Visiting Seattle

[Tanager]

My wife and I will be in Seattle for vacation 4/12-4/18. I would love to hear some advice re: places to eat, etc. We are staying at the Renaissance Madison in downtown (I think that's downtown, right?). I know that the Dave Holland 5tet is in town that week already. :)

Seriously, I would love to hear:

What restaurants do you recommend, especially in the low-mid price range?
What do you recommend NOT visiting (overpriced, overtouristed, not worth seeing)?
Is the coast of the Olympic Peninsula doable as a day trip, or should we get a room out there for one night?
Does anyone know the names of whale-watching tour operators?

Neither of us has ever been to Seattle before (the closest I've been is E. Idaho, which isn't that close), so any input would be appreciated.

[clinthopson]

tanny,

We were in Seattle last August and had a great time. The town is loaded with good restaurants. Check the Seattle visitors web site, I think they have a pretty good list.

Compared to L.A., S.F. or NYC the restaurant prices are reasonable. I'm sure Phil and some of the other NWites can give you recommendations on inexpensive places.

Pike Place Market is a gas and there are some reasonably priced restaurants in the environs (I'm terrible at rememebring names).

Jazz Alley is probably the most beautifully designed jazz club I've ever seen. They have top players regularly.

We loved the Underground city tour, it was fascinating.

The one thing you should avoid at all costs is that tour out to the island where they have the indian village and a salmon dinner. The food is terrible and the show is boring.

We liked the boat tour through the locks, well worth the money.

[patricia]

Clint,
Reading your post, it occurred to me, not for the first time, that a "hang" in Seattle, sometime, might be a good idea. The Right Coast, particularly New York, is, of course "Mecca", but we who are closer to the other side of the country may be more likely to go to a Seattle hang. What say you??

[lynn]

Nice Hotel just on the edge of downtown if I recall correctly. If you are into Baseball, check to see if the Mariners are in town. Safeco Field is a really nice stadium.

Don't miss the waterfront, you can grab food on the run there and catch a ferry ride across the sound for a nice (really nice view!!!!) of the skyline.

Salty's (West Seattle) or the Pallisades (Magnolia Bluffs) make for great evening dining with spectacular views.

The coast, rainforest and the beaches are wonderful but plan to overnight at one of the little towns over there. Plenty of accomodations and this is still the off season.

I haven't checked Tula's schedule that week but they have good local groups and occasionally you can catch a regional act. www.earshot.org has a calendar for most of the jazz around town and it should be up soon, I hope since I have some dates. Check Tula's calendar at www.tulas.com

You can also take the Clipper to Victoria BC. That is a wonderful sidetrip. That too is an overnight adventure.

Check out the wineries, drive to Mt. Rainier, take in the spring color. There's a lot to do and see. But as Clint said don't do the indian village, strickly a tourist rip (sorry Clint, no insult intended)

[Tanager]

Will it still be too snowy to drive near Mt. Rainier or up into the North Cascades?

[lynn]

You can drive to Paradise Lodge all winter at Rainier. The lodge is closed right now but man, on a clear day you really can see forever up there.

I don't know about Mt. Baker. We haven't had a lot of snow this year but you might ask GP. That's his neck of the woods.

I forgot to mention heading up toward Bellingham, GP's stomping grounds. From Burlington (You may be in time for the tulip festival at La Conner) drive over to Fidalgo Island, across Deception Pass and down Whidbey Island then catch the ferry to Port Townsend and over to the Pacific coast. A two day adventure but what a drive!

[Pete C]

The Sunday brunch buffet at Salty's is quite good.

I had an excellent Hangtown Fry at Cafe Nola on Bainbridge Island, and it's a pleasant ferry ride from Seattle, and a nice place for a walk.

I had an excellent Italian meal at Al Boccalino near Pioneer Square but it's not cheap.

I had a great cheap Cambodian meal in Chinatown, but I can't remember the name of the place.

I may be back for this year's Bumbershoot Festival. Depends on my job situation.

Tanager, don't miss the Experience Music Project.

