It’s spring in Seattle, and time once again for the annual orgy of free music and culture known far and wide as Northwest Folklife Festival! Ball of Wax is very proud to continue our association with the fine folks at Folklife, presenting our third Ball of Wax showcase at this year’s festival. For this year’s showcase – Saturday, May 25th from 7 to 10 pm on the Vera Project stage – we bring you sets from our good friends Gems, The Great Um, Virgin of the Birds, and Sun Tunnels. It’s bound to be a good time, and did I mention it’s free? It’s free. See you there!
In addition to this slab of Ball of Waxiness, many more of our friends are playing throughout the Festival, and you should go see them all! Here’s what not to miss:
Friday, May 24th
5:05 pm, The Vera Project: Town Forest
Town Forest is, as astute readers and listeners will remember, the new project from Mark Johnson of Amateur Radio Operator, and therefore above reproach.
Saturday, May 25th
2 pm, The Vera Project: Levi Fuller & the Library
Yes, that’s me and my band. Since I’ve had a song on pretty much every volume of Ball of Wax, I hope some of you find enjoyment from my music. We will be debuting new drummer Christopher Williams at this show, and I couldn’t be more excited.
3:30 pm, The Vera Project: Indie Songwriter Showcase with j.wong, Mike Dumovich, Apartment Lights, and Jon Pontrello
Not nearly enough of this group have been on Ball of Wax before (hint hint, guys!), but I am a great admirer of messrs. Wong, Dumovich, and Pontrello (and look forward to hearing Apartment Lights). Mike was part of our crazy Harry Candy experiment a few years back, and Jon had a song on Ball of Wax 19 as Gene Pool. I haven’t heard any of his stuff since, but I’m sure it’s excellent.
7 pm, The Vera Project: Ball of Wax Showcase with Gems, The Great Um, Virgin of the Birds, and Sun Tunnels
For this showcase I selected four bands spanning Ball of Wax‘s existence: Louis O’Callaghan of Sun Tunnels (previously The Graze) has been a regular contributor since Volume 2; Jon Rooney of Virgin of the Birds’ first Ball of Wax song appeared on Volume 5, and his work appears on 31, the most recent installment (he’s the lucky guy who got to cover one of my songs); Gems are a recent edition to the Ball of Wax circle, but have made up for lost time, with back-to-back contributions on volumes 29 and 30; and The Great Um is relatively new to the fold as well, although members Caleb Thompson and Robb Benson have appeared on many volumes over the years.
Sunday, May 26th
2:15 pm/3 pm, The Mural Amphitheatre: The Washover Fans/Grand Hallway
The Washover Fans (heard on Ball of Wax 24) and Grand Hallway (one of these days!) are playing as part of the “Folk, Redefined” showcase on Sunday. Prepare to be overwhelmed by musicianship and emotions.
5:10 pm, Alki Court Stage: Led to Sea
You have probably well familiarized yourself with the viola/voice wonder that is Led to Sea through Ball of Wax 25: Songs about Books, Ball of Wax 31, or her own wonderful albums. Alex’s performances are always delightful and impressive.
7 pm, The Vera Project: Hollow Earth Radio Showcase: Eric Ostrowski, Autococoon, Sokai Stilhed, Scorpio Scorpio Scorpio, Mouth Harp Finale
This will most likely be the most boundary-pushing event at Folklife this year, featuring three hours of experimental music and noise (including Sokai Stilhed, heard on the Ball of Wax 26 tribute to the Anthology of American Folk Music), capped off with some kind of jaw harp group improv or something. Not to be missed.
7:05 pm, Folklife Cafe: Bill Horist
This is a tough call. I just said the Hollow Earth showcase is not to be missed, but opportunities to see the brilliant Bill Horist play acoustic guitar are also not to be missed. Just make sure you’re at one of these places come Sunday night.
Monday, May 27th
6 pm, The Vera Project: Kelli Frances Corrado
The dark, moody, yet subdued textures of Kelli’s music are really the perfect chilldown after a weekend of Folklife. Head inside to the Vera Stage on Monday evening and you should leave with your mind refreshed and ready to tackle the four-day work week ahead.