Freddy Fender has “incurable” cancer.
This is pretty shocking. I learned about this news, ironically, at my guitar forum Fender-Talk.com . We used to joke sometimes that the forum wasn’t really about Fender guitars, but a Freddy Fender fan club forum. Some of the members there have even gone to Freddy Fender shows with me as we travelled across the US. I toured with Freddy from 1996 to March of 2005 – 9 years.
I noticed in the article that Vangie (his wife) did not ask doctors how long Freddy has to live. I thought that was very classy, and typical of Vangie – who is the ultimate in class. When I stopped playing with Freddy I figured someday I would see some news on CNN that things had ended, just didn’t know it would be this soon.
The #1 question I get from people about Freddy is “what’s he REALLY like?” – And with that question starts the magic of Freddy Fender. I got to see Freddy for nine years backstage, at each town’s fanciest restaurant, in little dive greasy spoons as we made our way from gig to gig on an endless search for the world’s best Menudo. The answer to the question is: Freddy was really like how people see him onstage. That’s what makes him a star. He is honest and open.
Many of the musicians in his group far surpassed his music knowledge 100x over. But he was the star. He knows how to relate to an audience and how to create the magic in a song. That was the biggest lesson I learned from Freddy, it’s not what you know – it’s what you do with it. And with every song he gave it all he had – every time.
One day we were having lunch just the two of us, don’t remember where it was – but I remember he was eating Menudo (which is always a safe bet with Freddy!). I asked him about his battle with alcohol, about becoming sober and clean through AA – and what he had learned. He quickly got VERY serious – leaned in intently and said “I learned two things. I learned there IS a God, and I ain’t him.” Then he started laughing uncontrollable in his chortle giggle, another Freddy trademark.
I think of that a lot. There IS a God, and I ain’t him. Simple words to live by. Freddy was very simple, in some ways almost naive like a child. I think that’s part of the reason so many millions of people love him.
I also remember doing a gig with Freddy in Northern Minnesota. We were chuckling because we knew there would be no one there. Who’s heard of Freddy in Northern Minnesota. To our surprise there was about 5,000 people – all standing outside in the cold for the concert. Another learning experience for us, and another lesson in learning why Freddy is truly the “King of Tex Mex”.
Freddy would call me “El Blanco” – I have very white skin. And it was always a little comical that I was playing with a Hispanic Grammy winner – because I’m about as white as they come: Full blooded Norwegian Lutheran from Seattle. He was usually fair with me, and the few times he wasn’t – I understand his point of view and would have done the same if I had been in his shoes. A band on the road becomes a family with seven wives, and there would be spats – but I know the entire band was proud in their heart’s that we were playing with the real deal, the original.
You can find all the bio info on Freddy through Google – how he started in 1959, was the first Hispanic crossover artist, first artist on Hispanic, Country and Pop charts at the same time. Also look up Baldemar Huerta, his real name. Story goes they were trying to think of a stage name for him – in typical simple Freddy fashion he just looked at his guitar neck and said “Fender” – then thought Freddy went well with that. Don’t know if the story’s really true like that – but I always liked the story so never asked. It’s a keeper.
Every once in a while at a Freddy gig someone would come up who thought it was Freddy who built the Fender guitar. (Wrong Fender – it was Leo Fender). One show in particular there was someone who had driven hundreds of miles and absolutely would not believe me that Freddy did not invent the Fender guitar. They walked away very sad when they realized the truth. So in the future I never corrected people when they said that – thought I’d let them keep that story – just like I want to keep the story around Freddy’s name.
People have an image of road musicians that’s not entirely accurate – so I’d like to set the record straight. Ok, we party a bit here and there – but usually we would finish a gig at 11:30pm – then be rushed to the hotel room – have to mellow out for some sleep so we could get up at 5am to catch the next flight. Truth is, most of the time we were just trying to catch up on sleep – or maybe that was just me. Amazingly, Freddy was ALWAYS up and alert – the rest of us would be snoozing and he would be talking away – didn’t matter if it was 4am. I was always a little bit jealous that he had partied so much in his life – but had so much stamina. He is truly a “road dog”.
I had always wanted to arrange a CD for him with a real orchestra. Take his classics and really do them classy. He did something like that with the CD he won a Grammy for in 2002 – all classic arrangements with hand percussion and nylon string guitars. So now that I’m conducting so many different orchestras, I’ll pretend from time to time that Freddy is onstage singing.
I remember the one time Freddy got very mad at me. We were playing in Stateline Nevada (Think it’s called Jean, NV now) and we were practicing with him the song Margaritaville. In the verses he would always drop a couple beats. So in all my musical wisdom I thought he would really appreciate me pointing this out to him, and I was so surprised no one in the band was saying anything. As I started to speak up I could see two band members behind Freddy giving me the “slit throat” signs to shut up. Then I found out why. Freddy went ballistic. He said “I’ve been doing music since 1959 and you’re going to tell me how to do it? I am Freddy Fender, the way I do it is the right way.” And he WAS right. Part of Freddy’s trademark sound is his quirky timing and phrasing. That was a big lesson for me too. There is no “right” music, there’s just music the way you want it to sound. Needless to say I never corrected him again.
I was always the youngest member in Freddy’s band. Started with him just after my 30th birthday, and I just turned 40 a couple months ago. It was a real trip to be welcomed into Hispanic circles when I played with him, was not something I was used to. Felt like a big family to me, something I’ve only known since then in church settings.
