The Half Brothers
January 14, 2023
New-fangled Old-time Music! Seattle's premier purveyors of skewed bluegrass bringing historic sounds in a modern context to your ears and ours. A staple of the Northwest musical and theatrical venues of over thirteen years, the Half Brothers write catchy, hilarious and poignant songs about the essential topics of traveling, death, and food. Backed with traditional bluegrass instrumentation — banjo, mandolin and guitar — they boast a decidedly non-traditional style and repertoire.
Beautifully blended voices delivering seriously sly, pointed lyrics, all wrapped in roots-y acoustic music — the Half Brothers are for music lovers of every generation!
Check out more from THB Here!
Guitar Fingerpickin' Masters
Mary Flower and Eric Lugosch
October 15th, 2022
An internationally known and award-winning picker, singer/songwriter and teacher, the Midwest native relocated from Denver to the vibrant Portland, Oregon music scene in in 2004. She continues to please crowds and critics at folk festivals, teaching seminars and concert stages domestically and abroad, that include Merlefest, Kerrville, King Biscuit, Prairie Home Companion and the Vancouver Folk Festival, among many.
Check out more from Mary Here! Or via her website Here!
Although Eric is best known as a fingerstyle guitarist, he is also a talented songwriter. Eric’s recording, Making Models, released by Waterdog Records in Chicago, is a reflection of his songwriting talents. It also demonstrates his bent for incorporating eclectic instrumentation – steel drums and accordion - with guitar and vocals.
Rebecca Kilgore & the Ray Skjelbred Trio
August 26th & 27th, 2022 at 7:30pm
Rebecca regularly performs worldwide at jazz festivals, jazz parties, and on jazz cruises. She has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ with Terry Gross, has appeared on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, and with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall.
Rebecca is honored to have been inducted (in 2010) to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall Of Fame, and to have been invited to perform at New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention for three years at Town Hall and Lincoln Center. She was the guest of honor at the 2013 Roswell Jazz Festival, and honored as a Jazz Legend at the San Diego Jazz Party in 2016.
In 2020 she was named Portland Jazz Master by PDX Jazz, Portland’s nonprofit organizer of jazz concerts and annual Biamp Jazz Festival.
The Ray Skjelbred Trio plays classic hot jazz, swing and blues inspired by music from Chicago in the 1920's and 30's. The trio features Ray Skjelbred at the piano, Jacob Zimmerman playing clarinet and sax, and Matt Weiner on the bass. Each musician has many years’ experience and a strong historic sense of the music they set out to perform, as well as a sense of daring to explore new ideas in traditional forms
Rebecca is honored to have been inducted (in 2010) to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall Of Fame, and to have been invited to perform at New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention for three years at Town Hall and Lincoln Center. She was the guest of honor at the 2013 Roswell Jazz Festival, and honored as a Jazz Legend at the San Diego Jazz Party in 2016.
In 2020 she was named Portland Jazz Master by PDX Jazz, Portland’s nonprofit organizer of jazz concerts and annual Biamp Jazz Festival.
The Ray Skjelbred Trio plays classic hot jazz, swing and blues inspired by music from Chicago in the 1920's and 30's. The trio features Ray Skjelbred at the piano, Jacob Zimmerman playing clarinet and sax, and Matt Weiner on the bass. Each musician has many years’ experience and a strong historic sense of the music they set out to perform, as well as a sense of daring to explore new ideas in traditional forms
Ryegrass is a Bluegrass band that's been entertaining Northwest audiences since their first gig in 2001 at a used clothing store in Duvall. Having risen quickly from their modest beginnings. Ryegrass continues to perform all over the region in festivals, farmers' markets, and fairs. Members of the band are Gray Pederson (bass), Paul Michel (mandolin, dobro, and vocals), Jim Hanna (guitar and vocals), John Burke (fiddle and vocals), and Steve Marx (banjo and vocals).
In describing their act, they write, "We have a lot of laughs playing together; at this stage in life, Ryegrass is a perfect combination of tradition, singer-songwriting, and men's group."
Kenyon Hall is always delighted to have in house to raise the roof!
Get to Know - Ryegrass
In describing their act, they write, "We have a lot of laughs playing together; at this stage in life, Ryegrass is a perfect combination of tradition, singer-songwriting, and men's group."
Kenyon Hall is always delighted to have in house to raise the roof!
