The Art of Music returns to West Seattle for your 2023 enjoyment beginning in June!
The Art of Music is a series of musical performances scheduled to provide free admission entertainment during Second Thursday Art Walk Evenings for a portion of the year, adding another benefit for attendees.
We are delighted to announce this year’s plans call for offering performances in the Alaska Junction and Admiral District during Second Thursday Art Walk Evenings June through s, and in the Morgan Junction during Second Thursday Art Walk Evenings for June, August, October, and December. Musicians will perform from 6 pm to 7:45 pm (with one 15-minute break at the midpoint).
Special thanks go to the Admiral Neighborhood Association as a Supporting Sponsor for their donation to help underwrite The Art of Music events in the Admiral District.
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Contact: info@admiralneighborhood.org
Contact: mocacnc@gmail.com
Mark your calendars now and make plans to view art, meet artists, dine, shop, and enjoy free admission musical performances on these Second Thursday Art Walk * Art of Music Evenings from June through December this year.
Alaska Junction and Admiral District:
June 8 | July 13 (Summer Fest Eve) | August 10 | September 14
October 12 | November 9 |December 14
Morgan Junction:
June 8 | August 10 | October 12 | December 14
The Art of Music 2023 Line Up
(More information will be added as additional performers are confirmed.)
June 8 – Paul Gerard @ Wildflour Gluten-Free Baking Co., Formerly Flying Apron in the Alaska Junction. Seattle native Paul Gerard sings straight from the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. His engaging songs expand out to include love songs and anthems from around the world, sharing stories of all things heaven and earth. Paul’s love of nature manifests in ballads of our non-human friends: whales, condors, and elephants with stories of beauty and interdependence. Paul’s golden voice is warm and comforting. In concert, Paul “sings the world into being” as in the Australian Aborigine creation story, inviting each listener to sing their own world into being–with love! For an advance preview of Paul performing see the video here. Click here for Paul Gerard’s flyer.
Photo Credit: Robert Jacobs (Portrait Artist)
June 8 – Performer Larry Murante @ Zeeks Pizza in the Morgan Junction. Singer-songwriter Larry Murante is well known for his soaring, mellifluous tenor, strong rhythmic guitar style, and engaging stage presence. He performs both originals and cover tunes. His award-winning original songs feature beautifully woven stories about everyday folks. They combine compassionate, socially conscious lyrics with an upbeat, joyful folk-rock style. Larry’s music is reminiscent of Jackson Brown, Lyle Lovett, and Marc Cohn. His extensive repertoire of originals and classic covers can be tailored to audiences at festivals, wineries, restaurants, pubs, private events, radio interviews, and house concerts. In the past 10 years, Larry Murante has won more than 18 awards in US and international competitions for songwriting and performance, including Grand Prize Winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Other awards include the West Coast Songwriters Song Contest and the Great American Song Contest (see full list). His fourth CD release, Patch of Sky, has garnered critical acclaim and radio airplay in both the US and Europe. For an advance preview of Larry performing see a video here. Click here for Larry Murante’s flyer.
June 8 – Performer Taylor John Hardin @ West Seattle Grounds in the Admiral District. With a blend of rock, pop, country, blues, and soft jazz, Taylor John Hardin has you covered! If it can be played on the guitar, Taylor’s already started learning it. Taylor’s side gigs include Twitch Streamer, Music Teacher, Host of BandHouse Podcast, and tons of other music projects. Click here for Taylor John Hardin’s flyer.