I’m sure each of the old Freddy Fender band members will be dealing with this in their own way. PT Houston, Vern Monnett, Rhys Clark, Augie Meyers, Chris Jurado and Charlie Rich Jr.
.
Thanks Freddy. I know there’s a God. And I know I ain’t him.
The City of Mount Vernon is considering putting the historic Lincoln Theatre up for sale. For more info about the theatre visit the Lincoln Theatre Website. Please make your voice heard at the next Mount Vernon City Council Meeting on Wednesday, July 26th 7pm – The Mount Vernon City Council meets twice a month for regular Council sessions. Meetings are held at 1805 Continental Place, 7:00 p.m. and are open to the public.
I recently relocated to Mount Vernon Washington, and two of the draws for me was the beauty of the Lincoln Theatre and McIntyre Hall. Hopefully there’s an alternative so this venue can be kept as a classic live performance venue.
Here is an email on the subject from Kate Kypuros, META Performing Arts:
Can you imagine walking into the Lincoln Theater and
visiting it as a museum instead of a forum for arts
films, live theater, music and public comment?
That is one of the things being considered as the
Mt.Vernon mayor and city council decide what to do
with this historical downtown hub.
This coming Wednesday night there is a meeting at the
Lincoln Theater in downtown Mt. Vernon. If you want
to see the Lincoln remain the center of activity in
downtown Mt. Vernon, join others to make your voice
heard.
Call the Lincoln for more particulars. I do not know
them, but I felt it was important to get the word out
asap. I hope to see you there.
Kate
LINCOLN THEATRE HISTORY The Lincoln Theatre, a restored 1926 historic vaudeville & silent movie house in downtown Mount Vernon, presents a year-round schedule of concerts, current and classic films, and community events. The theatre works with local school districts, hosting school performances and workshops by performing artists on tour, as well as annual concerts by secondary school bands. The theatre hosts concerts by the local youth symphony, presents community-sponsored children’s theatre productions, as well as serving as a venue for fund-raising events by local service organizations. The Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation, founded in 1987, is a registered non-profit organization supported by over 2000 members from Skagit and adjoining counties.
Cost of Building: $100,000
Cost of Organ: $22,500
Cost of Furnishings & Equipment: $32,500
Weekly Payroll: $160
A 1926 SHOWPLACE
When the Lincoln Theatre was built, it was hailed for its originality and beauty. The Argus reported on May 13, 1926, “Nothing like it has ever been constructed before…the theatrical world is setting back astounded.”
The Lincoln is what’s called a period theater, which were in vogue around the time it was built. Some theaters built in the twenties had an Egyptian motif; one Seattle theater had a Chinese motif, but the Lincoln was a little different for the Northwest; it had a Spanish motif.
Manager Edwin Halberg ignored the pleas of his friends that he follow the crowd and make it Egyptian. He foresaw a time when movie fans would tire of such a motif. He personally designed the luxurious carpet, the decorative effect on the walls, the hangings and draperies, and the lighting effects.
The primary colors were blue, yellow, and red. The foyer was lighted with quaint, wrought-iron patterns of Spanish design. The walls have what’s known as a travertine finish.
WURLITZER MAGIC KEEPS TRADITION ALIVE
Of the 98 Wurlitzer organs remining in their original theaters in the U.S., the Lincoln Theatre’s Wurlitzer is one of only two 2-manual, 7-rank D-2 Full Unit Orchestra models. It has a full set of organ pipes, as well as a set of ‘toys,’ the mechanical sound effects for silent movies, as well as marimbas, drums, glockenspiel, xylophone, cathedral chimes, celeste, etc., and an original Wurlitzer piano.
The Lincoln Wulitzer features seven ranks of pipes, a remote piano, and a complete sound effect system for silent films, including beats, castanets, drums, cymbals, glockenspiels, and marimbas, as well as a set of silver chimes mounted on the auditorium’s painted columns.
Much work has been done by our pool of volunteer organists and technicians to maintain and repair our musical treasure.
The console has been pulled, cleaned, and rewired; several ranks have been gone through, with new leathers and blocks installed; and the “toy box” for sound effects has been rearranged for easier access and repair. All the work has been done by dedicated volunteers, including Gene Peden, Bob Martin, and Keith Thompson.
The volunteer organists who perform before each film showing are Dusan Mrak, Jeff Fox, Gene Reden, Glen DesJardins, and Ken Fenske. Thanks to all of them for keeping the theater organ tradition alive at the Lincoln!
We are always in need of more players. If you are interested in performing at the console, give us a call and you can play the pipes!
More on the history of the Lincoln and the pipe organ:
You are invited to join a humble little band of people to pray for our local theatre community next Tuesday. We have it on our hearts to gather as “two or more” to pray for safety, protection, wisdom, … so this is us stepping out in faith. Sharyn Peterson has graciously opened the music school as the space to meet.
Please feel free to forward this on to others who might be interested in joining this endeavor.
Peterson International Music School
The Old Towne Grainery 100 E Montgomery St, Suite 230 (by the train station)
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Conrad will be teaching at the META Performing Arts Theatre Summer Camp at Skagit Valley College July 2006. http://www.metaperformingarts.org
META PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
JULY 2006 – Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon, WA
Registration for July 10-14, full day and morning sessions will be outside the Phillip Tarro Theatre, Monday, July 10th from 8:30-8:45 a.m. Registration for afternoon only classes (including all 5-7 year olds) is outside the Phillip Tarro Theatre from 12:30-12:45 p.m. Your promptness is appreciated.