Get to Know - Ryegrass
KenyonHall hosts guest producers:
The Firefly Concert Series
Edie Carey (Album release tour for "The Veil")
Sunday, July 10th at 6pm
Tickets $35 (must be purchased in advance)*
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5453341
Please note: You won't want to miss the event! But, for Hall regulars, be aware that, as this is a visiting production company, tickets are only available through the above link and are not available on the Hall website.
For a sample of Edie Carey's music: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE_a6hgu_Jo)
For more about Edie Carey: Edie Carey
The Firefly Concert Series
Edie Carey (Album release tour for "The Veil")
Sunday, July 10th at 6pm
Tickets $35 (must be purchased in advance)*
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5453341
Please note: You won't want to miss the event! But, for Hall regulars, be aware that, as this is a visiting production company, tickets are only available through the above link and are not available on the Hall website.
For a sample of Edie Carey's music: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE_a6hgu_Jo)
For more about Edie Carey: Edie Carey
THE GO JANES - WITH AUNTMAMA
Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 7:30 PM
The Go Janes have decades of experience as performers, visual and recording artists, community organizers, educators, and inquisitive consumers of life. Arni and Patrice are members of the satirical trio Uncle Bonsai; Kathleen is an accomplished solo artist and community choir director. Patrice also produces the Wintergrass Festival. The Go Janes share the stage with Seattle "Living Legacy" Auntmama (aka MaryAnne Moorman) and her tales of ancestry/legacy, social justice, and her delightfully idiosyncratic family, relayed with a master's sense of timing. Vocal harmonies, harp-like ukes and guitar, and textural variety create an evening of insightful beauty and humor.
Get to Know The Go Janes - with Auntmama
Get to Know The Go Janes - with Auntmama
THE DAVID DUVALL TRIO
Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 7:30 PM
LET IT BE: The Beatles Songbook! The David Duvall Trio brings their unique musical spin to some of the world's favorite songs written by members of the most popular rock band of all time. Songs composed by all four Beatles are included! Come hear your favorites along with some songs that have fallen from popularity or are rarely performed. DavidDuvall, piano & vocals/Lawrence Karl, bass/Troy Lund, drums.
Get to Know David Duvall
Get to Know David Duvall
The Ray Skjelbred Trio plays classic hot jazz, swing and blues inspired by music from Chicago in the 1920's and 30's. The trio features Ray Skjelbred at the piano, Jacob Zimmerman playing clarinet and sax, and Matt Weiner on the bass. Each musician has many years’ experience and a strong historic sense of the music they set out to perform, as well as a sense of daring to explore new ideas in traditional forms.
Get to Know Ray Skjelbred
Get to Know Ray Skjelbred
THE RAY SKJELBRED TRIO
Hot Jazz, Swing and Blues
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Stone Vibes: The Rolling Stones Re-Imagined
The Tom Collier Quartet
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 7:30 PM
"Stone Vibes: The Rolling Stones Re-Imagined" is the title of a special concert to be presented by the Tom Collier Quartet to raise money for the West Seattle High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund! All are welcome to come to enjoy the great tunes and support this worthy cause. The show will feature unique jazz arrangements of well-known (and a couple of not-so-well-known) compositions written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones' 60+ year song catalog.
The Quartet features West Seattle Hall-Of-Fame alum Tom Collier playing vibraphone (or vibes), guitarist John Hanford (from The Wailers and Monster Road bands), drummer Ben Smith (of Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Taj Mahal and more), and WSHS Class of 1971 electric bassist Dan Dean.
Tickets for this show are $20 for all - with all proceeds (minus minimal expenses) going directly to the scholarship fund.
Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation.
*For these performances, for the protection of all our patrons, artists, staff members and volunteers, masks will be required and patrons ages 6 and over will be asked to show proof of vaccination for COVID 19 in order to purchase tickets.
The Quartet features West Seattle Hall-Of-Fame alum Tom Collier playing vibraphone (or vibes), guitarist John Hanford (from The Wailers and Monster Road bands), drummer Ben Smith (of Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Taj Mahal and more), and WSHS Class of 1971 electric bassist Dan Dean.
Tickets for this show are $20 for all - with all proceeds (minus minimal expenses) going directly to the scholarship fund.
Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation.
*For these performances, for the protection of all our patrons, artists, staff members and volunteers, masks will be required and patrons ages 6 and over will be asked to show proof of vaccination for COVID 19 in order to purchase tickets.
