FOLK CRUNCH

WES WEDDELL: NORTHWEST FOLK SUPERSTAR

2010-07-31T08:12:00.003-06:00

I first heard of Wes Weddell in 2001 while listening to NPR (National Public Radio). Wes was being interviewed because he had put together an independent study project through the University of Washington to travel the Northwest and garner local folklore and history and then use the gathered stories as inspiration for writing songs. That's a pretty clever way of working music into your history major! The powers-that-be were also impressed and Wes was awarded a Venture Fellowship from the Mary Gates Foundation. The grant allowed Weddell to travel the whole of Washington state and take the time to get in-depth interviews from locals in the smaller towns. It also enabled him to share the songs that were the fruits of his labors. Wes Weddell's CD My Northwest Home was released to instant folk fanfare and acclaim.

Along with being a dedicated and talented performer and teacher Wes Weddell is a tireless and unselfish supporter of the Seattle Folk and Acoustic Music Scene. He founded the non-profit Puget's Sound Productions in 2003 (still going strong today); presented the Seattle Sounds Showcase in Austin, Texas at the 2006 Folk Alliance Conference (this is were I first heard my very favorite Wes Weddell song performed live: Happiness Fulfilled. How can you go wrong with a song about the Virgin Mary & a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?!) In 2007 Wes released another highly regarded CD Songs To Get You From Here To There which features the tune Carry On -- winner of the 2006 Tumbleweed Songwriting Contest.

Weddell's 2010 CD release By The Side Of The Lake brings eleven mature and finely crafted folk tunes with the same rural & roots feeling as his previous works. Over the years Wes has become an excellent song smith and writes compelling story songs to accompany his fine playing. It's hard to choose one favorite track from all the northwest flavored folk gems but if pressed I would have to choose Not Now for the banjo and full character vocal.

Catch Wes Weddell live at the 2010 Tumbleweed Muusic Festival - Saturday, September 4 @ 3:30 -4:15 pm on the West Stage.

Links: Wes Weddell & Tumbleweed Music Festival

QUESTIONNAIRE WITH WES WEDDELL!

WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT IDEA OF HAPPINESS?

The chance to do it all again tomorrow . . .

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

Losing those closest to me.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?

Obedience.

ON WHAT OCCASION DO YOU LIE?

To protect others' feelings.

WHO OR WHAT IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?

My community and family.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE WHAT TO COME BACK AS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Tough one: some cats seem to have if awfully good . . .

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?

Discipline.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?

Disingenuousness.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?

Sleeping in . . .

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?

Nothing jumps quickly to mind, and for that I'm grateful. Most faintly-lingering misgivings center around relationships with people ( and my behaviors!) . . .

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?

Despite my history degree, no quick answer here, either: some hybrid of Woody Guthrie and Carl Perkins, perhaps . . .?

WHICH LIVING FIGURE DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?

Tom Petty.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

Materially, a toss-up between two instruments: an 89-year-old mandolin given to me by a family friend and an electric guitar I built in high school.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My capacity to be satisfied and receive kudos (increase both!).

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

"Roll with it . . ."

CHARLOTTE THISTLE BAND: WILD WIND

2010-03-12T19:44:00.047-07:00

Charlotte Thistle Band gives us another treasure trove of gems with the new CD release Wild Wind.

Wild Wind follows Charlotte's suburb 2005 release A Girl With A Guitar and both her voice and musical style have matured nicely. The first track on the disc, What if I'd Stayed, grabbed my ears and pulled me in right away. It's the perfect song to listen to alone on a dark, rainy night and the lyrics alternately brought a feeling of melancholy and a smile to my face. The clarinet on this tune gives a nice and different touch - a smoky, jazz club feel that really gets under your skin. Coward is another track that stands out and also has a jazz feel within the vocals and Andy Short's bass line.

Charlotte is an excellent lyricist and her song writing is genuine and thought provoking without being abrasive. This really comes through on Dare To Resist. My favorite track on the album, Dare To Resist, has a gypsy guitar style I love and is a wonderful and emotionally powerful song. Dare . . . brings vivid imagery to mind that pulls at the heart and Ann Petry's 1946 novel The Street immediately came to mind.

