

grilled chicken, prosciutto & fresh basil.

Wine Recommendation:

Ajello Majus Rosso Igt or

Bogle Sauvignon

Blanc - $7.50

Baked Chicken

Caprese - $16.00

Topped with fresh basil,

tomatoes, mozzarella,

prosciutto & served over garlic

pasta.

Wine Recommendation:

Badia Cetamura Chianti - $7.50

Chicken Toscana - $15.00

Sundried-tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers,

roasted garlic, lemon juice, basil, white wine

& grilled chicken. Tossed with pasta.

Wine Recommendation:

Ajello Majus Bianco Igt - $7.50

Walnut-Crusted Chicken - $16.00

Served over wild mushroom raviolis and

almond broccoli. Wine Recommendation:

Droughin Laforet Chardonnay - $6.00

Walnut & Gorgonzola Raviolis - $18.00

Tossed in a creamy gorgonzola sauce. Topped

with cranberries, sautéed pears & Roma

tomatoes.

Wine Recommendation:

Barnard Griffin Riesling -

$5.50

Parmesan-Crusted Porkloin

- $17.00

Grilled pork loin topped with basil, Roma

tomatoes & parmesan, wrapped with bacon &

SAX ON 6TH

BY DAVID KEYS

Bartender Rick Young has quite a

few custom cocktails that will

delight your taste buds and set

you back in your seat at the same

time.

Kareem Kandi hosts

a jazz jam session

every Tuesday night

from 6 to 9pm.

Sax Restaurant and Lounge is located at:

2309 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98403.

TEL: 253-572-0588 – www.saxon6th.com,

MySpace.com/saxon6th

Facebook.com/saxon6th

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 11

DINING

Photos Courtesy of Sax Restaurant and Lounge

Page 12: Big Fun Sept 2009

ART

TOP: SUNLIGHT BY DAVILA (oil on canvas) BOTTOM: UNTITLED BY CHRISTABEL PROUST (oil on canvas)

Art House Designs was initially

established as a custom picture framing

shop, offering the highest standards of

quality and care. Art House has also

provided an exceptional gallery space

with its high ceilings and spacious

natural lighting. More recently, a

performance space has been added

which hosts many different styles of live

music, theater and a conference area for

meetings and luncheons.

The gallery features a large selection of

custom framing and fine art,

representing both local and

internationally acclaimed artists.

Conveniently located in downtown

Olympia on the corner of 5

th

and

Franklin, Art House is situated with easy

parking. After just three years, it has

become a cultural center, serving the

community with art and music for people

of all ages.

Art House

Designs

Art House Designs

420 Franklin St SE # B

Olympia, WA 98501-1120

(360) 943-3377

12 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Page 13: Big Fun Sept 2009

There’s Nothing More Fun Than

Looking Good

For whatever reason, life just seems to be

more fun when we feel good. And whether

or not we’re willing to admit it, most of us

don’t feel as good as we’d like to when we’re

in public and we know we don’t look good.

I’m aware that the average guy is fashion-

challenged in one way or another. Hey,

we’re guys after all, and we have other

th ings on our mind. Things l ike the

mortgage, the car payment, college tuition

for our 2.5 kids, keeping a job and making

sure the wife, or girlfriend is happy. And

that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So, most

of us just don’t have time to keep up with

fashion trends. We need a way to stay

reasonably current wi thin our ever-

tightening budgets and, with as little effort

as possible, look good. Here are some tips

that will help you sort it all out.

1. If you don’t know what looks good, ask

somebody. Ask the most knowledgeable

salesperson where you shop. Ask a

trusted female co-worker. Ask a buddy

who seems to have everything under

control.

2. Buy a men’s fashion magazine at

least once each quarter. You won’t

have to look hard to find the styles

that fit your business and social lives.

Then, once you know what to shop

for, it’s just a matter of finding the

brands that fit your budget. You might not

be able to buy that $600.00 pair of shoes,

or that designer suit, but there will

always be a quality knockoff

that will get the job done at

the right price.

3. Buy one or two key

pieces at a time. Get

staple items like shoes,

shirts, slacks and suits

fi rst . Go for the

primary colors like black, brown, gray and

tan and then mix and match them for the

occasion.

4. Remember to match you leather items.

If you are wearing black shoes, match them

with a black belt.

5. If you’re not dressing for the stage, it’s

Mr. Mac’s Style Tips for the

Fashion-challenged Man

always safe to stay away from

the louder colors. If you’re

going out for a night of casual

fun, it’s ok to match a brighter shirt

with darker slacks and a jacket. If

you’re single and on the prowl, all

it takes is one showy item attract that fair

lady. Less is more.

Special Promotion

Photos courtesy of MR. MAC

1210 MLK Jr. Blvd., Tacoma, WA

253-383-2737

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 13

FASHION

Page 14: Big Fun Sept 2009

The one thing you must realize about the music

business is... it’s not what it seems.

As a musician, you are primarily known as a

guitarist. Do you play any other instruments?

I sing, but I am “retired” from guitar playing also.

For the most part, after 20 years, it was time to

put other people to work.

Tell us about the inner working of Hit

Connections Entertainment. What types of

shows do you produce?

HCE does all types of shows, Top 40, Jazz,

Theater, Comedy, and the unusual like “Live Band

Karaoke” Star Machine Live. The Casino’s and

festivals keep things very well rounded.

How many show do you produce in a calendar

year?

WOW… Well, in 2009… I need to count. It was

roughly 348 shows. Wow. I have never really

counted. No wonder I need an assistant! It is hard

to say unless I break out the records.

Which internationally respected artists are you

working with in the coming months?

