Egan's and Khazak - Two Names to Remember

Ah, it has been so long. To get back in the swing of things after my prolonged neglect, let’s talk about music. I was recently introduced to a hip little music venue in Ballard called Egan's, Ballard Jam House. If you’re looking for a nice little place free of the cattle-call feel of some many clubs that seem to revel in their chipped paint and lack of seating, then this might just be the place for you.

Friday, I joined some friends at Egan’s to hear a local group call Khazak play. In I walked to a small room with roughly half the space occupied by a stage, all shiny and new with fancy-pants colored lights and sound system. The other half looks like something out of a beatnik poetry club; small black tables all crowded (tastefully) into the remaining space, the chairs all pulled close to allow the staff to weave in and out of the milieu.

I’ll tell you one thing; this is the kind of place you had better make reservations. Every table in house was reserved (luckily my friend had our group of 5 on the list) and the unlucky few who tried to walk-in had to perch in the corner, while reserved tables sat empty. That said, there isn’t a bad table in the house; the room is so small and so well wired that you could easily soak in the music from any perspective.

Ah, yes, and that brings me to the music. This is my second chance to hear Khazak, headed up by the melodious and moody Michele Khazak, play. Her vocals are some of the best I’ve heard and she has a stylistic range to blow your mind. I have heard her cover both Bjork and Stevie Wonder, a feat that I suspect few would attempt. She and her talented band were able to transform both styles into their own, making you aware of common threads between the two that were previously unbeknownst. However, it isn’t their covers, impressive though they are, that impress me most. Instead, it is the original pieces that are most pleasing; they are introspective, moody and wryly funny. Michele is a extraordinary talent and I expect that she’ll present a real force to be reckoned with in the local scene, in no time at all. So, if you’re hungry for some local talent I recommend you check out Khazak.

The Gorge at George

With summer knocking on our doors, outdoor activities again take on their magnetic appeal. What better way than by watching a concert out of doors will prove to the skeptics that the sunny season is taking root? And at this time of year Eastern Washington will offer even better chances of a sun-filled weekend. That is precisely what I chose to do with my Memorial weekend. My trusty cohorts and I schlepped on over to quaint George, Washington (yes, we had some very puny pioneer's in this state). George is home of the Gorge Amphitheater, a breezy three-hours-drive from Seattle on 1-90.

In my opinion, there is not a more glorious concert backdrop to be found in these parts. Imagine a vineyard set on a hillside westward looking over the Columbia Gorge. This vineyard was then converted to a large expanse of hardy lawn to accommodate 20,000 concertgoers and their picnics. Add to this picture the setting sun descending directly behind the giant outdoor stage; and you, my friend, have the perfect blend of Nature and Culture.

It is worthy to note that proper preparation will make an average trip into a nearly perfect one. I recommend that you arrive at the Gorge when the doors open, blanket in hand, and secure yourself seating on the still-terraced area near the bottom of the hill, you will thank yourself later!

Other outstanding outdoor concert venues in the area:

• Zoo Tunes: A family-friendly, picnic-style concert venue just up the street from Impinj and a great opportunity to see some wild animals while listening to your favorite artists like Etta James.
  
• Chateau Ste. Michelle: The premiere concert venue for the wine lover. Sample Chateau Ste. Michelle's selections of the season while relaxing on their picturesque estate near Woodinville.
  
• Marymoor Park: Another option for the Eastside located near Redmond and offering a wide spectrum of music; everything from INXS to Ani Franco.
  
• White River Amphitheater: This is a large-scale venue 35 miles south of Seattle, offering a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier and gigs like Ozzfest 2006.