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hello.
THE ROUND. is 3 songwriters on stage w/ some band members
slam poets, live painters... audience sits in rapt attention |
thanks. please tell a friend. |
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PORTLAND TACOMA LEBANON, PA AUSTIN, TX *coming soon* special thanks to our long time volunteers in Seattle: denise jolly
poet curation assistance liz leahy
hospitality, house manager josh sherman
sound & recording hb telling live sound amanda chan production, setup
scott erickson
live painting curating help and many others who vary each month...
email nathan(at)bluetree.org if you want to get involved! or just show up!
KIND WORDS
" Truly one of the best gigs I've ever had. Very inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much..." - Nick Jaina, Portland (Binary Dolls, etc.)
"Thank you Nathan for the wonderful experience that is The Round. The poets were awesome, and the musicians were amazing and the atmosphere was inviting. At first i was nervous but everyone made me feel as if i was among friends. My friends had a great time and I as well. It was a new experiance and one that my friends and i will remember. Thank you very much, "
Victor Ramirez, 19, (via Urban Artworks) I commend the Fremont Abbey for its involvement and contributions to the Seattle Arts Community. From my experience, the Round and events taking place at the Abbey encouraged nothing but free thought, free speech, and a positive environment to support creativity. At no point was there ever any discussion of attending church or religious practices taking place. Thank you for holding your ground and doing your part to create space for art in our community. -
Matt Gano, Seattle (Youthspeaks) PAST ROUNDS:
 
     
 
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NEWS
.Holiday Party shaping up well for DEC 12. Many performers from 2008, plus it's a Friday! .The Round is now "carbon neutral" through Terrapass. But to get us to carbon "negative" please bus/bike/walk/carpool and earn a free root beer as our thank you! No really. .Sorry but the upcoming Round (10/14) sold out a week in advance. .New videos from Bumbershoot posted, thanks Craig VandenBosch! .David Bazan (Pedro the Lion/Headphones) added to Round 41 .The Round went to Bumbershoot! Wow, about 1000 people attended our humble stage. See photos link to the left. .Beautiful photos from our 3 year anniversary Round in Seattle by amazing photographer Rosemary. Hire her! .The Round goes to Bumbershoot Saturday August 30th, 4:30-6pm on the Northwest Court Stage! Damien Jurado, Jen Wood, Carrie Biell, Steve Norman, Buddy Wakefield, Rstar, Scott
Erickson, Neal Vickers on cello, maybe more... .The Round goes Camping, Saturday August 16th. RSVP only .A rough "how to" guide is added, see link to the left. .Featured non-profit Summer quarter: Bahia Street providing education for young girls and women in Brazil, based in Seattle. .Round3 Portland is June 29th @ a new venue. Tell your friends. Please? I know half of them moved to Portland for cheaper rent & better transit. :-) .Thanks to Megan Seling for the great article in The Stranger!
.The Round {Seattle} celebrates 3 years! June 10, 2008. .May 13th Round lineup change > Carrie Akre had to move to the July 8th Round due to family obligations.
.Video of the bonus Round in March thanks to Craig VanDenBosch .Thanks to New Belgium Brewing for supporting us Sep-March. .MORE KIND WORDS from The Stranger. Thanks! .JUST ADDED POET Danny Sherrard (2007 Natl Slam Champ) to our first "Bonus Round" which is Saturday March 29th with Jon Auer (Posies, Big Star, Sky Cries Mary), Sarah Shannon (Velocity Girl), and Joshua Morrison.
.BUDDY WAKEFIELD also added to our May 13th show. .2ND TUESDAYS - Feb 12 starts our new Seattle schedule.
.THE ROUND RETURNS to the Fremont Abbey Arts Center January 22nd. After 3+ months of renovations, we'll be open in 'rustic' form for this Round. Poet Brian Elliss (Boston) just added.
