Slidin' his way into the hearts of audiences around the world, Pacific Northwest folk/blues artist Reggie Miles is the headline act hitting the stage in Enumclaw on Saturday, February 10 opening with the Stingy Brim Olde Time Blues Project.
The 2 p.m. show is presented by Chalet Arts Showcase Theatre (CAST) and Cassandra Music.
The charismatic personality of Miles, songwriter, singer, storyteller, slide guitarist, washboard percussionist and saw player, empowers every musical performance and swoops you up in the fun. He is performing at the Chalet Theatre bringing his unique brand of “bottleneck slide, Roots-inspired, songs and twisted tales from the prefabricated concrete canyons of today's answer to yesterday's general store.”
Acclaimed as a commensurate entertainer and skilled craftsman, particularly in the blues guitar, singing and harmonica, Miles has been featured in a half dozen U.S. film and video projects, on the recordings of more than a dozen Northwest artists, in addition to 21 self produced recordings since 1995. Miles plays so many varieties of instruments, some very odd, and many hand made from recycled treasure. Miles can be described as a junk artist making and playing his own musical instruments, crafted from common or discarded items, when really he is so much more than that.
An award winning songwriter, recording and performance artist, Miles has gained multinational media attention via his recent composition "Wall Street Bailout Blues." He has garnered worldwide recognition taking him to Europe to expand upon his spectacular popularity in the states. He has played in bars, clubs, theatres, festivals, fairs and major events throughout the states for years while recording on a guitar of his own making, which he calls his “Nobro.” He tells his delightful invention story during his performance.
“My bottleneck slide Blues style is close enough to the roots and original approaches used by some of those that pioneered the Blues genre, and many from the Deep South have described my playing as being from the Delta and reminding them of home,” states Miles. “The music of those original acoustic Blues artists has certainly influenced my own songwriting and playing.”
One of the eccentric but endearing practices of this musician is his occasional appearances in years past as a street performer at the famous Seattle Pike Place Market, an exciting locale where anything can happen. The market scene has offered a venue for many talented guest musicians over the years and the tourists are wild about them. A virtuoso in the musical folk art of bowing melodies with a hand saw, Miles been recognized as "One of the best in the world".
Stingy Brim Olde Time Blues Project is the show opener with front man SB Slim, a mellow guy in a hat who always serves up a tasty blend of tunes from the Mid-Twentieth Century. Backing on guitar and featured on harmonica is Mike “Lebowski” Lewandeski; and together the Project tours from Olympia to Auburn, keepin’ toes tappin’ in cafés, bars, Open Mics and jams as frequently as they can.
Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or at the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, or $12 at the door. The Chalet Theater is located at 1721 Wells Street. For more information call Cassandra Music & Supply at 253.670.4586.
g
