Free and Low Cost Entertainment in Port Angeles

Most people think of the Olympic Peninsula as an "outdoorsy" kind of place when it comes to leisure activities and looking for fun, and for the most part, a person finds a very good value when it comes to paying for such activities like hiking, swimming, exploring mountains and beaches. Except when April looks and feels like December without the holiday glitter and warmth. This is the situation we find ourselves in this "spring" as gasoline prices climb ever higher along with the prices of most everything else. Even the wind is blowing hard this week. And, rain or possibly snow is expected throughout the weekend.

Perhaps therein lies the reason for the larger crowds of late at the Junction and the Soho Asian Bistro. Maybe it's that and the combination of good music and opportunities for local musicians to perform in a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere despite the weather outside. There's no cover charge at either place on Sundays or weekdays and the price of beer isn't rising with each passing day or week. When you find yourself singing along to a Beatles or Yardbirds song you're unlikely to worry about mortgage payments, the cost of milk and other groceries, or plane fare to Disneyland. You can forget about it for awhile. Sometimes there are sights for sore eyes on and off stage, and that's an added bonus for dancers, singers-along, and musicians. In other words, it's a good bang for your buck at the Junction in Port Angeles and other local music venues.

Guitar Instruction Tip#22: Change your strings more often and you'll be more motivated to practice more because your guitar will sound more pleasing to the ear.

Stephanie, Mike, and Barry at the Junction!

No, it wasn't a dream--Mike Pace, Stephanie Batson and I were on stage at the same time last night at the Junction in Port Angeles and that means Rollin' Waters performed for the first time in months. The crowd was awed by Stephanie's voice and Mike's guitar playing, and my own singing and playing was tolerable. What a surprise and a treat! Yes, there was dancing, and maybe Tina will send me a pic from the night since I was in shock and forgot to take photos. Grrr....
Patrick received a well-deserved beer for his excellent playing and for wearing the recommended (but not required) black shirt.

Guitar Instruction Tip #21: Learn to read standard notation first. Tab can wait. Don't ask for a reason, just do it.

Things to Do in Port Angeles

Come down to the Junction on Sunday nights for the no-cover,acoustic jam/open mike. You can even exercise your lungs or fingers if you'd like to sing or play an acoustic instrument. Plaid or cowboy shirts are encouraged (but not required) for this week's dress code. Haha.

It's not Las Vegas, but there's lots to do in this town. For a few ideas when the music isn't playing:


Getting to know Port Angeles, takes time...bad day, get a 'shot in the dark' and drive out on the hook and enjoy the view of the mountains over the city...no charge.

20 minute drive, 20 minute walk, rest your buns in warm natural pools above the Elwha River in the woods....no charge.

Tongue Point, a few miles west, turn over rocks see what you find...no charge.

Spend $2 on a day pass, ride to Forks early, transfer to La Push, get off at 2nd or 3rd beach, hike down spend the day, catch the 4:00 back, home by 6:30.

Jump either ferry, spend the night at Ocean Island Backpackers for under $30 and get whatever big city thrills you need and then leave all the negatives across the water when you come home.

Ride your bike, run, or walk along the waterfront trail to Morse Creek and check out the new bench they put in and notice the shimmer off the water as you enjoy a Mt. Baker sunrise or view of boats running through the straight....no charge.

On your ride back drop into downtown and check out Port Book and News, for what IS HAPPENING in town-Allen and daughter Cassidy know a lot.

Stop by Swain's(where bullets used to be an impulse item) or go to the movies at the college on Friday night, swing into Goodwill and you always see somebody you know, eat the buffet at China First, do the garage sales on Saturday...more later as the weather improves on the Olympic Peninsula.

Guitar Instruction Tip#20: Get percussive with your strum technique, especially on bluegrass and country songs. Let your wrist do the work and make yourself heard above those other instruments and vocals.

