Music Monday: Warren Haynes- Man In Motion

The Saturday Shopper: Pure Clothing

Pure Clothing   

Owned by JoKay Daniel        

Established 2010

317 7th Street

Hoquiam WA

360-533-9670

pureclothinghoquiam.blogspot.com 

Thursday-Saturday 11am-6pm

All About the Business: Pure Clothing is located inside the Historic 7th Street Theatre building in Downtown Hoquiam. The store features trendy recycled clothing for Hoquiam, Ocean Shores, Aberdeen and all of Grays Harbor County.

What Makes Your Business Unique? Pure Clothing specializes in used jeans and band t-shirts.            

Any Advice for First Time Customers? If you like jeans and t-shirts, don't expect to be in and out in 5 minutes!

Where on the Harbor....

...can you see the below mural of this mythical creature?

Comment with your answer! And be more specific than "Hoquiam" please!

Camp The Harbor!

Memorial Day weekend is coming up and you know what that means: it's stylish to wear white pants again! Oh, and it's the official kick off of the camping season.  If you haven't yet pulled out your trusty blue tarp do so now and start packing your camping gear because true to tradition, the weather for this weekend is looking iffy at best. Actually, if you haven't already made reservations to camp at a formal campground by now, you're most likely going to be camping in your backyard - everyone it seems, is heading out to the Harbor's best campgrounds this Friday to celebrate the unofficial start to summer.

But even if you end up spending Memorial Day weekend "camping" in your backyard, there's still an entire summer ahead of you to enjoy all the close-to-home camping opportunities. Have you camped locally before? The great thing about Grays Harbor is that our terrain is so versatile you can camp nearby and feel worlds away- beaches, lakes, rivers and forests all offer you the chance to reconnect with nature without ever really leaving home. Here are some options for you to consider; go ahead and mark a weekend on the calendar now and make your reservation ahead of time (yes, camping is so in-demand these days that reservations are needed at most places):

If you love falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves and waking up to the salty sea air, try the following beach campgrounds:

Pacific Beach Campground: On the northern end of Grays Harbor's shores, this campground is open year-round for those willing to brave the cooler months. You can even have fires on the beach!

Ocean City Campground: Just north of Ocean Shores, this campground is also year round and offers not only your typical beach activities, but is also a great place to view migratory shorebirds.

Twin Harbors Campground: On the Westport end of our shores, this park is open in its entirety from June 16- October 31. 

If you're looking for a really quick trip that still gets you in touch with nature, try one of the following two very local parks:

Lake Sylvia

Lake Sylvia State Park: Located in Montesano, this is a great place for a one-night stay if that's all you have time for. The camping is still excellent despite its proximity to the city and there's plenty of hiking, fishing and outdoor activity to keep you occupied.

Schafer State Park:  Ok, just outside of Grays Harbor, Schafer is technically in Mason County. But it's such a great camping location along the Satsop river, it has to be mentioned. It's also a very close camping option for those living in East County.

If you'd rather enjoy the Olympic National Forest and all its versatility, try the following:

Lake Quinault Area

The Pacific Ranger District of the Olympia National Forest maintains four campgrounds around Lake Quinault that allow you to take in the rain forest at its finest. All are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

Coho Campground at Wynoochee Lake: My personal favorite campground locally. I remember visiting this campground frequently growing up. I even blue-tarp camped there with a group of friends like a true Washingtonian on the 4th of July weekend in 2008, 7 months pregnant and all! This campground is a bit tricky - it's a long (bumpy) drive to get out there and its still your traditional first-come, first-served campground so head out on a Thursday just to be safe!

Some things to keep in mind when planning your camping experience:

-Reservations really are recommended whenever possible. You don't want to disappoint your family by getting all the way out there and seeing "Reserved" notes on every spot that is sitting empty. I've been there- and slept in the car, in a parking lot, as a result. All State Parks are reserved on their website. Olympic National Forest campgrounds are, unfortunately, still first-come, first-served.

-You will need a Discover Pass if you are visiting any State Park this summer. It's $30, and you can get it here or at any place that sells hunting/fishing licenses.

-Bring a blue tarp! You know how the weather can be.

-Respect burn bans and campfire rules. Some campgrounds, like the beaches, may only allow campfires on the beach and not at the campsite. Other times, a burn ban may be in effect because the weather's just been too nice for too long (it happens!).

-Have fun, enjoy nature, run wild! Just remember to keep all your trash to yourself so that those after you can enjoy the beauty too. Take pride in the fact that these beautiful, scenic areas are in our community and people come from all over the northwest to enjoy them!

