Vashon musicians form new band
There’s a new dance band in town that takes its name from the controversial sleeper lines along Vashon Highway. The Rumble Strips will perform world dance music at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Red Bike.
The players united based on a common love for the celebratory music of West Africa, Brazil, New Orleans and Cuba. Andy James, who started the band last fall, said he thinks the band will surprise and delight people with its musical echoes of jazz, parades, soul music, tribal rhythms and Bo Diddley. The size of the group varies, but ranges from 12 to 14 musicians plus guest vocalists. The group on Friday will feature Carol Lutra-Johns, Meri-Michael Collins, Rebekah Kuzma (vocals), Andy James, Chip Lamason (guitars), Stephen Buffington (bass), Emory Miedema-Boyajian (drums), Van Crozier, Dianne Krouse (horns) and Christian Codd, Allison MacEwan and Mario Soberanis (percussion).
Music promoter Pete Welch called the band, “…built for joy. Not a show, a party.”
As for the group’s moniker, James added, “We officially like bicyclists. We just couldn’t pass up the name, that’s all.”
The show — or party — is free and open to all ages until 11 p.m., then 21 and older only.
Musician performs with special guests
Islander Joseph Panzetta will perform his original, melodic songs with his signature percussive guitar style at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Heron.
A multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer, Panzetta’s musical ventures range from singer/songwriter of folk rock to mantra and world music. He will perform solo and in various combinations with special guests including Nova Devonie (accordion), Vincent Gates (guitar and vocals), Dave Keenan (mandolin), Dianne Krouse (sax), Steve Meyer (bass), Annie Roberts (cello), Allison Shirk (guitar and vocals) and Kim Thal (violin and vocals).
Tickets are $14 for VAA members, seniors and students and $18 for general audience. Tickets are sold at the Blue Heron and at vashonalliedarts.org.
Big band swings in Sunday concert
The Portage Fill Big Band will return to the Open Space for Arts & Community for Sunday Swing, an all-ages event beginning with a dance lesson by Jacqui Lown at 3:30 p.m., followed by live music at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sunday Swing was inspired by Open Space’s Inaugural Ball, which had teenagers, elders and folks of all ages swinging across the dance floor. Since then, the band has filled the Grand Hall at Open Space many times.
Admission is by a $10 suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information, visit openspacevashon.com or call 408-7241.
Gallery calls all island artists
Every year, VALISE Gallery holds an invitational all-island show in May. Islanders are encouraged to submit a sculpture, painting or any work that is suitable for public viewing for this non-juried show. The gallery will hang the art that is submitted. This year’s theme was inspired by Pablo Neruda’s poem “Ode To The Spoon,” and participants are encouraged to follow the idea wherever it may lead them.