Tony, Toni, Tone‘, Joyce Cooling, Jeff Lorber, All 4

One, etcetera …

Are you performing in any of the productions?

Oh, no. I will leave that to the professionals.

Are you also involved in recording projects?

If so, tell us about your latest recording.

I am not involved in the creation but very much

involved in the production and promoting end of

Virginia Ashby’s next CD release.

What are your thoughts concerning the current

state of the music and entertainment industry?

It always seems that the first place people want to

cut back on is their entertainment. For example,

private events will spend $10,000 on food, and

then ask a band to play for the exposure and a

couple hundred dollars. Does that make any sense

to anyone? At the end of the event what will people

comment on the most? They talk about the

entertainment. The same goes for clubs. They all

want a band that will bring in people, but, it takes

promotions, good website, good posters and

postcards to make that happen. How do you expect

any entertainer to do that at a rock bottom price?

Entertainment priorities are way off.

What are some of the obstacles you have to

constantly overcome when searching for gigs

for yourself and the musicians you represent?

The biggest problem is finding a happy medium

between what the bands would like to make, and

what the venues are willing to pay. This is nothing

new. It’s just that when times get tough, so do

negotiations. The biggest benefit a club has for

using an agency like HCE is keeping control of

the entertainment so that they can run the venue.

The club still decides who they want and when. I

can send in a band once, and the band has to be

responsible to deliver and earn the buy back.

Which genre of music is the hardest to make

money in at this time?

If you are good at promoting and people are

interested in your product, they are all the same.

Some Jazz artists are booked every week, and

some Top 40 and Rock bands are booked every

week. It is all about who is putting butts in seats.

What are the keys to balancing the different

facets of your professional life?

I have not found balance yet! LOL! I work a lot, I’m

out a lot, BUT, when times are rough, I am happy

to be busy. Everything has happened pretty quickly

in the last 2 years; there will be time for balance

soon.

Why are you successful? What is your most

valuable attribute?

I would like to think that it is because I can relate

to both sides of the table—musicians and venues.

My entire mission statement was to keep good

musicians working. I can’t keep everyone working,

but I try to keep those who work hard, promote

hard, and make HCE look good at every event

working.

Dean McNeal

Hit Connections Entertainment

14 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

MUSIC & BUSINESS

Page 15: Big Fun Sept 2009
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ho would have thought that when

Mercedes-Benz deve loped an

entirely new class of automobile

60+ years ago that it would become the standard

by which all cars are measured. Fast forward

to the 9th generation of the groundbreaking E-

Class and you will find, perhaps, the most

technolog ically advanced production

automobile ever. It does things that up until

now you could have

only imagined. The all-new 2010 Mercedes-

Benz E-Class Sedans and Coupes a re

showcasing futuristic technology. If you are

looking into the future of the automobile, you’ll

need only to look at the current E-Class.

The 2010 E-Class model currently offers the 6-

cylinder 268 hp E350 as well as an 8-cylinder

382 hp E550 in both Sedan and Coupe. 4Matic

Sedans are available for those who need the

added confidence of a

proven all -whee l-

drive system. A

7 - s p e e d

automatic transmission adapts to your driving

style; in addition, touch-shifting enables you to

enjoy clutchless shifting as your mood changes.

Safety has always been a key component in

Mercedes-Benz technology. A look back into

history reveals a lengthy list of “firsts” including

the patent and introduction of the “crumple

zones” concept, the first crash-testing of

automobiles (now up to 50,000 crash-tested),

the co-invent ing of anti-lock brakes, the

introduction of airbags as standard safety

equipment, and the pioneering use of high-

strength, low alloy steel to reduce weight while

maintaining structural integrity and raising fuel

economy.

The 2010 E-Class has introduced

to the industry many

breakthroughs in the area of

safety. The PRE-SAFE system

can detec t an impending

collision by utilizing radar-based

sensors. PRE-SAFE activates

electric tensioners to tighten front

seat be lt s, ad just the f ront

headrests and passenger seat to a

safer position, and close the sunroof and

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

A True Renaissance in Technology and Safety

Exceptional Class

Exceptional Class

W

E-Class Coupe

16 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Page 17: Big Fun Sept 2009

MAGICO

“Ultimate” Speakers - $329,000.00 /

pair

The Premium 2 Package includes Bi-Xenon

headlamps with Active Curve Illumination,

Adaptive High-beam Assist, headlamp washing

system, LED daytime running lamps,

KEYLESS-GO (providing access into your car

and starting capability without using the key),

and an electronic trunk closer.

Individual options include a panorama sunroof

(standard on the E-Coupe), PARKTRONIC

parking guidance, rear seat entertainment

system, drive-dynamic multi-contour front seats

with massage, split-folding rear seats (standard

on the E-Coupe), and full leather upholstery

(standard on the E-Coupe).

Automobile states “the brand-new E350 is the

epitome of dynamic balance, a role model for

near-perfect chassis compliance…. as far as ride

comfort is concerned, it plays in a league of its

own.” Autoweek says “until now, the only way

to experience the kind of technology featured

in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was to buy a

Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Not anymore. Under

the distinctive new sheet-metal of the 2010 E-

Class, Mercedes engineers have loaded nearly

all of the technological wizardry found in the

top-of-the-line luxury S-Class, and then some.”

Car and Driver states “the ride is excellent,

the car tracks like a locomotive, and the exterior

styling trumps the field…no other car in this

group feel s as sol id , untwis tab le, and

reassuringly unbreakable.”

In its 124 year heritage Mercedes-Benz has been

a pioneering force in the automobile industry.

