City Departments
Mike McGinn, Mayor
7/12/2012 4:00:00 PM
Calandra Childers (206) 684-7306
Singer-songwriter Shelby Earl performs free outdoor, lunchtime concert, July 19
Earl's alt-country crooning is the perfect accompaniment to a summer afternoon
SEATTLE — Soak up the sun and the sumptuous voice of Seattle singer-songwriter Shelby Earl at a free, all-ages concert 12 to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 19, on Seattle City Hall's outdoor plaza, 600 Fourth Ave.
Earl's debut Burn the Boats was named "#1 Outstanding 2011 Album You Might Have Missed" by Amazon.com. Earl is often compared to alt-country crooner Neko Case, but music critic Ann Powers says, "... if Neko is bourbon, Shelby is honey wine. Sweeter at first taste, her music is subtly intoxicating."
"Burning the boats" to make her debut record, Earl quit her nine-to-five job to jump into her musical career. Her indie-folk-rock songs are filled with recurrent themes of reclaiming lost loves, reaching for the unattainable, and waking up one's own life after a long slumber. Earl has been widely received by audiences, gaining popularity both in Seattle and nationally. Award-winning broadcaster and critic Jedd Beaudoin for PopMatters, an international magazine of cultural criticism, writes that Earl "transcends trends and musical boundaries...[and] is a fine example of a singer-songwriter who has honed her craft to a fine point and whose songs are both touching and inspiring."
The show is part of the Seattle Presents lunchtime summer concert series presented by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. In case of rain, the concert will move inside City Hall lobby and conclude at 1 p.m. Check www.seattle.gov/seattlepresents for the latest updates and summer concert calendar, or call (206) 684-7171.
Seattle Presents concerts are presented by the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Metropolitan Improvement District and Triamp Group.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band
July 26
If you know reggae music, you know Clinton Fearon. A member of the legendary reggae group The Gladiators, Fearon and his friends are sure to satisfy with their infectious bass riffs, guitar licks, percussion accents and powerful vocals.
Sambatuque
Aug. 2
Uplifting and infectious, Sambatuque (samba-too-kie) performs a vibrant and eclectic blend of music from Brazil and the Caribbean. Singer/dancer Mikaela Romero's strikingly pure and rhythmically precise vocal delivery is simply delicious.
Bobby Medina & The Red Hot Band
Aug. 9
High energy and fast paced, Bobby and his band are sure to bring some sizzle to City Hall with a performance jam packed with the greatest hits of our time. They play it all, from jazz to Motown to rock, disco and Zydeco.
Kris Orlowski
Aug. 16
This rising star of the Seattle indie-singer-songwriter scene has been turning heads and rockin' crowds across the country in a brisk pace of touring and recording quality goods. He brings his soulful band of fellows to City Hall.
Jon Solo
Aug. 23
Indie rock and funk jams from Jon Solo and special guests. This soulful singer-songwriter returns to Seattle for a reunion with Seattle drummer Byron Vanoy, bassist Dean Schmidt and other special guests. Solo's understated, Paul Simon-esque sound pairs perfectly with his catchy song style.
Kasey Anderson with special guest Star Anna
Aug. 30
Smoldering alt-country tunes by this acoustic duo is the perfect sound track for a late-summer afternoon. The Seattle Times describes Star Anna's sound as "... a little like whiskey: warm and mellow one moment, wisecracking the next." Of Anderson's gravel-filled guitar grooves, The Stranger says, " ... indie rock that feels like the smoke-filled back room of a delta juke joint."
The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.
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