We've all been there. Living in the NW, there's no way to avoid it.

Music Monday: Neon Trees- Everybody Talks

Music Monday: Vacation Style

It has been about nine months since this girl has had a bona-fide VACATION so I though a tribute to a road trippin' vacation would be appropriate for this music monday.  See you in a week kids!

Saturday Shopper: Daniels Music Studio

Daniels Music Studio   

Owned by Nikkol (Wirta) Daniels

Est. 1985 as Wirta Piano Studio, renamed in 2007

360-593-2746

http://danielsmusicstudio.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx

Home Studio

5813 Central Park Drive

Aberdeen

Tue/Wed/Thur: 5pm-8pm           

                             

Rosevear's Music Center

110 E. Wishkah St

Aberdeen

Tue/Wed/Thur: 11am-2pm

All About the Business:        Playing and teaching music isn't my job it's my passion. My studio offers comprehensive and exciting curriculum including individual and group lessons, and performance opportunities for all levels & ages Pre-K thru Adult proving you are NEVER too young or too old to play music. Lessons are tailored to each individual student's needs and abilities. Group lessons teach students additional elements including composition and music history.

Music literally plays an integral part of a person’s life and I want to help you develop your musical skill to your fullest potential. It is my goal to help you to become the best musician you can be, based on a solid foundation of artistic expressions, music theory and technique, and to provide lessons that are enjoyable & rewarding. The lessons I teach allows you to find your own musical expressions while learning other parts of music.

The primary structure of my piano studio consists of, but not limited to:

◦Note & rhythmic reading and recognition

◦Practice techniques and playing musically

◦Technique and theory

◦Memorization, sight reading and ear training

◦Studio and GHMTA Recitals

◦  GHMTA Adjudications, Music Olympics etc.

◦  MTNA Achievement Program

I began private piano lessons when I was 7. From 1980 to 1988 I received several music certificates & awards in performance at local and state competitions, auditions, as well as the ""Who’s Who in Music"" awards in1987&1988. 1985 I started as a student piano teacher under the direction of Laura Boyer. While in high school I accompanied the Aberdeen High School Choir under the direction of Pat Wilhelms. My private piano instructors include: Darlene Nelson, Helena Smith, Judy (Wirta) Reynvaan, Laura Boyer and at Western Washington University, Dr. Ford Hill.

Teaching for over 25 years, I have traveled to students’ homes to teach music lessons, collaboratively taught piano with Reynvaan Piano studio and opened Wirta Piano Studio in 2004 until 2007 when it was changed to Daniels Music Studio. I continue to build my musical repertoire & perform at various events throughout the year. I am a member of GHMTA, WSMTA and MTNA and in the musical group""IMU2"" with Judy Reynvaan which performs an array of styles; Jazz – Blues – Classical–Contemporary – Popular.

Teaching music is my passion, my business and my art. I want to present and live up to policies that give me the time and security to devote most of my energy to the creative act of sharing music. Above all I want my students to have fun, be creative, feel that their lives are being enriched by music and to remember that their musical adventures will last them a life time.

I believe that lessons should be fun and not a chore, but I also believe in having well-rounded lessons filled with learning for the student. To each lesson, I bring fun & discipline, and I challenge all of my students to meet their yearly goals. I value each relationship I have with each student and believe good rapport between student and teacher is crucial.       

What Makes Your Business Unique?         Lessons are tailored to individual students. And I am the only music teacher in Grays Harbor to take on students that are in preschool (ages 3-5)... although the ages of my students vary from (currently) 4 through 80+ (my oldest student is in her mid 80's).

Advice for First Time Customers?             The best way to find out how a lesson goes with me is to sign up for their first complimentary, obligation-free trial lesson with me.

Cleanwater Classic

Sand. Check
Surf. Check
Wetsuit. Check

Surfboard. Check

It is time for the 11th annual Cleanwater Classic in Westport this weekend!
Even if you have never surfed (me) and have no intention of putting on a wetsuit (me) and jumping into our frigid pacific coast waters (me), just watching this surf competition can conjure up images of summer and warm sun.

Want to volunteer? You can, even if you don't surf. Vollunteers are needed in all sorts of capacities from beach crew to registration, auction monitors to judge spotters.

Friday night the event kicks off with Live Hawaiian music at Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill and ends the evening with a Reggae dance party (you can't make this stuff up).

