Dmitri
Jun. 17, 2009 at 9:42am
Hotel Murano spearheads successful effort to chase Wintergrass out of Tacoma
We're too good for bluegrass
The Hotel Murano has won a number of local awards, and I'm sure they deserve every one of them. Here's one I know they deserve:Most Successful Effort in Ridding Tacoma of Lowbrow Musical Events
Yes, they've gotten rid of Wintrgrass and sent it to Bellevue. Congratulations! Who needs tourists and their money, especially at the end of February, when occupancy rates are, I'm sure, at their highest. And don't forget: many of these tourists play banjos. Who needs that at a classy hotel like the Murano and a classy city like Tacoma? Cellos maybe ... but banjos?
For 15 years, the Sheraton hosted Wintergrass with no unresolvable issues. Then, the Murano came along and decided it was too good for bluegrass. They bought and installed new, expensive, fragile furniture that was unable to withstand the rigors of being used by the public in a hotel lobby. When the furniture broke down, they blamed festival-goers for being hooligans.
They added a charge of vandalism, claiming that festival-goers had thrown beer bottles into one of the glass sculptures. It turned out to be Travis Tritt fans from a Tacoma Dome show who had done this particular deed, but hotel management continued to blame Wintergrass for this, long after they knew better.
This led to the hotel demanding numerous changes to the way the festival was run this past year. Hearing about these changes, many people from out of town decided not to attend, and attendance was down precipitously.
The festival is losing money, the staff is not being paid, and one or two more years is likely all we would get under the current terms. The hotel's attitude apparently was along the lines of "where else will they go? We're the only game in town, so we'll continue to gouge and make demands."
It turns out there was somewhere else to go: Bellevue. The Hyatt offered everything the Murano wouldn't. The head of the chain that owns the Murano then accused Wintergrass of holding the city and the hotel hostage, that the festival should consider it an honor and a privilege to be gouged by such a high-class hotel.
I'm sure the Hotel Murano is quite well-versed in all the ways a business can blackmail and squeeze a city for concessions. In fact, I'm betting they're experts at the process. I think it may be time for the city to look into any and all concessions it has made for the Murano and consider taking a few of them back.
It's always easy to blame city government when something like this happens, but this time, it won't wash. The hotel sweeps this award category pretty much single-handedly. They claim they would lose money if they made concessions to the festival. I'm sure there's a waiting list of groups that want to fill the hotel the last weekend of February.
For myself, I'm a member of a couple of organizations that use Murano facilities for some of their events. I'm going to do whatever I can to convince those organizations to look elsewhere for future events.
So, congratulations to the Murano for ridding the city of Tacoma of bluegrass music. If we're ever going to be a truly high-class city, what we really need is a snooty hotel and no banjoes.
You can read Ernest Jasmine's piece about this in the TNT. By the time this gets posted, others will probably already written about this. This is my take, as a long-time festival volunteer.
Mar. 6, 2009 at 8:55am
Izenmania plays with flowers
Mister Fusion headlines Seymour Second Sunday
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH IS THE SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OF MARCH
By now, everyone should know what that means ... music at the W.W. Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park. Every month on the second Sunday of the month, cool and groovy local musicians showcase their talents at the Seymour Conservatory from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
That's at 316 S. G St.
This month, the headliner is Mister Fusion, a duo comprised of our own Joe Izenman and his buddy, Erich Sachs. They write their own songs and then sing them out loud using their very own voices. There are guitars involved, as well as a doumbek (it's a drum) and sometimes even a Melodica (image provided ... ignore the dad in the background ... couldn't crop him out). They are committed to bringing their youthful energy and talent to this venerable location, and have promised to scare neither the flowers nor the assembled patrons.
We (that's me) hope y'all will consider making these Second Sunday events a regular part of your musical and botanical education. They (Joe and Erich) hope you'll start doing so, if you haven't already, this coming Sunday.
Feb. 6, 2009 at 8:35am
Here we go again ...Second Sunday Music at WW Seymour Conservatory
The Hayburners ... and one last look at Chihuly
Once again, it's time for me to remind you of the fabulous music event that is Second Sunday Music at the WW Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park. The music runs from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
I'm looking forward to seeing them (and meeting them) this weekend. You should, as well.
Jan. 9, 2009 at 10:04am
What's this Sunday? Why ... it's the Second Sunday (of January)!
That means there's music in the fragrant air of the Seymour Conservatory
LET KATHYE LONG ENTERTAIN YOU THIS SUNDAY. Once again, I'm here to remind you that on the Second Sunday of every month, the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park hosts a music concert. These concerts run from 1 PM to 2:30 PM.
We like her a lot, and we know you will, too. All you have to do is show up.
