*****PRESS RELEASE*****KILL DATE SEPT. 7th 2008*****
The Fourth Annual Point Defiance Music Festival features four stages of live music (country, rock, blues and acoustic), art from regional artists, a live animal display by Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, a live "hands-on" Raku demonstration, a large kid zone with bounce houses by Carnival Time and a very special workshop for musicians.
Who: Ruston Business District
What: Music Festival featuring 4 music stages with rock, blues, country/southern rock and acoustic music
Where: 51st Street and Pearl in Ruston/Tacoma WA
When: Sept. 6th from 11 am to 8 pm
How: Free, all ages
SPONSORS: Pierce County, City of Tacoma, Town of Ruston, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, The Commencement, Point Ruston and Weekly Volcano NewspaperIMPORTANT NOTES:
* Has any festival in Tacoma ever featured a full day of country music? I don't think so! This is kind of a big deal!
* Has anyone ever taught a class in Tacoma for musicians about how to go on tour? I don't think so! This is kind of a big deal!
* Has the zoo ever brought animals out of the zoo to visit with festival-goers? I don't think so! This is kind of a big deal!
* Have you ever seen THIS many of the hottest bands in town together in one big show? I don't think so! This is kind of a big deal!
* Could this festival be Tacoma's version of Bumbershoot? Come down and find out for yourself!Festival website: www.pointdefiancemusicfest.org
Details below:
MUSIC LINE UP:
Weekly Volcano Rock Stage
Starstruck, Jonny Smokes, GE5, The Hard Way, 2112, Sons of Ivan, Drug Purse, The Elephants, Jon AuerColes Oasis Reunion Blues Stage
Voxxy Vallejo, Kincaid Ave, Malcolm Clark, Loose Gravel, All Star Blues Jam in memory of one of Tacoma's favorite blues venues.Pierce County Country Stage
Becca Rae, Kari Ehli, Voodoo Ranch, Renegade, Michael ONeill, Joshua Cain Band, Ruby Dee and the SnakehandlersAntique Sandwich Company Acoustic Stage
Neal Woodall, Angel Band, Martin Nyberg, Josh Adams, Stephanie Johnson, Gavin Guss, The BlondesHere are some of the bands bios below. We weren't able to get them all for you by press time - if you need more information or high res photos please email Angela Jossy at pointdefiancemusicfest@live.com.
WEEKLY VOLCANO ROCK STAGE:
Jon Auer - Besides being a critically acclaimed solo artist, Jon Auer is the singer/songwriter/co-founder of Seattle pop veterans The Posies and a current member of musical legends Big Star. On his recent solo release Songs from the Year of Our Demise, Auer displayed his undeniable knack for combining the highly melodic with the emotionally and psychologically complex, and in the process created the best reviewed work of his career. NPR picked Songs as one of the best releases of 2006 and in the past two years Auer has toured everywhere from Australia to Zurich with many points in between. Auer also spent time in Nashville in 2003 working on the Ben Folds produced Has Been album by William Shatner of Star Trek fame and has even had one of his songs covered by an ex-Beatle. For more info: http://www.pattern25.com/bands/auer.shtml.