Want more information? Of course you do!  Clean Water Classic has a great website, and registration just started on the fifteenth. 

All that is left now is the grab your board, or your camera if you prefer to watch, and head out to Westport this weekend!

Hey There, Harborite: Cassie Lentz

Name/Age: Cassie Lentz/24

Where do you live: Wishkah/Aberdeen

Profession/Day Job: Program Officer at Grays Harbor Community Foundation


Loyal to: Bobcats!


Best Harbor Moment: Just being able to live, work, play and have amazing friends and family all within a 20 minute drive. My husband and I got engaged at Lake Quinault, got married in Ocean Shores, and now live out the Wishkah and I wouldn't have it any other way.


Favorite Coffee Stand: Backstage Espresso, they have great coffee, great service and it's always a nice quiet place to meet a friend and chat or have a business meeting. Last time I ran in there to buy tickets to a show at the D & R I ran into 4 people I knew.


Favorite Local Business: Oh my gosh there are so many! Just on the same block where I work I go to Harbor Drug and Pure Clothing constantly! Harbor Drug always has a card when I need to get one and mail it fast, not to mention that's where I discovered my obsession with Woodwick Candles. Pure Clothing has cute clothes, accessories and Jokay gives personal recommendations when I come in on stuff I would like.


Grunge, Metal or Country: Country. I listen to it all but I live out the Wishkah, I have to say Country.


Beach, Forest, or River: I have to say the view from my backyard of the Wishkah River is pretty amazing.


Favorite Outdoor Adventure or Day Trip: Lake Quinault, it's a quick drive and it can be an all-day adventure or just an hour-long hike depending on your mood. Plus it's beautiful year round.


Define the Harbor in One Word: Home


If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: Does the weather count? I really don't mind the rain but I've been waiting to have a "real" summer for a solid 3 years now.


Grays Harbor's Best Kept Secret: I know it sounds corny but I'm going to say the people. In my job I work with a wide range of people from high school students to the elderly and they all have been so welcoming, kind, and caring. People support each other and really do care how your day is going. It's a very cool experience to know and have a relationship with every high school counselor, non profit executive, and other community leaders.

Living In Secret

The first time I drove highway 101 through Aberdeen and Hoquiam it was a cold, wet day in February.

The fog had closed in and there wasn't much to look at past the rain drops on the windshield. I remember feeling frustrated and unsure that I was even going in the right direction. Since we were used to navigating the streets of Seattle with the help of our IPhone GPS, we hadn't factored in that the further you get from the city, the further you get from reliable cell towers. I felt like I was flying blind. Each time we grasped a blip from the network, I asked John to jot down the final directions through town. Who puts an interstate through a town? One way streets? Should I have turned there?

Once we crossed the final bridge to leave Hoquiam, the houses spread out and the streets felt quieter. As we began to climb our way towards Ocean Shores, the trees on the harbor side opened up to a driftwood piled shore, still gray water, and fog. The glassy harbor reflected the gray sky and it looked like the end.

The Edge of the Earth lies just outside of Hoquiam. It is breathtaking. I remember all the stress of our drive evaporating into that view. I've never seen anything like it. That will always be the first view I remember about Grays Harbor.

We were on our way to apply for a job at the Pacific Beach Inn. Before the Craigslist ad we replied to, we had no idea Pacific Beach existed, let alone the rest of the North Beach. When we took the job, we took a new way of life. Sure, we miss the city for some things. Now we live in a place that feels like a secret. This is our frontier. We've taken hikes minutes from our house that I swear haven't been seen by humans in years. Maybe it's the rain that makes everything feel new. Maybe it's Puget Sound's way of imitating an ocean that keeps the rest of Washington from going any further west. It's reassuring to know there is still fresh, unspoiled nature in America.

My family and I celebrated our first year pioneering our frontier last March. The luxuaries of the city, in all of it's documented discoveries is fun, but not many people get to live in a secret. Secret beaches. Secret trails. Secret taverns and shops with locals more than willing to point out more secrets to discover. We've barely scratched the surface.

I can't wait to discover more. Now I carry real, paper maps.

This post come from Jennifer Grant. You can read more of her writing at her blog, Be More Pacific. Or just go to the Pacific Beach Inn and say hello!

Music Monday: Van Halen- Tattoo

Music Monday: Pickwick

I'm getting geared up to head to Portland on Friday to see this band. Pretty excited about it. Check out their full live show with KEXP.