[al j]

I'll be heading in for a Holland show myself. For music on the more adventurous side, browse here for show listings:

http://www.polestarmusic.org

For dinner I can unhesitatingly recommend Brad's Swingside Cafe. The menu is whatever Brad dreams up in the course of a week. Incredible food, every time I've been. He's only open for dinner though. You can reach him here if you want to make reservations ( the place seats maybe 30-40):

4212 Fremont Ave N
(206) 633-4057

also, a French bistro in Capitol Hill. Intimate settings, amazing wine list, unforgettable food:

Cassis
2359 10th Ave. E - Capitol Hill area
(206) 329-0580

and...

The Elysian Brewery
1221 Pike Street
(206) 860-1920

Shoot for a bed and breakfast in Port Townsend, across the Hood Canal from the Olympic Peninsula. That way you can visit the incredible William James Bookseller. Bud Shank lives there too.

When you get to the airport you should find plenty of brochures for whale watching and other indigenous forms of recreation. Have fun.

[Monte Smith]

My favorite restaurants are Cafe Campagne (not plain Campagne, its over-priced snooty cousin) and Dalia Lounge.

I second the Underground tour, really interesting and historical. Pikes Market is a must. Have never mustered the $20 entrance fee to see inside the EMP. I can't believe it is worth it. The building is a hideous piece of Frank Gehry trash.

The best things about Seattle are outside of Seattle.

The wineries in Woodinville are fun. You can take a tour of Chateau Ste. Michelle and enjoy a free tasting. Then you can cross the street to the Columbia Winery where you don't even have to take a tour for the free tasting. If at that point you are still thirsty, there is a brewery right next door. I confess I have never made it as far as the brewery.

Nearby Woodinville is Redmond, home of Microsoft, and the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls.

I hope it is clear and sunny when you visit out here so that you can get the full splendid views of Rainier, the Olympics, the Cascades, and Puget Sound. But if the whole place is choked with rain and fog, well, at least you'll be experiencing the real Seattle.

[lynn]

Snoqualmie Falls is a great drive and if you were into Twin Peaks you will recognize the falls and lodge. If you have lunch at the lodge, it's pricey but delicious.

[Douglas]

You have got to go on the Ducks. Drag Monte along and get some pictures of him being highly embarrassed.

The underground tour was fun as was Pike Place Market. There was a bar near PPM overlooking the waterfront that had one of the only decent beers I've tasted in the US. Near the Japanese style garden there was a good Japanese restaurant. I can visualise the place but not the name. Dinner in the Seattle tower was reasonable and the view spectacular.

We also took a train to a winery (breakfast on the way and lunch on the way back). Very touristy, but nice if you are looking to do something different and importantly saves you from driving after tasting a few sherbets.

We also went up through Bellingham (didn't spot Graypencil, but thought we saw a whale) to Canada via the border crossing called Douglas. For a fleeting second I thought they had personalised the immigration stamp. From there we went to Vancouver Island and enjoyed travelling around. Worth a visit if time permits.

[Monte Smith]

"We also took a train to a winery (breakfast on the way and lunch on the way back). Very touristy, but nice if you are looking to do something different and importantly saves you from driving after tasting a few sherberts."

That's the train to the Columbia Winery in Woodinville. It's part of the "get fucked up for free" tour of the Pacific Northwest--very popular.

[Tanager]

Unfortunately, neither of us is a wine drinker, so we'll have to pass on the booze train.

Good to hear that we can at least drive close to Rainier, b/c I'd love to take a gander at the thing.

[clinthopson]

The mention of Mt. Ranier brought back a memory from the distant past when I took Basic Training at Ft. Lewis. I was stationed there in 1953 from January to August.

Our take on Mt. Ranier was that if you couldn't see it it was going to rain. If you could see it, it probably was going to rain.

A very soggy time in my young life.

[patricia]

Originally posted by clinthopson
The mention of Mt. Ranier brought back a memory from the distant past when I took Basic Training at Ft. Lewis. I was stationed there in 1953 from January to August.

Our take on Mt. Ranier was that if you couldn't see it it was going to rain. If you could see it, it probably was going to rain.

A very soggy time in my young life.

LOL!!! I still remember a remark which my older brother made on a family trip to Seattle, when I was about fifteen. "Thank God we're Sanforized."
It's a beautiful city and has the rain as something in common with the at-least-as-beautiful Victoria and Vancouver.