It is legendary for producing automobiles of

extraordinary durability with 88% of the

vehicles sold in the l ast 20 years and a

remarkable 75% of all vehicles ever sold in the

United States still on the road!! The all-new

E-Class Sedans and Coupes continue a tradition

of being at the forefront of an industry by

providing the public the safety, comfort,

performance, and styling it demands. Another

introduction, another benchmark for Mercedes-

Benz.

windows—all to better prepare the occupants.

No other manufacturer offers PRE-SAFE as a

standard safety system.

ATTENTION ASSIST, standard on all E-Class

models, continually monitors driving behavior

and can alert the driver with both visual and

audible warn ings if it de tects s igns of

drowsiness on long trips. Lane Keeping Assist

lets the driver know if unintended drifting off-

course is detected, by vibrating the steering

wheel. Blind Spot Assist monitors blind spots

when driving above 18 mph and alerts the driver

to potentially unseen vehicles in the next lane.

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS takes cruise

control to new levels of convenience, with the

ability to slow the car to a full halt if traffic

ahead stops, and then resume automatically.

PRE-SAFE Brake, included with DISTRONIC

PLUS, can detect an impending collision and

automatically applies 100% of the vehicle’s

braking force to help avoid and reduce the

severity of the impact. Using a camera to detect

vehicles ahead, optional Adaptive High-beam

Assist varies the headlamp range continuously,

to maximize illumination of the road without

creating glare for other drivers.

Optional Night View Assist PLUS projects

infrared beams that are invisible to human eyes,

and reads them wi th a specia l camera,

displaying a clearer view of the road during

darkness. It can even identify and point out

pedestrians.

Nine airbags are standard, including a driver’s

knee air bag, plus new pelvic air bags to

complement the dual front, front-seat side-

impact, and curtain air bags. No other car in

its class offers air bag protection in more

locations.

Inside the cabin of the new E-Class, you will

find an assortment of technology created to

make your drive a pleasurable experience,

whether it is a commute to work or a long

vacation drive. A glass sunroof, 14-way power

front seats with a 4-way power steering column

and memory system, auto-dimming mirrors,

rain-sensing windshield wipers, and digital

dual-zone climate control are all standard

features on the new E-Class. The Premium 1

Package offers a 40GB hard-drive-based

Navigation system with high-resolution color-

LCD display and a console-mounted controller,

the Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround-sound

system with Dolby Digital 5.1, 6GB hard drive

with Music Register for upload of MP3 files,

an in-dash memory card reader, Gracenote

media database and Zagat Survey ratings, HD

Digital Radio, iPod/MP3 media interface,

SIRIUS Satellite Radio with SIRIUS Traffic,

Bluetooth interface, heated front seats, power

rear window sunshade, rear view camera, and

enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and

navigation.

Jim Foster is the consummate professional

sales consultant at Mercedes-Benz of

Tacoma. He has carved out, from his self-

described “mid-life crisis,” a very successful 14-

year career at Mercedes-Benz. His previous 11-

year career of climbing the corporate ladder at

Budget Rent a Car Corp. confirmed to him that a

title was not everything in life. “You have to be

able to balance your professional, family, and

spiritual life; that’s the key.” Jim is the proud

husband of 21 years to Donna, father to two

beautiful teenage daughters, Alexa, 19, and Kirin,

16, and is a long-time elder at Marine View

Presbyterian Church in Northeast Tacoma. His

hobbies include most sports, travel, singing in his

church contemporary praise band, and, most

recently, promoting music. A longtime love of the

jazz genre led him to create the successful monthly

“Jazz LIVE at Marine View” concert series

featuring the finest jazz musicians in the Puget

Sound region. “I get a lot of satisfaction combining

my love of jazz with my desire to reach out to the

community. Great music in the tranquil setting of

a church sanctuary—what a great fit.” Jim’s eager

to share his wisdom as it relates to Mercedes-Benz,

music, and life in general.

Jim Foster

Give Jim a call at 253-229-9206 or email him at

[email protected]

E-Class Sedan

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 17

Page 18: Big Fun Sept 2009

Darren Motamedy

Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Piano

Kent, Washington

I chose the saxophone because

my jazz band director refused to

let me play the clarinet in the jazz

band, so I had no choice.

My life wouldn’t have substance

without my wife, my children and

my music.

Why is music such an important part of

being human?

Music is an opportunity for us to emote on a

subconscious level without needing to use

words. It can allow listeners to understand how

we are feeling at any given moment, or

understand the important aspects in our lives

when we write music to define our innermost

thought.

Which internationally respected artists have

you worked with?

Ronnie Laws, The Ripping tons, Grover

Washington Junior, Kenny G, Tom Scott, Steve

Oliver, Marcus Johnson, Jeff Kashiwa, Ce Ce

Penniston, Deniece Williams, and Ernestine

Anderson.

What’s unique about your latest recording?

I’d say that the most unique aspect of the

recording is the live sound to it. Dwight

Goodman did a lot of writing with me on this

recording and he influenced the direction of the

recording in a big way. He played keyboards

and arranged many of the songs. The most

unique aspect of the recording is that it is one

of the freshest sounding smooth jazz records in

the nation at this time. John Raymond, guitarist

with Kenny G, mixed the record. He has always

been an impeccable aud io eng ineer and

guitarist, but he really stepped up to the plate

on the current CD. He played a lot of guitar,

and also mastered the record.

Which songs are getting the most airplay at

this time?

“Love You Just So Much” and “Double Cache`”

When is your next project going to be

released?

I’m almost finished with it now, although

“almost” could be three months or six months.