WEEK ONE, July 10-14 TEENS 1-2pm Melissa Rolnick dance Mon-Fri 2-3pm Dave James auditioning workshop Mon-Weds 2-3 Carl Turner Shakespeare Thurs 2-4 Carl Turner Shakespeare Fri 3-4pm Sharyn Peterson voice Mon-Weds 3-4 Steven Craig McIntyre backstage tour Thurs 8-11’s 1-1:30 Dave James theatre games Mon-Thurs 1:30-2:15 Joe Bowen stage combat Mon-Thurs 1:30-3:00 Dave James auditioning workshop Fri 2:15-3:00 Sharyn Peterson voice Mon-Thurs 3:00-4:00 Melissa Rolnick creative movement Mon-Fri 5-7’s 1-4pm Carrie James creative dramatics Mon-Fri
WEEK THREE, July 24-28 TEENS 1-2pm Scott McDade voice workshop for actors Mon-Weds and Friday 1-3 Bruce Weech stage combat Thurs 2-3pm Conrad Seussical vocal study Mon-Weds 2-4 Andy Friedlander auditioning workshop Fri 3-4pm Melissa Rolnick Seussical dance study Mon-Weds 3-4 Steve McIntyre Hall tour Thurs 8-11’s 1-2 Melissa Rolnick Seussical dance Mon-Thurs 1-4 Dave James auditioning workshop Fri 2-3pm Dave (Comedy) Mon-Thurs 3-4pm Conrad Askland Seussical music study Mon-Thurs 5-7s > 1-4pm Carrie James creative dramatics Mon-Fri>
Summer Camp Morning TEENS 9-10:30 Sami Detzer scene study Mon-Thursday 9-10:30 Sami cold-read auditioning Fri 10:30-12 Lynette McCormack musical theatre Mon-Thurs 10:30 –12 Lynette vocal auditioning Fri 8-11’s 9-10:30 Lynette McCormack musical theatre (Seussical) Mon-Fri 10:30-12 Sami Detzer acting skills for young actors Mon-Thurs 10:30-12 Sami auditioning conventions Fri WEEK TWO, July 17-21 TEENS 9-10:30 Sami Detzer monologue studies Mon-Thursday 9-10:30 Sami auditioning with a monologue Fri 10:30-12 Lynette McCormack “Rent� musical theatre study Mon-Fri 8-11’s 9-10:30 Lynette McCormack musical theatre (new) Seussical Mon-Fri 10:30-12 Sami Detzer auditioning skills for young actors Mon-Fri WEEK THREE, July 24-28 >TEENS AND 8-11’s >Sami Detzer and Lynette McCormack >Currently in development, call or check the website for updatesINSTRUCTORS!
We have assembled an incredible cast of instructors bringing together a vast array of talent and experience.
Lynette McCormack, Vocal/Dance Instructor and Director >Lynette has her Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Dance from the University Nevada of Las Vegas where she was principle singer at the Tropicana’s > Follies >Bergere. She has done a lot of industrial work on the road touring around the country. She has lived in La Conner for over 5 years and loves the warm friendly people and gorgeous countryside. >She has taught tap and jazz classes for AYA (Anacortes Youth Arts Dance Studio) and is currently teaching tap and country line dancing in Shelter Bay. She is vocal director for Meta Performing Arts based out of La Conner and has just finished directing and choreographing “The Little Mermaid.â€? She teachings a choral program at AHEP (Anacortes Home Educational Partnership). She loves to see the children grow in self esteem and confidence from their participation in musical theater. Music and dance brings out the best in us all….it soothes the soul and warms the heart. Andrew Friedlander, Teacher/Director of Theatre Programs – Skagit Valley College I am a theatre generalist with a specialty in acting, directing, Shakespearean performance and interdisciplinary studies. I have training in learning styles, cooperative and collaborative education, learning communities, critical thinking and writing skills reinforcement. > I have directed more than 125 productions in professional and academic theatre settings including the Idaho, Oklahoma and Western Washington Shakespeare Festivals, Centre Theatre Group of Spokane, Laughing Horse Summer Theatre, Eastern Washington University and Skagit Valley College. Representative titles include: Endgame, Is There Life After High School, Godspell, Once Upon a Mattress, The Rimers of Eldritch, Bedroom Farce, Antigone, Anything Goes and The Water Engine. Shakespearean productions include As You Like It, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, Loves Labours Lost, The Comedy of Errors, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest.
Carl Turner, Artistic Director of Theater Arts Guild Carl K. Turner comes originally from Tennessee where he received his BA in Speech from Middle Tennessee State Univ., and was a veteran performer at Opryland USA. He studied acting under William Ball and Speech under Edith Skinner at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco in the Advanced Actor Training Program, and subsequently performed with San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Eureka Theatre, San Mateo Civic Light Opera and various fringe theatres. He moved to Skagit County 10 years ago to finish his MA in Theatre Directing at Western Wash. Univ. > He currently serves as Artistic Director of Theater Arts Guild where he has directed Crimes of the Heart, Romeo Juliet, Blithe Spirit, Little Shop of Horrors among others, and has performed in Oliver!, Joseph and His. . . Dreamcoat and A Christmas Carol. Locally he has also directed Sam Shepard’s True West and David Mamet’s Oleanna. > In February of this year he directed his first production for META, The Crucible, and had appeared earlier as Lazar Wolfe in Fiddler on the Roof. He also staged Sharyn Peterson’s production of the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors for three seasons. He teaches acting and scene study, Shakespeare scansion, stage speech, dialects and accents, and audition selection and technique.>
Conrad Askland, Musical Director, Producer and more!