The rain aside, I still think that it might be an idea, at some point, to get Monte, who I believe lives in Seattle, to check out the Jazz and organize a "hang".
It would be nice to see who our "nemisis" is, instead of imagining him as a knuckle-dragging, eyes-way-too-close-together monster. :)

[Monte Smith]

You know, it is not a far drive (coupla hours) down south to Mt. St. Helens. Even after all these years, the impact of the eruption is still apparent and sublime in the old Kantian sense of the word. Ooh, I sound smaht.

patricia: About a hang, I am a shit for organizing. But I'll be there. I'll be the knuckle-dragging guy with his too-close-together eyes behind shades in the ice cream van outside dressed as a Hassidic Jew and listening in on a parabolic microphone.

[patricia]

Originally posted by Monte Smith


patricia: About a hang, I am a shit for organizing. But I'll be there. I'll be the knuckle-dragging guy with his too-close-together eyes behind shades in the ice cream van outside dressed as a Hassidic Jew and listening in on a parabolic microphone. [/B]



LOL!!!!! Sorry about that, but you will certainly stand out in a crowd. Who else lives in Seattle? Isn't gp there too? I know that organizing anything, much less a "hang" is not as easy as it sounds. I just thought it would be a terrific idea for those of us who are not absolutely sure that the East Coast city, "New York" actually exists, much like Shangrila, having never ventured farther across the continent than four or five states, or, in my case, provinces.
Of course, a NYC hang is much like "Mecca", with regard to jazz, but we lesser mortals may want to set our sights on a gathering closer to home. I know that you will at least bring a casserole. :)

It's impossible, I know, to get all of us in one place, but Seattle is as good a place as any, I would think, for Left-Coasters. Not to say that Right-Coasters, who would like to meet us, would be ridiculed or persecuted. ;)

[Monte Smith]

I was the lone West Coast representative at one New York hang. Surely the East Coast can cough up a body for the West Coast.

Represent!

[patricia]

Originally posted by Monte Smith
I was the lone West Coast representative at one New York hang. Surely the East Coast can cough up a body for the West Coast.

Represent!

Well, Monte, maybe we are as much a Mythical People as they are to us. They may have heard of "Lotus Land" and the hippies in CA, but the rest of us are the stuff of legend.

[Monte Smith]

Originally posted by patricia
Well, Monte, maybe we are as much a Mythical People as they are to us. They've heard of "Lotus Land" and the hippies in CA, but the rest of us are the stuff of legend.

I've lived on both coasts, patricia. I can vouch for the existence of both New York City and Seattle.

Of course, probably I am a figment myself. Damn fine figure of a figment if I do say.

[patricia]

Originally posted by Monte Smith
I've lived on both coasts, patricia. I can vouch for the existence of both New York City and Seattle.

Of course, probably I am a figment myself. Damn fine figure of a figment if I do say.

Well, I'll take your word for it.
I sure wouldn't try to say that last bit, after a couple of glasses of wine.

[graypencil]

A Few words about the further Nordlund ..Bellingham , Mt Baker , etc.. since Lynn and the others covered the Seattle scene quite well ..

Bellingham is about a ninety minute drive north on I-5 which is fairly pleasant once you get past the Everett crunch , and downright spectacular after you get up to Mt Vernon in Skagit Co. It's a very green and hilly college/marine town ..like a miniature Sanfrancisco with more big trees.
( BTW : it's a bit dryer up here than Seattle ..we get a bit of the Olympic rain shadow ..)

If you're driving, my suggestion is to get off I-5 at the Chuckanut Dr. xit just above Mt Vernon and go into Bellingham via that route. It is a spectacular 11 or so miles of winding coast hugging road with some of the best scenery north of Big Sur. When you get to Bellingham, you'll come into town in the old Fairhaven district ( which is a little like the old 60s Haight area in SFO, but much cleaner..) In Fairhaven , a great Restaurant is Dirty Dan Harris'.

If you're into Seafood, my favorite is the Marina in the harbor downtown ..there's also an Anthony's Homeport in the harbor area, but I prefer the first one ..bgreat food, better view ..and they usually play jazz ..not smooooth .. on the sound system.

This late in the year, the roads up to Baker are pretty clear ..takes about an hour and twenty ,and is another incredibly scenic drive. ( theres a pretty fair Italian joint on the way up to Baker in Glacier called Milanos ..for lunch , etc.

plan on hearing all jazz in Seattle ..that's pretty much what we all do up here ..that or Vancouver.

