Don't miss: Shemekia Copeland at Jazz Alley this weekend

Yes, the skies are gloomy and the air is balmy.  Yes, the rent is due.

But you can't miss one of the best blues vocalists in the biz-ness.  We're talking about Shemekia Copeland, who performs this weekend at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, http://www.jazzalley.com/.

Seattle Gay News first felt the mighty presence of Copeland at the 2003 Bumbershoot Festival, when the acclaimed songwriter-performer was hand-plucked by Bonnie Raitt to join her for a "Tribute to Rhythm & Blues" that also featured another female powerhouse, Ruth Brown.  It was a divine evening, to say the least.

On Copeland's debut album, Turn Up the Heat!, she was preaching to the choir when she wailed on songs like "Has Anybody Seen My Man?", "Salt in My Wounds" and "I Always Get My Man".  Sister, we can relate.

"When a Woman's Had Enough", "It's 2am", "Ghetto Child" and  "Wild, Wild Woman" are a few more gems to flourish from Copeland's professional recording career, nearing a fifteen-year anniversary.  Turn Up the Heat! came out in 1998.

The winner of 7 W.C. Handy Awards and "Queen of the Blues" titleholder, as crowned by the daughter of its predecessor Koko Taylor, Shemekia Copeland will be performing 5 sets this weekend - 7:30pm and 9:30pm tonight and tomorrow night, and one show on Sunday evening at 7:30pm.  Her four-person band is comprised of Arthur Neilson (guitar), Kenneth “Willie” Scandlyn (guitar), Kevin Jenkins (bass) and Morris Roberts Schonhorn (drums).  


Her most recent album of original material was 2009's Never Going Back.  Some of the songs from that release might be played during her Seattle run, though she'll likely pepper her set lists with music from all of her recordings.  


Dimitriou's Jazz Alley is located in downtown Seattle with a fully-operational restaurant and bar.  The venue is intimate and sunken-level, the ambiance is polished and inviting.  Their seasonal menu now features Washington halibut, Columbia River salmon, and Yakima-grown asparagus.  


Shemekia Copeland is not to be ignored this weekend here in Seattle.  This is a woman whose opened for the Rolling Stones, whose shared the stage with B.B. King, whose headlined some of the biggest and baddest blues festivals.  So, come get your blues fix!

Look for a review of Shemekia Copeland in next week's issue of Seattle Gay News (June 8).  Go to  http://www.jazzalley.com/ for reservations, or call (206) 441-9729. 

Gossip interviews with Seattle Gay News

Gossip has never sounded this good.

And by Gossip, we're referring to the alternative rock band whose hit single "Heavy Cross" wails in the background of the J'adore Dior's TV commercial as Charlize Theron comes strutting down the runway.

The group, rooted in the Northwest, returns to the music scene with a new album, A Joyful Noise (in stores now), and single "Perfect World".  Watch the video for "Perfect World" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8mw5i43-uQ&ob=av2e

Hannah Billie, drummer of Gossip, spoke with Seattle Gay News this week from New York City, where the band celebrated the release of A Joyful Noise.  In the interview, Billie reminisces about her days in Seattle (her former home), reflects upon her love for Donna Summer, and tells us what fellow touring partner Busta Rhymes (of all people) was really like off-stage.

Look for the interview with Hannah Billie of Gossip in tomorrow's print edition (May 25 issue) of the Seattle Gay News, or online at www.sgn.org this weekend.

Travaasa Hana celebrates One Year Anniversary with Facebook giveaways

Seattle Gay News, aside from investigative reports, political stories and arts & entertainment features, also covers travel.

In keeping you informed on the travel front, we wish to congratulate our friends at Travaasa Hana (on the island of Maui), as they celebrate a One Year Anniversary this month. 

Featured in our Maui travel story last November (read here: http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews39_47/pdf/section%203%20HOLIDAY_11-25-11WEB.pdf) Travaasa Hana is a gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path luxury resort located in the remote town of Hana, Hawaii - about a 90-minute scenic drive from Kahului Airport.  This property is situated on the Eastern tip of the island, allowing guests impeccable views of the ocean and even a glimpse of the Big Island on a clear day.

Travaasa Hana, a gay friendly resort that offers all-inclusive stays (room + meals, spa treatments), is celebrating its first anniversary with Facebook giveaways that include GoPro camera, yoga equipment, wine club membership, boogie board, and the grand prize of a three-night Travaasa Hana total stay for two.  Visit www.facebook.com/travaasa to enter and get more information about this property.


If you're looking for a getaway, a literal 'getting away from it all' destination, here's the place to consider.  It boasts very few tourists, fantastic spa, the ocean at your footsteps, sea cottages with five-star amenities, adults-only outdoor pool with unobstructed views, and even a yoga studio and guided coastal walks to keep you in shape during your vacay.