THE STRANGER: Not Your Typical Basement Show
Full page article, center spread June 2008 The Round Celebrates Three Years of Unpredictable Music, Poetry, and Art. "On paper it sounds like the most uncomfortable experience possible," says guitarist Eric Howk of performing at the Round. "Everyone up onstage the whole time, no real rules or organization. But it works! And it is comfortable. It's really fun watching this thing that we were all a little unsure of come to life so naturally." ...If the Round wasn't done well, it would be a free-loving clusterfuck of open-mic clichés. But Marion keeps it from looking like amateur night by bringing in strong talent and big personalities—past performers have included local stars Howk, Mark Pickerel, Damien Jurado, Shane Tutmarc, Jon Auer, Jen Wood, and Robin Pecknold. more... SEATTLE WEEKLY: An uncommonly warm music venue reopens its doors By AJA PECKNOLD My initial experience with the intimate “In the Round” performances included a rotating showcase of musicians, live painting and a poet. (I know what you’re thinking, but it was incredible: a vegan dinner, chairs! A crowd that was respectful and genuinely interested. Not one person standing with their arms crossed cynically, waiting to be impressed.) It was held in the basement of the Fremont Arts Abbey, and though the Round has no official affiliation with their landlords, the space lent a special sacred quality to the packed show. But then the monthly event was uprooted due to renovations and held in venues such as Nectar Lounge, which felt out of place—like seeing your kid sister at a bar. Thankfully, after three months away, the Round is coming home. “I’ve nearly died a few times during the renovation of the Abbey—on a 45-foot roof in the wind and rain,” says Round founder Nathan Marion, “but I’m so excited about the new space and can’t wait for people to come over and see it.” Christening the room tonight are Tomo Nakayama of melodic indie-rock outfit Grand Hallway, singer-songwriter Carrie Biell, and poet Ryler Dustin. After all, there really is no place like home.
.ROUND 1 PORTLAND is Feb 2. Groundhog Day. It's a good sign. Thanks to Lauren, Jan & Stephanie for getting it started down there.
.ROUND25 CD now available - Support the Fremont Abbey Arts Center and receive our first Live CD as a thank you gift (recorded by Joshua  Sherman). This first album features songs from DAMIEN JURADO, J. TILLMAN, and JENNA (TROUBLETOWN) - they collaborate on some songs - and poems by DANNY SHERRARD (2007 Natl Champ). This is a completely unique recording and features some amazingly funny stories & banter in between songs. email arts (at) fremontabbey.org for infoROUND 1 TACOMA = NOV 17 @ School of the Arts Tacoma (Club SOTA) w/ Robert Deeble, Carrie Biell, Aaron Spiro, Scott Erickson
8/23: ROUND ALUMNUS Danny Sherrard takes the 2007 Individual National Poetry Slam Championship! We are very proud. Video of him earning his title: HERE
6/28: R25 w/ Damien Jurado sells out!
Thanks to everyone who supported & all the artists who performed.
6/2: Danny Sherrard confirmed (Seattle Poetry Slam) for r25. Danny placed in the top 20 at worlds. 5/25: Round 25 is going to be big. DAMIEN JURADO CONFIRMED. it's also our 25th birthday, of sorts.
"an intimate evening of collaborative music, slam poetry, & live painting"
Founded by Arts Curator Nathan Marion in 2005, The Round developed into a volunteer powered "arts experience" every month on a Monday or Tuesday night in Seattle (and now expanding to Tacoma & Portland). It's definitely not your normal concert. What began as 3 musicians sharing the stage has developed into a multi-arts event with live painters and slam poets joining up to 6 or 7 musicians for a night of arts that will never be replicated (though we do record each Round and have so far released Round25 w/ Damien Jurado and more).
Musicians are only allowed to perform once a year which not only keeps it fresh each month, but they are encouraged to tell others they know about the concept. Slam poets may perform twice in a year, and these poets are GOOD (usually top 20 in the nation). If you haven't experienced quality slam poetry before, you are in for an ear opening experience.
Painters typically are involved around 3 times per year and we also try to involve young developing artists whenever possible. Artist selection is assisted by Scott Erickson (painter), Angela Dy (Youth Speaks), and Denise Jolly (Seattle Poetry Slam). Curation of the first few Rounds musicians & painters was also assisted by Tara Ward, and Victoria B. The Round has included touring artists (Nashville, Philly, LA, NYC, etc.) & folks from the Northwest. Some artists who've been involved include: Damien Jurado 2x alumni
Mark Pickerel (Screaming Trees, Nirvana)
Denison Witmer
Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes)
Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground
Head Like a Kite
Paul Hiraga (Downpilot)
Jen Wood (Postal Service/etc.) 3x alumni
Kenny Hutson, Katy Bowser
J. Tillman
Jake Bradley (Over the Rhine, etc.)