[Ron Thorne]

Tanager, you have a wonderful visit and some impressive sights ahead of you. You'll also enjoy some incredibly rich aromatics, not the least of which is your first sniff of cedars, other conifers and blossoms as soon as you leave the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport!

The Northwest is a spectacular part of America, and Patti and I have spent some of our very best vacation time in the Seattle area. In fact, we're also headed there in June, after far too long an absence.

There are many things of interest in and around Seattle, but a few no-brainers on the not-to-be-missed list include:

· Pike Place Market (if you can manage to get there at opening-early morning, it's simply amazing.)

· A ferry trip across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island (Bremerton, etc.) for further exploration ... Port Townsend, Olympic Peninsula, etc.

· Jazz Alley and/or Tula's, depending upon the artists in town. Jazz Alley is simply superb on many levels.

· Pioneer Square

· University District, Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill

· I definitely echo the positive sentiments regarding a drive to the Snoqualmie region ... simply sublime. You'll go nuts with the foliage and blooms, man!

I'm certain that I'm leaving off many other fine points of interest, so will chime again as I recall others.

Have a great time!

[Tanager]

Well, we have a reservation for the 16th at Jazz Alley to see Dave Holland. /me is getting pretty stoked about next week...

[Pete C]

I'll be coming back for Bumbershoot this year. I just got an incredible deal on the American Airlines website: $216.50, nonstop round trip JFK-SEA. I guess they're trying to raise cash with Chapter 11 impending.

[al j]

Pete, give me further details up the road.

[graypencil]

Originally posted by Tanager
Well, we have a reservation for the 16th at Jazz Alley to see Dave Holland. /me is getting pretty stoked about next week...



Don't overlook Tula's ..it's a bit more reasonable and a bit funkier than JA, but it has good food and great mainly local jazz talent.

ceck out their calender on their website:

( usual deal - Tulas -usual deal)

[Tanager]

Graypencil, will do - been getting some advice on the local area from a birdwatching list, too, but for both jazz and birding, I have to be considerate of Mrs. Tanager, since neither is on her list of true passions.

[graypencil]

Originally posted by Tanager
Graypencil, will do - been getting some advice on the local area from a birdwatching list, too, but for both jazz and birding, I have to be considerate of Mrs. Tanager, since neither is on her list of true passions.


To further complicate your life, the Eagle viewing up on the Skagit river is awesome .. ( abaout.. 70 mi N on the way to B/ham and Mt Baker )

Many nest up there ..

[shrugs]

Originally posted by graypencil
Don't overlook Tula's ..it's a bit more reasonable and a bit funkier than JA, but it has good food and great mainly local jazz talent.

ceck out their calender on their website:

( usual deal - Tulas -usual deal)


Yes, but isn't there around an 80% that a good portion of the crowd at Tula's will talk all the way through the set?
Don't get me wrong, I loved going to Tula's. But I'd take Dave Holland at JA over it any day of the week. And since the 16th is a weekday, I am sure they won't clear house(at least that was the norm when I used to go there).

[frankenmeister7]

oh mymyhwhatamitodo
http:// [SIZE=3][FONT=arial]
[U][B]just experimenting with the board and the rules ingaged in typing the text at hand.

http://jazzfolio.com (http://) guess this isn't working either.

well here goes.

[lynn]

GP thanks for the tip on the coast drive. Always looking for a day away.

Along the west coast of Whidbey Island there are a lot of eagles too. I remember seeing my first bald eagle out here. Absolutely majestic.

[Tanager]

Okay, I'm excited. I need a freakin' vacation. Any tips on the locals' faves for seafood, places that will be less swarming with tourists and perhaps less expensive?

[lynn]

The crab cakes at the Pallasades on Magnolia bluff are great. If you have the appetiser version and top it off with the creme bruelle (I know that's spelled wrong) sampler and coffee, well that is one yummie lunch and view.

There is seafood everywhere, everywhere! At fisherman's wharf there is a reataurant, Chinook's, local favorite and reasonable prices, plus you get to see all the fleet in dock. very picturesque. Practically under the Ballard bridge. Huge menu, cooked to order, everything is absolutely fresh! Good mocha's too.

[Rob C]

Up for a question:

My wife and I are wanting to take a trip to Seattle, but want to do it as much on the cheap as possible. How important is renting a car? Can one get around reasonably well on public transit/walking?