Conrad Askland is a music producer and keyboardist. His educational and live performance experience covers an extremely wide range of styles and formats. His formal music studies include Pacific Lutheran University (Composition and Voice), the University of Miami (Music Law), the Cornish Institute, the Seattle Early Music Guild and UCLA School of Film Scoring.
Conrad has extensive experience in live performance as a pianist for Knott’s Berry Farm, 4 years as touring keyboardist with Grammy Winner Freddy Fender of the Texas Tornados, vocalist with the Seattle Opera, touring keyboardist for Roy Rogers Jr., performances at the House of Blues and Prince Hotels (Tokyo), the Grand ‘Ol Opry and as a keyboardist with various Southern California and Las Vegas show groups. He has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Japan and the United States. Conrad has also performed in England, France, Denmark, Wales, Holland, South Korea, Tokyo, Okinawa and Hiroshima.
As a musical director and/or conductor he has worked full time with such diverse groups as San Bernardino Summer Theater Festival, National Educator’s Conference and Hollywood Superstars. He has over 2,000 performances to his credit and also works as a freelance musical director.
In addition to scoring and composing for the albums he produces at Road Records he has composed and arranged for corporate entities including GTE and Contel, World Library Publications and United Airlines. He currently composes ongoing for nearly two dozen corporate clients at Road Records as well as producing commercial artist albums.
JOSEPH D. BOWEN, Actor, Director, Musical Theater, Stage Combat STAGE EXPERIENCE: 1993 to present The Odd Couple (Female Version) – Jesus Costazuela; Inspecting Carol – Wayne; Kiss Me Kate – Suitor/Dancer; Blithe Spirit – Charles; Picnic – Hal; A Christmas Carol – Young Scrooge/Banker; Macbeth – Thane/Lord Lennox/Assassin; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – The Chief; A Streetcar Named Desire – Stanley; Romeo and Juliet – Mercutio; Richard III – Lord Hastings/Soldier; Detective Story – Tami Giacopetti; Fiddler on the Roof – Russian; The King and I – The King; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Adam. OTHER PERFORMANCES Best of Broadway Revue – sang as Marius, Les Miserables; Moulin Rouge Revue – multiple singing and dancing roles; Murder Mistresses Dinner Theater – Improvisation; Northwest Children’s Theater – Upper Skagit Legends – Narrator/cedar flute performer. LEAD or PRINCIPAL ROLES Inspecting Carol; Blithe Spirit; Picnic; Romeo and Juliet; The King and I; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers MUSICAL and DANCING ROLES Kiss Me Kate (Show/Jazz/Ballet; duet romantic; assisted in choreography); Picnic (duet romantic, choreographed); A Christmas Carol (Show; assisted in choreography); Fiddler on The Roof; The King and I (duet romantic; self-choreographed). STAGE COMBAT Picnic (hand to hand, self-choreographed); Macbeth (heavy weapons; assisted in choreography); Romeo and Juliet (rapier duel); Richard III (heavy weapons) DIRECTING: 1997 to present Shadowlands; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune; Proof; Paint Your Wagon.
KATE KYPUROS, Program Director at META Performing Arts Kate is currently the program director at META Performing Arts. She also teaches drama at Immaculate Conception Regional School in Mt. Vernon and at the HomeLink program for the Lake Stevens School District. Kate produced META’s recent production, “The Little Mermaid� and will be producing META’s upcoming show, “Seussical�, the musical at McIntyre Hall in November of 2006. Kate’s most recent directorial credits include Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.�, “How To Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up�, “The King and I�, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever�, and “Tales From the Arabian Nights�. She is a certified facilitator for “Developing Capable Young People�, a program for parents and educators. Kate’s most recent acting credits include roles as a grandmother, a blind woman, a shameless hussy, and the owner of an abolition era speak-easy. Her favorite thing to do is to participate in improvisation. Her second favorite thing is storytelling.
Melissa Rolnick, Former Assistant Professor of Dance at Arizona State University (ASU) > She was the recipient of the Herberger College of Fine Arts prestigious Distinguished Teaching Award for the > 2003-2004 academic year. Previous to teaching at ASU, Melissa was a lecturer at Western Washington University for two years. She has a BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase College and a MFA from Mills College. > She has performed extensively with many notable choreographers including Emily Keeler, Joe Goode, Cliff Keuter, Elina Mooney, Ruth Davidson Hahn and Mel Wong. She was a member of the San Francisco Moving Company, Cliff Keuter’s New Dance Company, and the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company of San Francisco, performing nationally and internationally. She continues to teach, perform and choreograph nationally. Presently in her new home state of Washington she is teaching students of all ages at various community arts educations programs in Anacortes, Bellingham and Mount Vernon. In King County Melissa teaches for the Pacific Northwest Ballet Education and Outreach Program. > Most recently Melissa’s choreography has been produced by the University of Texas Pan American, California State University Fresno, Ann Green Gilbert’s Kaleidoscope Dance and On the Boards/12 Minutes Max in Seattle. Future projects include choreographing for the Cornish College Dance Ensemble in the fall of 2006.Sami Detzer, Actress, Musical Theater and META Veteran! Experience Juliet Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare Northwest Abigail The Crucible Phillip Tarro Theater Narrator Our Town La Conner Drama Department Sara Women and Wallace Skagit Community Arts Theater Lamb chops Fame (The Musical) META Performing Arts Anne Page Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare Northwest Ensemble Y. A. I. Showcase Seattle Children’s Theater Education La Conner High School Sept. 2002- June 2006 Intro to Improv 2000 Kate Kyporus Acting II 2002 Stella Ireland Storytime Theater 2002 Maura Marlin Classical Theater 2003 Carl Turner Advanced Acting 2006 Alban Dennis Young Actor Institute 2005 Rita Giomi- Director
Scott McDade, Actor, Writer, Director Scott McDade is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Drama (BA) and holds an MFA in directing from Ohio State University. Over the past several years McDade has directed and stage-managed a number of productions for Theater Arts Guild, including two musicals he co-wrote with his wife Fran. McDade has performed as an actor and singer with the Cirque Playhouse and A Contemporary Theater (ACT) in Seattle; and has appeared locally in Anacortes Community Theatre and TAG productions.