Light A Fire also got under my skin and transported me, bringing a vision of New York City's streets; the sights, smell, and sounds coming vividly to my mind. Charlotte channels the Jazz Chanteuse on Lap of Luxury and, once again, Joel Tepp's clarinet adds an excellent touch. The title track Wild Wind brings a nice, rounded finish to the album with a country-tinged story song.

Although recorded with a band, the other musicians accompany Charlotte without drowning her out - something that can be hard for an acoustic artist to achieve in the recording process. The seasoned and talented cast of players: Andy Short on bass; Joel Tepp playing clarinet; and Russ Johnson in a variety of roles, support Charlotte's singing and guitar work without being overbearing - a true group effort. Wild Wind is a complete, thoughtful and genuine recording that comes from a true artist. [The CD also features beautiful cover art from the late Brenda Zager] For a night of Real Music, and to get your own copy of Wild Wind, get on down to Conor Byrne on Friday, April 2 for the CD Release Party.

QUESTIONNAIRE! WITH CHARLOTTE THISTLE . . .

WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT IDEA OF HAPPINESS?
Living in Rivendell.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Hmmm ..... Eviction?

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?
Tendency to cuss & speak my mind. (Is that a virtue or a sin?)

ON WHAT OCCASIONS DO YOU LIE?
When talking to authority figures.

WHO OR WHAT IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
The art of dancing.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE WHAT TO COME BACK AS WHAT WOULD IT BE?
??

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
A talent for making money.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Cowardice.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Long hot showers and baths.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
Failing to recognize the value of education earlier in my life.

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
Joan of Arc.

WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
Ani di Franco.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My guitar, or my teddy bear. Or my cat,but I'm not sure she ought to count as a 'possession'.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'd have a bachelor's degree.

WHAT IS YOU MOTTO?
Fight to stay independent. Don't make compromises to art or integrity for money.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2010-03-02T18:12:00.008-07:00

To be healthy: eat right, walk right, and talk to yourself right.

May you have love, kindness, and compassion for all living things.

Don't take pride in taking. Give and you will be given virtues.

Learn to be noble, courteous, and committed.

Where there is love, there is no question.

CLASSIC YUMMY

2010-02-28T19:41:00.006-07:00

Cheese Pie is a favorite recipe of mine. Easy to make and delicious to eat, it makes an elegant & romantic dinner paired with a nice salad and glass of wine. Cheese Pie also makes an excellent breakfast served with Faux Bacon and Extra Strong Coffee. Best served warm, straight from the oven.

If you can stir and follow directions, you can make Cheese Pie. Here's The Recipe . . .

Butter, for greasing pan

1 Extra Large Egg

3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 Teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper

1 Cup Milk

1 Cup Grated Muenster Cheese

* A Combination of Cheddar & Muenster works well & is extra yummy

Preheat oven to 425. Butter a 9 inch glass pie plate or 10 inch oven proof skillet. In a medium bowl, beat the egg.
Add Flour- Salt - Pepper and 1/2 Cup Milk. Stir until smooth - add remaining 1/2 Cup Milk - Stir to Combine. Add Cheese - Stir to Combine - Then pour into prepared pan. bake until Puffed & Nicely Browned. Cut into Wedges and Serve Immediately.

Enjoy!

ACOUSTIC ECLECTIC

2010-02-27T08:46:00.009-07:00

WILLIE NELSON: Willie Nelson will be performing at the Puyallup Fair this year! Show date is September 16. The Puyallup Fair is always a good & happy time. I looove the Fair and it's one of the things I really miss about living in the Seattle area. Farm Animals and Vegetable Displays galore -and, of course, every year there is a GIant Pumpkin! A day with Arts & Crafts, Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears, Vintage Rides, The Rodeo, Grilled Onion Burgers [There's a Veggie version!], and the music of Country Legend - Poet - Wanderer & Activist Willie Nelson can't be beat. Wish I could be there! Hope he plays Beer For Horses & Always On My Mind. Willie Nelson & Puyallup Fair

CHARLOTTE THISTLE: Charlotte is releasing her new CD Wild Wind in April and I'm anxiously awaiting an advance copy for review! Wild Wind will be Charlotte's first release since her 2005 effort A Girl With A Guitar. The CD release party will be held on Friday, April 2nd at Conor Byrne. [Conor Byrne is a lively pub in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle that features a decent musical line-up] In the mean time you can catch Charlotte live when she tours the beautiful Oregon Coast. She'll be performing at Artichoke Music in Portland on Friday, March 19 - 7:30 pm and Cafe Mundo in Newport on Friday, April 30 - 8 pm. See what's happening in between: Charlotte Thistle