[Tanager]

Originally posted by Rob C
Up for a question:

My wife and I are wanting to take a trip to Seattle, but want to do it as much on the cheap as possible. How important is renting a car? Can one get around reasonably well on public transit/walking?

Rob, I found getting around the city itself very easy on public transit and foot. The bus system is quite good, and on Sat/Sun/holidays there was an all-day pass you could buy for a really cheap price, like $2 or so. If you want to get much outside the city, obviously you'd need a car, and the scenery around there is so breathtaking, it's almost worth it, even if you only go for a drive to the Olympic Peninsula, the Cascades, or Rainier.

But if you are going to stay in the city exclusively, I don't think you have to have a car. Any locals feel otherwise?

[Monte Smith]

I'd rent a car. Most of what is great about this region is outside of the city. Absent rush hour, driving out here offers lots of opportunities for some remarkable vistas.

[lynn]

Depending on how long you will be in town, you could maybe rent a car for a couple days or so and then hoof it around town on the days you are in the city. Save money and still get the benefit of being mobile when you want to be. Seattle is pretty tight packed and mass transit is pretty good. I take the monorail downtown all the time and there is a free bus zone within the downtown area.

[Ron Thorne]

I would also recommend renting a car, for many reasons, not the least of which is much greater flexibility.

Having said that, parking anywhere in downtown Seattle can be an absolute nightmare (and expensive), depending upon the time of day.

I agree with Lynn's assessment, overall.

[lynn]

Ron you are on the money regarding parking. Meters and expensive lots in the innercity area. You can drive around in circles with all the oneways too. Get a good map, one of those folding, laminated quick maps is really handy. They sell them everywhere here. Plotting your routes in and out of town saves a lot of time and exasperation.

[hglord]

Many have recommended the Pike Place Market. Definitely, don't miss it. When I was there two years ago, there was a very unusual store called "Lark In the Morning." It sells unusual, sometimes ethnic musical instruments of all descriptions. I've received their catalog for years, but despaired of ever getting to Mendocino, California, to their flagship store. See, I live in Connecticut. The one in Seattle will do.

They have stuff like Celtic harps, portative organs, Chinese jade flutes, African percussion,Brazilian percussion, replicas of Renaissance lutes, middle eastern lutes, French musettes, and the list goes on and on and on and ...

If you're a musician of any sort, the place is absolutely heaven.

I want one of everything. And several of many things.

Oh, yeah, don't miss Bud's record store in Pioneer Square. It's the best jazz record store I've ever been in, anywhere in the country.

Finally, if you get a chance to drive north, go to Fidalgo Island's highest point, Mount Erie. It's very steep, so you'll need one of those new rental cars. I've seen people bike to the top, but they have legs of steel. Once on top, the view is spectacular of the Skagit valley, the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island, and Anacortes and the oil refineries. In clear weather, the view of Mount Baker is breath taking. It's a great place, free, and they have bald eagles, too.

The Great Pacific Northwest is aptly named.

[Tanager]

Originally posted by hglord
Oh, yeah, don't miss Bud's record store in Pioneer Square. It's the best jazz record store I've ever been in, anywhere in the country.

Really? I had a very different experience - I found Bud's to have mostly 5 of the same one disk from any given artist, and those were overpriced, to boot. I was greatly disappointed, and I wouldn't go there again on a return visit.

[hglord]

I haven't been to Bud's in at least seven years. I guess that things have changed. What else is new?

[lynn]

Bud doesn't own Bud's anymore. He sold it a while back but he does man the cash several time a week. I try to drop by to say hi as often as I can because they are a big supporter of the local scene. When I drop by he always puts on my CD and tells everybody who's in the store. You just got to love the guy.

I also love Mt. Erie. Very fond of the Islands. One of my ancestors started the Pig Wars with Canada.

[Ron Thorne]

Hi everybody!

Just a quick note from the campus of Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon to let you know that Patti and I are having a wonderful time. We spent the first five days of our trip in Seattle, where we were glad to meet and hear JC poster, vocalist Lynn Bush. She appeared last Thursday evening at Tula's Restaurant and Jazz Club with the trio New Stories. What a treat! We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch with graypencil in Bellingham two days earlier, and have been listening to a couple of preview tracks from his upcoming large ensemble album. Good stuff!

