Jazz in the Park Concert Debuts in Yelm

By Heidi Smith

Get those picnic blankets ready, Yelm.

On August 5, Yelm City Park will host the first ever Jazz in the Park event from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. featuring local musicians, a beer and wine garden, and food options ranging from bring-your-own picnic baskets to food trucks.

“Live jazz plus a sunny day equals a good mood,” says Pizzeria La Gitana owner Marian Licxandru. “You can just lay on your blanket, bring your kids or grandkids, and listen to some music in the park.”

Five bands will complete the lineup, including several that regularly play at Pizzeria La Gitana’s Olympia and Yelm locations:  Red & Ruby, The Jessica Blinn Quartet, and  Choro Tomorrow. Licxandru believes the community will support the event. “We have people living in Yelm from all over the world and music is something that really brings people together,” he says. “The town has its own theater where they create plays and people act for free because they want to be part of that. I think that shows a lot about the potential of the community.” Read more here

Best of Olympia 2013 Readers' Pick: Best band - Erev Rav Klezmer Orchestra

By Nikki McCoy

Everything about this band is fun, even saying its name. Try it right now, say it out loud, "Erev Rav Klezmer Orchestra." See. Feels good huh?

After sitting in on an Erev Rav practice, I can't imagine anyone sitting during a performance. I politely just tapped my foot along; I wasn't going to bust out into full solo-dance mode in the middle of the practice space, although between the group's  jokes and silliness, I'm sure they would have paid no mind.

Chemistry is apparent, and seemingly natural to the band that consists of Landin, Jeff Rygwelski on chromatic harmonica and accordion, Jessica Blinn on violin and vocals, Tom Russel on clarinet and flute, Phil Post on electric and acoustic bass, Richard Lopez on trombone and Michael Harrison on drums and congas. Oh and Fred, the dog. We can't forget Fred.

A sophisticated combination of instruments requires a sophisticated combination of people. Jokes aside, the majority of the band have prestigious degrees and a few are music teachers. All the musicians are freeking musical geniuses. Read more

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Maya Forrester Inspires Seattle Reign Players, Fans With Her Singing

By ThurstonTalk Editor

At age 12, Maya Forrester did what famous singers like James Taylor, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Smith couldn’t do.

She sang, without flaw, the National Anthem, bringing soccer fans and players at the Seattle Reign’s playoff game last weekend to their feet, cheering.

Maya plays the piano and writes music. She started singing when she was five, but she said she didn’t find her range until she began voice lessons.

Maya didn’t show up to the Reign’s playoff game against Kansas City in a 2-1 loss and sing. Her dad said she has a three-hour warmup, stretching, singing and doing improv to loosen her up. Over her seven performances this summer, she didn’t forget a word. Once, last weekend, she paused, as her voice instructor told her to do, to let the crowd roar with their approval.

“I was in awe,” Dave said. “Not just because I’m her dad.”

Dave, a counselor at Olympia High School, was impressed by his daughter’s improvement over the summer in singing the National Anthem.

“The amazing thing was watching her grow as a singer,” Dave said.

For Dave, the summer’s highlight came when his daughter brought the crowd and players to their feet in last weekend’s playoff game. She paused, as her voice teacher, Jessica Blinn instructed, told her to do.

Kee, the president of the Blackhills FC for the past three years, was impressed with Maya’s singing.

“Her singing ability is kind of off the charts,” Kee said. “She has such a great voice. They’re a great family and Maya is a well-rounded kid – very polite, very with it.”

And, the Reign players – from Hope Solo to Sydney Leroux – will tell you, very spot on with singing the National Anthem. Read More