Porter and Strayhorn epitomized class and were celebrated for their contributions to the American songbook, but each remains under recognized for their technical skills as pianists. The two men were lovers of Paris and of New York at the midcentury, but Piano Starts Here looks beyond this stylish legacy and breathes new life into a number of truly classic compositions. Featuring Dave Peck, Bill Anschell, Tim Kennedy and Michael Owcharuk.

The BILLY STRAYHORN PROJECT is a celebration of the life and music of William Thomas "Billy" Strayhorn (November 29, 1915 – May 31, 1967), an American jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, arranger, and LGTBQ artist best known for his successful collaboration with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington lasting nearly three decades.

The BILLY STRAYHORN PROJECT features Tyrone Brown, Nate Omdal (music director and bass), Michael Owcharuk (piano), Jacques Willis (drums), playing original arrangements from the Billy Strayhorn songbook such as "Take the 'A' Train," "Chelsea Bridge," and "Lush Life.”

For this edition of the Spitehouse curated by Dick Valentine I will be presenting some new work and improvisations with the help of some special guests.

Billy Monto and Stephen Fandrich open.

From Beth Fleenor: - "I'm absurdly excited about this....I'm celebrating my 35th birthday, and the 10th anniversary of The Frank Agency and to do it, I'm throwing myself a party!! All it needs now is YOU!!

Since it's inception Frank has raised over half a million dollars and produced hundreds of events in support of so many incredible artists. We have intersected - we have interacted - we have integrated - and we have grown! We continue to contribute wholeheartedly - and know its impact - as an emphasis on creativity in a culture AT EVERY LEVEL gives rise to creative solutions to social problems.

In tandem with Frank, my own artistic vision is unfolding in new and exciting ways and I am generally feeling pretty overflowing with inspiration as I also cross the point that I've been in Seattle as long as I grew up in Bristol. That's an important point for me.

All of this is important for me - and so important to me - so please join me in celebrating all of us embracing and fulfilling our biggest selves.

There will be 5 bands - Crystal Beth will close out the night - and there will be a craft table. Come on!! EAT CAKE!! RELEASE!! ((( ♥ )))"

THE LINE UP:

8pm - Denio + Abouzied
9pm - Angela Sheik
10pm - Led to Sea
11pm - Trimtab
midnight - Crystal Beth & the Boom Boom Band


MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
https://bfdirectline.wordpress.com/2015/08/01/birthday-show-82815/

With the reflexes of a mongoose and the swagger of a leftist John Wayne, Crystal Beth* (aka: Beth Fleenor) spins her own brand of purge-pop dance-punk: a sweaty trance psychedelic ritual. Expect intense currents of bethnic chanting, propelled by the ferocious beating of the Boom Boom…

“….fare perhaps best described as world music from an imaginary planet — or at least one recently visited by Yoko Ono….quite compelling and magical….” (Seattle Times)

The Boom Boom Band features
Tristan Gianola (guitar)
Michael Owcharuk (keyboard)
Isaac Castillo (bass)
Adam Kozie (drums)

*Crystal Beth is a psychoactive stimulant that increases alertness, concentration, and energy, and in high doses, can induce euphoria, enhance self-esteem, and increase libido.