The Elephants will still mix psychedelic tendencies with Beach Boy sensibilities and intellectual possibilities - offering to the masses shaggy, ego-less indie rock that Tacoma can claim proudly. The poppy 80s inspired beats scale the intellectual wall and soar over the top into fluffy clouds. Let's face it, fluffy clouds are a nice place to be. Not to say the songs are frivolous. People can definitely relate to the one that says "here comes love, beware, defend yourself," - so wise. Also, "The Humans kill themselves and now their gone," could be interpreted as a warning about global warming and that's very socially conscious, plus its fun to dance to. Rumor has it they have new songs! "One of the best bands Tacoma has produced in some time," said Matt Driscoll Weekly Volcano, "While T-town has effectively debunked the notion that all we're good for is metal and methamphetamine, and well conceived indie bands can't come from here; the Elephants were one of the pioneering bands of that fight. I remember the pride I felt the first time I heard the Elephants on KEXP. I remember the first time I heard "Oh Tina." I remember the first time I saw all the hipsters come out in droves for an Elephants show." Ernest Jasmin of The Tacoma News tribune said, "The Elephants have become one of the most popular indie-pop outfits in Tacoma. You can hear songs from the band's self-titled, self-released CD on "The Young & the Restless," the local music show on KNDD-FM (107.7, The End), and KEXP-FM (www.kexp.org). The Elephants create a breezy, quirky brand of synth-pop that, early on, didn't exactly help them fit into a Tacoma scene that has long been dominated by brooding metal and raucous punk." For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/theelephants3
The Drug Purse contains vials marked Joshua Vega on guitar, Jordan Wegner on bass, Tyson Griffin on keyboards, Kyle Brunette on drums and of course Jason Freet on guitar and vocals. Dosage is "use as needed." Freet says he would prefer that people focus on the music rather than the name of the band and hopes that people won't judge a book by its cover. The Drug Purse sound is often compared to the Doors. "The Doors is one influence that all of us had in common," said Freet. The Drug Purse music definitely features Freet's distinctive baritone voice and long languid drones, tambourine and psychedelic guitars. It's slow, thoughtful and entrancing. Freet calls it music to eat cereal by. "We're all pretty mellow guys and we make groovy tunes that we enjoy listening to," he said. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/thedrugpurse.
The Hard Way is organic rock from Olympia, WA. Their vintage sound includes catchy songs, lots of vocal accoutrements and hooky melodies. Harkening back to American rock/pop of the late seventies, their record "Only if and Even Then" is a journey through raw organic rock and hooky melodies that have been compared to driving your uncle's big brown '73 mercury cougar back in time. The band consists of Scott Taylor doing vocals, guitar, and keys, Tim Dietrich on guitar and vocals, Elizabeth Yeager playing bass and doing vocals and Dave Hyatt on drums and vocals. The Hard Way plays catchy pop hooks with heavy guitars and hard hitting drums, the way rock n' roll was meant to be played. The world still needs rock n' roll, tell your friends. For more information, visit http://sonicbids.com/thehardwaySons of Ivan is a psychedelic rock band hailing from the Tacoma/Seattle area of the great Pacific Northwest featuring former members of Mono in VCF and the Degrees. The sound is dark, heavy and atmospheric, balanced with a touch of intimacy and beauty. Reylan and Lino Fernandez layer spacey guitars over Mike Krushka's brooding wistful vocals. Dylan Dearinger and Jesse Bynum's powerful, melodic rhythm section helps to bring heart and soul to the music. The songs display a futuristic sound that is still intelligently timeless. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/sonsofivan.
GE5 is a power pop quartet from Tacoma who has recently released their debut CD Superficial World. With a guitar driven rock sound filled with jangly 12 string guitars, four part harmonies, and infectious hooks, the band's recent release has met with favorable reviews, and their live show brings even more energy to the music.
The band has been chosen to open at the International Pop Overthrow festival in Vancouver, BC in August 2008, and has more local NW shows scheduled.
