New Vaudeville Show at the Jewel Box Theater

I had arrived early and was put to work at the door, taking money and stamping hands. Had a chance to chit chat a bit and snap a few pics. I must tell you, I am fond of everyone that was on the bill and am honored to call them my friends.

At show time, they seemed a little anxious as there were hardly any people there. We waited an extra 15 minutes or so. As it happened the room filled up nicely and they actually made money on the show.



The line up, was Scotty, Artis the Spoonman & Slim Pickens (Jake and Annie)



I'll rap briefly about Artis and Slim Pickens and save my review of Scotty's act for a Special Spotlight Feature including a streaming video clip of some of the evenings festivities.



Artis the Spoonman. . . . shit, what can I say about this guy? What a fucking freak! When he was born, they broke the mold! It's hard to describe an Artis performance. He opens by setting up his spoons and talking to the audience. We quickly understand this will be an unusual performance. Artis has an international reputation as a musician and has played with most of the industry's avante garde elite. Combine that type of musical talent with a raw and honest monologue and you get something unique. He talks about what is impacting his life at the moment. He shares that his 7 year old granddaughter walked in the bathroom to discover her dead father, just a few days ago. Artis lost his daughter 2 years ago when she was just 37. Artis has seen his share of pain and he confides this to his audience. He tells a few stories, sings a song and finishes up with the spoons. It's an inspired performance by a true eccentric. I can only strive to be as real as Artis and as honest with my audience as he. We didn't watch an act, we shared an experience.



Like Artis and Scotty, Slim Pickens are a part of the rich texture that make up the Pike Place Market community of Buskers (Street Performers). Jake on guitar and Annie on fiddle. They look and sound like something out of an old movie. Knowing them the way I do, we all share a feeling of our own current economic depression. They have a great sound and make beautiful music.



Unfortunately I had to leave early, missing most of the Slim Pickens set. I heard that Artis sat in with them for a number or two. It was Wednesday Night, dance night. I got to the Owl and Thistle where the Vinyl Avengers were already in full swing. I got in a bunch of dances and later, early in the morning got laid ending a record stretch of celibacy.