The older we become, the more our time

becomes valuable and the people that I work

with become busier as they become more

success fu l. Add itionally, wr it ing songs

sometimes takes minutes to accomplish, and

sometimes melodies simmer inside of us,

waiting to mature before they are recorded.

You are also a music educator. Explain the

concept of tension and release and how it

applies to jazz.

Any good song should tell a story. Jazz

especially allows musicians the opportunity to

tell a current story and build the story through

dynamics, phrasing, great tone, and building

motifs. A great solo builds from beginning to

end and the audience should feel exhilarated

when a solo is finished. It’s very similar to

love making: every time is different and should

be a journey, and a reflection of how one feels

at a specific time in his or her life. It is another

way that humans can communicate on a higher

level.

Do you feel it’s your obligation to escort a

star student into the professional arena by

showing him, or her, the ropes?

Of course, this is our job as musicians. We

want to have quality music at “our” funerals as

we pass the torch to our students. I would say,

in general, that most jazz musicians are happy

to pass on the tradition of jazz because it is an

art form that is better “caught than taught.” Jazz

education has come a long way since I was a

boy in school. Our education at that time was

to listen to records. I think that a lot of students

now read books , s tudy scales, work on

technique, yet fall short when it comes to

connecting with an audience. I host jam

sessions for adults so that they can hone their

musical skills. Additionally, I can work on my

skills as a musician and educator. I learn many

things about my playing from my students, and

sometimes they teach me little tricks, mostly

about style and how to inflect notes. Most of

the musicians who attend our jams are highly

ski lled though. In most cases, they are

professional musicians who keep the music

exciting and fresh. Josephine Howell, Butch

Harrison, Geoffrey Castle, Dominique…..just

a small sample of mus icians who are

professionals who come to our jam session every

Sunday night at the Muckleshoot Casino in

Auburn.

Is there ever a time when a teacher should

tell a seemingly hopeless or lazy student that

he or she should choose another path?

NEVER! I hope that I am clear. NEVER! I

think that we lose sight of what music is. It’s a

chance for us to experience another form of

communication. Is the main reason to be a

musician an opportunity to tell others that you

are better than them? NO! Music should be

performed because it is FUN! I play to have

fun and to relax and to meditate. When I

perform I get lost in space and time. When I

was in the 6

th

grade, I was last chair clarinet. I

was terrible! When I was in college I was the

least technically skilled saxophonist in school,

but I continued to practice, to listen, and to try

to become the best that I could be. For example,

if John Coltrane came to our jam session and

played a solo that made angels cry, and then I

played a solo that was “my best,” well, we both

would have succeeded. The intent of music is

to perform “your best” at any given time and

compare your solos to your ability. Always

NW JAZZ PROFILE

18 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Continued on page30

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BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 19

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Thomas Marriott

Trumpet & Flugelhorn – Seattle, WA

Tell us about your academic background.

I don’t have much of one. I went to Garfield

High School and the University of

Washington for a while.

Which internationally respected jazz

artists have you worked with?

When I moved to New York, I was on

Maynard Ferguson’s band. After that, I

worked very briefly with the Tito Puente

Orchestra just after Tito passed away. That

band had a lot of great musicians in it at the

time. I worked with Rosemary Clooney for a

bit after that. I did a couple of gigs with Eddie

Palmieri and subbed a few times with The

Chico O’Farrill Orchestra. I played in Joe

Locke’s “Wire Walker” band and I am also

featured on his newest album. I have worked

gigs with Richie “Alto Madness” Cole, Eric

Reed, Bryan Lynch, Bobby Shew, Pete

Christlieb, Kenny Kirkland,

Gary Smulyan, Dennis Irwin,

Dafnis Prieto, The Les Brown

Band, and lots of others. I

have played in bands that have

backed-up Jimmy Heath,

James Moody, Maria

Schneider, Celia Cruz, Gerald

Wilson, Natalie Cole, Dianne

Schuur, Ernestine Anderson,

Manhattan Transfer, and

some others. Lately, I have had

the pleasure of working quite

a bit with Hadley Caliman.

Tell us about your latest

recording. Who produced

it? Where was it recorded?

Who’s on it? What’s unique

about it? Include release

date and label.

My newest recording is

entitled “Flexicon.” It came out last April on

Origin Records and spent almost 14 weeks

on the national jazz chart, making it into the

top ten. I recorded it at Robert Lang studios

in March of 2008. It’s a self-produced album

that features Jeff Johnson (bass), Bill Anschell

(piano & Rhodes), Matt Jorgensen (drums),

Mark Taylor (saxophone), and Joe Locke

(vibes).

What were some of the obstacles you had

to overcome to make the project a reality?

The financial obstacles are always the most

prevalent in any recording project because you

have to pay the musicians, the studio, etc.

Also, the night before we went into the studio

to record “Flexicon,” my daughter, who was

six months old at the time, kept me up literally

all night. It was a rough session!

Where do you start when you’re composing

original music? Do you start with the

melody, the harmonic structure, the

rhythm or a motif?

Sometimes, I start with the melody and try to

figure out the form and find chords that fit

the melody, and sometimes, I start with a

progression and go from there. Other times,

I will think of the type of tune I need to write—

something fast, something with even eighths,

something modal, something dramatic—and

see what comes to mind. I think to myself,

“If I were going to write this certain type of

tune, what would it sound like?” Then, I write

down some ideas and see which ones fit

together and work it out from there.

Do you ever get composer’s block? If so,

how do you find inspiration?

I am a pretty novice composer, so I get writer’s

block all the time. I usually just put on some

records I like and ask myself, “What is it about

this that I like?” Then, I try to steal that thing!

