Vashon Island Events: Red Bicycle Presents Portage Fill Band, Ken Jacobsen ~ Vashon Island Real Estate
June 10, 2009 at 10:40 pm Leave a comment
Portage Fill Big Band – Friday, June 12, 8-11 PM ~ all ages
Comprised of about 20 Islanders ranging from professional musicians to amateurs, the community musical group is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Charter member Lou Engels still plays in the band. Engels remembers how Monty Sewell, who once played with Louie Armstrong, helped found the band back in 1973. Engels said that Sewell owned a music store where Blooms & Things is now located.
“The band has pretty much been the same over all the years,” Engels said, “except we have a bigger group of musicians to choose from now. All the seats are occupied.”
When Engels was asked if he gets any special treatment for being the sole charter member still playing in the band, he said, “Yeah, they mention me every once in while, when the old gray beards get up to play.”
Portage Fill rehearses twice a month in the Williams Heating garage, thanks to the generosity of Dennis Williams, one of the horn players. “We’re the Island’s longest running garage band,” said band member David Hackett.
The Portage Fill-Harmonic Big Band will be performing a benefit show for Vashon High School student Jack Johannessen. The Portage Fill, a 19-piece swing band under the direction of Tony Willing, has been a part of the Vashon musical scene for over 35 years, and has recently begun mentoring Vashon High music students who are interested in jazz, inviting them to sit in with the group at Strawberry Festival and other performances. One of those students, Jack Johnannessen, has auditioned and been accepted to the prestigious “Sound of America” program this summer, where he will join over 150 other young musicians on a 6 country European concert tour, and the Portage Fill has committed to helping Jack raise funds to make this trip.
The cover charge is only $5, with additional donations accepted, and all monies collected will be earmarked for Jack’s travel expenses. Jack will be sitting in with the band and dancing will be encouraged, so mark your calendar and come out for an evening featuring the unforgettable sounds of the Big Band era as played by Vashon’s own Portage Fill Big Band.
Karaoke Night Saturday, June 13 at 09:30 PM ~ 21+
Singing karaoke for the first time in public may be one of the scariest moments of your life, but many people have discovered that it becomes easier over time. The fear and anxiety of singing in public is often replaced by the feeling of acceptance and appreciation by an attentive audience….you’ll never know unless you try! 21+ Free cover!
Ken Jacobsen, Sunday, June 14, 7:30 – 9:30 PM ~ All ages. FREE COVER!
An evening of acoustic and electric guitar with Ken Jacobsen, students and special guests- music by Santana, Frank Zappa, J.S. Bach, Thelonious Monk and Iron Maiden.
Entry filed under: • Vashon Events, Kids, Music. Tags: Ken Jacobsen, Portage Fill Big Band, Red Bicycle Bistro, vashon island events, Vashon Island Karaoke, Vashon Island music.
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