Sharyn Peterson, Violinist, Vocalist, and Conductor >Sharyn is a northwest native who solos regularly with local symphonies. In 1999 she founded the Starry Night Chamber Series, now under the non-profit umbrella of the Skagit Opera. In 2005 and 2006, she will solo with four different orchestras in the Sibelius Violin Concerto and the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. >Ms. Peterson has performed in small chamber ensembles with the principal bassoonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Assistant Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony, faculty members of New England Conservatory, Western Washington University, North Texas University, and numerous other fine musicians such as Paul Rosenthal-violin, Barton Frank-cello, Lisa Bergman-piano, and George Shangrow-harpsichord. > She has soloed with famed vocalist Erich Parce, soprano Terry Richter, soprano Julie Boyd-Penner, pianist Cullan Bryant, and many others. Ms. Peterson currently conducts the Mt. Baker Youth Symphony in Bellingham and the Fidalgo Youth Symphony in the Skagit Valley,as well as maintaining Peterson International Music School in Mt. Vernon, teachingviolin, viola and voice. Ms. Peterson’s students are frequent winners in various Northwest Competitions, and she is also an arranger and recording artist. She has twice been a guest soloist on violin and voice in the Monteverde Music Festival, Costa Rica. Each summer she directs the Summer Sounds Music Camp ( under the
auspices of the Mt. Baker Youth Symphony); an intensive week of symphonic, vocal, jazz, and art.
Her principal violin teachers were Emanuel Zetlin (from the faculty of the Curtis Institute), and Denes Zsigmondy, and her vocal instructors were Edison Harris and Paul Ingham, both associated with the University of Washington, where she received a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance. Ms. Peterson attended Tanglewood Music Festival on a full scholarship for chamber music, where she performed under Leonard Bernstein and Michael Tilson Thomas
David James, Director / Producer / Teacher: DIRECTOR FOR UPCOMING META PRODUCTION OF SEUSSICAL Currently teaches 10th grade Language Arts at Marysville Pilchuck High School, where he insists on pushing playwrights like Shakespeare and Chekov on impressionable teenagers. He attended classes at Skagit Valley College, got his AA from Whatcom Community College, a History degree from Western Washington University, an English endorsement from Seattle University, took a class from Seattle Pacific University, and just got his Masters in Education from Antioch University. >Has directed and produced plays and musicals in Stanwood with his wife, Carrie, for the last few years, including: Into the Woods, Jr. Anne of Green Gables Bye Bye Birdie Guys and Dolls, Jr. Annie, Jr. When he was in college, he was involved in the theatre program at Skagit Valley College, doing various tech and building jobs for all kinds of full-length productions and Short Play Festivals. He also did a bit of acting, for instance as “Trichinosis� in the Woody Allen play God. He began his theater career way back in middle school while working on musicals such as Annie (great musical) and P.T. Barnum, the World’s Greatest Showman (possibly one of the worst shows ever written… but still awesome, ‘cause everything in the theater is awesome!).
Carrie James, Director / Producer / Teacher : DIRECTOR FOR UPCOMING META PRODUCTION OF SEUSSICAL Education: University of Washington: BA Drama Western Washington University: Teaching Certificate Antioch University: Masters in Education Directorial Credits Include: Into the Woods Jr. Anne of Green Gables Bye Bye Birdie Guys and Dolls Jr. Annie Jr. Stage Managing Credits Include: The Tempest Fen Die Fleder Maus
Bruce Weech, Actor / Certified Stage Combat Instructor 35 years as a professional actor. I have appeared in over 100 stage productions, 10 commercials , and 2 films. I have worked with the Theater Arts Guild, Pacific NW ACT, Anacortes ACT, SCAT, Skagit Opera, and the Shakespeare Festival locally. I own Talisman Productions LLC providing professional technical support to theater companies throughout the NW. I am a certified stage combat instructor
Stephani Brink, Actor / Teacher
Stephani originally attended California State University of Long Beach as a Creative Writing major. She moved to Washington in 1992 where she decided to pursue a career in teaching. She has an added endorsement in Early Childhood Education and has taught several years of kindergarten and also third grade. She currently teaches first grade for the Stanwood School District at Utsalady Elementary
Story by BEVERLY CRICHFIELD / Photos by FRANK VARGA
New theatre company makes big debut with classic musical
MOUNT VERNON  Who was the real Annie Oakley?