Ramblin' Post in Port Angeles

No school today and recent polls show Lincoln is the most popular American president, at least on this President's Day, 2008. With a Monday holiday, one would think more of my colleagues would venture out to the Junction on a winter's evening, but only a few did including the ever-photogenic Emily at left next to a smiling Paul. Today the sun is shining in Port Angeles after weeks of pewter skies, snow, rain, and drizzle. The streets downtown are still dug up, making things like going to the bank or a restaurant difficult. But it's only temporary. Larry returned to the jam last night and helped us with a new (old) song, "Wasn't Born to Follow." The key will be changed to Eb, not that it matters to any but a few guitar players who won't be pleased at all, especially those who refuse to use a capo. Oh well...rule: the singer gets to choose the key, but not the dress code...I was only kidding about flannel shirts and gingham pants! Apparently no one has any gingham pants, but flannel was well-represented. Well done.
Guitar Instruction Tip #19: There's a reason it's called the "F" chord so buck up and keep trying.

Snowgrass, Surgery and a Not So Subtle Winter

Yes, it's still winter on the Olympic Peninsula, and Port Angeles is cold, like the surgeon's knife. Snow threatens and Snowgrass is tonight! It's a benefit for "First Step Families" held each year in the high school auditorium. This year, Deadwood Revival headlines, and Loose Gravel from Forks performs along with other local groups, all in the bluegrass or semi-bluegrass style. It oftens sells out, but there may be a few tickets left at Port Book and News in Port Angeles.

Three of our regulars at the Junction Jam, Johnny Mustang, Rudy Maxion, and Bob Driver, play for the lunch crowd at the now non-profit Roots Coffee House in Port Angeles. They serve fair trade coffee and white clam chowder (wish someone would start serving red around here) along with the usual sandwiches, scones and stuff. But the music was good as one would expect. Ok, it's Saturday and time for guitar lessons.

Guitar Instruction Tip #18: Acoustic Guitar magazine has published a new instruction book worth a look.

Winter on the Olympic Peninsula

Wow! How many times did that particular comment enter my email this morning? After last night's jam at the Junction in Port Angeles most people were at a loss for words, apparently. There was a lot of dancing! And then smiling. And more smiling and dancing. Fun, fun, fun. There was the group of teachers (whose names shall not be mentioned) exuberant over their graduation from a Master's program that found the perfect celebratory location and proceeded to revel with the other revelers. No, you won't pry any details out of me! Check the sidebar for more revelatory images. It certainly is winter with a vengeance as far as the season is concerned, but inside the Junction on Sunday nights it's warm, cozy and cheery like summer at the beach. Did someone mention surf songs? Yes, we have those, too, just didn't get around to them last night. Thanks again to the Dry Creek gang for coming out last night! Oops, that may have been too much detail.
Guitar Instruction Tip #18: Keep using a flatpick and anchor your hand to the pickguard. You're not ready for finger-picking yet so show a little patience.

Last Jam at Crazy Fish

A large crowd turned out for what could have been the last Wednesday night jam at the Crazy Fish in Port Angeles. That's Johnny and Eric Whitman from the Lonely H joining Miles(number two son on drums) and me onstage for "Down on the Corner" and "I Shall Be Released," among other songs. Lots of their friends, many home from school for Christmas break, were present to cheer them on. Looks like they're playing tonight at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. Certainly a highlight of the season for me since both Miles and Mick got up on stage with me to perform, and everyone else seemed to have a good time. Stephen sang expecially well on "Stormy Monday" and "Route 66." This isn't the first time patrons have been heard to comment about how there sure is a lot of musical talent in our neck of the woods. And, not all of them are guitar players! Whatever happens with the Crazy Fish, the music will continue in one venue or another for a long time to come. Speaking of which, the acoustic jam on Sundays at the Junction in Port Angeles continues to thrive. Maybe some of the at-risk tech-savvy youth out there will step up to make a web page for that venue. Would that ruin the "low-tech" atmosphere of the place?

Guitar Instruction Tip #18: So you want to be a rich rock and roll star? Well, listen now to what I say. Practice early in the morning(that means you have to get up!), play every gig offered to you, practice some more, and then strike oil or win the lottery.

Stephanie at the Junction!

Believe your eyes. That is Stephanie last Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles, and we're performing "Stormy Monday," with Patrick(in the background on lead guitar) and Paul and Joe (off camera) on drums and harmonica respectively. Needless to say, the crowd was tuned in and awed by her voice. We also played along with Dave Secord and Luck of the Draw who also made one of their all too infrequent appearances. Rollin' Waters may play the Ajax in Port Hadlock soon--stay tuned.