Seattle Gay News will publish its next Summer Travel Issue in June with original features on Tokyo, Brussels, Port Ludlow and Portland, Oregon.  

Photo: Travaasa Hana's adults-only outdoor pool

Adam Lambert interviews with Seattle Gay News

He may not have won the grand prize, but Adam Lambert is most definitely an American Idol.

The Grammy-nominated artist will usher out his sophomore album, Trespassing, on May 15.  Two tracks from it have already been released, "Better Than I Know Myself" and "Never Close Our Eyes".

Lambert took time from a hectic schedule to speak with Seattle Gay News recently.  In the interview, printing on May 4, the California native speaks candidly about Freddie Mercury, Josh Hutcherson, the city of Seattle, and pop divas (he names a few of his favorites).

You can pre-order Trespassing and get more information on Adam Lambert by visiting his official website, http://www.adamofficial.com/us.

Grab a copy of the Seattle Gay News this Friday, or read it online over the weekend at www.sgn.org, for a one-on-one chat with Adam Lambert. 

New country music festival to launch outside Seattle

Say "how-Dee!" to Watershed.  Billed as "The Northwest's Premier Country Music Festival", the three-day concert is the newest music event to hatch in or around Seattle.  It's scheduled for August 3-5, 2012

Confirmed to perform at The Gorge Amphitheatre are Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Sara Evans, Thompson Square, Tracy Lawrence, Reckless Kelly, Kix Brooks, Brantley Gilbert, The Lost Trailers, Steve Holy, Johnny Reid, Uncle Kracker, Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Morgan Frazier, and DeeJay Silver.  More performers are rumored to be announced.

Three-day festival passes for just $90.00 will go on sale May 5 at Ticketmaster.com,

Watershed will not only feature performances by the artists mentioned, but will also include late night sets, jam sessions, and impromptu collaborations.  The Gorge Amphitheatre is a two-hour drive from downtown Seattle, and is regarded by fans and musicians as one of the best concert venues in North America.

Dierks Bentley plays intimately for Seattle fans on 'Record Store Day'

He looked hot, sounded great, and did I mention he looked hot?

Award-winning country artist Dierks Bentley drew a strong turnout at Easy Street Records this afternoon, a special performance in support of "National Record Store Day".  And, Seattle Gay News was there front and center (actually, front and left).

Wearing tight jeans (thank you!!!), ash-colored T-shirt, navy blue baseball cap and black worn-in boots, Bentley and a full band opened with "Am I The Only One" from his newest album Home.  He followed with the title track from 2009's Feel That Fire. 

Bentley, currently on tour and performing tonight at Everett Events Center, told the crowd he used to go into Circles record shop in his hometown of Phoenix growing up.  Those memories of listening to records in a small, independent music store inspired him to sneak into Seattle for a 40-minute performance on a stage half the size of his usual dressing room. 

"Up On the Ridge", the title track from his 2010 bluegrass CD, featured great fiddle work from Dan Hochhalter.  After playing the song, Bentley did a 180-degree turn that prompted an audience member to shout "Thanks for turning around"!  She took the words right outta my mouth because Dierks Bentley has the best backside of any country star.

Bentley mentioned to those gathered that years ago he hopped on a flight from Las Vegas to Hawaii to see two of his idols perform together, U2 and Pearl Jam.  Minutes later, he invited Mike McCready (of Pearl Jam) to join him on stage for two songs, including a cover version of The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers".

Politely, Bentley then said farewell and signed one piece of paper for someone in the front row.  Then he was gone.

Fans either had to purchase a copy of Home or win tickets on the radio to receive a VIP wristband, which allowed them access near the stage.  Generously, Bentley autographed dozens of posters that were handed out individually to everybody as they left the store. 

Seattle Gay News began covering Dierks Bentley and his music since his 2003 self-titled debut.  He returned the favor a few years ago with a one-on-one full interview. 

Dierks Bentley to perform in Seattle for "Record Store Day"

Country star Dierks Bentley, who interviewed with Seattle Gay News a few years back, will give a special performance in Seattle on April 21.

The acoustic gig will be in honor of the nation-wide "Record Store Day", which aims to support independent record stores around the country. Bentley, a multiple Grammy nominee and CMA Award winner, released his newest album Home earlier this year.

Bentley's appearance at the Queen Anne neighborhood record store will be his first in Seattle since playing the Fox Sports Network Lounge at then-Qwest Field in 2008 (read our review: http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews36_20/page28.cfm). Previous to that, he's performed at The Showbox Market. He's also performed outside of Seattle, at Everett Events Center and the Puyallup Fair.

More details on Dierks Bentley's upcoming special performance coming soon.