BY ERIN JONES / SEATTLE CHANNEL MULTIMEDIA INTERN
Music has a way of lifting our spirits. With all concerts in Seattle being postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, we put together a list of past Art Zone performances for you to get your feet moving and body swaying while at home. Ranging from jazz, to rap, to country blues, we guarantee there’s a song for everyone to enjoy from the Art Zone vault. Plus, each one of these artists are local and need your support now more than ever.
Dude York performs “Tonight”
This 2017 Art Zone performance of “Tonight” by the cool kids of band Dude York is the perfect nighttime anthem. And with lyrics like “I don’t know when but I’m sure we’re gonna be there someday,” the song gives us hope of better days ahead. Dude York’s most recent record, “Falling,” was released in 2019 and was described in Paste Magazine as “power pop album.”
Macklemore will get us to the “Otherside”
Many of us became familiar with Macklemore after his 2012 hit single “Thrift Shop” swept the nation, the song paying homage to Seattle’s love of thrift store culture. But before his worldwide success, he and Ryan Lewis performed the deeply personal song “Otherside” on Art Zone. In the lyrics, Macklemore shares the dark side of his drug addiction, which he overcame and has since become an advocate for sobriety.
Brett Benton performs “Hey Baby”
Brett Benton is a gifted country-blues singer, who developed his music chops growing up in the American South. Last year, Brett released his debut studio album “You Got to Pray.” Since then, he has performed all over Seattle and the locals have embraced this Alabama-born artist with open arms. Listen to more of Brett’s music on his website.
Lady Rizo performs “Ink Dip”
Lady Rizo is no stranger to the spotlight. She began performing in New York City in 2004 and her stage presence just keeps getting better. In this original song, titled “Gypsy in Me,” Lady Rizo gives a playful performance from a Gage Academy classroom in 2015.
Jazz composer/drummer Matt Jorgenson performs “Tattooed by Passion”
Like jazz? Then this performance will stimulate your musical senses. “Tattooed by Passion” is an original composition complete with a rhythm section, trumpet, and alto saxophone. Recently, Matt Jorgensen put together a helpful tutorial for other musicians who want to live stream shows during the time of COVID-19. Read his guide to live streaming here and keep up with upcoming shows on his website.
“Let You Go” Performed by Grace Love and Jimmy James
On their own, both Grace Love and Jimmy James give impressive performances. But together, they’re a knockout. Their soul/funk sound gives off an electric vibe that will make you want to get up and dance. This 2016 performance of their original song “Let You Go” was played live at the Rendezvous Room. Keep up with the world of Grace Love here, and discover more of Jimmy James’ music here.
Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind play ‘Sinking Like Stones’
Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind performed this song, ‘Sinking Like Stones,’ on Art Zone in 2013. Since then, they have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, EMGtv, and more. Uniquely, lead singer Xolie identifies as an artist on the autism spectrum, and is outspoken about her life experiences as seen on her 2016 Ted Talk. Learn more and listen to Xolie Morra and the Strange Kind on their website.
