showcase magazine | summer 09
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community
The group plays intriguing melodies in an upbeat, unique “gypsy jazz” style. Sciacca’s featured violin solos have been described as “sizzling”. The band features an exceptional jazz improviser, Dave Stewart, on mandolin. The remaining three members of the five-member, all instrumental band excel at their respective instruments—bass, rhythm guitar, and percussion. Ranger’s creative leads complement the group’s steady, swinging rhythms. Influenced by the style created in the 1930s by Django Reinhardt and other European string players who embraced American jazz, their music is exhilarating and inspiring. North of Tacoma lies Seattle, where it seldom rains on Labor Day weekend. Yet the word Bumbershoot is thought to be a combination of the “umber” (from umbrella) and “chute” (from parachute). It’s meant to be a metaphor; the festival is an umbrella for all the various arts and performances it includes. Since 1971 Bumbershoot has drawn artists representing the best in film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, visual arts, and music. It’s North America’s largest urban arts festival and one of the largest in the world. Over 150,000 visitors are expected to converge upon the seventy-four acre Seattle Center. Regional favorites to international superstars like Sheryl Crow will perform in a variety of settings. Some venues are large, others small; some indoor, others outdoor. The home of the 1962 World’s Fair boasts a top-notch opera house and an outdoor stadium. The Temptations. The Four Tops. Gladys Knight and the Pips. Soul artist Raphael Saadiq counts all of them among his greatest influences. With uncommon ability, he’s been able to meld their sounds with his to create his own style of passionate soul music. Some pieces have an insistent driving beat; others have a smooth balladry sound. Fusing the best of traditional and contemporary R&B, he’s an artist continuing a tradition that goes back to the ‘60s.
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Michael Franti wears no shoes. In an anti-poverty protest, he gave up footwear, initially for three days, and never went back. Except for occasionally wearing crocs or flip-flops, Franti has been shoeless for almost ten years. His music reflects his support for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues, voicing his political observations through music. His band, Spearhead, complements his captivating, sensual singing voice, blending hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, and folk. More recent compositions combine affirming lyrics are set to swelling rock chords. “I think over time, we’ve created a sound that’s unique to our band,” he notes. De La Soul’s style is “anti-rap”. Creative and innovative, the three man jazz-rap group bucks current trends and remains true to itself. The three musicians create hip-hop that mocks the work of the latest overnight sensations and their often ostentatious charades. Though they’ve been disparaged for their refusal to embrace violent themes, they’ve received a Grammy and high praise from critics. De La Soul’s sounds are novel and refreshing. A summer-long music extravaganza awaits. Whether you prefer classical, international or pop, put on your shorts and sandals, pack up the sunscreen and enjoy. As Ronald Regan said, “Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.” mary morgan For more information and complete schedules please see: www.olympicmusicfestival.org www.metroparkstacoma.org www.bumbershoot.org