Music Monday: I Wanna Run With You - Alex Mabey

Happy Monday, Harborites! I recently download some music by local artist, Alex Mabey and fell in love with it. Its the perfect music for sunny, relaxing days like the ones we've had lately.

Get your day going with this live rendition of her song "I Wanna Run With You."



You can download all her music on iTunes or visit her website at www.alexmabey.com

Saturday Shopper: Voss Acres Produce Market in Copalis Crossing

Voss Acres Produce Market

Owned by Sharon Voss, Established May 2011

1683 Ocean Beach Road
Copalis Crossing, WA

www.vossacres.com

360-591-1287

Open Daily Mon-Sat:10-6, Sun: 11-6

           

All About the Business:        Voss Acres Produce Market receives quality fresh produce and floral items through Charlie's Produce in Seattle, they have relationships with conventional and organic growers all over the world to create a consistency in the market year round. My husband Steve has tended to his vegetable garden using organic practices on this property since 2002 and with the market we now share his items in the market as they are available. We also carry gifts, art, pottery, gift cards and additional floral arrangements made by area artists.

What Makes Your Business Unique?         Voss Acres Produce Market is just the center element that draws people to pull off of Ocean Beach Road. On one side of the property there is the history story that we share of our house dating back to the late 1800's as it was then the train depot and later post office for the area. On the other side of the property we share our farm life in the growing of a vegetable garden and raising farm animals; currently we have pigs, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. We collect eggs all week and sell them on Saturday morning.     

Advice for First Time Customers?  Tell me! I then will share the stories about this historical property and the interesting tidbits regarding the artifacts that are on display.  If you are interested in the garden, I will guide you through! Once the garden is layed out for the season there are easy to walk paths so you can enjoy seeing the whole garden up close however, country shoes are suggested for walking around after a rain! We invite you to "watch us grow" as we tend to the gardens and complete our projects so that it will become Voss Acres Produce Market and Historic Landmark Park! Come see us! We're open Daily!



Dating back to the 1800's, this house has a
rich history for the local area.



View Larger Map

Friday Five: Motherly Advice

I wanted to make this Friday Five a personal tribute to our own Mothers.  The five of us bloggers, having grown up together, had more than one Mom at any point in our teenage years.  More than one Mom to talk to, to complain to and to hear the sage old advice of what we should do and what we shouldn't.  It was nice to know that so many people cared about us!  So this week I gave a challenge to my fellow contributors.  What was the best piece of advice your Mom has given you?

There are five of us, which means that this week is dedicated to our Moms.  You know who you are and how much we appreciate you.  We love you, and want you to know that the things that you stayed up nights worrying about, stuck with us.  We listened and we learned.  We just want to say thank you, over and over again.  Happy Mother's Day!

1. Ali's Mom: The Giver of Clarity
Recently, I was lamenting to my mom about my constant fear that everyone is going to see me only for my mistakes, problems and shortfalls. My mom let me finish and asked, "Do you dwell on your own problems or someone elses?" Of course, I fired back, "My own! I think about them constantly!" To which she said, "Exactly. No one is focusing our your mistakes and problems- they're too busy focusing on their own." I had never stopped to think about this before and it was a true moment of clarity.

 

2. Chloe's Mom: The Giver of Knowledge

Finish school. She'd never say this, but to paraphrase, "just ******* do it." So I did it and I'm so glad I did.

 

3. Stefanie's Mom: The Giver of Happiness

Follow your gut and don't worry about what other people think.  I know that I have been hearing those words since I was pretty little.  My mom is the kind of person that will take the burnt piece of toast so that no one else has to eat something less appetizing.  She is always making other people feel good and focusing on fixing the problems of others.  Whenever I get worried that I am not doing the right thing or upset over how someone made me feel she reminds me that I know myself better than anyone else.  "Follow your gut Stefanie, and you will never be unhappy."

 

4. Britta's Mom: The Giver of Support
Part of the unspoken definition of Mom is "to support." It isn't so much in the saying as it is in the doing- from reading this blog daily to jointly embarking on small business proprietorship, Mom is there to support and encourage.

5. Ashley's Mom: The Giver of Friendship
Sometimes you just need a friend and you find it in Mom. As someone who knows you, and has been-there-done-that, Mom always makes for a good girls night full of advice and fun. From Manicures to Margaritas to Macy's, Mom is the perfect companion.

