Highline Community Symphonic Band’s BAND FEST is coming to the Highline Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27.

BAND FEST will include performances by the Mt. Rainier High School Wind Ensemble, Kennedy High School Band, and Highline Community Symphonic Band.

The Mt. Rainier High School Wind Ensemble is their top performing ensemble. It is an audition group and plays challenging music for high school. Kennedy High School Band has won numerous accolades for their marching, jazz, and concert bands.

Highline Community Symphonic Band (HCSB), celebrating its 40th concert season, is dedicated to providing classical band music for the enjoyment and cultural enrichment of communities in and around the Highline area of South King County. HCSB performs quality concerts in a traditional venue without cost to the general public, while nurturing individual talents and continuously improving the skills of all HCSB members.

Established in 1971, HCSB provides a venue for local amateur musicians, post high school to senior citizens, to continue or return to the enjoyment and challenge of playing a wide range of concert band music. The band also provides an opportunity for selected high school instrumental students to expand their musical education by participating in a quality community symphonic band.

Highline Community Symphonic Band is supported, in part, by donations from the City of Burien Arts Commission, 4Culture, and Tukwila Parks Commission. More info at www.highlineband.org.

The Highline Performing Arts Center is located at 401 S. 152nd Street, next to Highline High School.

Here’s a video of the HCSB performing “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in 2011 :

Click here to view the embedded video.

After years of ups and downs, Goldy McJohn, (best known as the original keyboardist for Steppenwolf,) is happier than ever; and, despite rumors, also still alive in the Burien area.

Born on May 2, 1945 Goldy, (birth name “John Raymond Goadsby”) was raised by middle class parents in Toronto, Canada. They put him into piano lessons at a young age and with this foundation he became a pioneer in the use of the electronic organ in rock and roll.

“I was classically trained,” said Goldy. He also stated that no one else in rock and roll was doing was he was at the time. “I played on a Lowrey,” he said. And this is part of what he said gave songs such as “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride” their unique sound.

“I was up at 4 a.m. daily to practice from the age of seven until…I got stupid,” Goldy said.

While school in general was not his thing, (he was suspended from high school for three months,) he always did exceptionally well in music.

“I got 100 in music, which brought my average up to maybe 14,” Goldy said. His parents could not afford private school that could have catered more to the needs of a student like him.

Prior to Steppenwolf, Goldy was in a few other bands, including Little John and the Friars and The Mynah Birds in 1964, (which included Rick James and Bruce Palmer and later after Goldy left, Neil Young). He then joined The Diplomats for a short time before he joined The Sparrows in 1965. It was during this time he was dubbed “Goldy,” as suggested by John Kay, the future lead singer of Steppenwolf.

The name ‘Goldy Goadsby,’ “just didn’t sound right,” according to Goldy. After thinking on it a while, Goldy decided to honor his mother, who had passed away in 1965, by adding “Mc” to his first name “John” thus becoming known as “Goldy McJohn.” Goldy’s mother’s maiden name had been McIntyre.

Goldy said at first his father did not appreciate the idea but came to accept it over time.

Steppenwolf had its first hit single, “Born to be Wild,” in 1968 on the self-titled album “Steppenwolf.” The song was featured in the opening scene of the film “Easy Rider” in 1969 which featured actors Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda.

“Born to Be Wild” is also accredited for being the first “heavy metal” song, and in the second verse of the song the words “heavy metal” appear for the first time in music.

“We were the first heavy metal band, man! Other groups have tried to say they were, but you know where the words ‘heavy metal’ came from?” Goldy exclaimed, noting the line “heavy metal thunder.”

The name “Steppenwolf” came from the novel by Nobel Prize winning author Hermann Hesse. The book was published in English in 1929. The group went through a number of changes in line-up and after the release of “Slow Flux” in 1974 Goldy was fired from the band by John Kay.

The original line-up included members of The Sparrows: Goldy, John Kay, Michael Monarch, Jerry Edmonton and newcomer Ruston Moreve. Goldy was indefinitely recognizable, sporting a large afro throughout his time with the band.

“My afro was natural!” he said.

Kay remains the only original member of the band still performing under the name “Steppenwolf,” today.