Kenyon Hall welcomes back the Hot Club Swing of
Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers"
Friday, April 29, 2022 at 7:30 PM
Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers" evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Romani campsite with their version of Hot Club Swing. "At the heart of their sound is Ranger's sweet violin playing…his sense of melody and daring improvisations" (World Rhythm). The band's repertoire includes swing standards, traditional European melodies, and the music of Django Reinhardt. (See Get to Know Ranger page)
Tickets for this show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (55+) and $10 for children ages 6-18. Children aged 5 and under are free!). Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation details.*
Tickets for this show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (55+) and $10 for children ages 6-18. Children aged 5 and under are free!). Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation details.*
March 19, 2022 - 7:30 pm
Magical Strings Celebrates Irish Music
We are tickled to mark St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the wonderful artistry of Magical Strings! Come travel with Magical Strings to experience the Magic of Ireland in music, stories and lively Irish dancing! With their Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, concertina, accordion and whistles, Philip and Pam Boulding will share energetic Irish music along with their own compositions and stories inspired by their journeys to Ireland and beyond – don’t miss this great opportunity to hear these two heart-filled virtuosos and the tales they weave through their music, along with electrifying Irish dancers from the Tara Academy!
*For these performances, for the protection of all our patrons, artists, staff members and volunteers, masks will be required and patrons may be asked to show proof of vaccination for COVID 19 in order to purchase tickets.
Magical Strings Celebrates Irish Music
We are tickled to mark St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the wonderful artistry of Magical Strings! Come travel with Magical Strings to experience the Magic of Ireland in music, stories and lively Irish dancing! With their Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, concertina, accordion and whistles, Philip and Pam Boulding will share energetic Irish music along with their own compositions and stories inspired by their journeys to Ireland and beyond – don’t miss this great opportunity to hear these two heart-filled virtuosos and the tales they weave through their music, along with electrifying Irish dancers from the Tara Academy!
*For these performances, for the protection of all our patrons, artists, staff members and volunteers, masks will be required and patrons may be asked to show proof of vaccination for COVID 19 in order to purchase tickets.
DENNIS JAMES Returns to The Mighty WurliTzer
With TWO Silent Movie Extravaganzas!
March 12, 2022 Blood and Sand at 7:30 PM -March 12, 2022 The Silent Clowns at 2:00 PM is SOLD OUT!
March 12, 2022 Blood and Sand at 7:30 PM -March 12, 2022 The Silent Clowns at 2:00 PM is SOLD OUT!
Kenyon Hall is always thrilled to host Dennis James, the master of the theatre organ. His presentations of silent movie classics will bring laughter, tears and simply take your breath away. On this visit, Maestro James showcases both comedy and pathos. The afternoon matinee will bring The Silent Clowns - Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd to the screen, while the evening will see Rudolph Valentino in one of his most affecting romances! Experience it all with a double date with Dennis!
At 7:30PM Blood and Sand: The hit film of 1922!
Catch what is said to be one of Rudolph Valentino's finest performances in this emotional classic tragedy. See Valentino full of wonder and emotion as he finds himself in the awkward position of being in love with two women and torn to pieces by his passions. From love and happiness to tragedy and downfalls, this silent film has it all!
At 2:00PM THE SILENT CLOWNS: 3 classic films from 1921- SOLD OUT!
Three masters of laughter in three iconic masterpieces! Buster Keaton (The High Sign), Harold Lloyd (Never Weaken), and Charlie Chaplin (The Kid)! We welcome Maestro James as he and our mighty WurliTzer give voice to the three silent movie classics created by the kings of silent movie comedy
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Rescheduled due to Covid - January 2022 Show
THE RAY SKJELBRED TRIO - Rescheduled for June 11, 2022
December 2021 Shows
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Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) is excited to announce the return of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show, playing this December LIVE at Kenyon Hall. Based the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast as the ensemble of characters bring the town of Bedford Falls to the stage. You will feel the magic when George Bailey realizes the difference he makes in the lives of others. “No man is a failure who has friends.”
For tickets: ShowTix4U – Free Online Ticketing – Schools, Community, Regional
Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) is excited to announce the return of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show, playing this December LIVE at Kenyon Hall. Based the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast as the ensemble of characters bring the town of Bedford Falls to the stage. You will feel the magic when George Bailey realizes the difference he makes in the lives of others. “No man is a failure who has friends.”