JOAN BAEZ: I will always love Joan Baez. She is my birthday sister - both of us born on January 9; myself in 1967 and Joan in 1941 - and has been my ideal since I was a young girl. While I was living in New York City I was lucky enough to see a live interview with Joan at the 92nd Street Y. She was interviewed by the esteemed Anthony De Curtis and played several songs; one of which was the Phil Ochs classic There But For Fortune. A few months later I saw Joan perform live at New York's historic Town Hall. Her performance was unbelievably fine and the encore of Diamonds & Rust brought tears to my eyes. Joan is truly a timeless and classic artist and I can only hope I look that good and have that much energy and grace when I reach her age. Currently, Joan Baez is touring Europe and has concert dates in Germany, Spain, and Portugal - Oh you lucky Europeans!. For more information on the tour dates check the website: Joan Baez For those of us Stateside I highly recommend viewing How Sweet The Sound the PBS American Masters biography which spans Joan's career and highlights her wonderful and courageous political activism. She truly is, and should be, an inspiration to us all.

PK DWYER: It's been ten years since PK Dwyer began what he calls his "Blues Odyssey" and he hasn't looked back since. After being inspired by a vision of Jimmy Reed, Dwyer penned - the now classic tune - Up To My Balls In The Blues which became the title track to his 2001 rock-a-billy styled blues release. All of you die-hard PK fans should take note: Up To My Balls . . . is soon to be out of print, so pick up a copy while you still can. PK's whirlwind blues decade produced two more CD's - Blues Guy Now, considered by some to be "a modern blues masterpiece" and the raw & raucous Healed, his best selling CD to date [also almost of of print]. He also criss-crossed the United States and Europe several times on festival and busking tours and has relocated with a trajectory that has taken him from Seattle, Washington to Black Mountain, North Carolina, onto New York City, and currently, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The past year has been tough on Dwyer with the loss of his beloved companion Frankie The Dog, changing Busking Laws forcing a move from NY, and a recent hand injury that, unfortunately, has caused him to cancel the first leg of his Folk Someone You Love tour. Hopefully, some good will come from the adversity with more witty and inspired Dwyer blues tunes. Keep up with The Dwyer Family Circus here: PK Dwyer

RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOT: Quite a few years ago now there were a few events that happened in quick succession and had a profound effect on me; cementing my feet forever in what I call "My World of Folkdom" . . . #1. I met the man who is now my beloved husband, PK Dwyer, and learned all he had to teach me regarding music history & folk music in particular. #2. I had the great honor and privilege to share a meal with the late, great Dave Van Ronk - and see one of his last concerts at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. And #3. I discovered another musical treasure and inspiration: Ramblin' Jack Elliot. I came to know of Ramblin' Jack via a documentary that was made by his daughter entitled The Balld of Ramblin Jack. One of the original roving troubadours, Ramblin' Jack has been an influence on many a great artist. Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and The Rolling Stones are to name just a few. He is with out question the real deal; running away from home as teenager to join a circus rodeo and learning to play guitar from cowboys around the campfire. He later met, traveled, lived with, and performed with Woody Guthrie and in the 1970's was part of The Rolling Thunder Revue with Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Now approaching 80 Jack is still out on the road performing and he was awarded a 2010 Grammy forA Stranger Here - Best Traditional Blues Recording. His life of travel and music is a testament to the American Troubadour, making the most of what life has to offer, whether it may be hard times or good fortune.

RECENTLY I . . .

2010-02-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

Moved from New York City to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Started to love the silver streaks in my hair

Rented a cute bungalow

Found out I'm allergic to Goji Berries

Stabbed myself in the hand with a knife . . . Accidentally, of course

Fell in love with my husband all over again

Adopted a dog named Lazy from the local Animal Shelter

Bought furniture and groceries from Wal Mart

Started drinking Detox Tea everyday

Found out Texas really isn't all that bad

Started going to bed at a reasonable hour

PK DWYER: TIMELESS TROUBADOUR

2009-09-16T17:57:00.002-06:00

After living a fairly settled life in the Seattle area for about ten years, PK Dwyer left life in the Pacific Northwest in 2005 and took his boisterous brand of roots & blues on a coffeehouse tour of the Southeast and a pilgrimage to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.