Not unlike many other stars of rock and roll during this time, Goldy had his own battle with substance abuse; including LSD, acid and Quaaludes. But what really brought him down was being taken advantage of by agents and former bandmates. He went from being a well-off rock and roll star to being completely broke; at one point even being homeless.

Body builder Dave Draper.

Surprisingly enough, the person who helped him get clean was famous body builder Dave Draper.

Draper had won the Mr. America, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles in the 1960s and just like Goldy, had been a victim of scheming agents, according to Goldy.

Draper encouraged Goldy to get himself back on track, and it took many attempts before it finally worked.

Going clean was an extremely difficult task, Goldy explained.

“For three weeks my heart pounded and I was curled up on the kitchen floor,” he described.

“Want to know what the amazing thing about all this is?” he said, “I’m still alive!”

Today, Goldy is a happy man, having let go of the bad past experiences, married and living in King County, although he will be moving soon. He watches “House” reruns, not unlike the average Joe, has two bull terriers and still rocks out on his piano and keyboard. He has been a golfer for many years, is a painter, as well as a photographer.

“I really like texture,” he said.

If you look closely at his paintings, despite being abstract you can actually make out several faces of people.

He enjoys hearing his songs from the Steppenwolf days. “When I listen to my old stuff I think ‘who the f**k is playing the keyboard,” he said. He is proud of everything he’s done even to this day.

Goldy also runs a charity which donates to the Children’s Hospital of the USA and Canada.

He has a show coming up on May 7th at the Hard Rock Café in Seattle. The doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m. For further information on this show, visit http://www.goldymcjohn.com.

Here are some videos showcasing Goldy’s talents:

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Erin Sterling, a longtime resident of Burien, 1979 graduate of Foster High School, and a former Miss Burien (yet not a hydroplane), will be returning on Friday, April 1st to perform with her band “Tupelo” at Yo’s Bistro.

“I grew up in the area,” Erin said via email. “I graduated from Foster High School in 1979, and was Miss Burien in 1979-1980. I finished 2nd runner up to Miss Washington in 1980. I worked for several years as a bartender at Rascal’s Restaurant on Des Moines Memorial Drive and worked for Estee Lauder cosmetics at Southcenter Mall. I have been working on Broadway on Capital Hill as a Dental Assistant for the past seven years. I own a home across the street from Mathison Park in Burien. I was a member of Choral Sounds NW for two years here in Burien until I joined the band Tupelo. The musicians in the band are great and are so much fun to work with. Hope to see you at Yo’s !!”

Tupelo plays a country rock mix of original songs and covers, and consists of:

• Erin Sterling – Lead Vocals
• John “JD” Dietrich – Lead Vocals, Bass Guitars
• Tom “Bear” Hubbard – Guitar
• Brian McGaughey – Drums, Pedal steel guitar, vocals
• Jeanette Alexander – Keyboards & Drums
• Lee Hope – Guitar & vocals

Here’s more on ‘em from their website:

For those of you who are anxious to hear Erin Sterling on a recording, we have uploaded a new track below which was written by JD and sung by Erin. The name of the track is “Love of My Life”.  This is a very ROUGH MIX. Not all of the parts are recorded yet, and the track has yet to be mixed and mastered. However, it does give you a quick idea about what her strong voice sounds like.

While Seattle is not usually considered a mecca of country music, it is indeed the home of Tupelo, a fresh addition to the Seattle music scene. With a foundation built upon strong song-writing, the band’s classic country rock sound is enhanced with lush harmonies, honkey-tonk piano, harmonica, and strong dose of blues rock guitar. It is this unique combination which gives the band it’s signature sound. While the members of Tupelo have been together for three years, it was in 2008 that the orginal sound came together and began to catch fire with local audiences. Key influences would include the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Emmy Lou Harris, and Asleep at the Wheel.

The Tupelo debut CD “Leavin’ Paradise” was released in July of 2009. Featuring ten songs, the CD is rich blend of classic heart-felt country, rich harmonies, scorching blues, and a shot of rock for good measure. Produced by John “JD” Dietrich and Brian McGaughey, the CD includes guest performances by Rusty Franklin (Guitars), Bob Knetzger (Dobro), and Arlene Ackerman (Fiddle).

