My Friday night at Viracocha was full of lush harmonies, unique instrumentation and quirky folks. Named after an Incan God, Viracocha is an antique shop by day and performance space by night located next door to ATA (Artists’ Television Access) in the Mission. The showcase was co-presented by the video podcast Chasing the Moon and the blog SeaweedSway. Michael Musika and Honeycomb performed live sets and the most recent Chasing the Moon podcast was shown featuring Kacey Johansing. Kacey is a busy lady; she performed in both bands as well!
Local recording engineer Scott McDowell, videographer Elijah Pahati and producer Brian Berberich have been at the helm of Chasing the Moon since its start just over a year ago. The podcast has featured intimate performances from folks like Indianna Hale, Steve Taylor, John Vanderslice, Oona and Slow Motion Cowboys. The SeaweedSway is a local blog by Jessie Woletz, who also has a monthly showcase at the Makeout Room.
I arrived early enough to check out Honeycomb’s sound check and was blown away at the gorgeousness of the five part harmonies of lead singer Emily Ritz, and backup vocalists Kacey Johansing, Karin Dahl, Courtney Nicole and Heather Normandale. Those vocals combined with Nate Blaz on cello, Joe Lewis on upright bass and Andrew Maquire on vibraphone create a wall of sound that sucks you in.
All the while attendees snacked on homemade baked goods and beverages. Upstairs in the art space you can find random antique items on displace like typewriters, dinnerware and artistic lamps.
Michael Musika brought his usual group of merry pranksters. His performances always make me think of Bob Dylan as a wandering minstrel. Then a projection screen was pulled down so that Scott McDowell could present the latest podcast featuring the melancholy tunes of Kacey Johansing. She put together an incredible crew of musicians for this performance, including Emily Ritz from Honeycomb improvising a dazzling light show designed by Jeffrey Manson on the overhead projector.
Chasing the Moon and SeaweedSway plan on making this event a regular occurrence on every full moon and the new podcast will be shown.
The next Seaweed Sway Showcase is on February 21st and will feature Stitchcraft, Kirk Hamilton, Nice Guy Trio and MC, Jeremy Dalmas
Also, join Honeycomb on February 26th at The Swedish American Hall at Noise Pop for the release of their E.P.
For more info: The SeaweedSway Chasing the Moon
Comments
thank you so much jamie!! & thanks to those who helped w/ the january chasing the moon show. the end of february is gonna be busy. in addition to the seaweedsway show w/ stitchcraft, kirk hamilton, nice guy trio, & jeremy dalmas (feb. 21), plus the noise pop show w/ john vanderslice, nurses, honeycomb, & conspiracy of venus (feb. 26), the next chasing the moon show will be sunday february 28th at viracocha again, w/ silian rail & devotionals. please come to all the shows! :) thanks for supporting local wonderful music. xo, jessie
oops, the next chasing the moon show is actually this SATURDAY (not sunday) on the 27th, at viracocha once again, with silian rail, devotionals, rumspringa, and it will be the release of kelly mcfarling's podcast episode. and friday is john vanderslice, nurses, honeycomb, & conspiracy of venus at the swedish american music hall!
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