Category: Arts and Events

A PNW Gem: Morten Lauridsen

Carl Setzer

Morten Lauridsen is one of the great musical products of the Pacific Northwest. Born in Colfax (roughly 1/2 way between Spokane and Pullman), he then grew up in Portland, went to Whitman in Walla Walla, then landed at USC. I’m sad to say I only discovered his music quite recently, as he has been helping the good folks at King FM raise money for their abrupt and mandatory relocation. I’ve been exploring his work throughout the week. Spotify has a nice collection of his work.

I also discovered this interview where he discusses his Magnum Mysterium. Listening to him talk reminds me of the joy I felt when I studied music. I have many moments where I regret stopping those studies. I expect I should write about that at some point.

What do you think of his music? Is there anyone you like? That you would recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Thoughts On Dan + Shay’s “Tequila”

Carl Setzer

I’ve heard the song several times, finding it delightful. Sometimes I like to watch my music, or at least stream my music via YouTube. Yesterday this came through. For me, personally, it was awesome.

Besides the videography, the story features Nyle DiMarco, a Deaf model, activist and actor. I appreciated the incorporation of Deaf elements into a music video. As I value inclusion deeply, my delight in this grew.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

It’s the Weekend! Time to see Captain Marvel!

Carl Setzer

I wanted to go last weekend, but events conspired against me. Now’s a whole new opportunity, and I expect to make it work.

Now, my main question: do I go to Alderwood AMC, with all its Dolby glory, or head to the Edmonds theater, my favorite?

What do you think?

Watch “Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel – Trailer 2” on YouTube

Edmonds Named First Creative District – 425 Magazine

Carl Setzer

I love how Edmonds has engaged the local arts community over the years. This betters the quality of life for the area, which brings people into the City. We have a unique blend of artisan businesses in the urban core. And, actually, throughout the city.

So, congrats to all the businesses, government staff, and artists that help make all this possible.

Edmonds Named First Creative District – 425 Magazine

The Snohomish County Youth Chorus’ Holiday Concert On December 15

Carl Setzer

Please join the Snohomish County Youth Chorus for a celebration of our favorite holiday music this Saturday, December 15 at 7 p.m. in Mukilteo at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church!

Snohomish County Youth Chorus Holiday Concert Flyer
Snohomish County Youth Chorus Holiday Concert Flyer


Learn more about the chorus:


👍 Like their Facebook page for updates on future events!
🎵 Check out their website at www.snocoyouthchorus.org!

I Just Updated My Music and Arts Page

Carl Setzer1 Comment

The good folks over at the Pacific Chamber Orchestra pinged me on Twitter a few days ago, asking me to add them to my Music and the Arts Page.

I always delight in finding new artists, so am more than glad to add them. Head over and say “hi”, and lend them your ears during their holiday concert season.

Any of you remember the Seattle radio station KJET ?

Carl Setzer

My friend Mike was a DJ at KJET, a progressive radio station from back in the 1980s. Lots of wave, groups like The Clash, etc.

Here he’s pulled together a show based on this classic 80s tunes. Check him out on Mixcloud and follow him if you’re a fan of that platform.

 

A fun and full day around south Snohomish county today

Carl Setzer

A fun and busy day. It started with the Edmonds School District Foundation’s annual 5k. My wife ran it, and I walked. Ran into gobs of friends, which is always a delight. Said wife was happy with her time, and I was pleased to have most of my FitBit steps done before 9:00 in the morning. All great things.

Next was trying to get some new contacts ordered. Ugh! My wife’s insurance changed to EyeMed, which has been a royal irritation to my gluteus maximus. And, thus, this element of the day turned out unsuccessful. Next weekend, I’m sure.

Oil change, lunch, and the gym. Fun, effective, and boring as hell to read about. Next!

We went to see my friend Eugene Capon and Scobot speak about XR/VR/AT. Got some good ideas I want to flesh out. I’ll also go down and check him out at Seattle’s YouTube fair next month.

Mountlake Terrace’s homecoming was tonight! Had a few details to iron out for that. JC Penny at the mall to the rescue.

The dance was fun. The kids enjoyed it. My wife and I went to Edmonds, walking the waterfront and then grabbing pupus/tapas.

Tomorrow, we’ll make our way down to Seattle and BrickCon. That will be awesome. Looking forward to it. .

My Musical Teen Years: A Seattle Story

Carl Setzer

Music has been a core part of my life for decades. I have no real memory where music wasn’t a core element of my soul. Surrounding myself in Seattle’s music scene certainly made that happier and more fruitful. I had a wide range of organizations supporting performers and a plethora of opportunities. This is something that’s particularly delightful about Seattle.

Like many kids, I started band in elementary school. It was just “something I did” through junior high. High school, though, offered something different. I had the opportunity to study with Paul Cobbs, now with the Everett Philharmonic. Dr. Cobbs opened my eyes to a whole new realm of musical possibilities. Besides diving deeper into classical and orchestral music, Dr. Cobbs introduced me to jazz. Life-changing, with ripples through my life to this day. It was jazz that got me into poetry. Jack Kerouac, I’m looking at you.

Throughout my high-school career, I performed with a dizzying array of organizations. Besides my school’s myriad ensembles (concert bands, jazz ensembles, backing up the choir, orchestra), I played with the Seattle Cascades Drum Corps, Cascade Youth Symphony, State Band amongst the formal organizations. There were plenty of small ensembles and workshops I also got to work with. This region has always been a great place to be a young musician.

Now it’s better. Or at least I’m far more aware of what’s out there, as the parent of a musically inclined child. Just a few orgs I can rattle off (besides the above):

Add to these some excellent programs to grow the dedicated young musician:

Our region’s music scene has long been dynamic and energizing. No matter what style you dig, there’s someone playing it live nearby. That spills over to our kids. Music kept me sane as a boy and young man. It delights me deeply to see that opportunity continuing and growing.