MUSIC – NWTheatre

Humanizing Mental Illness: The High Art of Lowbrow Opera

November 19, 2021November 22, 2021 Chase D. Anderson 18th and Union, Dana Kaufman, Devorah Detzer, Eliza Woodyard, HyeYeun Kim, Kayla Wilkens, Lowbrow Opera Collective, Seattle, trans artists

With ‘Diary of a Madman,’ Lowbrow Opera Collective humanizes society’s scorn for mental illness in a compelling 45-minute opera. It runs through November 21 at 18th & Union.

FEATURE MUSIC

Always Naked Finally Get Their Big Release

November 16, 2021December 1, 2021 Chase D. Anderson Ayo Tushinde, Kendra Pierce, Seattle, Skylar Steffy

Earlier this year, the rock band Always Naked released an album called “Sex Sells,” along with a music video starring two Seattle-area theatre artists. With next week’s arrival of their third full-length album, the band finally gets to throw a release party. They play the High Dive on November 27.

MUSIC REVIEW STAGE THEATRE

‘Lady Day’ Sings With Beauty and Heartbreak

November 10, 2021December 1, 2021 Chase D. Anderson Alexandria J. Henderson, Harlequin Productions, Jimmy Shields, Lanie Robertson, Olympia, South Sound

In ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’, one evening’s concert captures the downward spiral of an American musical icon. Alexandria J. Henderson’s performance puts the singer’s highs and lows on display; it’s just as beautiful to watch as it is heartbreaking. ‘Lady Day’ runs through November 27 in downtown Olympia.

MUSIC REVIEW SEATTLE THEATRE

With Crescendos of Vocals and Horns Blaring, ‘Susan’ Is a Song of Family, and Letting Go

December 6, 2019December 22, 2019 Chase D. Anderson Ahamefule J. Oluo, Jennifer Zeyl, okanomodé soulchilde, On the Boards, Tiffany Wilson

Using humor, rich detail, and ample song, musician-writer-comedian Ahamefule J. Oluo tells stories of his mother, growing up, and searching — from Texas to Seattle to the Niger Delta. ‘Susan’ runs through December 8 at On the Boards.

FEATURE MUSIC TACOMA THEATRE

From India.Arie to the Carter Family: Tacoma in September

September 19, 2019October 12, 2019 Chase D. Anderson

Tacoma Arts Live, which programs the historic theatres in downtown Tacoma, has an abundant season of performances in store. The lineup of musicians this month is particularly rich. See below for a sampling of Tacoma’s cultural landscape this month, too.

MUSIC REVIEW STAGE THEATRE

‘Million Dollar Quartet’, Village’s Big Theatrical Rock Show, Heads to Everett Next Week

June 22, 2019November 14, 2021 Chase D. Anderson Cayman Ilika, Eastside, Everett, Issaquah, Up North, Village Originals, Village Theatre

Village Theatre’s audience-favorite darling, based (very) loosely around a heralded 1956 jam session with some of American music’s biggest names, is a big fun rock show. It closes out Village’s Issaquah season this weekend, then moves to Everett next week through July 28.

EASTSIDE MUSIC QUEER ARTS REVIEW SEATTLE

Puget Soundworks Finds Home in Latest Concert

May 5, 2019November 29, 2019 Chase D. Anderson GALA Choruses, Puget Soundworks

The Puget Soundworks choir — the latest local addition to the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses — brings together humor, great voices, and a purpose grounded in social justice. Their current concert, ‘Home Is … ‘, considers notions of home and homelessness. It’s a harmonious, thoughtful, and often funny show. The closing show of the one-weekend-only run is today in Bellevue.