For tickets: ShowTix4U – Free Online Ticketing – Schools, Community, Regional
November 2021 Shows
Join us from your home for CASEY MacGILL (and friends)!
Premiering November 26, 2021 at 7PM and streaming through November 29 at 11:59PMAfter the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, take some time to relax with our streamed concert from the one and only Casey MacGill!
Casey MacGill performs music that swings. Nat "King" Cole Trio meets the Mills Brothers. Fats Waller meets Fats Domino. Slim Galliard meets Fred Astaire. It is American music of many decades and no decade in particular, all happening at the same time, woven into a seamless, beautiful whole. The artist, the ukulele, the cornet, the vocals! From the familiar standards, to boogie-woogie. to vocal pyrotechnics, to classic ballads, Casey brings the music! And for this Kenyon Hall streamed event, Casey brings an amazing group of supporting musicians to add to the fun!
Click here https://youtu.be/RRoN6Mu_mKM to set a calendar reminder and to see the show beginning November 26th at 7PM. It will remain available to stream through Monday, November 29th. For more details about this remarkable musician, see Casey MacGill.
Thanksgiving is coming, and we at Kenyon Hall find ourselves thankful for you! Thank you for the donations you have sent our way. You make it possible for Kenyon Hall to support artists like Casey MacGill and to “keep the lights on for Lou.” We look forward to continuing to keep the legacy of Louis Magor and this amazing place alive, and you make that possible. You have our sincere gratitude.
Keep up with Kenyon Hall – Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/KenyonHallWestSeattle
Check out this interview from a year ago to learn more about Ray – his roots in Chicago, Seattle and the Bay area - and how he got to be the incredible musician that he is! Ray Skjelbred: Living a Jazz Life, Chicago Style – The Syncopated Times
In Ray’s words: “Actually, I’m just a neighborhood kid growing up in Chicago and growing older in Seattle, all at the same time! I have generally thought of myself as an English teacher first, then pianist and poet. My life has had the human influence of family, farmers, cowboys, baseball players, actors, writers and musicians, but perhaps I feel most affected by rivers, forests and mountains.
I listen to red-winged blackbirds, wooden bats hitting baseballs, wind moving through poplar trees and dog yawns. Also music---Norwegian Hardanger fiddle music, Tibetan horns, Charles Ives, old cowboys and jazz. I always lean toward sounds that reassure me of the truth and beauty of the world we inhabit.
I love music that shows passion, daring and surprise. For me, the pianists I admire who most represent these ideas and to whom I listen most often are Earl Hines, Jess Stacy, Joe Sullivan, Mary Lou Williams, Art Hodes, Thelonious Monk, Zinky Cohn, George Zack, Cassino Simpson, Horace Henderson, Frank Melrose, Jimmy Yancey, Big Maceo, Bill Evans, Burt Bales, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Paul Lingle, Alex Hill, Sir Charles Thompson and Eddie Whitley.
I am proud that my father came from Norway, that my mother's family consisted of farmers in Wisconsin and that my wife and children are good guides and partners in my life.”
To see the show on November 12th, click here ! Can’t join us on the 12th, don’t worry - You can click to see and support this artist through the weekend! To get to know more about the inestimable Ray Skjelbred, click here!
In Ray’s words: “Actually, I’m just a neighborhood kid growing up in Chicago and growing older in Seattle, all at the same time! I have generally thought of myself as an English teacher first, then pianist and poet. My life has had the human influence of family, farmers, cowboys, baseball players, actors, writers and musicians, but perhaps I feel most affected by rivers, forests and mountains.
I listen to red-winged blackbirds, wooden bats hitting baseballs, wind moving through poplar trees and dog yawns. Also music---Norwegian Hardanger fiddle music, Tibetan horns, Charles Ives, old cowboys and jazz. I always lean toward sounds that reassure me of the truth and beauty of the world we inhabit.
I love music that shows passion, daring and surprise. For me, the pianists I admire who most represent these ideas and to whom I listen most often are Earl Hines, Jess Stacy, Joe Sullivan, Mary Lou Williams, Art Hodes, Thelonious Monk, Zinky Cohn, George Zack, Cassino Simpson, Horace Henderson, Frank Melrose, Jimmy Yancey, Big Maceo, Bill Evans, Burt Bales, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Paul Lingle, Alex Hill, Sir Charles Thompson and Eddie Whitley.
I am proud that my father came from Norway, that my mother's family consisted of farmers in Wisconsin and that my wife and children are good guides and partners in my life.”