'I wanted to soak up those vibes' says Dwyer. 'I was lucky enough to see Mary Jane Queen and her family in a really small venue in Black Mountain. They were just this amazing family of finger pickers and fiddlers. It was like the stereo-typical mountain music experience brought to life. My wife & I lived in Black Mountain, NC for about 6 months and had a good time there touring around & busking some. We met some nice folks there but people seemed mostly into the traditional folk & bluegrass thing. I felt like I was just a little too weird for the environment - musically speaking - so we decided to head to New York City and I've been busking my ass off in New York for about four years now'.

Deciding it really is time for change PK prepares to take what some would call another erratic turn with a move to Albuquerque, NM in April of 2010.

'Up until the last year or so New York has been real good to me but with the downturn of the economy and the city officials deciding to come down on buskers it's gotten hard for my wife & I to make it here' says Dwyer. 'My wife Carol has a bug in her head about Albuquerque and New Mexico in general - she's really into folk art and has always wanted to live there so I said Sure, why not? I've really started to miss playing festivals and clubs & traveling around & having those different experiences. I'm anxious to be out on the road again!'

Dwyer & Co. plan to hit the road in mid April 2010 with the Folk Someone You Love Tour - aka The Folk Everybody! Tour - which will include busking stops, folk festivals, and coffeehouses. Check Dwyer's website www.pkdwyer.com for his up-coming itinerary.

QUESTIONNAIRE! WITH PK DWYER . . .

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
To lose my family.

WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
Roy Bookbinder!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Harmonicas, Harmonicas, Harmonicas . . .

ON WHAT OCCASION DO YOU LIE?
Unimportant ones . . .

WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU HAPPIEST?
May 29, 2000 - the day I fell in love with my future wife Carol.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Supporting myself as a musician and my marriage.

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
To speak French fluently.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE HERO OF FICTION?
Flashman.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My song catalouge.

WHAT OR WHO IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
My wife Carol.

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE?
Frankie The Dog.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND?
Hopeful.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Generosity.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Hypocrisy.

WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS THE LOWEST DEPTH OF MISERY?
There are so many things . . .

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Be Here Now & Don't Be Late!

photo credit - Rod Goodman

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2008-04-06T17:20:00.001-06:00

After a two year (+) hiatus I am back on-line as The Real Folk Diva: Billie Dove . . . The photo above is our most loved Roger Dodger . . . RIP

I am now residing in New York City! Here's how I got there:

In December of 2005 we took the plunge - sold our house and left Seattle - a big step for me - I had never lived anywhere else . . . I was both exhilarated and terrified. Good Bye Seattle. Place of my birth!

My beloved PK and I had an adrenalin fueled trip driving cross country with our ultra small motor home [Roger!] pulling the tiniest of trailers filled with all our belongings . . .

Oregon and California were beautiful [I realize now I took all that natural beauty for granted] and familiar as old friends. The vibe around Joshua Tree was spooky at night [remember Gram Parsons] . . . So long West Coast.

Arizona was cruel - scorching during the day and horribly cold at night. It was literally freezing cold with ice forming inside the vehicle overnight while we slept. I had a very unhappy - and cold - Boo Boo Dog after that.

New Mexico was quaint and pretty with very nice folks who tried to help us with the propane heater in Roger. I had the feeling they thought us very simple people because we did not know how to work anythng but the stove . . . We ended up buying two portable propane heaters from K-Mart and that was that - problem solved.

The sky and stars were so pretty every night driving across this great land.

Texas appears to be an almost [I say almost because Austin does have some redeeming qualities] thoroughly hateful and depressing state. The "Picnic Areas" which substitute for normal Rest Areas have no bathrooms or any kind of running water just some cement tables and trash cans in the dry harsh weeds. Dallas has a real Rest Area which is huge and actually very nice - it even has free wi-fi but that was it for the whole state of Tex-Ass. A friend had given my a pamphlet called: Your Rights And The Police and told me to read before drivng through . . . Texas made me nervous and I was glad to leave it behind.