Our son, Justin, is at Pacific U. to celebrate his 10th reunion, so we tagged along. We're headed to the coast tomorrow. I'll provide a more complete report with photos upon our return.

Cheers,

Ron

[Rob C]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with Seattle suggestions. My wife and I just got back to Chicago this morning via the red eye, after having a wonderful time in the Pacific NW. We want to move there!

We had intended to check out Vancouver for a couple of days, but realized right after landing in Seattle that we'd scatterbrained the birth certificates, so no trip to Canada for us. We scrambled an alternative, which was to spend two nights in Port Townshend--we drove up to Bellingham during one of those days, as well. Port Townshend has a ridiculously hip little record store--Quimper, I believe it's called. I think they had eight different Albert Ayler discs, which I would not expect in a tourist-type town. Must be my midwestern upbringing. I picked up Derek Bailey's Ballads there to support them. Tres cool. Plus got to drive through--and then away from--lovely Tacoma (though we got our best view of Rainier from the highway through there, so I'll not be too churlish).

In Seattle we stayed with a friend, so she drove us around. We skipped most of the tourist stuff and checked out the neighborhoods. Had some great Indian food at Cedar's in the U. District. Tried pho ("fuh"--as much fun to say as to eat!) on Capitol Hill. Attended a crazy street party with a bunch of tattooed bicyclers on the 4th and watched the fireworks from the hilltop. Saw our friend's boyfriend's country band, Jerry and the Philbillys. Dropped by Left Bank books and had fish and chips at one of the piers and found some good used record stores. Climbed on the troll. A great trip.

I did stop by Bud's. It was.... a little strange, I thought. A lot of stuff on weird record labels, quasi-bootleg stuff. I did enjoy a short chat with Bud, though. Sounds like it used to be better, which is too bad. (Seems like that neighborhood might not be the best spot for a jazz store--although the wonderful Elliott Bay Books is there....)

[lynn]

Rob, you need to come back in the middle of winter brfore making a decision to move. It gets really gloomy for very long periods of time. But glad you had a great time. The Troll is a hoot. The monster from my youngest grandaughter's closet now resides with him.

Port Townsend is a huge arts community. Greypencil is teaching at the jazz camp later this month. It is the largest jazz event in the state. Bud Shank was (or is) also the Mayor.

[Pete C]

Has anybody every eaten at Brasa? (http://www.brasa.com/)

[Ron Thorne]

Originally posted by Pete C
Has anybody every eaten at Brasa? (http://www.brasa.com/)

I haven't Pete, though it looks intriquing. Also, it appears to be in Belltown, only about a block from Tula's where Lynn Bush is appearing again tonight with New Stories Trio. This is an interesting neighborhood.

[Pete C]

Brasa was wonderful, and has a beautiful interior and nice staff. See "What Are You Eating Today?" to hear about the suckling pig.

[graypencil]

Originally posted by lynn
Rob, you need to come back in the middle of winter brfore making a decision to move. It gets really gloomy for very long periods of time. But glad you had a great time. The Troll is a hoot. The monster from my youngest grandaughter's closet now resides with him.

Port Townsend is a huge arts community. Greypencil is teaching at the jazz camp later this month. It is the largest jazz event in the state. Bud Shank was (or is) also the Mayor.


Actually Lynn ..some of us actually LIKE the gray parts! ..where I live the winter mists reminds me of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland ..plus I think I'm a closet Druid.. ( sure gets rid of the little
Mormon missionary girls that materialize on my doorstep )

BTW: I think Bud and Linda moved down to Phoenix last year ..and the mayor of PT that was a jazz pianist was BArney McClure ..who I think now lives in Alaska ..

[Ron Thorne]

Looks like Brasa was a good find, Pete. Did you hear any music while in Seattle?


Originally posted by graypencil
BTW: I think Bud and Linda moved down to Phoenix last year ..and the mayor of PT that was a jazz pianist was BArney McClure ..who I think now lives in Alaska ..

Indeed he is, living in Fairbanks, gp. In fact, I met Barney this Spring at a concert at the University of Alaska Anchorage when he was backing Virginia Mayhew, along with Portland guitarist Dan Balmer and local bassist Ray Booker. That's when I heard and met the fabulous young drummer, Allison Miller. Whew!

Barney brought his B3 down from Fairbanks for the gig. Now that's dedication!

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Ron Thorne
Did you hear any music while in Seattle?