To see the show on November 12th, click here ! Can’t join us on the 12th, don’t worry - You can click to see and support this artist through the weekend! To get to know more about the inestimable Ray Skjelbred, click here!
October 2021 Shows
Orville Johnson and Mark Graham
The Kings of Mongrel Folk
Premiering Friday, October 29, 2021 at 7PM
and streaming through Monday, November 1, 2021
Orville Johnson is a favorite with Kenyon Hall audiences and we are over the moon that he is back with us AND has brought his oft times musical partner Marc Graham along! Orville, as you know (or will soon see in the streamed event!), is a singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, session player, the top dobro player on the West Coast, and, above all, an instinctive and sensitive musician.
Orville and Mark Graham have played together as a duo since 1993. As Orville says, “Mark is a world class harmonica wizard, a humorous songwriter without peer, a tuneful clarinet blower, and all-round swell guy.”
Together they form the duo – The Kings of Mongrel Folk! They’ve had a lot of fun over the years playing music, writing songs together, traveling the hi ways and byways, festivals and concert halls, and meeting music lovers far and wide. We are delighted to feature them streaming from Kenyon Hall!
Through the generosity of these talented folks, the October From Home series is offered at no cost. We hope, though, that viewers will be moved to donate online during the stream in support of these world class musicians and the programming at Kenyon Hall as the performing arts struggle to come back joyously from the sad silence of the pandemic!
To see the show on October 29th (or set an alert on your calendar!), click here or in the column on the right! Can’t join us on the 29th, don’t worry - You can still click to experience and support these artists through the weekend!
The Kings of Mongrel Folk
Premiering Friday, October 29, 2021 at 7PM
and streaming through Monday, November 1, 2021
Orville Johnson is a favorite with Kenyon Hall audiences and we are over the moon that he is back with us AND has brought his oft times musical partner Marc Graham along! Orville, as you know (or will soon see in the streamed event!), is a singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, session player, the top dobro player on the West Coast, and, above all, an instinctive and sensitive musician.
Orville and Mark Graham have played together as a duo since 1993. As Orville says, “Mark is a world class harmonica wizard, a humorous songwriter without peer, a tuneful clarinet blower, and all-round swell guy.”
Together they form the duo – The Kings of Mongrel Folk! They’ve had a lot of fun over the years playing music, writing songs together, traveling the hi ways and byways, festivals and concert halls, and meeting music lovers far and wide. We are delighted to feature them streaming from Kenyon Hall!
Through the generosity of these talented folks, the October From Home series is offered at no cost. We hope, though, that viewers will be moved to donate online during the stream in support of these world class musicians and the programming at Kenyon Hall as the performing arts struggle to come back joyously from the sad silence of the pandemic!
To see the show on October 29th (or set an alert on your calendar!), click here or in the column on the right! Can’t join us on the 29th, don’t worry - You can still click to experience and support these artists through the weekend!
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TOM COLLIER, vibes, marimba, drums, percussion Retired Director of the Percussion and Jazz Programs at the University of Washington School of Music, Professor Emeritus Tom Collier has performed and recorded with many important classical, jazz, and popular artists, in addition to recording and performing with his own jazz group. He is a veteran of more than 60 years in music-- his first public appearance was at age five, on xylophone, and his first professional performances were made as a nine-year-old marimba virtuoso.
Collier has appeared in concert with many important jazz and popular artists, including Eddie Daniels, Roger Kellaway, Frank Zappa, Ry Cooder, Emil Richards, Larry Coryell, Bill Frisell, Laurendo Almeida, Buddy DeFranco, Diane Schurr, Peggy Lee, Herb Ellis, Ernestine Anderson, Natalie Cole, Mannheim Steamroller, The Beach Boys, Gina Funes, Della Reese, Walt Wagner, and many more. Although his primary focus in recent years has been jazz, Collier has also performed occasionally as a featured mallet soloist with the Seattle Symphony, Spokane Symphony, Bellevue Philharmonic, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, and the Denver Symphony.