Are you involved in jazz education? If so,

what are the most unique aspects of your

teaching method?

I am not involved in Jazz Education.

Jazz represents only two percent of all

music sold. Can jazz grow a new fan base?

I think jazz can grow a new fan base by doing

what jazz musicians have always done, which

is to play compelling music and to reinterpret

the popular music of the day. I think there

are also some really amazing musicians that

are weak performers, and I think that that is

something we need to think about if we are

going to gain new fans.

In what other countries have you

performed? What was the occasion?

I have performed in Germany, France, Spain,

The Netherlands, Italy, Luxemburg, Canada

& Mexico. Mostly at festivals with various

bands I have been on, but with my own bands

a little too.

Other than your new recording, what good

things have been happening for you during

the last several months?

I am lucky enough to be working on a second

album with Hadley Caliman

which is due out this fall. I

have been busier and busier

out of town, playing with my

own band as well, which has

really been a blessing. I have

been really having fun playing

with the Washington

Composer’s Orchestra lately

too; there are lots of great

players in the band and

interesting music. It’s also a

challenge because the music

is very difficult for me.

What does success mean to

you?

Professional success would be

working all the time just

playing music that I was

personally invested in.

Give us your performance schedule for

September and October?

I am doing a tribute to Horace Silver with the

great Canadian Tenor player, Cory Weeds, in

Vancouver on Labor Day weekend. Then,

he’s coming down to Seattle and we are going

to do it again at the New Orleans on

September 6

th

with Travis Shook who will be

visiting from New York. Tula’s with Hadley

Caliman on the 18

th

of September and October

9

th

, then a few shows at the Earshot Festival

with Greg Williamson, and also with the

Washington Composer’s Orchestra. Those are

the highlights – but the full schedule is up on

my website at www.thomasmarriott.net!

“My life without music would be, in

some ways, far simpler and easier.

But as Kurt Vonnegut says, “Being

an artist is a crummy way to make

a living, but it’s the only way to live

as a human being.”

20 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

NW JAZZ PROFILE

Thomas may be contacted at:

Email address: [email protected]

www.thomasmarriott.net

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NW JAZZ PROFILE

22 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

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Steve Kim

Bassist, Educator - Seattle WA

Steve Kim is an accomplished bassist, composer and educator. He currently

appears in a duo with guitarist Don Mock playing original music and jazz

repertoire. He has also performed with Larry Coryell, Alphonse Mouzon,

Carter Jefferson, Dave Valentine, Jay Thomas, Scott Cossu, and Brian Nova.

He has been commissioned to compose for the Southern Arts Council, the

Seattle Arts Commission, choreographers Bill Evans, Clay Talefero and Jeff

Bickford, and northwest filmmaker Eric Patton. In 1987 Steve served as a

cultural ambassador representing the City of Seattle in Japan, and in 1989

was honored as a Centennial Artist during the Washington State Centennial

Celebration. In 2007 he returned to Japan, touring with guitarist Brian Nova

& Vibraphonist Kiyoko Ami. He has studied bass with Ray Brown, Gary

Peacock and composition and improvisation with Charlie Banacos. 

Steve Kim is faculty in the music department at Shoreline Community College,

and is an adjunct to South Seattle Community College. In addition, he has

taught at Pacific Lutheran University, The National Guitar Workshop, The

Experience Music Project and the Roberts Music Institute.

His second solo recording, entitled The Book Of Changes, was released in

the fall of 2005. Currently Steve is composing music for a recording due in

late Fall 2009.

Steve Kim

www.kimpossibilities.net

[email protected]

(206) 767-9090

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 23

NW JAZZ PROFILE

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24 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

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Fon Morcus

European Drum Soloist

Auditions for America’s

Got Talent

David Keys: Fon, I was blown away when I

saw your video on YouTube. Your drum solo

work is really impressive. You sound like

Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson rolled into

one with your own personal touch on top.

Fon Morcus: Thanks for saying that David.

DK: Tell me about your experience

auditioning for America’s Got Talent. Did

you make it on the show?

FM: Well, I screwed up. I got there at 7:45

am and my audition was at 4:50 pm, so I

had to wait for nine hours to see the judges.

They asked me all kinds of questions: “How

old are you? What do you do for a living?

What country a re you f rom? What

instruments do you play? Why do you think

you can win? And what would you do if you

won?” Then they looked at my video on their

laptop and asked me if I would be willing to

do my solo on the show. And here is where I

screwed up; I asked them if I could save the

solo for the last show. That was the wrong thing

to say. You don’t ask them questions. They’re

tired because they have to judge everything,

whether it’s good or bad, and all they want to

do is go home. So, they asked me to wait outside

for about five minutes and then a person came

out and explained to me that when I asked to

do the solo for the last show, I was actually

refusing to do what the judges wanted me to do

in order to be on the show. So, he told me I

couldn’t be on the show this year and said

maybe next season.

DK: You have great speed and technique in

your playing and I think if you got on the

show, you would impress the judges and the

viewers. Are you going to try again next year?

FM: I think I will try again next year and, if I

win, I’ll donate the money to animal shelters. I

love all kinds of animals. I would also donate a

lot of my time to teaching young kids to play

music.

DK: When I saw your show last November

in Olympia, you were the only one who got a

standing ovation. There were many talented

people on stage that evening, but for me, you

were the main event. Are you planning to do

a new show in the near future?

FM: I might be able to do something in late

November at the Washington Center for the

Performing Arts in Olympia. Organizing 60

performers who are dancing, singing and

playing takes a lot of rehearsal and I need

time to blend all those elements into a

smooth, professional presentation.

DK: Will you be ending the show with

another special solo like you did last year?