Johanna Kunin
Shane Tutmarc (Dolour) 2x alumni
Laura Gibson 2x alumni
Gabe Archer (The Pale) 2x alumni
Transmissionary Six
Eric Howk (The Lashes) Star Anna Sonny Votolato (Slender Means) 2x alumni
Noah Weaver (U.S.E. etc.)
Andy Fitts (Airport Cathedral, etc.)
David Broecker (John Vanderslice/Rosie Thomas)
Josh Ottum 2x alumni
Annalynne Williams (Trespasser's William)
Jenna (Troubletown) 2x alumni
Buddy Wakefield (toured with Ani Difranco) 2x alumni
Jamie Kilstein (NYC)
Justin Ringle of Horse Feathers (PDX)
Grand Hallway 2x alumni Ritchie of Loch Lomond 2x Danny Sherrard 2x alumni (2007 National Poetry Slam Champ) Korby Lenker, Carrie Biell, Graig Markel, Julie Jane, Zera Marvel, Ian McFeron, Nathan McEuen, Denise Jolly, Ryler Dustin, Robert Deeble 2x, Scott Erickson 6x, Emily Leonard 2x, Kate Protage, Victor Ramirez 2x, Matt Gano 2x, Canary Sing, Skye Graves 3x, Lily 2x, Mariel, Angela Dy 3x, and many many more.
about. Now held at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center, a non-religous non-profit in a rustic 1914 church building in upper Fremont, The Round began in June 2005 at various venues around Seattle including the bathhouse at Golden Gardens and a beautiful private yard with a grapevine in Greenlake. Each month, curator Nathan Marion puts together a unique collection of artists to participate in a event who's purpose is not money, but inspiration and change for the artist & the audience. Through a 2 hour event, artists of varying ages sing/paint/spit together while an attentive audience of 100 or so sit and watch in rapt silence. They better watch closely too, because there are a couple live painters on the side creating pieces that may become collaborations, change altogether or even be covered up by the end of the event.
Different humanitarian non-profits are also featured throughout the year to raise volunteers & awareness. Groups like Water 1st, First Place Schools, New Beginnings women & children shelter, Agros Intl, and Boys & Girls Club have been supported. Featuring three to seven musicians on stage sharing songs & backing each other, The Round also has live painters on the side creating whatever comes to their minds. Sometimes these painters are experienced with live performance, some have never painted in front of an audience before. In between a round of music, highly talented poets from Seattle Poetry Slam & Youth Speaks jump up to perform... often times bringing in some of the musicians to back them. Most of these poets have performed in national competitions and sometimes a touring poet will join in as well. This event has become trusted for high quality and even higher variety, so crowds come back each month regardless of whether the artists are well known or developing. Since the musicians & poets are only allowed to play once a year, they often invite their friends to play in future months and sometimes alumni return a year later with a new set of musicians to join them. CONTACT: Nathan Marion, Curator - 206.297.6221 - nathan at bluetree.org Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Seattle, WA - 4272 Fremont Ave N
a rough guide to creating The Round in your town. (if you'd like to try one in your city, please contact Nathan Marion below. there is no license fee but we'd like to know what you are about if you would like to use the name or a similar one.) NOTE: We are aware of Rounds in these towns so don't try one there without checking with us first! [And please don't just copy the concept and change the name without talking with us first. It's not nice.] As of June 2008: - Portland - Tacoma - Lebanon, PA - Seattle of course - *Austin, TX may begin Winter 08 The key elements of The Round are... 1. Comfortable venue with a relaxed vibe, chairs, good lighting that isn't too bright, quality sound system & operator, not