It is now January 2011, and the band is once again in studio recording the follow-up CD. The band is armed with new originals that are now favorites with local audiences. The new year has also brought new talent to Tupelo. The band now features the incredible Erin Sterling on vocals and Jeanette Alexander on keyboards.

Yo’s Bistro is located at 205 SW 152nd Street; phone: (206) 244-4084.

On Tuesday (March 8), former ‘Alice In Chains’ bass player Mike Starr, 44, was found dead in his Salt Lake City home. Starr, who graduated from Burien’s Highline High School in 1984, was the band’s original bassist from the group’s formation in 1987 to 1993.

He had been battling a drug problem for a number of years, and in January 2010 was featured as a patient on the third season of “Celebrity Rehab,” a VH1 reality show, where he appeared to be unable to overcome his addiction.

According to news reports, Starr was arrested in Salt Lake City three weeks ago on an outstanding warrant related to an earlier drug charge. At the time he was arrested, he was also found carrying unauthorized prescription medications.

He played bass for the albums Facelift, Sap, and Dirt, and left Alice In Chains in the middle of the Dirt tour. He also sang backing vocals on the song “Confusion” on the Alice in Chains album Facelift.

According to numerous sources, Starr’s departure from the band was amicable, and was allegedly due to the rigors of constant touring and the desire to spend more time with his family.

TMZ, which broke the news of Starr’s death Tuesday, quoted his father as saying: “It’s a terrible shock and tragedy.”

The band, which recently re-formed, posted this announcement on their website:

Members of Alice in Chains are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy – and the privacy of the Starr family – during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with the Starr family.

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog sends our deepest sympathies out to Mike’s friends, family and fellow fans.

VIDEOS:

Here’s a pretty cool home video of the band jamming backstage before a concert:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s some of our personal AIC faves – check out the big rock star hair-flingin’ on “Man in the Box”!:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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You can drop by Piranha Joe’s any Friday or Saturday night from 7-10 PM and Jimmy Buffet-like entertainers Dave Calhoun, Ron Herring or Dave Roberts. Perfect for Trop Rock fans and Parrotheads!

Here’s the official schedule:

15-Oct	Fri	Dave Calhoun
16-Oct	Sat	Dave Calhoun
22-Oct	Fri	Ron Herring
23-Oct	Sat	Dave Roberts
29-Oct	Fri	Dave Roberts
30-Oct	Sat	Dave Calhoun
5-Nov	Fri	Dave Roberts
6-Nov	Sat	Dave Roberts
12-Nov	Fri	Ron Herring
13-Nov	Sat	Dave Calhoun
19-Nov	Fri	Dave Roberts
20-Nov	Sat	Dave Roberts
26-Nov	Fri	Ron Herring
27-Nov	Sat
3-Dec	Fri	Dave Roberts
4-Dec	Sat	Dave Roberts
10-Dec	Fri	Ron Herring
11-Dec	Sat	Dave Calhoun
17-Dec	Fri	Dave Roberts
18-Dec	Sat	Dave Roberts
24-Dec	Fri	Close @ 7 PM
25-Dec	Sat	Closed

Here’s a sample of Dave Calhoun performing “Volcano” at a recent concert.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burien Parks’ annual (and FREE) “Music and Movies in the Park” continues with The Jangles this Thursday, July 22nd at Lake Burien Memorial School Park, located at 16th Ave SW & SW 148th Streets

The free concert will include live music from The Jangles, “Seattle’s Premier Country Swing Band” from 6:30pm – 8pm.

Here’s more info on The Jangles from their website:

Leader, Mike Faast has assembled a group of top NW musicians, together they deliver hot pickin’ and three part harmony in a style they affectionately call, “Hick Jazz.”

They’re perfectly at home performing a Western Concert or a Western Swing Dance. With a repertoire that includes, western classics, western show tunes and a wide array of swing tunes, they are winning fans in bluegrass, western and western swing circles alike.

The Jangles are, Paul Anastasio/fiddle, Mike Faast/lead vocals/guitar, Roger Ferguson/guitar/fiddle, Lance and Laurie Haslund/vocals/bass/ukulele (EDITOR’S NOTE: Lance & Laurie both serve on the Burien Arts Board).