July 13 (Summer Fest Eve) Performer Hopscotch (the songwriting duo of jazz pianist & composer Charlie Hiestand and jazz vocalist & songwriter Jeanie Mishler) @ the Alki Arts Pop Up Gallery (Situated within the Senior Center Annex Pop-Up – located at 4500 California Avenue SW). HOPSCOTCH is the songwriting duo of pianist/composer Charlie Hiestand and singer/songwriter Jeanie Mishler. In the tradition of big bands and influenced by Euro band Pink Martini, this smaller band has written and arranged their own music delivered with a killer horn and rhythm section made up of some great Seattle players. Along with their original swing, latin, and blues tunes, they serve up fresh arrangements of pop songs and jazz standards with a touch of comedy and tap dancing thrown in. Jeanie Mishler is the vocalist, tap dancer, guitar player, one of the song writers, and co-leader of the band Hopscotch. Currently a public school music teacher, she also teaches private voice, has been a contributing writer for the Earshot Jazz Magazine and continues her many writing pursuits. Charlie Hiestand is the pianist, composer, arranger and co-leader of the band Hopscotch. Charlie has produced several albums, scored music for films, worked in musical theater as director of music, also playing bass and piano. Currently a music director for a Catholic church, he also teaches music theory, piano and bass in the Seattle area. Check out their album at: www.hopscotchjazz.com Click here for Hopscotch’s flyer.
July 13 (Summer Fest Eve) Performer jean mann @ WEND Jewelry in the Admiral District. Experiencing jean mann’s intimate, personable musical performance is akin to sitting around the kitchen table, catching up on the news of the soul. jean is in midst of releasing 12 monthly singles which will comprise her 9th full length collection. She has toured regionally and nationally since 2000 and Europe since 2014. A genre-hopping, barefoot contemporary singer-songwriter, she sprinkles her concerts with tenor and acoustic guitars, baritone ukulele and harmonica. All to accompany a warm, texture-laden vocal style. Genre: Lyric-driven alt-folk with an Americana twist. Website | Bandcamp Click here for jean mann’s flyer.
August 10 Performer Epiphany of Time @ KeyBank in the Alaska Junction. Local West Seattle musicians bring you pop-modern blues, dreamy originals, and funky tunes. Come experience the brilliance of Epiphany of Time, achieved through a dedication to the art. Come ready to jive and dance with the band! To view the Epiphany of Time flier click here. To view a preview of Epiphany of Time click here.
August 10 Performer MoonGirl @ Soprano’s Antico Pizza & Pasta Restaurant in the Admiral District. Singer/songwriter Phyl Stewart, aka “Moongirl”, will be accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chuck Pautz on guitar, ukulele, and harmonica to perform a mix of acoustic-indie-rock songs for your listening pleasure. Phyl and Chuck have performed as a duo, and with their band, “MoonGirl”(www.moongirlmusic.com), for over 10 years at numerous festivals, small venues, and events in and around Seattle. Their set will include original tunes and thoughtful arrangements of songs by artists they admire. To view the MoonGirl flier click here. To view a preview of MoonGirl click here.
August 10 Performer Natalie Paige @ Whisky West in the Morgan Junction. Natalie Paige blends the best of folk and blues with original music and covers, delivering a vocal-forward performance often likened to familiar favorites such as Norah Jones & Carole King. To view the Natalie Paige flier click here. To view a preview of Natalie Paige click here.
September 14 Performer Guitar Gil @ CAPERS in the Alaska Junction. Guitar Gil performs rhythmic and melodic solo guitar arrangements of swing, Latin, jazz, rock and pop tunes and has performed throughout the Northwest for several decades. The song arrangements in his repertoire are drawn from the music of Duke Ellington, Elton John, The Beatles, Jim Croce, Frank Sinatra, The Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Peter Frampton, Nat King Cole, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and other great songwriters and performers of vintage pop tunes.Guitar Gil will be performing tunes from his debut album Dreamin’, available for streaming or downloading at www.guitargil.com. Click here to view Guitar Gil’s flyer.
September 14 Catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and soulful delivery; performer Trevor Ras @ Welcome Road Winery in the Admiral District. Funky beats and campfire sing-a-longs land Trevor’s music between Zac Brown, Van Morrison, and James Taylor. Drawing inspiration from sailing the islands of Puget Sound and the Gulf Islands, he’s come to view life as a seaborne adventure. Where the musician meets the sea is where his 3rd solo album, Life at Sea was born. Click here to view Trevor Ras’ flyer.