As a solo artist, Tom has recorded several albums featuring original compositions beginning with Illusion in 1988 on TC Records featuring Collier playing vibes, marimba, synthesizer, drums and Los Angeles-based saxophonist Gary Herbig. Pacific Aire, released on Nebula Records in 1990, featured West Coast legendary saxophonist Bud Shank, keyboardist Don Grusin, New York pianist Peggy Stern, Seattle bassist Chuck Deardorf and Maui-based drummer Michael Buono. A series of recordings for Origin and Origin Classical labels began with 2004's Mallet Jazz featuring marimba/percussion extraordinaire Emil Richards and noted jazz drummer Joe Porcaro (as well as Dan Dean on bass), 2010's Mallet Fantastique, and 2012's Tom Collier Plays Haydn, Mozart, Telemann and Others. That recording, featuring Tom performing both parts of noted classical violin duets on vibraphone and marimba (by overdubbing), was placed on the 2013 GRAMMY ballot for best Classical Instrumental Album.
Before his retirement from the University of Washington School of Music in 2016, Tom was awarded a Royalty Research Grant by the University in 2014 to produce three new recordings in three different settings. The first project, a solo vibraphone album entitled Alone In The Studio, was released on Origin Records in March 2015. A second recording, Across The Bridge, was released by Origin in November, 2015 and featured nine original compositions for jazz quartet. World-renowned guitarists Bill Frisell and Larry Coryell joined Collier on this recording along with drummers Ted Poor and John Bishop as well as electric bassist/guitarist Dan Dean who also produced the album. The third project, an experimental free improvisation trio album entitled Impulsive Illuminations was released on Origin Records in November 2016. Guitarist Bill Frisell joined Tom once again on this session along with pianist Richard Karpen, trumpeter Cuong Vu, legendary free-form trombonist Stuart Dempster and avant-garde clarinetist William O. Smith. All three albums were placed on GRAMMY ballots in various jazz categories respectively for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
MARC SEALES - A noted pianist, composer and leading figure in the Northwest jazz scene, Marc Seales has shared stages with many of the great players of the last two decades. He has played with nearly every visiting jazz celebrity from Joe Henderson and Art Pepper to Benny Carter, Mark Murphy, and Bobby Hutcherson. With the late Don Lanphere he performed in such places as London, England; Kobe, Japan; The Hague in the Netherlands; and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
The musicians he admires most are Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, John Lewis, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Wynton Kelly, though he is quick to acknowledge that he owes the basically be-bop/post be-bop sound of his playing to his mentors, Don Lanphere and Floyd Standifer.
Critics have praised Seales variously for his "meaty piano solos," and "blues inflected, Hancock-inspired modernism." Winner of numerous Earshot awards (Instrumentalist of the Year in 1999 and Acoustic Jazz Group in 2000 and 2001; Jazz Hall of Fame, 2009), Seales is Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers" evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Romani campsite with their version of Hot Club Swing. "At the heart of their sound is Ranger's sweet violin playing…his sense of melody and daring improvisations" (World Rhythm). The band's repertoire includes swing standards, traditional European melodies, and the music of Django Reinhardt. (See Get to Know Ranger page)
Tickets for this show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (55+) and $10 for children ages 6-18. Children aged 5 and under are free!). Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation details.*
Collier has appeared in concert with many important jazz and popular artists, including Eddie Daniels, Roger Kellaway, Frank Zappa, Ry Cooder, Emil Richards, Larry Coryell, Bill Frisell, Laurendo Almeida, Buddy DeFranco, Diane Schurr, Peggy Lee, Herb Ellis, Ernestine Anderson, Natalie Cole, Mannheim Steamroller, The Beach Boys, Gina Funes, Della Reese, Walt Wagner, and many more. Although his primary focus in recent years has been jazz, Collier has also performed occasionally as a featured mallet soloist with the Seattle Symphony, Spokane Symphony, Bellevue Philharmonic, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, and the Denver Symphony.
As a solo artist, Tom has recorded several albums featuring original compositions beginning with Illusion in 1988 on TC Records featuring Collier playing vibes, marimba, synthesizer, drums and Los Angeles-based saxophonist Gary Herbig. Pacific Aire, released on Nebula Records in 1990, featured West Coast legendary saxophonist Bud Shank, keyboardist Don Grusin, New York pianist Peggy Stern, Seattle bassist Chuck Deardorf and Maui-based drummer Michael Buono. A series of recordings for Origin and Origin Classical labels began with 2004's Mallet Jazz featuring marimba/percussion extraordinaire Emil Richards and noted jazz drummer Joe Porcaro (as well as Dan Dean on bass), 2010's Mallet Fantastique, and 2012's Tom Collier Plays Haydn, Mozart, Telemann and Others. That recording, featuring Tom performing both parts of noted classical violin duets on vibraphone and marimba (by overdubbing), was placed on the 2013 GRAMMY ballot for best Classical Instrumental Album.
