Live From Yakima!

By Heather Caro

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Yakima’s array of downtown venues has brought with it a new mix to the local music scene.  From bluegrass to blues, opera to oldies, there is a tune for every taste. Here are a few that we think are definitely worth the cover charge.

Cody Beebe and the Crooks

With two solo albums already under his belt, Selah native Cody Beebe is no stranger to the stage. He and his band, Cody Beebe and the Crooks, combine a melting pot of sounds and styles including blues, rock, folk and jazz to create their “Americana” voice.  Whatever the billing, there is lots to love about the catchy, energetic acoustics they bring to the stage.

“We are all upstanding citizens and college graduates,” says Beebe of the band’s criminally-inspired moniker (Beebe holds a civil engineering degree).  “So the ‘Crooks’ only implies that we steal hearts I guess,” he adds with a grin.

With a new album set for release this spring (recorded at London Bridge Studios – of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden fame) and an upcoming Northwest tour, Cody Beebe and the Crooks will likely be stealing hearts for many years to come.

Hear It: Cody Beebe and the Crooks play venues ranging from Lower Valley Wineries to sold-out clubs in Seattle; they have even opened for Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman.  They swing through the Yakima area every couple of months – watch for them at Sportcenter, Sage Restaurant and Gilbert Cellars.

www.myspace.com/codybeebe

Wayman Chapman

Between wailing guitar licks and a voice like melting butter, Wayman Chapman has been a fixture of the local music scene for years.  And while Chapman’s soulful blend of R&B, jazz and funk has taken him around the world, playing and recording with such notables as Oleta Adams and the late Larry Knechtel (of Bread fame), the Yakima native never strays long from the Valley where he first put down his musical roots.

“We play all over the place, depending on the crowd,” laughs Chapman of his varied playlist, which includes everything from the blues to Sinatra covers.  “I do what I like to call a ‘grown-folks night,’ where people can still come to dance and just have a good time.

Hear It: Wayman Chapman frequents locales throughout the Northwest, but when at home he hangs his hat at Yakima’s Speakeasy and Santiago’s.

www.waymanchapman.com

Coyote Ridge Bluegrass Band

Though only performing together for about two years, members of this Yakima band are well versed in their medium, and Coyote Ridge Bluegrass Band has already developed a loyal following.  Playing traditional, gospel and progressive bluegrass music with a big ol’ helping of down-home southern charm, Coyote Ridge entertains and captivates audiences of all ages.

“People often blow off bluegrass as too country or hillbilly,” says John Young, who plays mandolin and emcees for the band with a self-proclaimed “front porch kinda ease.”   “But,” he continues, “as folks listen to us, they quickly find that the acoustic is demanding, intricate and complex behind the Hee-Haw curtain.”

Hear It: The band’s rambunctious music is a house favorite at Gilbert Cellars in Yakima, but you can also find Coyote Ridge Bluegrass Band playing Northwest hometown celebrations such as the Zillah Bluegrass Festival and the Whistlestop Music Festival in Toppenish.

www.coyoteridgebluegrasswranglers.com

Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs

With a distinctive voice at once world-weary, impassioned and gritty, Star Anna and her band the Laughing Dogs will simultaneously break your heart and bring you back for more.

They’ve gathered acclaim for albums (The Only Thing That Matters was released in 2009) and performances from critics including National Public Radio and Sound magazine.  But in spite of the (much-deserved) attention, Ellensburg native Star Anna has managed to stay sweetly authentic with a sound that’s true to her rural upbringing.

“Growing up in the country and being surrounded by hills and fields and big sky, stars and stuff,” Star Anna once said in an interview with San Diego News Network, ”I think it has a lot of influence on me.”

Hear It: Though Star Anna and her band regularly play Ellensburg and Seattle venues – we think it’s worth the drive to see them perform live – watch the Sportscenter stage for scheduled appearances.

staranna.com

Buzz Bands:  Up-and-coming groups to keep on your musical radar

Short Bus Bobby

Rowdy and rambunctious with a know-it-by-heart ‘70s rock n’ roll playlist, a show by Short Bus Bobby is always a good time.  The dark-shades-donning members of the band include upstanding locals Randy Hyatt, Phil Luther and father-son duo Chad and Pat Peterson. The band plays “a gig a month” at venues around Yakima and has developed a strong Short Bus fan base. Get on the bus!  Watch for Short Bus Bobby at Sportscenter as well as local festivals throughout the Valley.

Adrienne Bousquet

Performing sultry jazz and crooning covers of Frank Sinatra, Etta James and Dinah Washington, among other classic greats, this blond bombshell is an “old soul” (though not yet out of her teen years).  Bousquet, a Prosser native, performs at Yakima’s Sage Restaurant as well as other local venues when she’s not away at college.

http://www.myspace.com/adriennebousquet

Kyle Smeback

Singer/songwriter Kyle Smeback’s breezy acoustic style is a breath of fresh air to the local music scene.  Catchy guitar riffs and rich vocals blend to create a sound both unique and yet comfortably familiar.  Smeback can be heard regularly at venues around Yakima, including Sage Restaurant and Gilbert Cellars.

http://www.myspace.com/kylesmeback

Culture Club:  Broaden your musical horizons

Juan Barco

Born in Texas, Juan Barco spent his youth working as a migrant worker and learning the art of Tejano music.

After settling in the Lower Yakima Valley, Barco went on to receive his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington, but he also continued to play music in conjunto bands.  Barco’s band was among the few selected to play at the opening of Benaroya Hall in Seattle.  His was also the first to play Tejano music at the Seattle Center Experience Music Project, where his work was featured in the “American Sabor” Tejano music section, and is slated for viewing at Washington, D.C.’s, Smithsonian in 2011.  Today Barco plays primarily in the Seattle area, though he also tours local school districts teaching the importance of education and maintaining a rich cultural heritage.

www.juanmanuelbarco.com

Yakima Valley Light Opera Company

This newly-formed local musical troupe is raising quite the stir – and an encore or two – with their lively renditions of popular arias such as selections from “La Boheme” and “Carmen.”  And though performances are often sung in German, French or Italian, you don’t have to be an opera buff to enjoy the show.  Watch for the troupe at Seasons Performance Hall and Greystone.  Brava!