Skip navigation

Category Archives: music

Cahalen & Eli in Twisp

When I first thought about where I’d like to live, the Methow Valley was high on my list for two things – the terrific outdoor recreation possibilities (hiking, skiing, etc) and the arts. This area has a large number of creative people and it also supports the arts pretty remarkably for such a rural location. Last night we had the good fortune to experience a wonderful musical act – Cahalen and Eli in the Spartan Art Project which is currently located at TwispWorks. How can I begin to describe all of this? Let’s see – TwispWorks is housed in a former US Forest Service complex that was surplused by the federal government and put out for auction. A group of civic minded folks decided it could be a great incubator to support arts and small businesses in our valley and they raised enough money ($1 million dollars!) to buy it and then they had to start refurbishing the old buildings. Now it is home to art studios, classrooms, a natural history center, teen center and more! The Spartan Art Project is a 1951 travel trailer transformed into a gallery space supporting artists both local and from far away. It is the brainchild of three local artists. Last night Donna Keyser’s studio on the TwispWorks campus hosted a reception for the musicians and the audience.

Cahalen and Eli are two fine acoustic musicians based in Seattle. In the last week they have been featured on NPR and Folk Alley and probably other media outlets as well. They write many of their own songs and play mandolins, banjo and guitar and their harmonies are wonderful We were lucky to have such a talented duo in our tiny town of Twisp. One of the ways that the Spartan Art Project supports artists is with their ‘Intimate Performances’. This is the third one. As you might imagine, an old travel trailer does not seat too many people. However, the acoustics are wonderful and the chance to see these men performing up close was particularly entertaining. We reserved two seats so we could be up close and personal with the show.

Matt Armbrust, one of the three ‘spartners’ in this project introduces the musicians
After the performance, visiting with the musicians as snow falls.

The Open Merc

The Merc Playhouse in Twisp hosts an open mic from time to time. It’s a great opportunity for musicians to perform in a professional setting with great acoustics and good lighting and also a comfortable audience. The Merc underwent a remodel last year and while I thought it was good before, it’s even better now. There is more seating and the acoustics have been improved. If you are nearby, I highly suggest that you take it in as a participant or an audience member.

Buzz

011713_0015

Finish with a flourish

011713_0017

Bob

011713_0018

TR

011713_0030

Gudron’s music is cued up

011713_0077

Gudron

011713_0082

Ken loves performing at the Merc

011713_0092

011713_0093

011713_0102

What key?

011713_0111

Oh, that one

011713_0115

Egon

011713_0116

011713_0127

Steve did a heartfelt version of Christmas in the Trenches

011713_0140

011713_0134

I did not catch this young man’s name. He did some original works.

011713_0145

Laura Love at the Twisp River Pub

What a fun show! Laura Love’s voice always brings people to their feet. I can remember the first time I saw her – at Telluride in 1997. How long ago is that? I still love to listen to her sing and play bass. Last night she played with Orville Johnson on guitar and Chris Leighton on drums. Orville’s guitar playing and singing are really outstanding and the three of them have formed a tight trio. The area was soon cleared in front of the stage and dancers crowded the dance floor.

 

 

 

More about Laura here.

Good Times and Music in Twisp

Once again, the Open Merc, an open mike at the Merc Playhouse in Twisp, provided lots of entertainment, surprises and also a few goodbyes. There were quite a few musicians, including my own husband Ken Bevis playing guitar and singing with Egon Steinebach on the harmonica, Brad and Eileen Pinkerton, Celeste and Kip Roberts, Biff and the Apostles (Brad and Peter and Paul) and several others. Josh and Tara surprised us with their original Methow reggae featuring banjo and medlodica! Everyone was talking about it. Sadly, Brad and Eileen are leaving this valley to move their musical lives to Westport on the ocean. We wish them well and hope that Westport is ready for them. This is rather a long set of photos but the evening was so lovely, how could I stop? Wish you could hear the music too.

 

Egon sets up and also does the sound and lights for the Open Merc. Thanks, Egon.

 

Brad and Eileen

 

Tara playing the melodica

 

In the winter around here, you rarely see anyone wearing nice shoes. To be truthful, even in the summer. We just live in boots or sandals most of the time. Thanks Tara.

 

Eileen captures Biff and the Apostles on her phone

 

Happy musicians

 

We love that old time music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egon and Ken closed out the evening

 

 

 

 

Open Merc April 13

Last week’s Open Merc began with the Terry Hardesty band and musical guests John Weeks, Egon Steinebach, and Buzz Brose. It was a good start to a fun evening of music featuring muscians from near and far. One fellow reportedly came all the way from Alaska. Next Open Merc is May 18th.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.