Usually, admission to the Conservatory is free. Until February 22nd, there is an amazing Dale Chihuly glass installation nestled in among all the flora. In order to pay for the security needed for this fragile installation, they are suggesting a $5 donation.
It's worth it. Kathye's worth it. You're worth it. Aren't you?
I'll be back Sunday morning to remind you. And, don't forget the Feed's Calendar section.
For more information about this monthly event and other cool stuff offered by Metro Parks, you could visit their website.
Dec. 14, 2008 at 10:14am
Don't forget the music today at the Seymour Conservatory
Tom Brooks Trio plays
Don't forget the Second Sunday Music at the WW Seymour Conservatory, today from 1:00 to 2:30.
It's warmer inside the conservatory than almost anywhere else in town, so don't let the snow stop you.
Check out my Wednesday post for more information.
Dec. 12, 2008 at 5:34pm
Anyone know what happened to "The Muse?"
Locked up and emptied out
The Muse was an ambitious new coffeehouse on Sixth Avenue, with live music on the weekends and open mics on Tuesdays and Thursdays.This Thursday (yesterday), they were scheduled to have a concert with a couple of national touring acts. We showed up, only to find the place locked down and dark.
Today, I walked by and got a peek inside. Everything is gone ... sound system, seating, everything.
The website says it's "closed for maintenance ... come back again soon."
Anyone know anything? I was hoping to play there, doggone it! Tacoma has precious few paying venues for musicians. It was exciting to see one arrive and disappointing to see it disappear so quickly.
Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:20am
Second Sunday Music & Chihuly glass, too!
Tom Brooks Trio plays jazz at Seymour Conservatory this Sunday, December 14th
CHIHULY AT SEYMOUR 100 with The Tom Brooks Trio to serenade you.
The second Sunday of the month (every month!), the W.W. Seymour Conservatory hosts live music amidst the foliage from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This month, and in January and February as well, the bonus feature is the spectacular Dale Chihuly glass exhibit that is part of the Seymour Conservatory's ongoing 100th birthday party.
The W.W. Seymour Conservatory is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma. The exhibit, Chilhuly at Seymour 100, will be in place until February 22nd.
That gives you three Second Sundays to hear music while you smell the flowers and ogle the amazing glass flora. On December 14th (that's this coming Sunday), you'll hear The Tom Brooks Trio (more details below). On January 11th, the youthful angst and energy of Mister Fusion (Joe Izenman and Erich Sachs) will fill the fragrant space, as the new year gets rolling with the best in Geek Folk (I'm Joe's dad ... I can get away with that ... I think). Then, on February 8th, The Hayburners (Jennifer Spector and David Tiemann) bring their smart lyrics and lovely harmonies to the Seymour.
Here's what Tom Brooks says about The Tom Brooks Trio:
This trio features Seattle area jazz guitarist Greg Glassman. Greg's guitar playing style reflects his study of "jazz giants" including Jim Hall while his improvisational approach is reminiscent of the great horn players in jazz history. Also featured in this trio is Tacoma trumpeter, Kevin England, well-known for his warm tone, impeccable intonation, and improvisation. Tacoma bassist Tom Brooks will accompany Greg and Kevin on the upright bass.
"This is a great opportunity to custom-fit the instrumentation with the venue," Brooks said. "I can't wait to hear Kevin's horn playing in this building. His style is so warm that he can play boldly, but it still feels soft. I think that's unusual for a trumpet player. As for Greg ... his playing is so subtle and incredibly tasty; it's going to be a great fit. He's the kind of player you have to pay attention to. You can't be a passive listener with this guy or you'll miss the best stuff. He's not 'in your face,' but rather lyrically whispering in your ear."
Tom Brooks (253-431-6694)
http://www.myspace.com/tradertomsislandmusic
So, come visit this gorgeous building in the urban jewel that is Wright Park. Check out the Chihuly exhibit, the ever-changing floral landscape, and ... this Sunday and every Second Sunday, the music. Don't forget the music!
We'll remind you again (yes we will) come the weekend.
Nov. 12, 2008 at 4:23pm
Blues music at Rhapsody in Bloom tonight
GONE POSTAL will sing and pick for you!
Sorry for the very late notice. It's taken awhile to recover from a week in Hawaii. Too danged much sun! Just in case you're looking for something groovy to do this evening.
My buddy, Stevie Carman, loves to sing the blues. He also writes songs, happy songs, and he loves to sing those, too.
He and I have been playing in the streets, at farmers markets mostly, and have started calling ourselves Gone Postal, an homage to our shared former employer, our shared retired status, and our generally disgruntled natures.