Oklahoma and Arkansas seemed pretty poor but nice in a way too. I actually saw some honest to goodness Roadhouses there and a whole lot of Road Kill.

I liked Tennessee. It was exciting to drive through Memphis and we thought of possibly settling there. I never did get to Dollywood or Graceland though . . . I thought I might go for my 40th Birthday.

Then we reached our goal: The Appalachian Mountains! Our final destination was Hickory North Carolina but we ended up in a small artsy & hippie type town called Black Mountain. Black Mountain is a little outside Asheville [which is called The Paris of the South] and very picturesque. They have a great cafe called The Greenlight and I wanted to eat there all the time - also the Dripolator was very good for coffee.

We would walk the dogs at River Walk Park and you could see the trains go by - the engineer would always wave. One day I saw the Ringling Bros. Circus Train go by! For me that was a real higlihgt of living in Black Mountain . . . There is a lot of wildlife there . . . birds & butterflies of all kinds and the most beautiful night skys - you can see so many stars . . . one night a Bear came onto our porch to see what he could find.

We stayed there for six months in our little shack which we dubbed Hillbilly Haven. It was fun while it lasted and we did alot of traveling around North Carolina [we loved Wilmington] and the rest of the South but unfortunately Roger started to die and no one seemed able to fix him. It was sad but it was time to say Good Bye Roger - I cried.

Next Stop: New York City. We've been here in Spanish Harlem for about two years now and plan on staying for as long as NYC will tolerate us [by some kind of miracle we found a sort-of affordable apartment and we've dubbed the new pad Bohemian Heaven] . . . Darling PK is performing every day and making his way with his music - look for him on the 96th or 51st Subway Platform and at the benches near Levin Playground in Central Park once the weather warms . . . In my New York Life as Mrs D I am working among the fashionistas celebrities and artists of Soho at Gourmet Garage.

AUSTIN FOLK ALLIANCE: KEEPIN' IT WEIRD

2006-02-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Observations on my very first - and I'm sure last - Folk Alliance Conference. February 2006 -- Austin Texas . . .

1. Much to my surprise, a lot of Folkies appear to be hard core drinkers who don't require much sleep.

2. I was there as a renegade and didn't have an official badge -- how any real & true folkster can afford to go to Folk Alliance is beyond me. It wasn't too hard getting in the restricted areas but people did look at me funny.

3. Jo Miller is so cool.

4. I saw & heard the Biscuit Burners for the first time and wondered where the Burn was.

5. Along with the typical fat, frumpy, and horribly dressed participants there are some young & hip folksters coming on the scene. Yes people, it's true, Folk & Fashion plus Politics & Cool can go together!

6. The Lost Bayou Ramblers had great promo - cute & shiny silver matchbooks with their logo & info - and the nicest smiles.

7. I was shocked and disappointed to find out the Mighty Mary McFaul is now representing the Very Mediocre Vicci Martinez.

8. The coffee shop at the Austin Hilton had the absolute worst coffee I've ever had.

9. PK Dwyer brought his great energy and raucous blues to the Seattle Sounds Showcase AND I spied the infamous Clovis Roblaine digging PK's tunes!

10. David Massengill is one awesome songwriter.

11. Bluegrass, Bluegrass, Bluegrass.

12. Laura Love can still belt them out like no one else.

13. Unfortunately,there's a lot of really bad folk music out there.

14. Wes Weddell's Happiness Fufilled -- a song about the Grilled Cheese Virgin Mary -- did leave me feeling Happy and Fufilled indeed.

15. Besides the PK Dwyer I did not hear any Blues. Hmmmm.

16. Sadly, a massive amount of paper was wasted on flyers and posters that no one paid any attention to.

17. Miles & Karina had neat outfits.

18. There are just as many false and schmoozy people in folk music as in any other type.

19. I wonder what Woody Guthrie would think of it all . . .

TUMBLEWEED

2005-09-05T09:31:00.000-06:00

For the third year in a row now, I've poo-pooed the cacophony that is Bumbershoot in favor of the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland, Washington and, for the third year in a row, I was not disappointed.

