Monthly Archives: September 2015

2015 Performer Spotlight #13

Go Fitz!

 

MOLLY FITZPATRICK – POET  –KYPFESTPPP4BSM2

 

Bio: Fitz (aka Molly Fitzpatrick) is a slam poet based out of Spokane, WA. She had the exciting honor of being a part of Spokane’s 2015 National Poetry Slam team in Oakland, California this year. She has been published in the October 2015 issue of Riverlit and has a chapbook entitled Boom Boom, Break Break that is available at Auntie’s Bookstore.

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourself as an artist, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1 -What got you interested in PorchFest? What do you think about it?

I joke that I “drank the kool-aid” at the National Poetry Slam and so I’ll take any opportunity I can to perform and be around other artsy folk. However the concept of this particular event seemed especially cool and I loved the idea of yelling about my feelings on a porch where people actually stopped to listen.

 

2- How often do you get over to West Central? 

 I have friends that live in the area. That’s where Ink Art Space is located and where cool skillshops exist that I like to go to. Also the restaurants are fantastic.

 

3- What is “community”? How do we build it?

I think of community less in geographical terms and more like a chosen family. A Community is a group of people that share something very important in common and then choose to connect and care for one another. That thing they share can be a neighborhood, an identity, a love of poetry etc. The important thing is the caring part. I think Spokane is awesome at that part.

 

4- What have you done to build community? 

I think one of the most basic things I can do to build community is to just actively participate in it. In the past for me that’s been a lot of activist work with local non-profits. Right now it looks more like going to as many poetry events as I can and actively supporting other artists with my cheers or my dollars etc. It means being open and inclusive to new folks who want to join in the fun. I hope to be able to continue to introduce new friends to the arts scene in Spokane and be able to connect more of the different communities I’m a part of together.

 

5- What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?I hope that there are people attending who’ve never been to a Spokane Poetry event and that they connect with my performance and the performances of my friends and ideally at least one person asks me what other performance poetry stuff happens in this lovely city. Beyond that I mostly hope to hear and see a lot of cool stuff and maybe make at least one new friend.

2015 Performer Spotlight #12

Devin is this year’s Poet Wrangler! She’s taken the reins from our inaugural Poet Wrangler, Travis Naught. Thanks for all your hard work Travis and Devin!

 

DEVIN DEVINE – POET WRANGLER –

PFEST2015PPP1BSM2

 

Bio:Devin Devine is a proud Spokane local and a graduate from Gonzaga University, where she studied both theatre and creative writing with a concentration in poetry. She spends too much time lamenting her loans instead of paying them. As she pursues the life of an artist, she works as a server downtown at Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie in the Liberty Building.  She was a member of the 2015 Spokane National Poetry Slam Team that traveled to Oakland this August, and recently self-published her first chapbook Feral Empathy. She can be found reading in bars around Spokane, convincing strangers the magical properties of a pickleback.

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourself as an artist, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1 -What got you interested in PorchFest? What do you think about it?

I went to Porchfest last year to see some friends perform (and perform myself!) and loved it! It felt so routine to walk from one porch to the next, eat some hummus from a stranger, shake their hand, sit on their lawn, and enjoy some local talent. It was a beautiful day and I expect this year to be just as fantastic.

 

2- What is “community”? How do we build it? 

For me, there’s two ways to look at community. The larger and greater community of Spokane that brings us together through winter storms, dry summer heat, “near nature/near perfect”, our handful of national headlines a year that leave us with our heads in our hands, a hashtag to defend our worth #SpokaneDoesntSuck, and so forth. And then within that there’s your passions, your life, your choices. The neighborhood communities are obviously easy to spot, especially with centralized spots like the Perry District providing more and more reason for businesses and restaurants and action to truly become a part of residential areas. But for me, my community isn’t my street (living off Division does that), it’s definitely my pursuits. The poetry, and then the greater literary and arts community of Spokane continues to surprise me with growth and support.

 

3- What have you done to build community? What else would you like to do?

I know this is silly but honestly… Spend my money at local places. I’m a restaurant industry worker that just goes out and spends what I do make by eating out, drinking out, and connecting with friends and strangers by breaking bread. I’ve learned more about Spokane in the last year by drinking my way through downtown bars and talking to strangers than I have in my fourteen odd years of living here. Also, participating. You’ll find me almost every Wednesday at Neato for Broken Mic, and at the poetry slams in town too. But also going to events that aren’t my usual scene, letting friends drag me to their favorite band that is at The Bartlett, or maybe a co-worker has an art show coming up etcetera. I’d love to enter a role of facilitating soon, in some form. Not sure what that will look like yet. Maybe volunteering more.

2015 Performer Spotlight #11

– MADELINE – Solo Act – Jazz/Blues/OperaPFEST2015PP3CSM2

 

Bio: Madeline McNeill is a singer/songwriter who combines a variety of music genres including jazz, blues, and opera to craft her unique performances in and around Spokane. She studied opera at Western Washington University and has since become a writer, philosopher, and a musician with a passion for playing music in a variety of spaces from the porch to the campfire to the concert hall.

 

“I love the idea of playing live music in spaces were music is not normally played. Music inspires a range feelings, and put in a new space, can effectively break up blandness and breathe new life. I used to busk downtown and in front of businesses because it was fun to break the boring bustle of people striving to get to the next destination. I’d play and an adult would smile and fall in step with the rhythm. Kids would dance. Playing on porches evokes the same feeling for me. I see Porchfest as a gentle revolution against the monotonous culture of living in a quiet neighborhood where people don’t know who lives next door. Playing on porches gets everyone outside and celebrating the shared space where people live their lives, together.”

