The Round

Hi this is Nathan Marion here, founder  of this crazy little thing called The Round (and curator of the Seattle show).

So “what is The Round” you say?

Well I’ll try to explain but it is actually one of those “you just gotta see it” events…

The audience is seated and respectful {this ain’t no bar show!}.
The poets are among the top in the world {this ain’t no open mic!}
The painters are gallery level painters but usually terrified of live performance {this ain’t no craft night!}.
The singers are sometimes from rock bands or other groups {this ain’t no slow solo show!}
and singers can only play The Round once a year per city so that makes it fun.
*see list of past Round performers below

And that’s part of the magic of this event… the unique and unexpected nature of it – for both artist and audience.

You can check out some videos & our podcast online here at the site.

And the press has done a much better job describing The Round than I ever will!
Now, if you’re still reading (you are probably a wary singer checking us out eh?) here’s how it typically plays out…

So to start off the show, the Curator introduces everyone and welcomes them to the stage.  Then the singers simply each play one of their songs, and as the night progresses – sometimes with a little improv backing by the other 2 singers and the band.  Occasionally stories are told, whether about the songs themselves… or about a wolf, some thai food, or a bizarre Monday morning. After 3 songs, the poet gets up and performs a poem {with some music backing them at times}.  The painters are working quietly on the side.  This continues for a few ’rounds’, throw in a short intermission, a couple more ’rounds’ and the evening often ends with a finale cover song, audience participation, or some other fun element.  It’s always different!

Various humanitarian non-profits are also featured throughout the year to raise volunteers & awareness. Groups like Water 1st, Fremont Abbey’s youth programs, First Place Schools, New Beginnings women & children shelter, YMCA Youth Programs, Agros Intl, and Boys & Girls Club have been supported.

Ok, I suppose a little history is in order…

Founded in 2005 by arts curator Nathan Marion (that’s me!), The Round started in Seattle at various venues such as Golden Gardens Bathhouse, Q Cafe, Yesler Community Center, and The Living Room tea house.  It has been held at least every single month since and at about Round 6 we landed at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center.  Though we still jump to fun places like The Triple Door, Bumbershoot, Neumos, Rodstol Lane Farm, and other outdoor venues… the Abbey is definitely The Round’s home.

The Seattle Round has developed into an amazing volunteer-powered arts experience and it’s definitely not your normal concert.  Musicians are only allowed to play once a year, so it keeps the lineups fresh!

The event is now operating quite nicely {with a little oversight} in other cities such as Portland OR, Tacoma WA, Austin TX and Lebanon PA.

more soon…

PARTIAL LIST OF PAST ROUND PERFORMERS:

Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes)

Rosie Thomas

Jesse Sykes

Buddy Wakefield (Righteous Babe Records)

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