Described by some as the Anti-Bumbershoot, Tumbleweed is a laid back festival held on the banks of the Columbia River with the focus on acoustic music, story telling, teaching workshops, and dance. Some of my favorites from Saturday's line up featured two esteemed Seattle Folkies, Nancy K Dillon and Michael Guthrie, as well as the heavenly harmonies of Richland's own Humphrey, Hartman, and Cameron, and cowboy stories, songs, and Irish ballads from troubadour Hank Cramer.

Hank Cramer was also an excellent emcee this year for the Saturday Night Concert which featured the Sestishaya Marimba Band, blues guy extraordinaire PK Dwyer, sweet bluegrass sounds from the Badger Mountain Dry Band, and local favorites Squeeze the Weezle with the Comerford Irish Dancers. PK Dwyer gave a jive ass performance with some exceptionally hot harmonica work and was the stand out performer of the evening.

Early Sunday morning I was lucky enough to catch a little of Ruby Devine's mountain music and then was greatly entertained by the old time sounds and humor of Captain Swing & the Coney Island Corndogs. While strolling along the banks of the river I heard the Michael Carlos Band do an ear catching, folkish cover of the Clash's London Calling, an unexpected surprise.

I spent the early part of the afternoon watching and listening to John & Micki Perry, the main organizers and promoters of Tumbleweed and the Three River's Folk Society, give a humorous and heartfelt performance of their No Age Music while immensely enjoying a maple nut ice cream cone before heading back to Seattle.

If you missed out on all the fun this year, don't despair, 2006 marks Tumbleweed's 10th anniversary. Do yourself and your ears a favor . . . Be There.

TUMBLEWEED MUSIC FESTIVAL www.3rfs.org

A GIRL WITH A GUITAR

2005-08-21T10:36:00.000-06:00

Charlotte Thistle, Seattle's own Sweetheart of Folk, gives us a shiny treasure of a CD with her new release A Girl With A Guitar.

Charlotte's voice is sweet and pure -- her voice is exquisite on 'So Blue' -- but with just enough of a quirk to make your ears perk up and stand at attention. Beautiful vocals are backed by her delicate guitar playing and guest musicians are used very sparingly, which is a refreshing change from the usual noise clutter found on many singer songwriter efforts.

Along with 'So Blue', which is one of those songs I can listen to over and over and over again, 'Danny', 'Heroin', and 'Reluctant Bride' are all stand out tracks, and Folk Grrrls everywhere will find an anthem to love with 'Mommy, Why?'

A Girl With A Guitar is a true folk offering from a genuine folk artist. You'll have a chance to see the real deal in action when Charlotte plays the Busker Stage at Bumbershoot, September 2 - 5. She'll also be performing at the Pike Market Buskers Festival on Sunday, September 18 at Noon on the Post Alley Stage.

CHARLOTTE THISTLE www.agirlwithaguitar.com

PIKE MARKET BUSKERS FESTIVAL www.pikemarketbuskers.org

BLUES HARP

2005-08-15T08:29:00.000-06:00

A salute to the smallest, cheapest, and most expressive of blues instruments -- The Harmonica! Guaranteed to brighten the darkest mood and get your toes a tappin', here are some Harmonica Classics I've been digging lately:

I GOT LOVE IF YOU WANT IT -- SLIM HARPO
Recorded Crowley, LA, 1957
Excello Single #2113, July 1957
**Cool drum work on this tune by Clarence 'Jockey' Etienne, this is the flip side to Slim's fist single 'I'm A King Bee'

I'LL BE AROUND -- HOWLIN' WOLF
Recorded Chicago, October, 1954
Chess Single #1584, October, 1954

ROCKET 88 -- JIMMY COTTON BLUES QUARTET
Recorded Chicago, December, 1965
Chicago Blues Today, Vol. 2, Vanguard #9217, 1966

WOLF CALL BOOGIE -- HOT SHOT LOVE
Recorded Memphis, January, 1954
Sun Single #196, January, 1954
**Currently one of my very favorite songs this is, sign painter-street person-harmonica wizard, Hot Shot Love's only single ever released. Full of nasty bar room jive!

SUGAR COATED LOVE -- LAZY LESTER
Recorded Crowley, LA, 1958
Excello Single #2143, August, 1958

JUKE -- LITTLE WALTER AND HIS NIGHT CATS
Recorded Chicago, May 12, 1952
Checker Single #758, August, 1952

ENDS & ODDS -- JIMMY REED
Recorded Chicago, September 5, 1957
Vee-Jay Single #304, December, 1958
** Jimmy's The Man!