Stevie is playing this evening (Wednesday, the 12th of November) at Rhapsody in Bloom, a lovely flower/coffee/snack/music venue on the north side of Sixth Avenue, between Proctor and Union. The show is from 7 - 9 pm. It's being billed (at least by Stevie's lovely wife Leslie, in an email she sent out) as a Gone Postal show, although I feel I'm mostly there as a sideman, which is a role I embrace. This is because Stevie's original material and public domain (that means old) material fit more neatly into that royalty-free category that Denise Smith (Rhapsody's owner) prefers to showcase.
A recent addition to the Gone Postal family is our extra-good buddy, Goodwin Trent, bass player, punster, and certifiably tall songwriter. He'll sing a few of his own tunes and provide that big bottom end we love so much (on the bass!). He's not postal, but he is retired, and by all accounts, was quite disgruntled before said retirement.
Anyway, most of you probably have fabulous plans for the evening ... walking in the rain, standing in the rain, running in the rain, hiding from the rain, and of course, singing in the rain ... the possibilities are endless.
If you're free, though, you could do worse than come down to Rhapsody in Bloom this evening and catch some lowdown gritty blues. We'll save a seat for you ... and you ... and you.
Nov. 7, 2008 at 11:15am
Music at Seymour Conservatory this Sunday
Postcard from Hawaii
Cruel Introduction
Well, we've been on the Big Island of Hawaii for this whole week, wondering what the weather is like back home (Kevin's post seems to suggest a bit of precipitation). As we left town, it was raining in Tacoma and we were looking forward to a week of not-rain. I imagined blogging every day, rubbing in the fact I was here in the sunshine and you, most likely, were not.
But then, every day, after laying around in the sun on the beach all day, I found myself unable to work up the energy to be so cruel. I'm here this morning to report on an exciting event happening this weekend, right there in Tacoma. Then ... well, I think we're going to head to the beach and lay around in the sun.
Second Sunday Music at the Seymour
One of the underappreciated regular musical events in town is the Second Sunday Concert Series at the WW Seymour Botanical Consevatory at Wright Park.The Seymour is a local treasure, celebrating its 100th birthday (even older than me!), and they present a wide variety of acoustic music among the flowers every second Sunday of every month.
The music runs from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This Sunday, November 9, is this month's second Sunday, so guess what ... that's right: Irish music!
My buddies, Brynn Starr, on fiddle, and Sue Tjardes, on guitar, will play a bunch of Irish fiddle tunes, and who knows what else (Sue writes songs; they both sing). They're kind to the ears and easy on the eyes.
You should come on down, this Sunday, and the second Sunday of every month. It's warm and dry, wonderfully fragrant, and full of great music.
Next month, Tom Brooks will bring his jazz trio to the venue, and in January, Izenmania will bring Mister Fusion in. It's a varied and eclectic mix, and you pretty much guaranteed to have a good time.
Cruel Ending
It's time, it appears, to head back to the beach. There are many attractive possibilities, but with a book on my iPod, laying in the sun sounds pretty good. You remember the sun, don't you?
And don't despair ... I'll be back in my soggy, beloved, Tacoma in a few days. Paradise gets old after awhile. At least, that's what I hear.
Oct. 10, 2008 at 11:07am
Sitar concert tonight at TACID
Fundraiser for disabilities organization features Indian music
Hmmm ... this event is a fund-raiser for TACID and is sponsored, in part, by The Weekly Volcano. So why do I have to go to The Tacoma Weekly to get any information about it? If our friends at The Volcano have something in the pipeline for later today, I apologize for my impatience. I wanted, though, to publicize this event before I hit the transit highway to Frost Park.
TACID is the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities. They do lots of good stuff (life skills, housing, employment, etc.) for people with disabilities. I won't bore you with the details, but you can talk to me about it (I'm the newest member of their board), or check out their website.
Tonight, at 7:30 PM, at the TACID Center (6315 S. 19th St., 98466. It's right next door to TCC and the TCC Transit Center), there will be a concert of Indian music, performed by sitarist Pandit Debi Prassad Chatterjee and tabla player Seattleite Tor Dietrichson.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $10 for students with school ID. All the proceeds will go to benefit TACID.
The event is sponsored by The Weekly Volcano and Gatewary to India. If you haven't eaten there yet, explain yourself!
Our family plan is to eat dinner at Gateway and then head to the show. Good food, good music, an enlightening cultural experience ... and all for a good cause. Not a bad blueprint for a Friday night!
About
Don Izenman ... retired mailman ... occasional musician ... proud father ... happily married (this time for sure!) ... contented non-driver ... interested in all things local and all things Tacoma. Oh yeah ... food, beer, and wine!