The Jangles perform an acoustic version of Texas swing music that is winning fans in both jazz and country circles alike.

Borrowing from Milton Brown, Bob Wills, Hank Williams , Gene Autry, Asleep at the Wheel, Patsy Cline, Jimmy Rivers and others, they put a contemporary edge on a timeless brand of 30′s and 40′s dance music.

Their music is perfectly suited for dancin’ or listening.

The Jangles are both a great country band and a great cowboy band.

Here’s a video of ‘em doing “San Antonio Rose”:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bellingham-based original hard rock trio Birch Riley will be playing a free show at Bison Creek Pizza this Saturday, July 10th starting at 9pm.

The trio includes Wes Hlebichuk on guitar and lead vocals, Shawn Thompson on bass, keys and backing vocals, and “Tools” on drums.

According to a press release:

The band, which sounds much like Pearl Jam meets Rush meets Judas Priest, has toured the U.S. in the past and have recently recorded a three song EP called “3″ and released it through CDBABY.com.

Here are the show details:

• NO COVER
• Band starts at 9pm
• 21+ only please
• Call to reserve your seats 206.244.8825

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

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Playing at BTB Advertiser Bison Creek Pizza & Pub

According to Shauna of Bison Creek:

RiverBend has fast become a favorite among the many talented bands coming out of Seattle and has steadily gained a national following, garnering local accolades as one of KING-5 TV’s 2008 Best of Western Washington winners and receiving Hot Rocks TV’s Award for ‘Best Live Performance’ in 2008.

RiverBend has worked hard to earn the respect of their fans and peers, headlining countless shows, opening for bands such as Daughtry, Tantric, HURT, and performing at the 2007 & 2008 Layne Staley Tribute Concerts.

RiverBend continues to make a name for themselves, and with stand-out songwriting, solid musicianship and unmatched vocal talent, they have built a fan base that spans generations and genres.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Call today to reserve your seats, 206.244.8825

For music samples, go to http://www.myspace.com/riverbendrock.

Here are the show details:

• Band starts at 10pm
• 21+ Only
• NO COVER!
• Call to reserve seats: 206.244.8825

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

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The American Night, The Doors Tribute band, is returning to Bison Creek Pizza & Pub this Saturday night (May 8th) for a FREE show beginning at 10pm.

Here’s some promo wordage courtesy the band’s MySpace page:

“The American Night, from Seattle Washington, takes the audience on an entertaining journey with the sound, theatrics, myth, and experience that were The Doors! The music is performed by musicians who are passionate about The Doors legacy, with an authentic live feel, using original vintage instruments to recreate the unmistakable energy and rock theatre that was a live Doors performance!

Unlike some Doors tribute shows, which focus entirely on the part of Jim Morrison, The American Night is a complete Doors tribute experience. True to the original, The American Night employs no bass player, with the bottom end commanded by the left hand of the organist, Brian Hukill. The organs used are authentic and identical in every way to those used by Ray Manzarek from 1967-1971. The sound is unmistakable.

From classic songs Light My Fire and Break On Through to The End, The American Night presents a complete Doors tribute experience and wraps it in a bow of joy, horror, confusion, puzzlement, ecstasy, and rock theatre that was…THE DOORS!

A performance you won’t want to miss!”

A must see performance at Bison Creek!”

Here are the show details:

• NO COVER CHARGE!
• Band starts at 10pm
• 21+ only please
• Space is limited!

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

To  reserve your seats, please call 206.244.8825

Here’s a video of ‘em in action:

Click here to view the embedded video.

More info on the band available here.

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“All Mixed Up,” a Cars Tribute Band, is returning to BTB Advertiser Bison Creek Pizza & Pub this Saturday, April 17th, starting at 10pm.

They will play a variety of hits by The Cars, Tom Petty, The Cure and many other 80s classics.

Here is a link to their Myspace page, which includes demo tracks:

www.allmixeduprocks.com.

Here are the show details:

• 21+ Only
• NO COVER!
• Call to reserve seats: 206.244.8825

Bison Creek Pizza & Pub
630 SW 153rd St.
Burien, WA 98166
206.244.8825

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]