VAA launches a lineage of island songs

What would happen if 11 of Vashon’s musicians all played the same guitar? What might come from a seriously playful effort to create a lineage of songs born from that the one guitar?

By Juli Goetz Morser • February 19, 2015 8:32 pm
A group of island musicians each wrote one song using the same guitar
A group of island musicians each wrote one song using the same guitar

What would happen if 11 of Vashon’s musicians all played the same guitar? What might come from a seriously playful effort to create a lineage of songs born from that the one guitar? A group of islanders recently did just that, under the guidance of Vashon Allied Arts Director of Performing Arts Stephen Jeong. The project will culminate in a live performance titled “I Am Vashon” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Vashon High School theater.

Jeong conceived of the idea based on The Acoustic Guitar Project that started in New York City last year. A guitar was passed among selected musicians in 30 cities across the country. The musicians had one week to write one song and then sign the guitar. Once a critical mass was reached, the guitar was retired, and a concert was held.

When Jeong contacted the producer to ask about including Vashon, the response came back that Seattle was involved and could Vashon possibly have enough musicians? Jeong knew the answer and acted on it. Then he took the idea to a whole new level.

“This is the legacy aspect of the project,” Jeong said. “We’ll repeat the process every other year to make a lasting record of the musical talent on the island. (The goal) is to engage with the singer-songwriters of Vashon and create a song book for Vashon.”

Jeong set up the website for “I Am Vashon” and videotaped each musician — Steve Amsden, Jacob Bain, Arnon Burns, Carter Castle, Gregg Curry, Kat Eggleston, Ike Harmon, Kevin Joyce, Jeff Kanzler, Maijah Sanson-Frey and Allison Shirk. The interviews and song clips are currently posted on the website www.iamvashon.com.  The complete songs will be uploaded after the concert.

“As an island newby, it’s been an eye-opener to me,” Jeong said. “Everyone has their own unique voice. Being invited into their homes, I saw the musicians’ creative process and how different we all are, yet we choose to live in this one place.”

Tickets for “I Am Vashon” are $16 for VAA members and seniors, $20 for general admission and $12 for students. Tickets are sold at www.vashonalliedarts.org and at the Blue Heron.