Lyrica Mueller is having a tough time combining aspects of the real Quaker sharpshooter from the late 1800s with the wide-eyed, perky stage persona conveyed in Irving Berlin’s colorful musical “Annie Get Your Gun.�
“She was kind of shy and quiet, but she was a strong, independent woman,� Mueller said, while gluing a piece of ribbon to a blouse she plans to wear during Lyric Light Opera’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun,� set to open Friday night at McIntyre Hall.
Mueller, a veteran of the stage and a musician, has been reading Oakley’s memoirs and any other information about the orphaned girl named Pheobe Ann Moses, who made her way from a life of abuse and poverty to working with the famous Buffalo Bill Wild West Show as a sharpshooting entertainer.
While Oakley, nicknamed “Little Sure Shot,� was considered a woman light years ahead of her time, she also was a surprisingly modest woman who marched to promote Victorian-era morals. The paradox is intriguing to Mueller.“I want to respect the woman as she was,� Mueller said, thoughtfully. “She was a great combination of a modern-day feminist, but she was a very Victorian woman.�
Mueller and the rest of the 30-member cast spent Monday evening getting familiar with the elaborate set of the show that runs July 14-30 at McIntyre Hall.
“Annie Get Your Gun� is the first production of the newly formed Lyric Light Opera of the Northwest. Former Northwest Civic Light Opera partner Barbara Mueller founded the new theatre company after Northwest Civic Light Opera dissolved in February. It had been operating just two years before it folded.
Barbara Mueller, director of the show, said she wanted to create a theatre company that would not only produce high-quality, family oriented entertainment, but also provide budding actors a place to learn the ins and outs of theatre  from the sound, lights and sets to music, dancing and portraying characters of all kinds.
“I believe that theater affects the people on the stage so very much,� Mueller said. “We can make such a difference in a person’s life by taking them through the process of a show.�
Mueller didn’t spare expense or energy for “Annie.� The production, which includes colorful Western-style sets from the Utah Festival Opera Company, a large cast of all ages, elaborate costumes, marketing, a 15-piece orchestra and booking of McIntyre Hall, is expected to cost about $75,000.
Mueller said the biggest challenge so far has been coming up with money for the show and other expenses, and bringing in experienced volunteers to produce and act in the shows.
But many actors from the Northwest Civic Light Opera followed Mueller to work with her new theatre company.
Rick Shallow of Camano Island had portrayed Von Schreiber in the Northwest Civic Light Opera’s 2005 production of “The Sound of Music.� In “Annie,’ he’s playing the worldly wise icon of American entertainment, Buffalo Bill Cody, who operated the famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show� in the later half of the 1800s.
“Buffalo Bill was America’s first superstar,� Shallow said, after rehearsing possibly one of the best known tunes from a musical, “There’s No Business Like Show Business.� But Buffalo Bill also was the glue that held the entertainers together, Shallow added. They looked up to him and admired him. He treated them well, and reportedly even paid the women and men performers equally for their work.
While reading up on Buffalo Bill in history books and on the Internet, Shallow discovered that Bill had been in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment  the same regiment that his son is now serving in, although it’s now called the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Shallow’s son helped outfit him with an authentic old-style cavalry hat, sword and spurs.
While Shallow said portraying Bill isn’t a challenge, Sarah Simmons of Burlington had to look for just the right inspiration for her jealous and insecure character, Dolly Tate.
Dolly was set to be the big female sharpshooter of the Wild West show until Annie came along, said Simmons, whose resume includes many performances with the local Theatre Arts Guild. So Dolly tries to undermine Annie whenever she can, Simmons said.
“I’ve been thinking about how to make her likable,� Simmons said, laughing. “I think of Karen Walker on ‘Will and Grace.’ Yeah, she’s scheming and mean and a lush, but she’s fun.�
And fun is what the show is about, said producer Leslie Asplund.
“It’s a very joyous, sweet, simple show,� Asplund said. “For our first show, we wanted to do something that celebrates love and humility, and this was it.�
WHAT Lyric Light Opera of the Northwest’s production of the Irving Berlin classic musical “Annie Get Your Gun.�
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 14-15, 21-22, 28-29; 2 p.m. Sundays, July 16 and 23.
WHERE McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
Sean Clavin emailed me tonight to let me know we have a song placed in a movie. Very cool. The song is “Seven Year Sleep” written in 2000 by Gailyn Addis, Sean Clavin and Conrad Askland (that’s me). It’s an independent film called Alien Secrets. Here’s the movie website if you feel like reading about wacky crazy stuff:
ALIEN SECRETS MUSIC ARTISTS
Gailyn Addis who performs the song is an incredibly gifted songwriter, performer and all around ultra cool person. I met Gailyn Addis back in 1994 when I was musical director for Hollywood Superstars and we did a bunch of fun tours together including Japan, Las Vegas and Reno. I don’t know how many songs we wrote together, probably a couple dozen. She’s written many books and was a tech consultant for Bridgette Fonda on the movie……um……it was about Elvis. I was an keyboard player in the movie too but my scene got cut, I think Gailyn didn’t get screen credit either. Oh well, that’s showbiz. Back on topic….
.