THE WOLF MAN

2005-08-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

Greg Spence Wolf is a poet, journalist, political and animal rights activist, environmentalist, songwriter, muti-instrumentalist, and one of my all time favorite Seattle buskers.

You never know where & when you might be treated to Greg doing one of his original tunes or what instrument you might find him playing; Greg is an adept guitar, mandolin, trumpet and harmonica player, as well as being an accomplished trombonist. He can often be found busking at Seattle Center, the Pike Place Market, your favorite neighborhood coffeehouse, or even while you're waiting at the local bus stop!

Some of Greg's best and most poular tunes include: 'Tofu Serenade', 'I Ride My Bicycle', and 'I'm A Righteous Dumpster Diver Dude.' All of these songs and more can be found on Greg's 2000 CD release Emotions and word on the folk scene is that Greg is starting work on his next full length CD release which is tentatively titled Country Folk Music. It looks like this new release will include my current favorite Greg Spence Wolf song 'Down At The Farmers Market' - a song that folks often think is about the Seattle Pike Place Market but is actually about the Farmers Market in Ithaca, New York, where Greg is originally from.

Greg Spence Wolf is a real and true folkie, a rare breed in this day and age. He writes original songs but plays in a traditional style; he makes his living playing music but he's not in it for the money; he cares about the planet and all the life upon it and his actions always reflect his philosophy.

Catch Greg live this month at the Hop Vine Singer Songwriter Showcase on Monday, August 29 at 9pm - 507 15th Avenue East, phone 206-328-3120. He'll also be performing at the 4th annual Pike Market Busker festival on Sunday, September 18.

GREG SPENCE WOLF www.gregspencewolf.com

PIKE MARKET BUSKERS FESTIVAL www.pikemarketbuskers.org

BILLIE'S TOP TEN

2005-08-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

Ten things I love right now:

the way my dogs dance for their supper

corn on the cob

my husband

the moon looking down from the sky like an old friend

ice cream

picking berries

the way the herbs have gone to flower and made tiny pink & white stars all over the garden

Indian food

riding the carousel

walking under the stars at Alki beach

ARTIST OF AUGUST: NANCY K DILLON

2005-08-05T10:33:00.000-06:00

An Okie native with a restless heart, Nancy K Dillon now makes her home in Seattle, WA. Nancy is a founding member of the acclaimed cowgirl group Ranch Romance and has since taken her 'red dirt music' solo with her critically acclaimed 2004 release Just Let Me Dream. Just Let Me Dream is a CD full of rootsy gems; my personal favorites include 'Fire & Soul' and 'Ballad of Mabel Dodge.' When she's not writing or performing beautiful songs Nancy spends her time creating stunning collage art and dreaming of owning her own Ranchette. Catch Nancy K live on Augut 12 at the Boundry Bay Brewery -- 1107 Railroad Avenue -- Bellingham, WA @ 9pm and at the Roslyn Farmers Market on August 28 at 11:30 am.

QUESTIONNAIRE! with NANCY K DILLON . . .

WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT IDEA OF HAPPINESS?
Today is really hot, so perfect happiness would be a G&T plus a cigar with good friends over for Happy Hour on my patio!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
After I turned 50, I stopped wasting time on being afraid of anything except large earthquakes.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?
Virtue . . . :-)

ON WHAT OCCASION DO YOU LIE?
I try to be truthful all the time, but have known myself to lie on occasion when I think it might prevent someone I care about from being hurt.

WHO OR WHAT IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
Oh boy . . . let's say I have been lucky in love in this life . . . any & all love is the greatest, in my opinion, plus it makes for fertile songwriting ideas . . . having it, losing it, tending it, mending it.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE WHAT TO COME BACK AS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A creature of the air like an eagle or raptor of some kind.

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
I would love to be able to tap-dance!

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Fakeness & insincerity make me nuts. I can forgive most anything else . . . except hatefulness. Human beings are all so much more alike than we are different, it makes no sense to me at all that some people hate others.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Right now it is beads made from semi-precious stones.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
That I can't be in 3 or 4 places at once.

