Spokane For Japan at Nyne on Friday, April 29th
I remembered to wear my red tonight for the Spokane for Japan Benefit at Nyne and a few others did as well. Nyne was full of people of all likings when we arrived shortly before 9pm. Two great things that I loved about the set up was, once you paid you got a button so you could leave and come back and secondly they added a second stage to Nyne. If you have ever been to an Endfest in Seattle, it’s just like that; where in one corner there was a stage and across the way a second stage. The best part about having two stages is that once one band is over, there is no wait time in-between set changes, the next band can start right away.
Along with two stages, the Spokane For Japan Benefit also featured Live Art to go along with the Live Music; the room was just bursting with creativity. Nyne was the perfect space for the event tonight, because they had the room for two stages and they also have the underground pit in the back. Tiffany Patterson and Darcy Drury worked together to paint a huge mural on one side of the pit while Jason Corcoran painted on canvas on the other side. It was fun to be able to walk over and watch the progress, during the live music. I searched around on Facebook and found the final works, they turned out really lovely. There was a lot of talent in one room for one night.
When we arrived Jesi B and the All Rites were playing, and we caught a few songs from them. Jesi B always makes my jaw drop with her strong sexy vocals. They are a great live band and have a lot of spice to keep it fun and entertaining. This was my second time seeing them and I would say they are one of the best Funky Blues Bands in town. I know gas prices are going up, and they are from Coeur d’Alene Idaho, but I hope that doesn’t stop them from coming to town to play more shows this summer! I would absolutely love to dance outside to their music!!!
Shenandoah Davis was a complete gem. She played on stage with the lovely Danah Olivetree on cello and both of these ladies knocked my socks off. I am a complete junkie for classical music; especially when artists can make it relatable to other genres. Shenandoah’s fingers waltzed across the keys as her quirky dainty vocals flew through my ears. Both Shenandodah and Danah were elegant and each knew how to play their instruments with love. The piano, cello, and vocals knitted a musical sweater for me on stage that warmed my ears and heart. They had a great on stage chemistry as well. I had the pleasure of seeing Shenandoah play with the Seattle Rock Orchestra at Sasquatch Music Festival when they covered the Arcade Fire, which was brilliant. However to see Shenandoah play her own music with Danah was a whole other treat in its self. My only complaint, I wish they could of played for another hour. I hope I get the opportunity to see them both again live.
It was really positive to see Nyne full of people at $10 a ticket, raising money for Japan. The fact that our city can bring music, art, and friends together in a room for a cause is something to be proud of. Plus it was such a fun way to raise awareness and funds for Japan. A huge round of applause and Thank You’s to the group of people that put this event together it went smoothly and was a lot of fun. Proceeds from the event will benefit UNICEF and Partners International.
There is a second Spokane for Japan Benefit which will be held on May 28th at the Lincoln Center. For more information on that event please click here.
Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.