Driftwood Children's Theater Presents: Cinderella by Ruth Newton

Cue the wavy lines across the television screen circa 1990 Saved by the Bell when Zach would reminisce about a dream that he had, and lets travel back to my living room where in a pink plastic camping chair in front of the TV is a younger me (6 yrs old to be exact) glued to the magic of Cinderella.  I loved the music and I loved GusGus, as much as one can love an animated mouse!

Cinderella holds a special place in my heart and childhood and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Sara Henry, the Director/Producer of the Driftwood Children's Theater production of... drumroll ....Cinderella!

Sara, how long has Driftwood had a Children's Theater program?
Driftwood has had a "children's" theater program for 20+ years.  I got involved with Driftwood through children's theater over 20 years ago.  A few years ago the program faded into the background and then two years ago, I was offered the position of children's theater director.  (I accepted because I am crazy!) 

So, it is not a relatively new program! That is fantastic!

Who is involved in this weekends production and how are you involved?

I am the director/producer of "Cinderella" at McDermoth Elementary.  Alex Eddy is the musical director as well as having written the music and lyrics, Jerrod Phelps is the vocal coach, Anna Norkoski is the choreographer and Rhoda Norkoski is the pianist. 

From which school are the students who are performing from?

McDermoth PTO approached me last spring and asked if Driftwood, and me, would be interested in doing a kid's show there, instead of using Missoula.  I jumped at the opportunity because, not only is this a great opportunity for the kid's program at Driftwood, but it keeps it LOCAL!  Which is always a great thing!  The team began talking and meeting last summer to decide what show we would do.  Finally, in September, we decided to do Cinderella, by Ruth Newton.  

For those of us who are not familiar, Missoula Children's Theater is a traveling theater company that can be hired to come to your school and cast the students in a stage production.  However, as Sara said, it does not keep the Theater local, which makes what you wonderful people are doing so great!

Cinderella is a wonderful choice for a children's play. Will there be musical numbers as well?

We chopped up the script and told Alex "Ok, now turn what we cut out into songs!"  By mid-February we had a show!  

How long have these students been rehearsing?

We began rehearsing with the kids about 3 weeks ago.  It has been a lot of work with the kids in a very compressed amount of time.

Will other schools be able to participate in the future?

We have heard that other schools are interested but this is a full time job, and we as a team are volunteers and have spent countless hours outside of our other jobs (and all the other shows we do!) to do this, so we will have to be a little picky about what we choose to do next year.  Although, we would LOVE to do this again.  It has been such an awesome experience and a great opportunity for Driftwood!

Can you tell me the dates and times of the performance?
We open on Friday, May 11th at 6:00pm, have a show on Saturday, May 12th at 6:00pm and Sunday, May 13th at 1:00pm and it is FREE!  The show will take place at McDermoth Elementary.

Sara herself is an accomplished actor and I hope will not mind if we pull an old photo out of the vault from Grays Harbor College during her participation in the drama departments One Act Plays!

 photo courtesy of GHC

 

Ferris Bueller+Ballet+Auction+Art Walk

Bueller, Bueller... BUELLER!

There is something so wonderfully classic about watching a movie in the 7th Street Theater.  Now your idea of a classic movie may be Casablanca, however it could also be Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the eighties are classic...if you were born in the nineties!  If it is the latter you are in luck because this Friday and Saturday Bueller is playing on the big screen at 7th street.  Grab a friend, eat some popcorn and enjoy this cult classic. Don't forget your accordion.

If classic movies are not your thing, maybe some classical dance is more your speed.  I must refer you to our previous post by the wonderful and talented Britta.  She so artfully covered the production of Don Quiote that I surely cannot add anything but my own urging to go and see this wonderful Ballet!

The weather is supposed to finally treat us well this weekend, so it's probably a good day to head to the beach - and why not check out the Seabrook Art Walk? Hosted by the Washington State Artist Trust, they will have a full day of events (including a drum circle!!) on Saturday from noon to 8pm. Check out their facebook event for more info.

Hoquiam is bringing out its best this weekend with its Showing its best Auction this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in the Hoquiam Masonic Temple. Tickets, which are $25 are available at Crown Drug in Hoquiam, and profits from all the items will go to support projects in Hoquiam.  I personally know that Grays Harbor Young Professionals will be there and so should you!

Celebrating Mom, Harbor Style

"Mom!"
"Moooooooom..."
"Mo-OM!"
"MOMMY!"