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
OK . . . that's a hard one. Of late I identify with Lady Frieda Harris, a British artist who was married to a liberal member of Parliment. Lady Frieda painted the gorgeous and mysteriously geometical Tarot cards for Aleister Crowley's Thoth deck. I think it's amazing that she was able to put up with him over the years it took to create the artwork for that deck. She must've had great strength of character, open-mindedness, compassion, balance and clarity . . . things I aspire to.

WHICH LIVING FIGURE DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
My dad, Bob Dillon, has always been my biggest musical example and inspiration. Also, I greatly admire his integrity, awareness, appreciation of, and consideration for others. He continues to inspire me daily by finding ways to expand his world at the same time that it is shrinking.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My black 1990 Gibson J-200 guitar . . . she is a beaut!!

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Oh, probably lose 15-20 lbs . . . how boring is that?!?

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"If it were easy, everybody'd do it." I lifted that from my good friend, Ginger!

DO A DONUT!

2005-08-02T09:24:00.000-06:00

All I can say here is . . . yum, yum, yum!

Get yourself over to Mighty O Donuts and put a smile on your face.

Made with only certified organic ingredients and 100% vegan you can't go wrong here. Mighty O bakes fresh daily and varieties include Blueberry, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon Poppy, and many more. My fave is the Cinnamon & Sugar and the Plain Cake Donut is perfect for dunking in your morning coffee. Mighty O features Cafe Fiore's organic coffee in their cafe which is located at 2110 N 55th Street, phone 206-547-0335.

Sometimes you just gotta do a donut . . . start your day with a Mighty O!

MIGHTY O DONUTS www.mightyo.com

SONG. SUN. SWIM.

2005-07-31T20:28:00.000-06:00

One of the few festivals solely devoted to acoustic music, the 11th annual Leavenworth Acoustic Music Festival, takes place Saturday, August 6.

Music gets started around Noon and runs to about 7 pm, this festival is held in Leavenworth's beautiful Waterfront Park at the bandstand by the Wenatchee River. Bring a bathing suit -- there's a great swimming hole! -- blanket, picnic lunch and treat your ears to an all acoustic, and very eclectic line up! Featured performers are . . . Glen Bair, Campbell Road, Jonathan Kingham, Kellee Bradlee, PK Dwyer, Smoke Creek, and Dan Maher.

Waterfront Park is located on Commercial Street in Leavenworth, WA.

LEAVENWORTH ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL www.leavenworthcoffeehouse.com

DISH!

2005-07-29T19:18:00.000-06:00

Ooh! this is very exciting!

My very most favorite Seattle musician, PK Dwyer, has gotten a grant from Patch Project to record a new CD! Recording is slated to start in early October of this year at Garey Shelton's studio and rumor is the legendary Alice Stuart will be joining PK on a song or two. Oh Boy!

Also . . . speaking of PK Dwyer . . . it looks like PK won't be at the Sunbanks Rhythm & Blues Festival this September but word on the scene is that PK will absolutely -- for sure & guaranteed -- be at Sunbanks for the May 2006 festival. I can't wait!

PK DWYER www.pkdwyer.com

ALICE STUART www.alicestuart.com

PATCH PROJECT www.artpatch.org

SUNBANKS RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL www.sunbanksresort.com

NEW FOUND TREASURE

2005-07-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

Another beautiful sunny day in West Seattle!

Last night my sweetie and I made a great discovery right in our very own neighborhood . . .

Hotwire Online Coffee. Hotwire West is located at 4410 California Avenue SW, phone 206-935-1516. This cafe has a very European vibe and the coffee is super! I'm a very picky coffee connoisseur and this is definitely the best in Seattle. Along with roasting their own organic beans, Hotwire is very dog friendly -- another big plus in my book -- and they make yummy fresh fruit smoothies and feature healthy goodies from Essential Baking Company and Alki Bakery.

We were there to see the current art exhibit which is very cool collage work by none other than Seattle Folkie Nancy K Dillon! Pieces on view include 'Woody Tribute' and 'Do You Believe In Magic?' Nancy's work comes down at the end of July, only a few days left . . . check it out.

HOTWIRE COFFEE www.hotwirecoffee.com

NANCY K DILLON www.nancykdillon.net