The fate of the Crazy Fish in Port Angeles is uncertain, and consequently, so is the Wednesday night jazz/blues/folk/country jam. The owners are trying to sell the business or make some kind of arrangement so the club can stay open. There have been lots of fun nights there over the last four years, many of them on recent Wednesdays at the jam. Last Wednesday, thirteen year old Ashley brought her fiddle and wowed the crowd with solos on "Old Joe Clark" and "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere." Maybe there'll be some good news next week about the future of the "Fish."

Guitar Instruction Tip 17: Keep your guitars--all of them. Never ever give your guitar to a girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other/ex-wife/ex-husband/whatever/. They will sell it and buy a better one every time.

The Unbearable Heaviness of Holidays

I want a dog, plain and simple. But, for now and because of the holiday season crunch, work schedules and the joy of responsibilities, singing about "Old Blue" and playing with the neighborhood canines will have to suffice.

It seems my current musical partners will insist on doing Christmas songs at the jams and upcoming party gigs. This is a new turn of events. In the past none of my partners made such outrageous and difficult musical demands. As a result last night, Rudy and Bill "forced" me to rehearse "The Little St. Nick, Jingle Bell Rock, and Jingle Bells." Actually, "The Little St. Nick" is a Beach Boys song, and therefore at least somewhat enjoyable to play and sing with the background parts and extra unusual chords. Thinking the worst might be over (at least until Friday's sing-along) I settled into the Math lesson this morning only to hear, wafting through the thin classroom wall, the sounds of neighbor teacher Warren leading the fifth graders in Xmas carols. So we paused and sang along since it would have been futile to resist. Ok, maybe it was a little bit enjoyable....

On Sunday we started a little later at the Junction, but the players turned out in good numbers once again and we played until nearly 12:30 AM. This was after our gig at the "Flotation Device" in Gig Harbor where we barely arrived on time having fought the snowstorm that ravaged the region over the weekend. Rudy, who recently moved here from Oakland, CA, was a little nervous about the white stuff, but we told him to consider it an adventure. Peer pressure sometimes works but we did see lots of vehicles in the ditch between Port Angeles and Bremerton.

Saturday, Mike and I played at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock. What a treat! Music, good audience, funny hats on the diners and a halibut dinner, too.

Guitar Instruction Tip #16: Never change your guitar strings right before a performance. The strings will inevitably stretch and you will spend time either tuning or playing out of tune.

Live Music and Dancing in Port Angeles

If you've ever wondered whether people would dance to music played on acoustic guitars and a few voices sans bass and drums, the answer is "Hell yes!" That very question was answered on Sunday night at the Junction between the hours of 7:00 PM and 12:20 AM. We're supposed to stop at 11:00 PM but there were lots of players to get on stage and everyone seemed to be having fun so we went longer. Conventional wisdom dictates that a band must have bass and drums (especially drums) before people will get out on the dance floor. Not necessarily true. The proof is in the pictures. It has happened before, but it still surprises and inspires. The next best thing for a musician is seeing people in the audience singing along with a song that has moved them to vocalize. Nice.



For the second week in a row we had no drums at Crazy Fish, but there were plenty of electric guitars and my borrowed Peavey Classic 30(thanks Strait Music). Rudy, as always shined on bass and he's starting to sing more with fine harmonies. Kelly was missing in action but will be back next week. Dan, from Rate Limiting Step, and Mike from the Soul Shakers, once again sparkled on electric blues, drums or no drums. Patrick played lick after tasty lick on my Strat and voiced good reviews for the Classic 30. I must admit it took several songs for Stephen and I to find a groove in the first set, but his vocal on Route 66 perked up the crowd. Hope to see you all at the jam at the Junction on Sunday.

Rain on the Olympic Peninsula

The rain is returning to the Olympic Peninsula this week. It never leaves for very long, however. The streets are wet and skies are gray. Normal. Election day has passed, and apparently few bothered to vote, and Jefferson County had more voters than Clallam County. Why is that? Different worlds in some ways except when it comes to music. A lot of musicians travel and perform between the two counties even though the rural miles are long, especially during the frequent rainy nights.