FM: Yes. I’ll be soloing with 2001: A Space

Odyssey.

DK: I can’t wait to see and hear it. Make

sure you let us know the date and time

for the show.

You can see and rate Fon’s drum solos on

YouTube. Make sure to add your comments. He

may be reached at 360-701-2235. Write to him

at 1030 N.E. Hens ley S treet, O lympia,

Washington, 98516.

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 25

NW JAZZ PROFILE

Page 26: Big Fun Sept 2009

Jazz is more than just notes in time, it’s also

very stimulating and thought provoking. When

I allow myself to be completely absorbed in the

music, whether performing or enjoying fellow

artists, I am able to invoke whatever emotion is

needed at the time

How long has the Cole’lition been together?

Since 1994

Are there any new members in the band?

Yes, if you visit our website you will see the

caption “a whole new thang.” What that means

is that around August 30

th

, 2009, you will see a

whole new website representing the new

Cole’lition; it is, I think, the “the right mix” of

young exciting musicians and seasoned mature

musicians. We now have Chris Fuller on

keyboards, Ivan Payne on drums, and Howard

Molstrom on sax. This new band has a feel and

sound all its own and I’m very excited about

sharing our gifts.

Tell us about your new recording.

We are currently in production now. Before we

move on I just want to give honor to a fallen friend,

producer and sound engineer. Tom Phafel helped

produce and engineer our last project and was

scheduled to work on this on but was tragically

taken from us and we will miss him.

To answer your question, we are working with a

number of producers including members of Tri-

Quad productions, Chris Fuller and Michael Cole,

Jr. They have a song on Day 26’s new project

(Diddy’s new group). My friend Grady Wilkins

of the Whispers will be helping if things work out

and John Raymond will be doing some mixing as

well.

This project will be released in two phases, first a

pre-release marketing CD (4 tracks) early fall 2009

and the full project later in early 2010. It’s going

to be hot and different from anything we have done

in the past. It’s titled “The Right Mix.”

Do you have any release parties scheduled?

We are hoping to do a pre-release party in the

early fall 2009. Believe me, the word will

definitely be out and we plan to do quite a bit of

marketing in most all media.

How are you planning to market the project?

Well, definitely the internet, some print, live

performances and an important element that some

of us don’t realize is a must, and that’s why we

will be working with a record promoter to get that

precious air play on terrestrial, satellite and

internet radio. Our last CD got some good airplay

in Europe so we plan to market there also.

Will the group be touring to support the

release?

We definitely plan to tour and we have already

started laying the ground work for that. We plan

to tour locally, regionally, nationally and hopefully

internationally as well.

What were some of the obstacles you had to

overcome to make the project a reality?

Well, without a major label behind us financing,

is a challenge but we are making it. As I mentioned

earlier, we were slated to do the major live

recording at the Tank Studios but we have to find

the right room to complete live tracking. I think

we are pretty much on schedule though.

What good things have been happening for the

band during the last year?

David, I am so excited about just creating good

music. The new members have been fabulous,

performing in town. We have a major industry

contact we a working with now and that is

wonderful. Cole’lition will have a new look, feel

and sound without compromising our foundation.

I think just loving what we do and being able to

continue to share our gift is wonderful.

What is the key to Cole’lition’s staying power?

Why is the band so popular?

Perseverance and just being blessed. As far as

being popular, I can’t answer that, but we are

sincere and we bring it from the heart. We are on

a mission to make people feel good and positive

about their experience with Cole’lition.

Give us your performance schedule for

September and October.

Well David, right now it’s mainly studio work and

finishing the project, but I am sure if everyone

visits us at www.colelition.com they can see where

we will be.

Discography:

On The Move, Seventh Power, and The Right Mix

is in production.

www.colelition.com

Cole’lition

Emmanuel del Casal

Jazz and funk bassist, Emmanuel del Casal,

has been a performing and recording artist

for over 20 years. Working with notable

artists such as Grammy Award-winning

Daniel Lanois and Charles Neville of the

Neville Brothers, Emmanuel’s

musicianship has granted him extensive

musical experiences and taken him many

places around the world, from Asia to

London. 

Emmanuel’s versatile groups capture the

classic and traditional idioms of jazz as

well as contemporary modern jazz. 

For critical listening in a concert setting, or

creating the perfect ambient mood for a

classy cocktail mixer, Emmanuel del Casal

and his jazz groups bring everything right

in the groove.  Elevate your special event

with Emmanuel del Casal.

His jazz ensembles can be enjoyed every

weekend at The Georgian in The Fairmont

Olympic Hotel.

Jazz duo featuring Emmanuel and guitarist

Dan Sales: Fridays 6pm-10pm and Saturdays

6pm-8pm.

Jazz quartet featuring Andre Thomas on

drums and Dan Sales with guest vocalists

Stephanie Porter, Makini Magee, and Keely

Whitney: Saturdays 8pm-10:30pm.

For bookings and information:

Phone: 866-771-2500

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.smoothgroove.net and

www.myspace.com/emmanueldelcasal

26 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

NW JAZZ PROFILE

Page 27: Big Fun Sept 2009

The Collective, formerly The Jazz Collective, is based on a collaboration

that actually started in 1974 when Randy Wallace and W. Michael Jaap

first played music together.  In a recent interview, Randy stated “Mike

Jaap has been a musical mentor and close friend for 35 years.”

 

In 1993, The Jazz Collective was formed with W. Michael Jaap on keys,

Kurt Kolstad on drums, and Randy Wallace on guitar. Since then, the

group has played venues throughout the Northwest with great success.

