Dr. Sputnik  "No Cure for Time"

   Friday, August 29, 7:30pm

...and in the later days, when the memory of his fall had faded to fitful midnight whispers, Dr. Sputnik washed ashore on a remote northwest island. The better part of a lifetime was behind him, a once glowing promise sullied by arrogant mendacity. Shiftless
and drifting, he had been swallowed by the cares of the world. Then there he was, spat out by that whale, coughing up seawater on a rainy gray beach.  It was faint at first, the rhythm. It was like trying to recall the sweetest of dreams.  Years passed before he began to understand how the island's own heartbeat played through the dozens, maybe hundreds of musicians who had been drawn there. And in that music was the possibility of renewal, the possibility of vibrant joy.  In the days that remained, through his devotion to well worn tunes, maybe he began to heal.

All that, but don't you know, there is no cure for time.

    Just Fiddlin' Round

     VIGA Benefit Concert       Saturday, August 30, 7:30pm

Just Fiddlin Round and VIGA
Two Groups Growing Up Together

    Like many of Vashon’s well-kept secrets, the word is getting out on Just Fiddlin’ Round. Megan Hackett and Hannah Scheer, the precocious “front girls” for this blue grass and country band, have been playing together since primary school. These pint-sized performers were a big hit sawing out tunes on their ¼ size violins at the 2003 Strawberry Festival. After that, they had the bug.   Encouraged by Vashon’s supportive arts community, the next year Megan and Hannah found their voices – literally. Adding singing to the JFR repertoire, they opened a whole new dimension to their interpretation of traditional songs like “Old Joe Clark” and “Crawdad Duel.” The girls played many times at the Farmer’s Market, as well as other island venues.
       In the years following, the girls have grown into full sized fiddles and developed a mature sound. They are still enamored with traditional old time favorites, but now experiment with songs from John Denver, the Charlie Daniels Band, and others. Their second CD, “Who’s Chicken,” highlights their tight harmonies and fancy riffs.
      No longer just a “Vashon band,” the girls regularly play as far south as Olympia and north into Everett. They have played weddings, major fairs, and festivals. Yet, they love Vashon audiences best, and are excited to be playing a concert that benefits one of their first and best supporters in one of Vashon’s favorite locations. Join Megan and Hannah August 30th at 7:30 pm for “Grooves for the Green” to benefit VIGA at Café Luna. Come see why the sound of Just Fiddlin Round appeals to so many, and experience “old music through young eyes

Proceeds benefit the Vashon Island Growers Association!

Donation $12

    Colby Stead      Simple Songs for a Complex Mind

     Saturday, September 6, 7:30pm

Those who have been lucky enough to attend a live concert by Colby Stead know that it is always an emotional and fulfilling experience, something not to be missed.  He has a completely unique and honest style, and a message that has been whole-heartedly embraced by all types of people from his performances in homes and venues across the United States.  Colby’s ideas and performances are brilliantly and carefully crafted.  His shows are filled with humor and emotion, reality and compassion.  Colby is extremely prolific and creative, a truly original and authentic voice.

              Colby Stead is traveling and performing with his cousin, Steven Gertsch, who plays the cello, and Amy Robinson, who sings harmony while playing the accordion.  Blending with Colby’s guitar, these instruments create a full and unique sound.  It is sure to be different from anything you’ve heard or experienced before.

www.colbystead.com

Kate Graves is a singer-songwriter based out of Seattle, Washington. In 2007 she released her debut EP “Little Owl”. She was a finalist in both the Founder’s Folk & Bluegrass Festival and N.C.S.C songwriting contests. She also received honorable mentions in the prestigious Rocky Mountain Folks Festival & Telluride Troubadour contests. Kate is currently touring and looking forward to recording her first full length album. You can hear her music at www.kategravesmusic.com.

What began as a meditation on the constellations and our irreverent mimicry has predictably morphed into a messier, more interesting enterprise. Seattle-based songwriter Ali Marcus is hard at work on her fifth-ish record, presumptively titled “Orion” - only she is pretty sure that the celestial namesake will not stick. For now, we’ll go with “Forthcoming,” so that the intentions are clear. 

“Forthcoming” will be her first release since April’s “Mostly Piano EP,” and it’s tracklist has spent all spring and summer getting road-tested for, among other things, rhythm, ‘tude, and sincerity. Audiences from New York to Carolina to New Mexico to California to the Great Northwest have been responsible for determining this criteria and making the call.  

Additionally, Ali has rounded up a handful of accomplished musicians to add to the new record, finally bringing the oft-requested ‘full band’ sound onto tape – well, ok, onto chip. Keep your ears peeled for drums, upright bass, and banjo among the usual guitar, piano, harmonica.

Touring plans for the rest of the year include a trip to the Bay Area for some solo shows as well as a Sweetheart Army appearance, and a four-month long regional push casually dubbed “The Coffeehouse Tour.”

What happened with the whole “Orion” thing, anyway? Well, there are still plenty of stories about Gods and Goddesses – their various pursuits and what exactly they did that landed them in the heavens for eternity. It’s turns out, though, that the heavens are merely a reflection of the land, this land, Woody’s land – more varied and stunning than the outlines in the sky will ever be.

For complete details on Ali’s news, please visit www.alimarcus.com

   Janie and Joe      Folk-Rock, Americana, Blues

     Saturday, September 20, 7:30pm

Janie and Joe perform as a duo-Janie sings and plays keyboards, various percussion instruments and the Bodhran,an Irish goatskin drum,while Joe amazes audiences with his skills on numerous acoustic and electric guitars. They are gifted songwriters able to go from a sparse achingly tender love song to an uptempo sultry blues number and then turn the corner into a bouncy Irish-flavored instrumental and top that off with a rockin' balls-to-the-wall socially conscious tune that leaves the crowd begging for more. In a world of pre-packaged "muzak" this music is refreshing,relevant and real! They perform at major Art and Music Festivals, Brew Pubs and Coffeehouses all over the Northwest and in Ireland.

   Jump Track     World Beats Meet Acoustic Rock

     Friday, September 26, 7:30pm

    Michael Mucklow      Relaxing Original Fingerstyle Instrumental Compositions

      Saturday, September 27, 7:30pm

   Michael Mucklow is an instrumental guitarist who journeys outside the box. His use of alternate tunings crafts music that speaks volumes for his daring. A diverse background gives Michael the courage to pursue individuality and unusual settings for his solo Fingerstyle guitarwork. While his music springs surprises, it also maintains a state of constant grace as it changes pace and direction. His albums are fresh, laid back, unpretentious, and reassuring in their optimism. Simplicity and positive undertones make a wonderful combination; the result is memorable music. www.michaelmucklow.com