too high of a stage (18" or less), large enough stage for 3 or 4 people across the front with guitars and a couple in back with other instruments, a space or backroom for a home cooked dinner for the artists & volunteers if not a potluck for the whole community, able to serve snacks/drinks/etc. to the public, preferably all-ages, accessible, easy to reach by bus/bike/walk 2. Musicians who like each other, preferably ones who already know each other (or at least 1 degree of separation), music styles blend ok (not a country act with a punk or pop act), ideally are normally from a band (not just singer/songwriters), are not too sleepy style, are open to collaboration, ok with loosely backing each other with vocals, instruments, percussion, etc. Adding one or two band members on backing instruments (ideally if they can back the other songwriters also) is a huge bonus. Do not have 1 songwriter on their own and the others with backing musicians who won't improv & back the solo singer or else it feels unbalanced. It's very helpful to have at least one songwriter with some upbeat/poppier stuff that helps liven up the crowd. Or at least is talkative and outgoing so they get the onstage banter going and interact with the crowd also. Do not try 4 songwriters unless they agree to make a rotation that only has 3 songs per Round. 6 or 7 musicians on stage though can be fine, just make sure the sound person is good. 3. Slam poets who are at the top of their game. Poets who read from paper are ok if necessary, but not as good a fit. Always book 2 poets unless 99% sure the poet will arrive on time. Especially with young poets, this is problematic since The Round does not pay high amounts and people can sometimes forget. It's crucial to have at least one poet for the event to flow. Poets should be active in the local slam or have performed slam style without cue sheets or lyrics. 4. Painters who can create a large piece (3'x4' is best) in 2 hours or less without having something sketched out in advance or holding a photo or anything like that. Spontaneous creation that builds off the music & poetry (or at least the impression of it being that) is key. One painter is ok, but 2 is preferred. Paintings should also be sold after the show if possible (announce before and after), along with musicians CD's and poets books. 5. A warm & engaging EMCEE to introduce the artists, welcome the crowd, and also close out the night with Thanks to volunteers, venue, artists, etc. 6. creative promotion & PR work to get people involved. word of mouth is best, Facebook helps, flyers help, posters are negligble but fun! CONTACT: Nathan Marion, Curator - 206.297.6221 - nathan(at)bluetree.org *announce your event on our website if approved! www.bandswithoutborders.org | www.bluetree.org Office: Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Seattle, WA - 4272 Fremont Ave N, seattle |
SCHEDULE
{2nd tuesdays SEA. PDX & TAC vary.}
{musicians may play once a year per city}
we are now in Seattle, Tacoma WA, Portland OR, Lebanon PA
R43. Dec 12
R45.Seattle Feb 10 R46.Seattle Mar 10 R4. Tacoma. Nov 1  R41. Seattle. Oct 14 David Bazan (Pedro/Headphones) Aaron Sprinkle (Fair) Gabe Archer (Pale Pacific) Scott Erickson, Skye Graves (live painters) Brian E (on violin) Grey Anne (portland)
R4.Portland Sunday, Sep 14 Karli Fairbanks
Saturday, August 30 note: this is a PRIVATE EVENT .Alone in the Crowd v2 in Lebanon, PA R3.Tacoma August 9
John Van Deusen (Lonely Forest) Pablo Trucker Matt Coughlin Josh Rizeberg FREE, Outside @ "Showcase Tacoma Main Stage" in Tollefson Plaza, 17th & Commerce, Tacoma Note: 7-9pm early time
R38. July 8 3 year anniversary!
Laura Gibson** {Portland} **recently toured with Colin Meloy of The Decemberists R36.Seattle Tuesday, May 13 Kim Virant
Jeff Fielder Jared Clifton Slam Poets:
Buddy Wakefield R2.PortlandRose "Rstar" Live painters:
Skye Graves Glory Cancro April 20
R2.Tacoma Damien Jurado
Troubletown Oh Voices
Angela Dy guests
& special surprises @ School of the Arts Tacoma (SOTA)
R35.Seattle
Tuesday, April 8
Shane Tutmarc
(Dolour)
Eric Howk (Lashes)
Star Anna
Live painters:
Jen Grabarczyk Cris Ramsdale Poets: Matt Gano Simon Wolfe (Youth Speaks) SATURDAY,
March 29
w/ Jon Auer (Posies, Big Star, Sky Cries Mary)
Sarah Shannon (Velocity Girl)
Live Painters:
Martha Wallulis Danny Sherrard R34.March 11 John Van Deusen (Lonely Forest)
Tara Ward
(Late Tuesday) Live Painters:
Jesse Brown
Aaron Harris Slam Poets:
Corbin Bungi (Youth Speaks) Melanie Masson R33.Feb 12 Anti-Valentines Day Special
Jen Wood
Carrie Biell
Cory Gray (pdx)
Billy Hatcher
Steve Norman
Jon Sands
Rose McAleese (youth speaks)
Scott Erickson
Jessica Figueroa
R1 Portland Feb.2
Matt Gano, Brian Elliss (Boston), Ioa (pt juncture wa), Alan Singley, Per Se, Scott Erickson, Martha
R32.Seattle
January.22
Tomo (Grand Hallway)
Carrie Biell
*sick & unable to attend
Naomi Wachira
Kevin Large (Widower)
Steve Norman (slide guitar)
Esther Shin (cello)
Poets Ryler Dustin (Seattle Poetry Slam), Brian Elliss (Boston)
Painter Skye Graves
HOLIDAY SPECIAL ON A FRIDAY
w/ 2007 alumni
Private Event @ a secret mansion
Damien Jurado
Danny Sherrard (natl Poetry Slam champ)
J. Tillman
Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes)
Robert Deeble
Alessandra Rose (Kindness Kind)
Robb Benson (Dept of Energy)
Bryn Lumsden
Lacey Brown
Phil Woodward
Gwen Owen
Denise Jolly
Matt Gano
*cellist, violinist
(Kuma, Daylight Basement)
Lesli Wood
(Ms. Led) Poet: Blair
(Detroit) Christen Mattix R1.Tacoma
Nov.17
Carrie Biell
Robert Deeble
Aaron Spiro
Matt Gano
Scott Erickson
more...
@ School of Arts Tacoma (SOTA)
R29.Oct23
members of:
Fleet Foxes (Robin Pecknold)
Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground,
Head Like a Kite
Poet Denise Jolly
Painters Jen Grabarczyk & Cris Ramsdale
*benefiting New Beginnings women & children shelter
R28.Sep24
Lincoln Barr, Patrick Porter
Joshua Medaris
(Sanford Arms, Burning Rivers)
Victor Ramirez
Skye Graves R27.Aug27
Josh Ottum
(Millpond Records, Friends for Heroes) Ritchie (Loch Lomond, Portland)
(Seattle Poetry Slam & Poet Populist Nominee)
Dakota & Ronnie (Youth Speaks) R26.July23
(Slender Means
Cote Palacios
Maria D'Allessandro
Matt Gano
(S. Poetry Slam) Mariel Cutler
(Youth Speaks) Danny Sherrard
Scott Erickson Jen Grabarczyk R24.May15
Ali Ippolito
Lacey Brown
Phil Woodward
Gwen Owen
Jubilee
Lily
Nicholas
R23.April23
Noah Weaver (USE)
Gabe Archer (Pale Pacific)
Tirzah Archer (Finder)
Julie Jane
Kristen Cochran
Chris Sheridan
poets
R22.March19
Robert Deeble
Justin Ringle (Horse Feathers)
John Vecchiarrelli
Canary Sing
Skye Graves
Victor Ramirez
R21.Feb12
*2nd Annual Anti-Vday Special*
Jen Wood (Postal Service, etc.)
Carrie Biell
Cory Gray
Neil Vickers
Steve Norman
Scott Erickson
Kate Protage
R20.Jan15
The Hope
Drew Grow
Bryn Lumsden
Mic Crenshaw
Jen Grabarczyk
Skye Graves
R19.Dec.06
Robert Deeble, Gabe & Tirzah Archer, Andy Fitts, Dana Little, Molly Rose, Tomo (Grand Hallway), C. Charles Bowden, Laura Gibson, Denise Jolly, Ryler Dustin, more
R18.Nov.06
Laura Gibson (Hush Records), Paul Hiraga (Downpilot), Transmissionary Six, Jamie Kilstein (NYC),
Scott Erickson, Cote Palacios
R17.Oct.06
Colin Spring, Molly Rose,
R16.Sep.06
Mark Pickerel (Screaming Trees, Nirvana, etc.), Nick Jaina (Binary Dolls), Denise Jolly, Danny Sherrard, Scott Erickson, more
R15.Aug.06
Loch Lomond, Annalynne (Trespasser's William), Tomo (Grand Hallway), Ryler Dustin, more
R14.July.06
Katy Bowser (Nashville), Jake Bradley (Over the Rhine), Kenny Hutson, Michael Jarrett (Austin)
Emily & Wendy Leonard (Nashville)
R13.June.06
1st Birthday |
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