 

The decision to change the name of the group after all these years is

based on the fact that the group is able to play many styles of music—

not only Jazz, give clients exactly what they are looking for,  and

essentially customize the event for them.

 

The Collective is able to draw on a “collective” of musicians, singers,

horn players of all styles and perform in any configuration from a duo to

an eight-piece horn band with a female or male lead vocalist.

 

Randy Wallace states, “I believe the key to our success is and always

has been client satisfaction.”

 

One of The Collective’s recent projects

has been recording a CD for Ron Bates,

who is an Olympia based entertainer,

well known for his Supper with Sinatra

Dinner Shows. The CD was produced

by W. Michael Jaap and features Kurt

Kolstad on drums and Randy Wallace

on guitar.   There  are also guest

appearances on the CD by Steve

Sarandos, a good friend and NW sax

player, as wel l as Jef f Mason on

harmonica and trombone. Ron Bates is

donating a percentage of the proceeds of his CD to our beloved friend

and brother, Kurt Kolstad, who has been suffering with cancer. In Kurt’s

absence, we have been blessed to have Garey

Williams with us on drums.

 

We also recently did a collaboration with

Michael Prendergast, an LA based singer by

way of Missoula, Montana.  Michael will be

appearing with The Collective on October 2nd

at Baker Street Books in Black Diamond,

Washington.  Also appearing will be Sidney

Wallace (Randy’s wife) who is the former lead

vocalist for Apricot Brandy.

 

The Collective’s focus is to provide clients

with exactly what they envision their event

to be, whether it is jazz, rock, or dance, and

to be able to do it by utilizing a collective of

the Northwest’s finest musicians.

The Collective

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 27

Randy Wallace Michael Jaap Garey

Williams

Michael Prendergast

Ron Bates

Page 28: Big Fun Sept 2009

Randy Oxford - ‘Bone Man’

Randy Oxford - trombonist, Blues Performer

of the Year, and notorious wild man- has been

honored more than 25 times since returning to

his home state of Washington several years ago,

following a European Tour of duty with the U.S.

Army band.  He has won multiple Best Horn

awards, Entertainer of the Year, Keeping the

Blues Alive, as well as induction into the

Washington Blues Society’s Hall of Fame.

Randy plays the trombone as a lead instrument,

inventing a path through the chord progressions,

sometimes mimicking the guitars around him,

and sometimes taking them with him on one of

his wild rides.  Symphony conductors have

admired his tone, but he also knows how to rip

a sound or turn it into an animal call.  Randy

has become a Northwest favorite—hosting

popular invitational jams at various venues in

the area and also leading his very successful

band.

Randy has appeared on more than 30 CD’s,

including four of his own.  One of these, the

lively Memphis to Motown, gained recognition

as a finalist at the International Blues Challenge

in Memphis, Tennessee. His growing popularity

nationally has resulted in a regular gig as Jam

Host on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues

Cruise.

The Randy Oxford Band reflects the energy and

talent of its leader, showcasing top-notch

musicianship, daring arrangements, and an

eclectic style Randy calls urban blues. The six-

piece band features Jada Amy on vocals, Eliud

Atondo on bass, Asial Gutierras on drums, and

two gui ta ris ts—Jho Bleni s and Rafael

Tranquilino. The two guitarists back each other

during solos and, with Randy’s killer trombone,

give the band its characteristic big, rich sound.

The in terp lay between these performers

prov ides the audience wi th something

entertaining to watch, as well as to hear. For

more in formation about Randy, v is it

randyoxford.com.Asial Gutierras

BLUES

28 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

Page 29: Big Fun Sept 2009

Eight years ago, Seattle veteran jazz and blues

singer Maia Santell married Gary Grape, native

Tacoman and entertainment buyer for the

Tacoma Events Commission. Little did she

know, she’d soon become part of a vibrant,

th riving South Sound dance scene — a

community of dancers hungry for live music and

a dance band a la “Dancing With The Stars.”

Thanks to the old Brickyard Bar and Grill (on

56

th

Street in South Tacoma), Santell and her

band, “Maia Santell and House Blend,”

established a fan base that flourished in 2002

with swing and ballroom dancers. Fans traveled

from as far north as Arlington and as far south

as Chehalis to shake a leg and cut a rug to the

mix of rhythms and tempos that her band offered

up.

Today, seven years later, Maia and her band are

part of a ne twork of dance events and

productions around the Northwest that pairs up

with top-notch dance coaches and instructors.

Among the many dance events they perform for

(USA Dance Tacoma, USA Dance Olympia,

Seattle Singles Yacht Club, Northwest Dance

Network, Sonny Newman’s, Seattle Sunday

Swing at China Harbor), Maia’s favorite (held

in her own backyard) is Studio 6 Ballroom in

Tacoma’s Entertainment District — founded

and operated by master dance coach, Natasha

Thayer.

On Wednesday, Sept 16

th

, Studio 6 Ballroom

and the Sixth Avenue Business Association

present the fifth monthly Progressive Dinner

— a restaurant walk that features delectable

samples and ample portions of food from

restaurants along the avenue, followed by live

music by Maia Santell and House Blend. After

feasting on tasty fares, the satisfied crowd joins

up at Studio 6 Ballroom (2608 6

th

Ave, Tacoma)

for dessert, coffee, tea and live blues, swing,

Latin , j azz standards and contemporary

favorites. You can dance or just kick back and

listen on comfy sofas and floor cushions. If it’s

just dancing you’re interested in, arrive early

for a dance lesson by Natasha or one of her great

team of instructors. Once you’ve sampled a

delicious cuisine, paired with the talents of

music and dance, you’re sure to come back for

refills!