It was always the first word off my lips when I was in need. So easy to say and so many ways to say it. Whether it was insistent, whiny, impatient or frantic, the word Mom summoned the fixer of all things as a child. Ok, I'll admit, as an adult as well. Even though I'm 28, married and a mother myself, my mom is still my superwoman. There is no one on this planet I love, trust and idolize as much as her. I bet you feel the same way about your Mom, and I'm going to assume that you've tasked yourself with honoring her this Mother's Day with some spectacular day of events this coming Sunday.

No? Uh oh. First, before you earn yourself a motheresque tsk-tsk when you show up at 5pm on Sunday with a box of drugstore chocolates and a handful of wilted dandelions, pick up a real gift. There's still time! Fresh out of inspiration? Greater Grays Harbor, Inc offers a number of suggestions on their Mother's Day blog post that are local and memorable.

Secondly, if you aren't a culinary connoisseur yourself, make reservations at a local restaurant to wow (mom upside down) Mom's palate with an array of deliciously indulgent only-once-a-year-foods like quiche, mimosas and more. I would list the wonderful options here for you.... if businesses in Grays Harbor had websites. From memory, I recall Bridges has done a Mother's Day brunch for many years, the Shilo Inn & Suites in Ocean Shores does one, Wesport Winery is definitely doing a Fete de Meres and some local restaurants like Amore and Mallard's will probably have lovely dinner offerings.

Thirdly, and lastly, celebrate other local mom's! Visit The Daily World's Mother's Day Photo Contest page and vote on your favorite candid snapshot of other Harborite moms in their moments of glory and goofiness with their family.

You know your mom better than you think you do - find something fun and special to do with her this Mother's Day to show her how much you care and appreciate her. We wouldn't be here without our mothers - be sure to say thank you!

Hey There, Harborite: John E. Miller

Name/Age: John E. Miller

Where do you live: Hoquiam

Profession/Day Job: Retired/Volunteer

Loyal to: my wife, my family and my friends

Best Harbor Moment: I really enjoy the holidays in Grays Harbor. When all the lights and decorations are out. When the candy canes are hung on the lightposts in Hoquiam. I think they are the same candy canes they had when I was little. Brings a very homey feeling to me and I love it.


Favorite Coffee Stand: I do not drink coffee, but my wife does. The people at Black HIlls Coffee in the parking lot of Southside Swansons are very friendly and it is her favorite stop.


Favorite Local Business: Books on 7th. Hands down. I love the people who work there and I love the store itself. It feels very much like an old friend to me. I also like Taqueria El Jalapeno and Marshalls Garden and Pet. Clark's is also a rare treat, when we can make it out there.


Grunge, Metal or Country: Metal. If I have to choose one of these three, then metal all the way.


Beach, Forest or River: I like the beach, but it is so unpredictable. It can be 90 here in Hoquiam, but by the time we get to the beach it is 61 degrees and windy as all get out. When the planets are all aligned though, I like the beach most.


Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip: I love a sunny weekend when my wife and I go out for a nice breakfast someplace and then cruise the county for yard sales. I love spending time with her and ncie weather is always a bonus!


Define the Harbor in one word: home


If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be: I wish more people would shop locally.


Grays Harbor's best kept secret: That Humdinger's french fries are more addictive than heroin.

Lighthouse Ballet Academy presents Don Quixote

This weekend, you will have the opportunity to see incredibly cute children having a fabulous time dancing to classical music on stage.

(ex. 1: cute child)

Not only will they be having a good time, these children have actually been instructed on various ways to move around so that we, the audience, might find it entertaining (and also probably incredibly cute - just saying). 

(ex. 2: children with skills)

The Lighthouse Ballet Academy of Hoquiam will be performing Don Quixote this Friday and Saturday at the Aberdeen High School auditorium. Luis, the Academy's head honcho, ensures me it will be a great show with beautiful costumes and lovely choreography. "After seeing our ballet, you will no longer need to go to Seattle to see a beautiful show," he says. Based on his dance posture, I'm going to trust him.

(ex. 3: professionals)

From what I remember from the episode of Wishbone that I watched when I was in 7th grade, Don Quixote is a pretty cool story and, I'm guessing, a very interesting ballet. I was particularly excited to see these boys with masks on during the rehearsal I dropped in on.

(ex. 4: bearded children)

There certainly are many reasons to check out the show this weekend. To find out more about the story behind the ballet and to get your tickets, check out the Lighthouse Ballet Academy website!