Before his retirement from the University of Washington School of Music in 2016, Tom was awarded a Royalty Research Grant by the University in 2014 to produce three new recordings in three different settings. The first project, a solo vibraphone album entitled Alone In The Studio, was released on Origin Records in March 2015. A second recording, Across The Bridge, was released by Origin in November, 2015 and featured nine original compositions for jazz quartet. World-renowned guitarists Bill Frisell and Larry Coryell joined Collier on this recording along with drummers Ted Poor and John Bishop as well as electric bassist/guitarist Dan Dean who also produced the album. The third project, an experimental free improvisation trio album entitled Impulsive Illuminations was released on Origin Records in November 2016. Guitarist Bill Frisell joined Tom once again on this session along with pianist Richard Karpen, trumpeter Cuong Vu, legendary free-form trombonist Stuart Dempster and avant-garde clarinetist William O. Smith. All three albums were placed on GRAMMY ballots in various jazz categories respectively for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
MARC SEALES - A noted pianist, composer and leading figure in the Northwest jazz scene, Marc Seales has shared stages with many of the great players of the last two decades. He has played with nearly every visiting jazz celebrity from Joe Henderson and Art Pepper to Benny Carter, Mark Murphy, and Bobby Hutcherson. With the late Don Lanphere he performed in such places as London, England; Kobe, Japan; The Hague in the Netherlands; and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
The musicians he admires most are Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, John Lewis, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Wynton Kelly, though he is quick to acknowledge that he owes the basically be-bop/post be-bop sound of his playing to his mentors, Don Lanphere and Floyd Standifer.
Critics have praised Seales variously for his "meaty piano solos," and "blues inflected, Hancock-inspired modernism." Winner of numerous Earshot awards (Instrumentalist of the Year in 1999 and Acoustic Jazz Group in 2000 and 2001; Jazz Hall of Fame, 2009), Seales is Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers" evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Romani campsite with their version of Hot Club Swing. "At the heart of their sound is Ranger's sweet violin playing…his sense of melody and daring improvisations" (World Rhythm). The band's repertoire includes swing standards, traditional European melodies, and the music of Django Reinhardt. (See Get to Know Ranger page)
Tickets for this show are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (55+) and $10 for children ages 6-18. Children aged 5 and under are free!). Email kenyon@kenyonhall.org to request seats! You will receive an email response with confirmation details.*
To see the show on October 1st, click here!
Formed some 50 years ago while they were college aged, the Jerry Frank Trio, featuring Jerry Frank at the piano, Tom Collier on percussion, and Dan Dean on bass, found a musical affinity which is still mightily in evidence in this, their 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert, recorded live at Kenyon Hall and premiering as a streamed event for the Hall on October 1st
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Dennis James at the Mighty WurliTzer!
Kenyon Hall is pleased to re-open the doors to live performance with the return of Dennis James, the renowned Master of the WurliTzer theater organ! We welcome Maestro James as he and our mighty WurliTzer give voice to the three silent movie classics created by the kings of silent movie comedy: Buster Keaton (The High Sign), Harold Lloyd (Never Weaken), and Charlie Chaplin (The Kid)!
We truly can’t think of a better way to invite you back to our venue than to feature the WurliTzer, played in the historic but timeless style of 1921 enhancing the magic on the screen. That’s right! It’s been 100 years since these three movies were released, so join us in a celebration of their centennial at Kenyon Hall!
We truly can’t think of a better way to invite you back to our venue than to feature the WurliTzer, played in the historic but timeless style of 1921 enhancing the magic on the screen. That’s right! It’s been 100 years since these three movies were released, so join us in a celebration of their centennial at Kenyon Hall!
August and September 2020 Shows Still Available on YouTube
September 26, 2020
Original Concert on August 15, 2020
Original Concert on August 22, 2020
About Kenyon Hall
Seattle Artists/Kenyon Hall, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, presents live musical and theatrical performance traditions and early childhood musical education in an historic West Seattle setting.Home of the 1929 mighty WurliTzer theatre pipe organ, Kenyon Hall is West Seattle's lighthearted entertainment palace, presenting vaudeville, theatrical and musical performances, and offering dance instruction and early childhood musical education.
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