"GE5 plays their power pop the old fashioned way, with plenty of big guitars and fist-pumping arena rock choruses. I'm thinking Cheap Trick-meets-The Smithereens, an all out American band without apologies or regrets." - Mish Mash Music
"This disc certainly grabbed my attention and peaked my curiosity in regards to catching them live someday. I'd love to see what they can do in a packed, medium sized venue where the girls can dance, the guys can try to avoid dancing, and everybody is having a good time. GE5 don't sound political, angry, entitled, or whiney. They just rock it out and sound like they're having a good time. That's a rarity these days. " - Sean Stutzman, Pacific Northwest Music Scene. For more information, visit www.ge5band.com.Starstruck is an all pre-teen girls band from Tacoma. They perform pop/rock music like Billy Idol and other 80s favorites and they are cute as a bugs ear. Here is their band bio: HEY EVERYONE WE ARE STARSTRUCK LINDA, LIZZY, BRITTANY ANNA, AND OUR NEWEST MEMBER MADDY- MADDY JUST RECENTLY JOINED US AS OUR DRUMMER, BUT THE THREE OF US HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE THIRD GRADE AT STANLEY..WE ARE JUST FINISHING 6TH GRADE AND MADDY IS GOING INTO 6TH. WE BECAME A BAND IN 4TH, BUT REALLY DIDN'T START BEING SERIOUS UNTIL JANUARY OF 2007. WE PLAYED OUR FIRST SHOW AUGUST 18, 2007 AT LOUIEFEST ON THE MAIN STAGE...AND HAVE BEEN ROCKIN EVER SINCE..OUR LATEST GIG WAS AT PIKE PLACE MARKET FOR THE 2008 MARKET FESTIVAL. IT WAS AWESOME. WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES BUT TOTALLY LOVE OUR MUSIC AND EACH OTHER.
" BRIT IS OUR ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER AND ROCKS THE SHOW..SHE LOVES TO INTERACT WITH THE AUDIENCE AND DRESSES LIKE A ROCKER CHICK. SHE IS DOWN TO EARTH, NEVER COMPLAINS, AND DOES IT TILL SHE GETS IT RIGHT. RUNS TRACK,WRESTLES, PLAYS SOCCER AND IS SUPER FUNNY
" LINDA PLAYS BASS, LOVES FASHION, JEWELRY AND DREAMS OF BEING FAMOUS. SHE IS A MATH WHIZ (JUST LIKE IN OUR SONG MY IDENTITY). SHE LOVES TEXTING HER PALS ON HER PHONE. DOESN'T LIKE ANY ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE BUGS, DIRT, MUD OR GETTING DIRTY.
" LIZZY...KEYBOARD AND LEAD VOCALS..LOVES THE STAGE AND WATCHING MUSICALS. LOVES TAKING AND MAKING QUIZZES FOR HER PALS. LOVES WRITING SONGS. SINCE THE AGE OF 3 TOLD HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHE WOULD BE IN HOLLYWOOD. FAVORITE FOOD-BBQ.
" MADDY..DRUMS...HAS AN AWESOME SENSE OF STYLE. PLAYS TENNIS AND SWIMS...RIDES A MOTORCYCLE AND TRAVELS THE WORLD...
CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE VIDEOS RIGHT HERE ON OUR MYSPACE (http://www.myspace.com/starstruckgirlband).
For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/starstruckgirlband.Jonny Smokes says that what began as simple solo acoustic performances many years ago, has slowly transformed into an arsenal of instruments and effects, blended together live with a loop sampler to create a wall of sound that most full bands can't compete with. With constant additions of technology and an "anything goes" attitude towards music styles, he create a sonic experience that anyone can enjoy and relate to. If you live in Tacoma, you might have noticed that Jonny Smokes has become a household name. And he's earned it too because he is one of Tacoma's hardest working musicians. Currently he performs in three different acts: as solo artist, as lead guitarist in the Alice in Chains tribute band "Jar of Flies" and with an original rock band called "Intelligent Design." For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/jonnysmokes.
2112 Rush Tribute specializes in the faithful recreation of the music of RUSH. 2112 has been playing many clubs and casinos, as well as festivals like the Taste of Tacoma and the Bite of Seattle.
