celebrating my new orbit around the sun.

​Band In Seattle Featuring Prom Queen and Von Wildenhaus

​As I sit in my red, vinyl beanbag chair, put my headsets on, cord attached to my turntable…..
 
For those of you that are new to my music blog, my red, vinyl bean bag chair is in my childhood bedroom. On a small wheat farm in Eastern Washington. That bedroom no longer physically exists. I’m pretty sure, though, that in another time and dimension a little girl is dreaming of her future in that beanbag chair.
My birthday is June 15. Like all summer birthday kids, I was envious of everyone who had a birthday during the school year. They always got to bring cupcakes to celebrate and share with the class. School usually got out the week before my birthday, so I never got to do that. My birthdays were typically small family parties.
 
I can honestly say, though, celebrating my life with music during my 50’s has more than made up for any missed childhood birthday parties! Meeting and hanging out with musicians is certainly more entertaining than playing pin the tail on the donkey and eating birthday cake.
 
I follow Band In Seattle on Facebook. About 1 month before my birthday, I saw them post that they would be filming Prom Queen and Von Wildenhaus on my birthday! Immediately I bought tickets for my family and myself. This was going to be my birthday party.
 
What is Band In Seattle? It is a music television series created and produced by Victory Studios. They feature everything from up and coming Pacific Northwest bands, to international pioneers. Filmed in an intimate studio setting, before a live audience. It airs on CW11 on Saturday nights at 11 pm. Alaska Airlines also features Band In Seattle on their inflight entertainment. Two of the sponsors are North Coast Brewing Company and Sparkling Ice.  So, for a $10 ticket you receive 4 coupons for beverages during the taping! Live music and 4 beers for $10…Did you all catch that?
 
My son had college finals, so only my daughter and husband joined me on my birthday adventure. As luck would have it, Noah’s Ark style of rain decided to make its appearance on the day of the show. Add that to…here we go again…Seattle’s traffic sucks! Thankfully, we left early. That’s just the way it is in Seattle. We’re traffic survivors. Once everyone checked in at Victory Studios, we were led downstairs into the actual studio area.

​A small bar was set up with our choices of beverages available. It’s always surprising to see how small and intimate the studio is, when you come for the first time. You are literally standing right next to the stage, with the camera booms above your head. We grabbed our beers, stood next to the stage and it was SHOWTIME! Victory Studios owner, Conrad Dencke, came onstage and welcomed us. Explained the protocol, and what to expect.

​And then introduced the first band, Von Wildenhaus. I had never seen them before. The only word that I can come up with to describe them, is captivating. The stunning lead singer had a stage presence and voice that demanded your attention. She was telling an important story, that made you lean in and listen. I need to make an apology right now. I always like to include the musicians’ names in my blogs, but I do not I know what they are for this band. I am so sorry. When I looked up Von Wildenhaus, the only accurate name I saw was of the band leader Ben Von Wildenhaus. There were other names mentioned, but I do not know if that is who performed that night.  They were all great, though! Ben Von Wildenhaus plays a wicked guitar, along with his dry sense of humor. “Don’t clap until the fog is sprayed onstage.” Accompanying them were a combo keyboard/ saxophone player, another guitarist and drummer. The genre was of a jazz base, I would say.

​Unique, with exceptional musical skills. That is what I enjoy about Band In Seattle. I don’t hear the ordinary. I hear the underground extraordinary.
The next band was Prom Queen. We had heard them last year at The Kirkland Performing Arts Center. AND..lead guitar player is Jason Goessel. He has also played with the band I’m a ‘merch girl’ for, Jessica Lynne and The Cousins. 

​I love his work, especially when he just tears it up. When you see this Band In Seattle episode, you will agree %100. He also performs with his lovely wife, Kate Voss, as Sundae + Mr. Goessel. A 30’s style jazz. I had wonderful opportunity to chat with Kate in-between sets. 

​We refreshed our North Coast Brewing Beers, and stood next to the stage. Out came Prom Queen! Doom Wop is how they describe their genre of music. Prom Queen (Celene Ramadan), Tom Meyers, Jason Goessel and Ben Von Wildenhaus. Additional band members that night were from the previous Von Wildenhaus band. Plus, two (Drag Queen) Doo Wop singers. It was a full stage and a lot of fun! A musical production, with a vintage flair. When looking over their influences, they list from Nancy Sinatra and Amy Winehouse, to Quentin Taratino and Alfred Hitchcock. I loved the Doo Wop backup singers. They added a fun pizzazz, to get us swinging in rhythm. Their music is original, written by Celine. And the vintage style clothing adds to the feeling of being involved in a retro cinematic movie experience. Watching and listening go hand in hand. I could totally see them as a guest artist band on Saturday Night Live.

Check out Prom Queen’s YouTubes, to get the full vibe of their music. And their website for future shows and information. A definite must see in the Seattle music scene!
http://Promqueenmusic.com

And check out Band In Seattle on CW11, plus their website and Facebook page.  Join in on the next live taping and support local music! http://bandinseattle.com
 
Von Wildenhaus  http://benvonwildenhaus.com
​
Sundae + Mr. Goessl
 
LET’S ROCK!
 
SUSAN IN SEATTLE