Music Monday: Dream Theater- As I Am

Music Monday: Father John Misty & Other 60's Folk Goodness

A few days ago, I discovered the music of Father John Misty - former drummer for the Seattle band, Fleet Foxes. This guy decided he had to get away from the Seattle scene so he moved to LA (???). Anyway, his music is so reminiscent of 60's folk rock that I ended up spending a large amount of time last night listening to some of my old favorites. Please join me on this trip down memory lane (note: I wasn't alive in the 60's but I did become obsessed with this music when I was in high school).

First, Father John Misty

The Mama's and the Papas

George Harrison

Neil Young

Joe Cocker

Father John Misty cover Leonard Cohen

You can listen to Father John Misty live in Seattle today at 1pm streaming online at KEXP.org. 

Music Monday: Andy Grammer - Fine By Me

Interview with Roxi Copland: Live Show This Friday

I had the opportunity to ask a few questions of musician, Roxi Copland, who grew up in Aberdeen and is returning to the area this weekend on tour with her latest album.

(photo via Shades of Grays Harbor)

Roxi... is that your real name? 

Roxi is a nickname that a friend bestowed on me in high school - I liked it. So I kept it.  

How did you get started in music? 

I started taking piano lessons when I was four – I imagine I was completely addicted by then anyway, and it all went downhill from there...

So, you've been at this for quite a few years. Has your musical taste changed much over the years or have you always been interested in jazz?

I’ve always loved all kinds of music. When I was growing up, my dad was a big fan of jazz, classical, and 60s/70s horn bands. At the same time, my mom was always singing country and gospel music. And, of course, as I got older, I discovered pop, rock, and hip hop. I love it all. When I first started out as a professional musician, my style was pretty heavily jazz, but I’ve been working since then to bring in elements of other genres I love. The more I find my own style, the more I realize it’s a blend of jazz, pop, soul, blues, roots rock, and Americana, but that’s kind of a mouthful, so I usually just stick with the short version and call it “rootsy jazz/pop.”

You just released your new album, Pretty Lies. Is this your first full length album and how was the experience of creating it?

Right before ‘Pretty Lies,’ I released a full-length live album that was a collaborative effort with a musician friend of mine from Iowa, Max Wellman. But, ‘Pretty Lies’ is my first full-length album that’s all mine. I can say that in a literal sense because Pretty Lies is a solo acoustic album—just me and my baby grand. Getting to this point has been a long, but amazing journey. My fans will recognize a few tunes from my first full-band EP that I released in 2008. It’s taken me this long to put together the perfect line-up of songs to really represent my sound. So while the writing—and the genre evolution that went along with it—was a long trek, actually laying down ‘Pretty Lies’ in the studio was a pretty quick process, especially since I was the only musician involved. We were able to lay down the tracks over just a few days.

So, you grew up in Aberdeen, then moved to Iowa and now you're back in the PNW living in Vancouver, BC. Do you miss all the corn fields?

Apparently I do, since I’m now moving to Milwaukee, WI. There’s been a good deal of moving in my life over the past few years. I feel a bit like a wandering minstrel at times. But I’ve been really lucky to live in a series of amazing places. No matter which side of the border you’re on, the PNW (or the West Coast as they call it in Canada) is beautiful. There’s just no where else in the world quite like it. But, I also love the Midwest. The world’s nicest people live there. And now that I’ve lived in Canada and compared them head-to-head, I can say that. (Not that I don’t love all the wonderful Vancouver friends I made.) All the same, I’m looking forward to the move to Milwaukee. It’s a great town with a great music scene. I’ve spent the most time playing in the Midwest, so it has my highest concentration of fans currently. It really is the best launching point for my grand plans of musical world domination.

I think we went to elementary school together at McDermoth. Who was your favorite teacher?

Mr. Greeley. 

And your favorite recess activity?

Anything that involved running around.

Ok. Enough reminiscing... actually, wait... any other favorite memories of your life on the Harbor?

Duck hunting, crabbing, clam digging, fishing, floating the ‘Nooch, all the outdoorsy stuff, but mainly it’s the people. My family’s here. Some of my oldest friends are here. 

You have a performance at Savory Faire this Friday. What is your favorite part of performing live?

It’s the best thing in the world to be on stage, playing a song that you wrote, and see people in the audience sing along with you. It’s an electric feeling. Obviously, I like my songs. They mean a lot to me. But nothing is as great as knowing they mean something to someone else, too.

And you're playing some living room shows on the tour. That's pretty cool! What prompted you to do that?

There’s nothing quite like the synergy that comes from an intimate audience in the perfect venue. But unfortunately, as a touring musician, you don’t always know what venue in a new city will have the right kind of vibe or attract a crowd that’s down with my kind of music. House concerts are the perfect solution. They’re win-win for everybody. You get that intimate crowd feel and the host gets a private show for his or her friends. And, bonus: you’re already at the after-party!