PIERCE COUNTY COUNTRY STAGE:The Joshua Cain Band found their souls on the streets of urban Tacoma. You might play great music, but then the town finds you, strips you down, and makes you real. Pain and possibility seem to go hand in hand there, spinning tales that remind you that a song isn't really a song until you've lived it. The guys had been leading bands and playing rock n' roll for years and the stream of accomplishments was nothing to smirk at. Their music had received regular radio play and their songs were picked up by legendary stations and media networks. From their Columbia Tri-Star Release song to their feature on the hit WBTV show "One Tree Hill" the boys kept winning contests and pleasing fans. But coming off a national tour with their previous band they new it was time to head back home and really hear what that old town had to say to them. They were not disappointed. The history of the city cut its way into their hearts and bled out a new way of seeing the world. The old African Americans fighting for their community, the blue collar union workers fighting for their jobs, the homeless and displaced just tryin' to survive - the City of Destiny told its story well. The band sucked in the aroma and breathed out a whole new sound. Loaded with the influence of delta blues, negro spirituals, and countrified working man music, their rock n' roll would never be the same again. The response has been amazing, crossing generational, race, class, and genre boundaries. Half protest rally, half front porch music, it makes you want to shake your fist and stomp your feet at the same time. The great philosopher Rousseau once said, "Keeping citizens apart has become the first maxim of modern politics." The Joshua Cain Band aims to play music "that brings people together again." For more information, visit www.thejoshuacainband.com and www.myspace.com/thejoshuacainband.
Renegade is very well rounded Progressive Country Band from The Tacoma Seattle area made up of Musicians that have warmed up for Nashville Recording acts, toured up and down the west coast into parts of Canada and several other states. Many of the members have played the local bar scene and have played many fairs and festivals over the years. Renegade is not a traditional old Country band but a high energy Progressive Country Band that will keep you on your toes. They play tunes from Garth Brooks to Allen Jackson to Lynryd Skynryd to Jason Aldean and The Eagles just to name a few. If you want to have a good time, come and see Renegade! You will be glad you did!! For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/ruarenegade
Who are Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers? More and more music lovers are learning the answer: a locally loved Seattle band that's earning a nationwide following with each and every show it plays of its honest, original music fused with synergy, sugar, sweat and soul. The 5-year-old four-piece combo led by beautifully flamboyant front woman, songwriter and lead vocalist Ruby Dee Philippa and master guitarist Jorge Harada, supported by Sean Hudson on electric bass and Kipp Crawford on drums and frequent guest artists onstage and in the studio plays an Americana that encompasses Northwest alt-country, Texas honky-tonk, Bakersfield country, Memphis rockabilly, Western swing and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll.
After almost constant touring for two years, including dates across all of America and in Europe, the band's been in the studio again with producer Conrad Uno, finishing its second full-length CD (and fourth overall), MILES FROM HOME, due for release by Dionysus Records on June 24. Two of Ruby's songs for the new CD, the fast-paced rockabilly "Don't Need a Man" and the melancholy but beautiful love song "Round and Round," are already being demanded by fans at live shows. Another, "Cold Pines & Red Dirt," earned second-place honors in Songwriter magazine's recent competition. It reflects a new depth and more maturity in her writing and what Ruby calls "a more masterful approach by Harada with his guitar and the spaces in between."
The band plans a series of CD release shows mid-summer and a national tour in early fall to support the new recording and will continue to deliver its sound to capacity crowds in clubs, rodeos, county fairs and festivals, and private parties. Additionally, members of The Snakehandlers are set to move to Austin at the end of the year.
Right off the bat, Ruby Dee and The Snakehandlers was voted Best Band in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer People's Picks in 2005 and Best Signed Band in the People's Picks 2006. The band also earned the 2007 Los Angeles Music Award for Best Country Group with Vocals for its song "Now I Want You (Out of My Head)."
The music grew on audiences and a combination of Ruby's singing and songwriting informed by her childhood spent between the no-longer-wild foothills of Northern California and the long, straight roads around Big Spring, Texas; her time escaping to South America, driving a truck, working Alaskan fishing boats and the like; and band members' heroes: Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Los Lobos, Stray Cats, Merle Haggard and more.