Sean Clavin I met back around 1990 when we both worked for the same music store, Tom’s Music down in Victorville, CA. Later we played together in Roy Rogers Jr. ‘s band and also with a country cover band that played the San Bernardino and Los Angeles country circuit. He played guitar on TONS of songs with me in the studio for Road Records. Over the years he probably cut tracks for me on at least a hundred songs. He was my #1 pick as a studio guitarist because he was so easy to work with and had such a mastery of a wide range of styles. Ok, he was also one of the few people to put up with my “Conradized” studio charts. I chart real fast in the studio and the manuscripts tend to be a wee bit cryptic. Sean might word it a bit different. 🙂
“Alien Secrets”
Wins EBE Award
Best Feature Film- UFO or Related Theme at
The 15th International UFO Congress
and Film Festival 2006
Brandon Scott receives the EBE AWARD
Best Feature Film -“Alien Secrets”
March 4th 2006 Laughlin Nevada
The EBE winner for the Best Feature Film was awarded to the film “Alien Secrets” Directed by J.J. Barmettler and Produced by Barmettler , Brandon Scott and Richard Smith.
The highlight of this week long event culminated with the The International UFO Congress Film Festival screening the best features, documentaries and short films dealing with UFO related subject matter. This festival recognizes filmmakers with the coveted EBE Award.
A melting pot of experts and panelists from all over the world convene to meld minds and share the latest discoveries in UFO and paranormal activity, at this years International UFO Congress 15th annual event held at The Flamingo Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.
The week long conference (Feb. 26-March 4, 2006) hosted presentations by renown authors, researchers, experts, journalists, scientists, and UFO investigators from all over the world.
Lectures and seminars attracted hundreds of researchers and enthusiasts from the United States, England, Japan, Germany, South America,South Africa, and many other countries. Some of the speakers included authors Budd Hopkins, Dr. David Jacobs and crop circle expert Colin Andrews, journalist George Knapp, Mexican journalists and UFO investigators Jaime Massaun and Santiago Yturria Garza, Film Producer and author Paul Davids, Haktan Akdogan from Turkey,Terje Toftenes from Sandvika and A.J. Gevaerd from Brazil.
Hundreds of attendees showed up to experience the film Alien Secrets.
“We are so glad this film was made,� commented Michael, one of the UFO researchers. “ This film is a perfect way for delivering this sensitive information in a entertaining way�.
“ It’s a story that has to be told,� commented a husband and wife team , both who are UFO researchers; “ So many of us go through the same experiences as the character Brandon Scott portrayed the movie,so we really identified with that.�.
“ I am glad they didn’t make fun of usâ€? shared a young woman and UFO abductee “ It was funny in many parts and yet it was serious about the messageâ€? .
Another enthusiast was eager to share this with his wife and kids. “ I can’t wait to show it to my family� he said, “ I can never sit them down to watch a documentary on UFOs, this movie is fun and so entertaining, I think this will help them get exposed to the facts about this phenomena and it’s a great story to boot.�.
After presenting the Award, Bob Brown, founder of the International UFO Congress, commented to the attendees,
�I really enjoyed the film , I got it, I think most of you out here will… It has humor so we can laugh at ourselves. Very nicely done.�
Best Feature Film- UFO or Related Theme
ALIEN SECRETS” THEY’RE HERE AND LIVING AMONG US!! Filmmaker J J Barmettler and controversial UFO Investigator Brandon Scott have captured the UFO subculture from the inside out, working with 43 artists, 23 abductees, 30 experts and 200 eye witnesses who have all had experiences in the chilling UFO/Alien Phenomenon. Their discovery proves that there is a hidden generation of alien/human hybrids living among us. In the process of the investigation a female hybrid speaks out for the first time ever on film. This “hybrid” narrative/documentary film weaves story and fact in an epic portrayal of one man’s fight for free will and his drive to save humanity. With over twenty original songs, real UFO footage and a daring subject matter, this provocative film is sure to be a cult sensation.
We will be opening a second forum server that should be active mid-June 2006. This will be a near completion of bringing all our discussion communities back online. This network will run discussion communities on topics of music, religion, science and sports. If your favorite forum isn’t running now, chances are it will be on our new second server, with the exception of some niche music and health related forums.
Our Forum I server came back online in March 2006. A big thanks to our community members on the Forum I network that have helped us along the way.
Just an update for people wondering what I’m up to. First of all, I’m absolutely loving it up here in Washington State. I feel like I’m “back home”. I am totally blown away by the strength and talent of the arts up here. Very inspiring and I’ve made a lot of great new friends in this area.
AIDA went very well. I conducted that at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon Washington for three weeks, show finished in April. Very soon I’ll have pics posted. That show was produced by the Theatre Arts Guild of Skagit Valley and I had a total blast working that crew.
Right now I’m in rehearsal with Annie Get Your Gun with Lyric Light Opera. Show will run three weeks in July at McIntyre Hall and then two weeks at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center. While doing that we’re starting to prep for Seussical produced by Meta Performing Arts, I’ll conduct that at McIntyre Hall in November. If you haven’t been to McIntyre Hall, check out the opening flash sample at http://www.mcintyrehall.org/ – It’s an amazing performance venue.
I’ve been music director at Mount Vernon Presbyterian for several months now and am totally digging it. The choir has been very adventurous to perform a wide mix of music from Mozart in Latin to modern Gospel music. The group averages about twenty members and is growing. This week I’m starting to work on some original anthems and liturgical music for them to sing at the services. The congregation here is very warm to me and appreciative of a wide range of music styles. I have also enjoyed the theology and studies I’ve been involved with so far. If you’re interested in finding out about Presbyterians – Visit the Presbyterian Church USA website.