October 12 Performer Lana Sparks @ Verity Credit Union in the Alaska Junction. Seattle native Lana Sparks packs a powerful punch with her haunting expressive vocals and gritty relatable lyrics. From street performing to her passionate performances on stage, Lana takes her listeners on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Strong, resilient, soulful, and vicious. She captivates the hearts of her listeners with inspiring messages of hope through struggle. Thoughtful reflection straight from the heart Sparks pens personal yet universal confessionals. You will never forget her voice and you will feel her every word. Click here to view Lana Sparks’ flyer.
October 12 Performer Swing 3PO @ Soprano’s Antico Pizza & Pasta Restaurant in the Admiral District. Swing 3PO is a dynamic and versatile group that plays dance music rooted in the Swing tradition. Led by Kevin Connor (guitar and vocals) Swing 3PO features Lamar Lofton on Bass, Mike Daugherty on drums, Jerome Smith on trombone, and Tim Wetmiller, on violin. Vocal harmonies, swingin’ solos, and playful call-and-response singing will be heard at any show along with a few jokes between songs. The group features Connor’s original compositions as well as fresh arrangements of many pre-WW2 classics. With bright tempos and playful vocals, Swing 3PO is equally comfortable playing a children’s party as a large Swing dance event. The group performs from trio to sextet and for the Art of Music series, they will be performing as a trio featuring Lamar Lofton and Tim Wetmiller. Click here to view Swing 3PO’s flyer.
October 12 Performer Cyd Smith @ Beveridge Place Pub in the Morgan Junction. Genre-bending-blending singer/songwriter/guitarist Cyd Smith is hard to pin down. An accomplished guitarist and stellar vocalist with years of experience performing in the Northwest, she can deliver a self-penned song with depth and charm or give new meaning to a vintage swing standard. Or perhaps she’ll get your feet tapping to a ripping guitar arrangement of an old piano rag or heat up the room with a classic blues ballad. Come and join her for a feast of musical treats at the Beveridge Place Pub on Thursday, October 12, from 6:00 to 7:45 PM, sponsored by West Seattle’s Art of Music series. Click here to view Cyd Smith’s flyer. To preview Cyd Smith performing click here.
November 9 Performer Caitlin Patterson, accompanied by Marshell Lombard @ West Seattle Realty in the Admiral District. Caitlin is a native Seattleite, music teacher, and singer-songwriter. She weaves themes from her personal life into melody, usually over guitar or piano. Some of her musical influences include Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, and Rachel Price of the band “Lake Street Dive”. She has loved to write and sing since she can remember and specifically enjoys crafting lyrics for her music. Lyrical themes include perseverance, patience, encouragement, and seeking peace. Her voice is sweet, rich, and soulful, and she loves singing in harmony when she can recruit other singers to join her on stage. In addition to songwriting, Caitlin is a local choir teacher at Madison Middle School, as well as a private piano, voice, and guitar teacher. She loves helping her students grow holistically as musicians and as people! Click here to view Caitlin Patterson’s flyer. For a preview of Caitlin Patterson performing, here is the link to a video.
Marshell Lombard, known as Bard on stage, has released several tracks that made the top 10 on all major South African radio station charts. He has a degree in voice and is now pursuing his doctorate degree in music at the University of Washington. He conducts several choirs and writes music. Follow him on IG @bardmustsing for more music.
November 9 Performer Olizar @ John L. Scott Real Estate in the Alaska Junction. Fated and forged by the universe from failed romances, Olizar is a violin and guitar duo based in Seattle, WA. We specialize in folk-style tunes, and our main influences include Brandi Carlile, Amy Mann, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, and Twilight: the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Effortlessly weaving heart-wrenching harmonies and soaring melodies, our music reflects the journey that never ends. The duo includes Christine Salazar and Caitlin Olive; you can listen to our most recently released single (Saturday Morning) by clicking here. Additionally, Christine has released two solo albums (available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, as well as other streaming services) — you can listen to On to Something by clicking here; you can listen to All My Good Intentions by clicking here. Click here to view Olizar’s flyer.