Immediately, fans of Ruby Dee and The Snakehandlers live shows demanded something to take home, which led to the five-song EP CD, FIVE FOR THE ROAD (released in 2003 and still selling online), and the Uno-produced full-length NORTH OF BAKERSFIELD, which has earned a lot of airplay in the United States, Europe and Australia and charted two tracks, "Who is She?" and "I Remember You," on the European Americana list.
"Ruby Dee and The Snakehandlers make a sweet honky-tonk country racket that's perfect for long road trips, lazy afternoons and jumpin' and jivin' at the corner bar," says NWsource.com. "If you like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, X or any combination thereof, you'll immediately recognize the band as kindred souls. If you don't like those great artists, guess what? You may end up dancing to The Snakehandlers anyway, despite yourself. The band's that good."Kari Ehli is a child of the new country music revolution- riding the edge of blues, country and rock, blending them nicely to form an analogous whole that is distinctive yet reminiscent of titans in music history. 25 year-old Kari Ehli delivers soulful and heartfelt performances of her own eclectic blend of music, resulting in the perfect trifecta of Blues, Rock, and Country music influence. With a distinctive sound and edge, her band supports one of the sweetest sounding- yet powerful voices you will ever hear! Born and raised in Lacey Washington, Kari was poised to take in a variety of musical influences which helped her to arrive at her own style. Taking in the best of Rock, Country and Blues, she would go on to create an amalgam of these styles reflective of her upbringing. Moving to Montana during her teens and then to Puyallup Washington later, Kari found herself performing to disparate audiences of music enthusiasts, bring a little of each to the other, and eventually blending these styles for a distinctive, yet organic sound. Kari began her recording career at age 14, and is no stranger to the recording studio. Currently recording an album, Kari is signed to Mydnyte Records, and is planning an autumn release of an album of new material that will be distributed nation wide. The Kari Ehli Band is currently performing as the opening act for "2112 - A Tribute to RUSH", and is appearing in many nightclubs, casinos, and on concert stages throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
COLE'S OASIS REUNION BLUES STAGE:
Voxxy Vallejo started as an online collaboration between Voxxy and Gene Vallejo. The two started writing together in April of 2007, and started playing live 3 months later when Voxxy relocated to Tacoma from Arizona. In the past year Voxxy Vallejo has put together a 2 hour live show, a self produced 13 track CD (anticipating an Oct 2008 release) become a 5 pc. Band, had at least 4 positive write ups in local press, 3 radio interviews, filmed a music video and with more than 30 booked shows and open mics, they have performed somewhere live, almost every week for this past year. All this dedication is evident if you watch them perform. They also receive regular rotation on a handful of radio webcasts. Have had most of their songs on SoundClick.com reach number 1 or at least the top 10. V.V. currently has 25+ original songs and continue to write and be inspired regularly, and their second album is already half written. Their music is independent rock with a dash of blues and a southern kick. Something you must hear to truly appreciate. For more information, visit www.soundclick.com/VoxxyVallejo and www.myspace.com/VoxxyVallejo.
Kincaid Avenue is a powerhouse of rock and blues with a bit of a southern flavor featuring Jerry Wainhouse on drums and vocals, Dan Wall, bass and vocals, Lee Gregory, (formerly of famed NW band The Blue Baboons) on keyboards and vocals, Ron Wallis on guitar and harmonica and Wendy Donaldson on vocals and percussion. The song list ranges from late 50's songs such as Slow Down and Mustang Sally, to more modern releases by Susan Tedeschi. They play everything from Janis Joplin to the Neville Brothers, the Beatles to Kenny Wayne Shephard. Each song is arranged carefully to bring authenticity to the sound and there are also twists to the songs that make them uniquely ours. Three and four part harmonies are a big part of our sound, showcased in songs such as Fire by the Pointer Sisters, Try a Little Tenderness by Three Dog Night, and many others. They also have a few new original numbers. Past shows include Jazzbones, the Tacoma Blues Fest and the Boeing Company Employee Appreciation Event. For more information, visit http://www.kincaidavenue.com.The Malcolm Clark Band delivers a mix of Blues, Schmooze, Funk, Rockish Sorta Blend but not always in that order. The soulful, bluesy vocals are the key to the orchestration of this sought after NW Band. In 2006 The Weekly Volcano readers picked the Malcolm Clark Band as their favorite South Sound blues band. Guitarist Clark, bassist Mike Coucoules and drummer Mark Bertolio fuse Chicago blues with funk and Latin beats and crank out their versions of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "All Along the Watchtower." Coucoules has fully recovered from his hit and run accident slappin' and pluckin' the hell out of his bass producing a deep funk. Malcolm Clark band was nominated by the Washington Blues Society for Best New Band in 2000 and the Kitsap Music Awards for Best Blues Band and Best Male Vocals in 2001.