Plenty. I was there for Bumbershoot. Highlights were Solomon Burke, Blind Boys of Alabama, Howard Tate, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and The Layla Angullo Latin Jazz Band. I also caught parts of sets by Bonnie Raitt, Bernie Worrell, Chico Hamilton (underwhelming, especially when he sang), Shemekia Copeland, Lazy Lester, Hassan Hakmoun, Daniel Lanois, David Friesen, and The Mighty Warriors, a local gospel quartet that opened for the Blind Boys.

[shrugs]

Originally posted by Tanager
Really? I had a very different experience - I found Bud's to have mostly 5 of the same one disk from any given artist, and those were overpriced, to boot. I was greatly disappointed, and I wouldn't go there again on a return visit.

Song of the times. None of these stores can beat out the net prices. Everyone would rather save $2 than help out an independent. Even my local here in CT would probably get labeled a ripoff. I still buy from him when I actually buy a cd. Thank god he sells a lot of vinyl because with the way everyone is shopping on the nert these days.......
I used to find some good deals at Buds. He would get new vinyl in from time to time and the used selection would pop up something every other trip or so.
And these stores will almost always order what you want!! Support your local independent music store! When they are all gone, you'll be crying in your beer.

[Ron Thorne]

DUH! I forgot that Bumbershoot opened over Labor Day weekend. Quite a lineup, Pete.

I've gotta make it to Bumbershoot one of these years, man.

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Ron Thorne
I've gotta make it to Bumbershoot one of these years, man.

If you do, I'll be sure to be there.

[Ron Thorne]

Cool.

[graypencil]

Originally posted by Ron Thorne
DUH! I forgot that Bumbershoot opened over Labor Day weekend. Quite a lineup, Pete.

I've gotta make it to Bumbershoot one of these years, man.

Ron:

Bumbershoot is really great if you're not driven nuts by LARGE crowds ( as I am ) ..

I actually prefer the smaller ( and more jazz oriented ) Earshot Festival i..and next week
is the WEst SEattle Jazzfest ..with about 12/14 venues ...

GP

[bostontricky]

UP as I will be on the Left Coast (Northwest Division) for ten days later this month. Seattle, Olympic Peninsula etc.

As usual, looking for bookstore and CD shop (the more "out", the better) recommendations.

[al j]

pm me, trick.

[graypencil]

It you'd care to partake of a bit of more mainstram jazz fare, my big band ( the NW Prevailing Winds ) will be at the Triple Door on Monday , Aug. 2nd.

[al j]

It you'd care to partake of a bit of more mainstram jazz fare, my big band ( the NW Prevailing Winds ) will be at the Triple Door on Monday , Aug. 2nd.

Damn, I'll be out of town, Phil. I'd really love to see your band and have been meaning to ask when you're playing next. I wouldn't miss the chance to hear a big band in that particular room. The Triple Door is a beautiful place, with a little chic to it for good measure. Knob Creek in the well, too.

[Ron Thorne]

Once again, Phil, I'm very disappointed that Patti and I will be unable to be in attendance to hear the Northwest Prevailing Winds. Our daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren just drove away from our home in their motorhome, headed for California for a month. We're babysitting their plants, a dog and cat until their return, so ...

I just visited the Triple Door's website (http://www.thetripledoor.net/default.aspx) . Wow, what a lovely venue, man. Have a great time and break a leg, pal.

[Pete C]

Eat at Brasa.

[graypencil]

The Wild Ginger ( upstairs from the Triple Door ) is also a first class
pan-Asian restuarant as well ..

[Pete C]

I don't know Wild Ginger, I've never met a "pan-Asian" restaurant that earned my respect. It's about as trustworthy a concept as "pan-European."

[bostontricky]

It's about as trustworthy a concept as "pan-European."

And what exactly have you got against chorizo pierogi, Pete?

[Ron Thorne]

Well, most Asians and Europeans cook with pans, don't they? If it woks for (dim) sum, that's good enough for me.

Sorry.

[Monte Smith]

Wild Ginger is OK, I actually share Cherches' dim view of the genre. But it is right across the street from Benaroya Hall, which is a world class symphonic hall. Take in an orchestra.

Dahlia Lounge is great, Cafe Campagne is nice for a no frills French dinner (my boss's dad had a heart attack and died right outside), a good Indian spot is Taste of India on Roosevelt.