Here in Port Angeles Sunday night at the Junction got a boost from Cindy and Mike of the Soul Shakers when they revved up the crowd with rockin' blues. Even without electric guitars! In fact, the vocals were right up front where they belong. Very cool. Check the sidebar for pics of Phyllis and John who also lifted our spirits on another musical night at the Junction.

Last night at the Crazy Fish was really fun. Kelly wowed the large crowd with new songs and Dan Lieberman accompanied on my Stratocaster while Marty added harmonica. Cory was in fine form wth Rudy and Patrick playing the blues. Bill never fails to bring the dancers to their feet with his classic version of the Wanderer. Back in New Jersey, Dion is proud of you, Bill. Stephen added some jazz classics including Route 66 and Wonderful World. Teachers and firefighters-each out of uniform-made up much of the lively crowd.

Port Angeles Halloween at the Junction

John Nelson calls it the "Six Days of Halloween." That because most, if not all, of the live music venues in Port Angeles are doing something for the Halloween season. I won't be hosting on Halloween itself (Wednesday) since the Crazy Fish will have some other band that night, but on Sunday scary folks indeed will come out to the Junction. There are many pictures of helpless victims in the clutches of Vampire Stephanie, but this is one of my favorites from last year. Bill is a huge fan of Halloween, and guests can expect his all out performance this Sunday.

Speaking of performances, Rusty was in top form last Sunday, and she sure makes my guitar sound and look good! Jimmy Hoffman also put in fine performances of some of his favorites, including the tribute to our friend Lawrence, but also helped us out on "Aimee" and several other standards. See the sidebar for one pic of him.

Blow up your TV and come on out to the Junction this Sunday! Trick or treat.

Port Angeles--Jam City Two

George sang played especially well this last Sunday at the Junction, and that's Johnny Mustang to his left in the pic. There was music just about everywhere in Port Angeles last weekend with the Crabfest and all the usual venues with live music. For some reason the Crabfest features mostly out-of-town acts. Lots of folk singers and Irish types. But most people came for the crab anyway. Joe and I had hot dogs made deliciously by Cindy at the Junction. Sometimes a hot dog really hits the spot after a night of live music. Paul is trying hard to have his drums ready for next week and this Wednesday at the Crazyfish. It's almost for sure that Ed Donahue will bring his horn and knock your socks off once again.

Mike and I are at the Ajax in Port Hadlock Saturday evening for our debut performance. Yes, we've been practicing! We'll do new material as well as some of the Rollin'Waters favorites.

Guitar Instruction Tip #15: Practice chords, not just melody. You won't get to solo all the time or even half of the time. Develop a good rhythm technique or else!

Fall and Spider Season is Here

Have you noticed how many spiders are around these days and did you know that spider silk or "gossamer" is one of the strongest materials? Well, now you do. There must be some good songs about spiders and if so, we should start playing them at the Juncton or Crazy Fish soon. I am trying to add a pic to this post but there seems to be some problem tonight. So, the pic may have to be loaded later in the edit mode. There's a whole bunch of new songs (actually old songs) to work on this week. I hope to have "Big Boss Man" ready to perform, if not tomorrow, then next week. We've been thinking up some cool ideas for "theme" nights at the Junction. Hmmm...I wonder if there are any Betty Page look-alikes on the Peninsula...

Guitar Instruction Tip #14: Find a song you like and practice singing it while playing. Don't wait twenty years to try this because you think you have no voice for singing. If nothing else, you'll learn more quickly how to accompany another singer(or yourself) which is what you'll be asked to do more often than not when playing in a band.

Jam City on the Peninsula

Bill's birthday....tonight! You bet we'll sing, and the plan was to have a room full of dancing girls to help him celebrate, but most likely that won't happen this year. Still, we'll have a terrific jam like last week as you can see from Patrick's smiling face (I think he was dancing with that girl from Retroville in Port Angeles). I think Vicki is baking Bill's cake as I type this entry. Yummm.