December 14 Performer Sue Quigley @ West Seattle Grounds in the Alaska Junction. Raised in the nuclear plains of Eastern Washington, Sue stole her sister’s guitar (abandoned for boys) at 13 and started writing songs about getting out of town and living another life. After graduating from college, fighting forest fires all over the west, and getting some heartbreak in, she settled in Seattle and started doing some open mics. It was finally after seeing mutual friend Brandi Carlile play that she got the guts up to put a band together and make an EP. Then a full-length CD “Perfect Chaos”. The single “Paper Tiger” from that CD was Runner Up for Song of the Year (Songoftheyear.com). She was one of the Top 15 finalists in Carla DeSantis’ (Rockergrl) “Discoveries” Contest and has played the Viper Room in Hollywood, showcased twice at SXSW in Austin, TX, and solo-toured the West Coast and Ireland. She has performed locally in her beloved Seattle at the Hard Rock, ConorByrne, Tractor Tavern, Crocodile Cafe, Showbox, and for 6,000 Seattle Storm fans as halftime entertainment. Click here for Sue Quigley’s flyer.
December 14 Performer Rik Wright’s Fundamental Forces @ Great American Diner & Bar in the Alaska Junction. Like jazz, but not. Rik Wright is an award-winning guitarist known for his genre-bending performances – worldbeat one minute, rock the next, a touch of jam band, and back to the core of jazz. Blending forward-thinking arrangements with a solid groove that listeners can tap their toe to, his Fundamental Forces quartet has an undeniable allure that has propelled them all the way to the top of the public radio charts.
Wright has taken his love and passion for the guitar to just about every corner of the Pacific Northwest, performing at Bumbershoot, Northwest Folklife, Bite of Seattle, and enumerable other community and arts festivals throughout the region. He has placed four albums in the Top 10 of both the Roots Music and CMJ radio charts, including a #1 spot on the CMJ Jazz chart.
Rik has been honored with numerous awards including both an Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for “Best Alternative Jazz Group”, and as one of Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” jazz performers. His efforts have been generously supported by 4Culture, the Seattle Public Library’s PlayBack program, and the Jack Straw Foundation. Rik is listed in both the Arts Northwest on Tour and the King County Touring Arts rosters, which are juried directories of the Pacific Northwest’s very best performing artists. You can view videos of Rik Wright’s Fundamental Forces performing here, here, and here! Click here for Rik Wright’s flyer.
Photo Credit: Danette Davis
December 14 Performer Matt Cecil @ Zeeks Pizza in the Morgan Junction. Matt Cecil is a highly praised lute player in the Pacific Northwest’s Living History community, playing prominent performances at major events for the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international Renaissance and Medieval recreation organization. Most recently his musical performances achieved the highest score in their annual Arts and Sciences competition. He specializes in the lute music of John Dowland, a contemporary of Shakespeare. When he’s not making music, Matt works for Amazon and lives in the Admiral district of West Seattle with his wife and two sons. Matt’s music represents the soundtrack of life in Elizabethan England, and would have been heard by Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth. The Renaissance lute is the ancestor of the modern guitar, and the repertoire from its Golden Age around the year 1600 displays incredible virtuosity and melancholy beauty. Matt performs a combination of self-accompanied lute songs and lute solo pieces on a beautiful lute which is a detailed recreation of the instruments of the time. Click here for Matt Cecil’s flyer. For a preview of Matt Cecil performing click here.
The Art of Music is presented by the West Seattle Junction Association in conjunction with the West Seattle Art Walk.
Invitation to Apply as a Musician
The West Seattle Junction Association plans to present several performances by musicians in the heart of the West Seattle Junction, in the Morgan Junction, and in the Admiral District to take place during the Second Thursday West Seattle Art Walk Evenings for part of the year.
This Call for Musicians is an invitation to apply to be considered for performing for The Art of Music from 6-7:45 pm (with one 15-minute break at the midpoint). Applications will be accepted year around.
West Seattle Art Walk 
