That’s two, two…two bands for the price of one!

Lost in the Bamboo is an original alternative/Americana band writing and performing songs in the vein of Weezer, The Gin Blossoms, and Deathcab for Cutie.

Started in 2007 by the husband/wife team of Ted and Jessica Walker, LIB has steadily garnered a loyal following of fans hooked on their infectious grooves. Lead by vocalist Gary Mullin, who is also an accomplished songwriter and performer, LIB is well known for their exciting live shows that typically include audience participation and humor.

The band is rounded out by the incredible musicianship of lead guitarist Kelly Crabtree and John Arvizu, who played together in the band Sugar Water prior to joining LIB.

Lost in the Bamboo's Ted Walker hams it up at a recent Blog Party with Scott Schaefer.

Gary, Ted, and Jessica also happen to have another working band with a growing following – The Beat Merchants, formerly known as Gray Sky Falling, is a cover dance band playing hits from the 60’s to today. The Beat Merchants also include guitar virtuoso Michael Nakagawa.

So if you’re a club or a group needing live music, they have you covered whether you want catchy originals, or to dance to your favorite hits from your iPod.

For booking info, contact Ted Walker at gotrhythm@hotmail.com

For photos, bios, and music tracks, check out their myspaces:

• Lost in the Bamboo
• The Beat Merchants

Lost in the Bamboo rocked BlogstockAPalooza so hard, the neighboring Masons lost their funny little hats.

And if you hear or read that either act is playing, be sure to catch them live, your feet and booty will thank you.

Lost in the Bamboo can be seen/heard at:

• Oct. 20th at The High Dive
• Oct. 22nd at The Central Saloon
• Nov. 23rd at The High Dive along with The Beat Merchants

And on a personal note, we here at the B-Town Blog would love to give a serious shout-out to LIB‘s founder, Ted Walker, without whose help we never woulda had our first-ever B-Town BlogstockAPalooza show way back in early September.

Speaking of which, here’s a video of Lost in the Bamboo playing at said event:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Previously we broke news about a local filmmaker shooting a movie at Highline High School, and now we’ve just learned of another area auteur – a local Director/Producer named Frank Oliver who is seeking donations and locations from area residents and businesses for his upcoming film production “The War of the Grandmas.”

The film’s plot:

“War of the Grandmas” is a family-fun-packed, independent comedy – half live action and half cartoon animation.

This is a screwball comedy in the vein of “Grumpy Old Men,” but with women.

PATTY, a sixty-something frugal tomboy, reigns as queen of her cul-de-sac until an arch enemy from her past – flirty, glamorous ROSE, also in her sixties – invades Patty’s territory and the queen declares war. The grannies fight the only way they know how – over a man. But when the old gals try to bring their twenty-something granddaughters into the fray, the young gals decide it’s time to teach the old gals a lesson: A woman does not need a man to make her happy! (Or does she?)

Oliver, 33, of Boulevard Park, is seeking local sponsors, including residents and businesses, to help defray some of the film’s $15,000 budget. His intent is to film and edit a six-minute scene, then promote that at film markets in the next year or so in hopes of turning it into a full-length feature film.

“I’m trying to get the community involved, as this is a great opportunity for locals to help create a fun and entertaining project,” Oliver said as he took a break from his regular day job as a Construction Inspector. “I’ve received a grant from the Northwest Film Forum, but we’re still in need of funds to pay actors and crew.”

We spoke with Oliver on the phone recently, and found him to be a very passionate and ambitious man. We know personally that making a feature-length movie is a huge undertaking, and we admire his goals and passion.

From Texas originally, Oliver has been in the Northwest for six years.

“I moved up here for a variety of reasons, one of which is that I was inspired by the WTO riots,” he said. “I love activism, and am also a huge fan of the artistic and independent spirit of the region, which I love.”

Oliver is currently seeking:

• Access to locations in exchange for product placement in the film; specifically three houses situated next to each other, perhaps in a cul-de-sac, to serve as the movie’s major location
• Donate money (any amount, even minor)
• Visit the website, download the flyers, and post at their workplace/social activities
• Everyone is welcomed to audition for the cast or participate as crew

Here’s his self bio:

Frank is creative, resourceful, and entrepreneurial. He helped manage the family business while still attending high school and learned about taking calculated risks and surrounding himself with talented people to help achieve a goal. He founded a non-profit dance organization in Texas and taught swing and lindy hop to inner city youth. Frank is socially conscientious and passionate about social and economic justice. When he relocated to WA, he joined the union construction trades and actively helped organize and educate others about the struggles and gains of the labor movement. Frank enjoys cinema and aspires to be much like Ken Loach, the filmmaker, and serve the people through his art. Frank hopes to achieve credibility as a director by successfully completing the “The War of the Grandmas” production and attracting well-versed writers to collaborate with him on docudramas and films of social commentary.

We encourage all our BTB Readers, and anyone who enjoys supporting the arts, to visit the “War of the Grandmas” website, and consider volunteering their location(s) and/or time, as well as making a donation to the film.

Rest assured, the B-Town Blog will keep you posted on the progress of this creative endeavor as things develop.