Yes, school has started and I, along with the other ruler-packin' disciplinarians are back at it in full swing. That doesn't mean there's less music jammin' and open mikin' on the Peninsula, expecially in Port Angeles and Sequim. Quite the contrary, in fact. Why, it's truly "jam city" these days on the North Olympic Peninsula, and the talent keeps showing up at the Junction, the Baja and Crazy Fish, to name but a few of the local live music spots. Had a chance to jam with Blackbird and a dobro-playing guy from Texas last night. Sidney and Noel can really belt out the harmonies. At times I thought we were channeling Crosby, Stills and Nash. Very fun evening. Cary plays a mean harmonica, too, and plans to join us for a Junction jam soon.

Guitar Instruction Tip #13: If you are an acoustic player and don't have a capo, buy one now (that means today).

Port Angeles Electric Jam and Open Mike

Not very often, but every now and then we open up the jam/open mike to electrict instruments. And so it shall be this Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles as Joe (pictured left) helps me host from Seven to Eleven. Of course there will be acoustic instruments including a banjo! Can't wait to try "Wagon Wheel" with a banjo.

Patrick joined me at Strait Music after my guitar lessons today to work up a few more acoustic songs for upcoming jams. Did you know he sings, too? I don't think most people know that!

Still working on the "poster" and it's slow going. With all those pics from the last several years I'm determined to get a finished product soon. In the meantime, rough drafts will have to do. If anyone knows of a good program to make posters please let me know.

Guitar Instruction Tip #12: Use a hard or medium flatpick. You'll get more volume and a better tone.

Almost Over

Rollin' Waters plays the Clallam County Fair this Sunday at 5:00 PM, and then we're at the Junction from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. Weather forecasts are not the best, but balmy weather is the norm at fair time in Port Angeles. The music, food, rides....sounds like summer!

Guitar lesson tip #11: Record yourself and listen critically. There's no excuse because cassette recorders (presuming you won't spring for digital software or hard disk recorders) are very cheap these days.

Summer Vacation at the Junction in Port Angeles

So, we sat around after the jam/open mike and played more songs, drank a little more beer, and told some stories. Once again a good mix of regulars, local musicians and people on vacation filled the Junction in Port Angeles, and everyone seemed to have lots of fun. Rudy, a relative newcomer and transplant from Oakland, California, played terrific bass, and Bill Harper, longtime Port Angeles musician, found his way to the jam for the first time and promised to return. Many thanks to Bill Tiderman for helping host again and to Cindy who appropriately wore her "police" baseball cap.
With all the recent good weather and wealth of music and musicians and audiences, one is reminded why people like to visit our Olympic Peninsula. Well, at least those are some of the reasons!
Guitar Instruction Tip #10: When you're having trouble playing a familiar melody, try singing it first. Sometimes that will help make sense of the phrasing and rhythm.

August

There's something about changing strings on my guitar that is almost inspirational, smoothing the way to learn new songs, try out new licks and play in front of people again. It's been a while since the last post, but Rollin' Waters carries on with another open mike/jam this Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles, and it's acoustic so bring acoustic guitars, for crying out loud. Cindy's back and she can still make the best gin and tonics. Many thanks to our loyal jammers, Junction patrons, and new talents who make the jam the best on the Peninsula. Hope to see you there.
Guitar Instruction Tip #9: Change your guitar strings often depending on how much you play. Once a year is not enough for anyone!

Back in Sequim

Rollin' Waters is back in Sequim this evening for the the "Concert in the Park." The music starts at 6:00 PM, and continues until 8:00 PM, and we'll be joined by superb bassist, Todd Fisher from Port Townsend. It's our first time "in the park," so join us for the event, and maybe the weather will cooperate. Cindy's birthday at the Junction provided a good reason for a party celebration, and Phyllis and Melanie did a great job decorating the place - in pink! Lots of jammers have been joining us on Sundays and it's been lots of fun playing well beyond our official ending time of 11:00 PM. Last weekend we had one busy Saturday with performances at the Sequim Open Air Market and then at the Port Townsend Brewing Company for their tenth anniversary party. Many thanks to Tim and the guys in "Lucious Clay" for letting us use their fine PA equipment. I'm envious!

Guitar Instruction Tip #8: Use your wrist when playing chords as well as single notes and you'll get a better tone (except when you want to be unusually loud). Watch Eric Clapton in the "Rolling Stones Circus" and you'll see what I mean.