Swingin’

On Sixth Avenue!

For booking and information on upcoming

performances contact Maia at

[email protected]

or see: www.MaiaSantell.com

For information on dance instruction, special

events and the Sixth Avenue Progressive

Dinner, contact Natasha Thayer at 253-905-

5301, [email protected]

or www.Studio6Ballroom.com

BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009 29

BLUES

Kimball Conant

The one thing you must realize about blues

is…it’s anything but sad.

What’s in the magic

potion that makes you and

Stickshift Annie such a

successful team?

Even the lousiest gig beats

watching TV.

Other than choosing a

career in music; what is

the most adventurous or

dangerous thing you have

ever done?

Live in Paraguay for four

years.

What do you want people

to remember about you

and your music?

I played my ass off.

Stickshift Annie

The one thing you must

realize about blues is…that it is not about

making people sad or blue. Blues is really about

making people feel better by sharing their

experience and saying, “ I understand how you

feel and I have been through that too.”

What’s in the magic potion that makes you

and Kimball Conant such a successful team?

It is respect, from my perspective. I respect

Kimball’s craft; he is an excellent guitar player

and musician. I think we have a great time

performing together, and we share a common

respect for the songs we perform, the other

musicians we perform with, and the people that

come to see us play. We enjoy what we do and

have become good friends with many of the

folks that come out to see us. It gets back to that

previous statement about the blues.

Other than choosing a career in music, what

is the most adventurous or dangerous thing

you have ever done?

Bronze casting.

What do you want people to remember about

you and your music?

I hope they can see and hear that I truly love

making music, and that I am always striving to

learn and improve. There is always somewhere

else to go.

BIG FUN IS SEEKING

AD SALES PROS REPS

WRITERS,

CD/DVD REVIEWERS,

DISTRIBUTORS

253-473-1866

[email protected]

Maia Santell

and House Blend

Live in September 

13th  China Harbor, Seattle, 8pm

16th  Studio 6 Ballroom, Tacoma,

8pm

27th  Johnny’s Dock, Tacoma, 5pm

Page 30: Big Fun Sept 2009

30 BIG FUN ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & LEISURE GUIDE • SEPTEMBER, 2009

strive for excellence. The day you don’t care

about your performance is the day that you lose.

As far as the lazy or hopeless student? Their

course will be determined by their abilities and

their determination. I can only encourage

students with “how to practice.” Their job is

to take my ideas and work them into their

routine. A lazy and hopeless musician will

probably not be a working musician. A musician

without a lot of “natural ability” is the real

challenge. How does one help that musician

achieve their goals? It all comes down to

prac tice. Excell ence comes f rom 99%

perspiration and 1% inspiration.

FAMILY LIFE

What attracted you to the love of your life?

I was attracted to Anita because she was

absolutely beautiful. Then, when I got to know

her, I came to realize that she had a mission to

raise our children and allow them to become

confident in themselves. She is an amazing

homemaker, interior designer, and a fantastic

mother and best friend. After 13 years of

marriage, she is even more beautiful inside and

out.

Tell us about your children.

I have three lovely children, Michele, 19,

Christina, 17, and Spencer, 10. They are great

people, great children, and excellent life-long

friends of mine.

What are the keys to balancing the different

facets of your professional life with your

family life?

This is probably the number one challenge in

my life, as I am a professional musician and

work three to five nights a week, and I am an

educator and work five days a week. I am the

financial provider for my family and my wife is

the glue that holds our family together. I would

have to say that balancing my professional life

with my family life is really difficult. I am

passionate about both, and there are times when

I see my children for minutes a day; that is very

hard on me emotionally. This is why I am so

proud of my wife for choosing to be a stay at

home mother. She keeps my children centered.

How often are you able to take family

vacations?

We take a cruise almost every year, although

recently we have been going to Las Vegas for

mini family tours.

Would you ever encourage one of your

youngsters to enter the music business?

I would encourage my children to become

musicians, although I would highly encourage

them to additionally study something to fall

back on. I am a musician and also a music

educator. I have been able to teach music in

the Kent School District to supplement my

performances. I think I am really lucky because

I love to play and I love teaching music and

band to my students.

What is your favorite family activity?

My favorite family activity is doing home

improvements with my wife. I would play video

games with my son, except I find that he

destroys me within 30 seconds of our play

together and I end up watching him until his

turn is over 15 minutes later. I do love going to

movies with my son, having sleepovers, and

watching our favorite movie together, Napoleon

Dynamite.

Other than choosing a career in music; what

is the most adventurous or dangerous thing

you have ever done?

I did two cross country hikes in the Olympic

Mountain Range with my best friend. We didn’t

see people for a week, and I must admit that

each step on the mountain is one that must be

perfect. One misstep, and you would fall and

bounce thousands of feet down the mountain. I

was in a constant state of vigilance while hiking

and camping in that situation.

What do you want people to remember about

you and your music?

I would like people to remember that I am a

nice man who plays music.

Discography: 1989-Mottore tt i/F ir st

Generation, 1992-Mottoretti/Square One,

1995-Peace/Darren Motamedy Chri stmas

Album, 1995-Dangerously Close, 1999-It’s All

Good, 2002-Relax Your Mind, 2005-Darren

Motamedy: The Best of Smooth Jazz, 2007-

Don’t Cha Know, 2009 or 2010 (New record

to be release)

Check out www.darrenmotamedy.com for

Darren’s performance schedule.

Darren Motamedy

Continued from page 18

Page 31: Big Fun Sept 2009
Page 32: Big Fun Sept 2009

32 THE FINER THINGS NW - PREVIEW ISSUE