Even though you'll only be in town for a day or two, do you have any "can't miss" places or businesses you'll be visiting?

Every time I come back to the Harbor, I always make sure to stop in at Casa Mia for the Shrimp Salad (no olives). What can I say? It’s a childhood favorite.  

We're excited to have you back! You'll be playing this Friday, May 4th at Savory Faire in Montesano. Should we get tickets ahead of time?

No need for tickets. It’s a free show. Though, Savory Faire is recommending reservations if you want to make sure you get a table.

Check out Roxi Copland at Saivory Faire this Friday, May 4th at 7pm. For more information about Roxi and to buy her new album, head over to her website roxicopland.com.

It's a "Shore" Thing: Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival is This Weekend

Ah, spring is in the air. And so are the birds.

shorebirds in flight Photo Courtesy of shorebirdfestival.com

 

photo courtesy of shorebirdfestival.com

This month welcomes the return of the bird to Grays Harbor. As evidence that spring is here and the sunshine will (hopefully) show itself with more frequency for the next several months, birds of all kinds are finding their way back North. The shorebird varieties are no different as they travel upwards to the Alaskan tundra (which I learned in my interview below) and the spectacle of witnessing them arrive in droves peaks this weekend with the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival. A bevy of activities ranging from field trips to lectures to a bird lover’s marketplace and more allow you to celebrate this migratory sensation, which is mostly centered around the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge at Bowerman Field in Hoquiam.

I admit that I have an affinity for birds. After all, my favorite segment of Portlandia is Put a Bird On It. I have a “blue bird of happiness” on my desk at work that I frequently pet in an effort to amplify the good vibes (whether it works or not is debatable). And I have an unwaning giddiness at spotting my favorite bird, the Western Scrubjay. But I’ll also admit that I possess no actual bird knowledge so I am making a concerted effort to make the most of this year’s Shorebird Festival and learn something about these migratory wonders that grace us with their presence. Who better to ask then a local avian expert? I “pecked” at the brain of Dianna Moore, who is a Festival committee member and a Grays Harbor Audobon Society board member to learn a bit more about the shorebird sensation.

Q: What makes a shorebird breed so unique over other birds spotted in Grays Harbor?

A:  Most shorebirds we see in Grays Harbor during spring and fall migration are in the middle of a long migration between South America and the Alaskan tundra. The sheer numbers of these birds during the spring migration makes them noticeable to all who see them, even non-birders.

Dianna Moore holds a bald eagle

Q:  Ahh, so that would be me: the novice bird enthusiast. What is the ideal itinerary for a first time festival attendee, to get most out of their inaugural birding weekend?

A: If the first-time visitor does nothing else, a trip to Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge at high tide is a good way to experience the migration. Volunteers with scopes are out on the Sandpiper Trail during the festival and will be glad to answer your questions. To get a better idea of what is being seen, register for the $10 lecture (Shorebird I.D. Basics) and the following $15 field trip to the refuge (Shorebirds for Beginners).

Q: What tools of the trade should I invest in as I start my birding adventures?

A: Though a lot of equipment isn't a necessity, it does help to have a pair of binoculars and a good bird identification book. For those who get bitten by the birding bug, a scope is next on the list.

Q:  Where are the best three birding spots in Grays Harbor County?

A: Grays Harbor NWR out by Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam, BottleBeach State Park on Hwy 105 in Ocosta (you will need a Discover Pass), and out on the beach in Ocean Shores at high tide.

Q: Those sound like great places to see our winged friends. What is the most spectacular bird you’ve spotted in Grays Harbor?

A: The recent irruption (increase in population) of Snowy Owls out on Damon Point in Ocean Shores, though a Gyrfalcon ranks right up near the top of that list too.

Q: Those are both spectacular looking birds! If you could pick just one bird to represent Grays Harbor County, what would it be?

As unromantic a bird as you will find, but it would have to be a Sanderling; they are the small, pale jobbies that run up and down the sand in front of the waves, jabbing their bills into the sand in search of food. They are found here year-round.

I love those little guys; they’re adorable! Thank you so much for your time, Dianna. I hope to see you out there this weekend.

The Festival runs all weekend Friday-Sunday with a very full daily event schedule. Visit the Shorebird Festival website for more information and a full itinerary of events.

photo courtesy of birdweb.org