Say hello to Seattle for me. I miss the serial killers and sex predators. I hear that that teacher who had two kids via a 12 year old boy is free.

Beautiful place, Seattle.

[Ron Thorne]

I'm certain that Seattle longs for you too, Nabob.

[Monte Smith]

I'm sure Seattle does, Thorne. But there is so much America and just one Monte Smith. Ya'll are gonna have to share.

[graypencil]

I'm sure Seattle does, Thorne. But there is so much America and just one Monte Smith. Ya'll are gonna have to share.


I wasn't aware that his Nabobness had departed the Emerald City ..

I'm sure he'll be much happier in the National Capital of mendacity, right wing crankiness, and serial snipers ..

beautiful crime free WA DC ...
:cool:

[Monte Smith]

...and serial snipers....

Yes, hailing from Tacoma, WA if I am not mistaken. I knew that bastard was a local.

But you won't find me arguing against the perversity of our Nation's Capital, where, by the way, Marion Barry (Mayor McCrackity) is even now struggling to get back into politics by campaigning for an at-large council seat.

I have to say even though I grew up in the orbit of this Washington, the other Washington is the better place. WA really is a beautiful land.

[bostontricky]

Word on the street is Elliott Bay and Left Bank for books and Wall of Sound for music. Look for me between tomorrow evening and Sunday (I look like my avatar), we are off to Port Angeles at that point. Cheers!

[Monte Smith]

Word on the street is Elliott Bay and Left Bank for books and Wall of Sound for music. Look for me between tomorrow evening and Sunday (I look like my avatar), we are off to Port Angeles at that point. Cheers!

If you go into Left Bank Books, see if their store still smells like Limburger cheese.

[Ron Thorne]

Hey, Nabob, just out of curiosity, how many jazz performances did you and Carm catch while in the Seattle area?

bostontricky, don't miss Port Townsend while you're in the region, where there's some jazz, including a cool piano/bass duo with my college roommate.

[al j]

Word on the street is Elliott Bay and Left Bank for books and Wall of Sound for music. Look for me between tomorrow evening and Sunday (I look like my avatar), we are off to Port Angeles at that point. Cheers!


Yeah, for "out" music you definitely want to visit Wall of Sound, but it's rare you can walk in there and find *exactly* what you're looking for. You'll see what I mean.

In Port Townsend, on your way to Port Angeles if you're driving, there's a handsome, well-stocked used bookstore: William James Bookseller. Three doors down is Quimper Sound, is music store that regularly stocks labels like ESP, Hat, and Ayler Records. You probably have a place like that at home (Newbury Comics?), but it's a real fluke for the Olympic Peninsula.

[Monte Smith]

Hey, Nabob, just out of curiosity, how many jazz performances did you and Carm catch while in the Seattle area?


Absolutely none, Thorne. Bugger all.

[lynn]

If you are down at Elliot Bay books stop in at Bud's Jazz Records and say hi for me. He is a NW legand in his own right. A beautiful man.

Go to Tula's and hear the local jazz players, 7 nights a week. Big Bands on Tuesdays and smaller ensembles the rest of the week.

Racha in lower Queen Anne (Mercer and 1st Ave) is a fabulous Thai restaurant. No frills just a great neighborhood restaurant and across the street is Ten Mercer. Wonderful wine selection and very good menu.

I love Seattle. Thinking about it makes me homesick.

If you are there during Port Townsend, most of the best players will be there.

GP will you be there this year?

[stonemonkts]

In Port Townsend, on your way to Port Angeles if you're driving, there's a handsome, well-stocked used bookstore: William James Bookseller.

There's also a fabulous B&B with some nautical name in Port Townsend. I wish I could recall the name...but anyway, what made it fabulous was the gourmet breakfast spread they served, never had such a delicious breakfast in my life. Quite memorable.

If you're into natural stuff, check out "The Hoh" rain forest too.

[graypencil]

I love Seattle. Thinking about it makes me homesick.

If you are there during Port Townsend, most of the best players will be there.

GP will you be there this year?

Hi Lynn:

Yeah ..I'm going over this year as a "civilian" on Thursday for the hang and to hear some stuff ..then down to Tacoma on Sunday for the Red Kelly Memorial concert @ J/Bones ..then back up on Monday for a gig @ the Triple Door with the NWPWs ....