PIPE ORGAN! – The church has an 8 rank pipe organ. Real pipes, what a treat! I’ve been taking organ lessons for several months now working on pedals, etc. Also been learning Hammond and Wurlitzer organ technique. My instructor loves Bach and Hammond Organs, so we get along great. I’m a total Bach nut, so to finally start playing some of Bach’s work on a real pipe organ is a real thrill. Some friends at the church have been taking me to organ and choir concerts. That has been incredible.
INTERNET! – Today is the first time in a long time I’ve been able to work on my sites again. I’m finally caught up on orders and will be bringing back more of our forum communities shortly. Amazing it’s all still running, now I can start building it again.
STUDIO – After a two year hiatus, the studio is now open again! I’ve set it up in my house with dedicated rooms for tracking. For now I won’t be open to the general public. I’d like to focus on writing original sheet music and soundtracks for now. It’s so beautiful to see everything running again. For info on the old studio visit Road Records.
GETTING OLD – Yes, on May 27th this year I turn 40. Yikes! Fortunately I have rehearsals all day so I don’t have to think about it.
I guess the most exciting thing about it all right now is that I’m able to once again start working on original music projects again. There’s a lot of irons in the fire, I’ll post more about those as each one is finished.
And to close, my favorite line from the Desiderata:
Remember that in the face of aridity and disenchantment, love is as perennial as the grass.
I look forward to working with all of you. Each of you has been hand picked and/or highly recommended to me. All shows will be at McIntyre Hall – visit www.mcintyrehall.org if you need directions etc. We will have one additional dedicated four hour block with the sound crew, this time is not set yet – I am hoping as many of you as possible can make this time when it is set to help with sound sculpting. Email me for my cell phone number if needed (click “contact” to right of screen for my email address).
All musicians need to bring complete gear, ie: guitar players need to bring amps. McIntyre is not accustomed necessarily to rock shows of this nature, and provide only sound reinforcement.
DRESS – Please wear all black, details are up to you. Stands, chairs and music stand lights will be provided.
REHEARSALS
MV Pres is Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church – located in Mount Vernon on 15th across from Skagit Valley Hospital.
Thurs 3/02 – 9pm – RHYTHM SECTION ONLY – MV PRES
Sat 3/04 – 10am on…. – All Day – MV PRES
Tue 3/14 – 6-9pm Music – MV PRES
Wed 3/15 – 6-9pm Music with vocalists- Cascade Commons
Sun 3/19 – SOUND CHECK – 4pm-8pm McIntyre Hall
Wed 3/22 – At McIntyre HALL 6pm
Thurs 3/23 At McIntyre – Dress Rehearsal 6pm
Please arrive 45 minutes before downbeat.
SHOWS
3/24 7:30 Friday
3/25 7:30 Sat
3/26 2pm Sun
3/30 7:30pm Thur
3/31 7:30 Fri
4/1 7:30 Sat
4/2 2pm Sun
4/6 – 7:30pm Thur
4/7 7:30 Fri
4/8 7:30 Sat
I’ve been getting a lot of emails wondering where I disappeared to and why the networks are down, etc. – So here’s a little update:
I’ve been in Mount Vernon, WA since mid-January rehearsing for Elton John’s AIDA which runs March 24th to April 8th. The producers, crew and cast have been great to work with so far and I’ve really enjoyed my time up here. Many of the members have been nice enough to introduce me to little underground music spots up here, and it’s absolutely fantastic.
While being in Mount Vernon I’ve found a church that has a need for a music director and I’ve agreed to take that position. I’ll be starting in mid-March. So to facilitate that I’m flying down to California, putting stuff in storage and shipping up what I need so I can still do my audio production work. It’s not fancy, but people have put up a place where I can work, and I look forward to writing more music to be performed in church. In my typical prima donna fashion I have already told the church they need a new piano…..I think my exact words were “If Zeus were still alive and hurling thunderbolts this piano would be a cinderblock”. I’ve been very spoiled in my life when it comes to having fine instruments to perform on (and hope to continue in that fashion!).
I consider that work at this church a time to serve. Some have voiced their disappointment at me taking such a low position, but I’m willing to take a chance that this is where I should be, and that I can do a lot of good here.
Am I moving to Mount Vernon, Washington? I don’t know. I’m going to work here and live here for a bit since I see work that needs to be done. I don’t know if that work will be for a couple months or twenty years. I’m walking on faith. In the meantime, my belongings will be in California so if Disney finally hires me I’ll be ready.
INTERNET NETWORKS: Our public forum network was compromised in early January and it’s still not up yet. Several tech blunders, and new people that were supposed to do the job didn’t. I had to put this on the back burner. Most regular members understand that the network is run by my own money, and run on my own time – Right now I don’t have alot of either. ON THE UPSWING – I do have a new server in place, it’s actually been in place for a couple weeks. I just haven’t had the time to get each community back up and running. But it’s there, waiting. The last six months of 2005 I learned a LOT about code which will be very helpful in the future. But now I think I need to learn linux server maintenance, security and get better with mysql to do the things I need to do.
A very big thank you to my friends in California that are still standing with me through all this, and thank you to my new friends in Washington that are setting me up. Somehow I always manage to find people that will clear a path so I can do my work. And I am very ready to get back to work.
Is it true that we own nothing, that it is only given to us as caretakers for a time? That’s my latest pondering……