Loose Gravel is a Tacoma, WA based hard-drivin' original and classic blues band that has been performing in the Puget sound area since 1992. It's leader and front man, Steve "Loose Gravel" Luhtala, Lead Singer/Songwriter, Guitar and Harmonica, is the main song writer and provides the heart and soul to the music of the band. The "King of the Tideflats", as he is known, got his nickname playing softball due to his deep 'gravelly' voice, reminiscent of Tom Waits or Howlin' Wolfe. The Quarry consists of four players including Steve Cooley on Lead Guitar, Rich Nesbitt on Bass, Johnny Burgess on keys and Gary Marcello on Drums. The band has played most of Tacoma's venues at one time or another and also many festivals including Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, Taste of tacoma and many other Blues Fests. They have two CD's available and are a "must have" and Loose gravel and the Quarry is a definite "must see"! See a Loose Gravel video blog for the Seattle P.I. at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/videoblogging/archives/144042.asp. For more information, visit www.loosegravelandthequarry.com.
ANTIQUE SANDWICH COMPANY ACOUSTIC STAGE:Stephanie Johnson was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington and has been playing music in the Puget Sound area for the last ten years. She has been performed at the Shakabrah, Malarkey's, The Usual, The One Heart Café, the Mandolin Café, The Mat Hat, Jazzbones, the Kickstand, the Antique Sandwich Company, Panamonica's and various other local venues including outdoor festivals such as Tacoma's Urban Arts festival. She recently won second place in the Best of Show Singer/Songwriter shoot out hosted by Lakewood's Mocha Moo coffee house. She is a soulful singer with a unique and playful approach to songwriting. She has yet to release a full length album. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/stephaniejohnsonmusic
Joshua Adams is a singer/songwriter melding his style of acoustic pop music with a jam band feel. Born and raised on the east coast, in 2000 Joshua Adams transplanted himself here in Washington. He has since performed in venues from Tacoma, WA. to Atlanta, Ga. but calls Tacoma, home. He's an acoustic force on the horizon. Keep an eye and ear out for The Joshua Adams Band! Performing at a venue near you! For more information, visit www.myspace.com/ACE1979
The Gavin Guss sound might be described as one part Beatles blended with one part Broadway, poured over a cold glass of indie rocks. His often moody songs conjure images of Tacoma, his hometown. Gavin made his name in the Seattle music scene in the late 90s as a producer (Super Deluxe), then front man for his bands TubeTop and the Tycoons (featuring Chris Ballew). Recently, he has been recording a solo album while on break from touring the world as keyboardist with Brooklyn's Nada Surf. He has also been known to play with other Seattle bands like Harvey Danger among others. For more information, visit www.gavinguss.com and www.myspace.com/gavinguss. The Blondes are a five-piece acoustic band consisting of three, four and five-part harmonies covering songs by much-loved artists like Bob Dylan, Everly Bros., The Eagles, Beatles, Johnny Cash, Marshall Tucker Band, and many others. The band includes notable NW musicians: Mark Leibel on guitar and vocals, Michael Mitchell on Guitar and vocals, Ed Perez on guitar and vocals, Jeff Sopher on guitar and vocals and Mark Wagner on guitar and vocals. For more information, visit http://pnwbands.com/blondes.html.
Live Raku demonstrationWhen & Where: All day on 51st Street and Highland Avenue.
American raku is not like the original Japanese raku or regular glaze-fired ceramics. In American raku, the bisque-fired pieces are decorated with particular types of glazes and quickly fired to 2000 degrees or so. Once the glaze is properly melted, the pieces are removed from the kiln immediately-while they are still hot! The pots are placed in cans with straw, leaves or newspaper. Once this flammable material ignites, lids are clamped down. There is flame and smoke and then the hardest part-waiting. The end result is vibrant and smokey metallic-flashed blues, greens, copper or crackled glazes. These pieces are not for food use or to hold flowers. Each one is a work of art.
The F.I.N.E. Mudhens have contracted with Clay Art Center to do a raku firing for the Music Festival. There will be two men with two kilns and all the supplies necessary to decorate and fire pots. We will have small (ish) bisque-fired ceramic pieces available for the public to purchase and decorate for about $10. The raku artists from Clay Art will do the actual firing of decorated pieces. The public can stay and watch the process or return in 45 minutes or so to retrieve their decorated pieces. The raku firers will be available for about 6 hours. It is really hot and tiring work.
Karen and I (the Mudhens) have been doing the 2nd Helping for 4 years to benefit the Emergency Food Network. We tried to stay with the original intent of the Empty Bowl Benefit; half of our proceeds would go to EFN, half would go to art.
For more info about the Raku demonstration, contact Ginger Kryger at gingerkryger@comcast.net.
Touring workshop for musiciansWe are very honored to welcome Ruby Dee and her touring to Tacoma. This same workshop will be presented in Nashville Saturday Sept 20th for the AMA conference with Levon Helm, Joan Baez, John Hiatt and Jason and the Scorchers! It was also taught in Seattle and paid for by a grant from the Seattle Mayor's Office for Film and Music.
Who: Tacoma area bands are invited
What: A workshop for musicians about how to go on tour
When: Sept. 6th 11:00 a.m.
Where: To Be Announced after registration
Why: Because you may not be ready now, but it never hurts to be prepared with all the facts
How: Register at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/41890Details:
PROFESSIONAL TOURING WORKSHOP
After years of learning the ropes as a touring band, Ruby Dee and Jorge Harada of Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers have compiled a plethora of information for those who desire to load gear into a van and ply their trade to the masses 'out there'. From helpful hints regarding hotel and dining savings to when to start booking, they bring a textbook's worth of valuable tidbits to the table.
The following topics will be covered, along with take home samples to accompany your own personal notes:
*Mapping & booking a tour
*What to have before you start (with sample contracts)
*Budgeting (with sample spreadsheets)
*Tips to save money on hotels, meals, gas, etc.
*Safety and sanity tips
*And moreRuby Dee and the Snakehandlers have toured extensively in the United States and abroad.
Jorge Harada, Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers' guitarist formerly of the rockabilly giants DRAGSTRIP 77, brings booking experience and practical road wisdom to the workshop. Jorge hails from Mexico City originally, with a youth spent in Los Angeles and Las Vegas prior to starting up with the Snakehandlers with Ruby Dee 6 years ago.
Ruby Dee, of Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers, brings booking, budgeting, planning and customer service along for the ride. Ruby grew up traveling back and forth from Northern California foothill ranches to the cotton and oil fields of the Texas panhandle. These influences are reflected in Ruby's writing style, as well as her experience owning restaurants and working on boats in Alaska.
For more information, high resolution photos or to set up interviews please contact Angela Jossy, ph#253-426-5704, email pointdefiancemusicfest@live.com.
Festival website: www.pointdefiancemusicfest.org