 
More info: thebodyphilosopher.org

2015 Performer Spotlight #10

Kyle is expressive!

 

KYLE KAHKLEN – Poet –

 

© Marshall E. Peterson Jr.

© Marshall E. Peterson Jr.

Bio: A resident of the Inland Northwest for seven years, Kyle has been writing poetry seriously since his sophomore year of college. He is an EWU alumnus and works as substitute teacher in Spokane Public School. He has come to fall in love with the Spokane area and its artistic community after participating in weekly Broken Mic nights. He would like to thank Hannah for her inspiring work ethic and being the poet’s muse.

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourself as an artist, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1 -What got you interested in PorchFest? What do you think about it?

 

I blame my friend Devin Divine, who sent me a message to come to a party. “Go get some treats and things! You’ll have a blast!” she said, “It’ll be fun!” she said. I went and all of a sudden I’m performing. THANKS DEVIN.

 

2- How often do you get over to West Central? What brings you over?

 

Usually, I go to Kendall Yards for food. There’s a farmer’s market every Wednesday that Hannah and I like to go to. Central Food and Brain Freeze Creamery are often the go-to favorites. I also enjoy biking through the neighborhood since it does not have too much heavy traffic.

 

3- What is “community”? How do we build it? Does it happen automatically or does it need catalysts?

 

Community, like culture, is a system of shared beliefs and likes brought about through various forms of communication. These beliefs can vary from interests to trades to even locations. As long as there are groups of people with beliefs, there will always be communities. The important notion of communication in community derives from the idea that people can share in their beliefs without prejudice; in contrast, people can also expand their own ideas by communicating their thoughts on their beliefs. Community really depends on the people that surround it and how they interact with others.

 

4-What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?

I hope to promote reading and writing around Spokane. I hope to explore other people’s arts and, in turn, hope to pass on some of my own. I hope PorchFest helps to expand art and neighborly events like it in Spokane

 

5-What have you done to build community? What else would you like to do?

Well, I feel I’ve been a part of several different communities: websites, poetry, education, etc. Participation really includes anything I can do to allow that community to grow and spread; anything to help with events to share love of the community. For one, I’d love to showcase more poetry readings around Spokane. If that can happen, it might promote more readers and writers to showcase their talents.

 

6-Why should people come to PorchFest?

Because I’m performing poetry.  Oh, and I guess because I like West Central and everyone else should.

2015 Porch Host Spotlight #9

Carole and Lee were the first “porch” we spotlighted last year. Guess what? They’re back!

 

– CAROLE & LEE – PFEST2015PP1SM2

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourselves, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1-What got you interested in PorchFest? What do you think about it?

When we moved to Kendall Yards we made a commitment to be involved in our community, West Central.  When we were approached to host our porch, it was an easy “yes”!  What better way to bring people together than with music?  Our hope is that PorchFest becomes an annual event.

 

2- What is community? How do we build it?

Community is the relationships and interactions of its people. It’s celebrating together, solving problems together, listening to one another and offering a helping hand.  We can build it by being intentional and committed to connecting with our neighbors and surrounding neighborhoods.
It doesn’t happen automatically.  It takes people.

 

3-Why should people come to the event?

Simply stated, good people…good music… and an opportunity to build community togetherness.

 

 

2015 Performer Spotlight #9

Anastasia performs.

 

ANASTASIA ANGUON – Poet –PFEST2015LH9BSM2

 

Bio:

Anastasia was born and raised in Goldendale, WA and has made Spokane her home since 2012. She is a senior at Eastern Washington University where she studies Theatre. She has been in the Finals Stage for Spokane Poetry Slam, published, and participated in various art events around Spokane such as The Round and Terrain.

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourself as an artist, and about PorchFest, please…

It has been about three years since I joined the Spokane poetry community. The people in that community taught me that family is something you can choose. That in order to build a better world, you start at home, in whatever community you participate in. I was never told “no” to what I wanted to achieve – and that is what creates a thriving art environment.

This will be my first year attending PorchFest, and I am thrilled! I want other people to know that art is alive and well in Spokane! I am still growing as a writer, but I want others to at least know anything is possible if the right people are behind you.

 

2015 Porch Host Spotlight #8

 
– KIM – PFEST2015PPP2BSM2



Talk to us a bit about community, about yourselves, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1- Is this your first time hosting a porch? Did you get to go to PorchFest last year?

This is my first year hosting and when Marshall, a huge advocate for events that occur in West Central/Kendall Yards, asked me to host my porch I was very excited. I have a great porch that overlooks the Spokane River, making a nice spot for such a gathering to take place.

 

2- How often do you get over to West Central?

I have lived in West Central, actually the same house, since I was born. I’ve seen a lot of changes occur over my lifetime, but the small community feel has never left. I feel very tied to this community. My neighbors feel like family to me and we all look out for each other.

 

3-What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?

I’m excited to be a part of an event that will bring more people into our neighborhood where they can get a taste of our neighborhood’s welcoming and eclectic personality!

 

4-What have you done to build community? What else would you like to do?

In addition to PorchFest, I am also involved with Urban Garden Share for Spokane (http://www.urbangardenshare.org/spokane/). It’s a movement taking place where people can open their garden space to those who don’t have access to a garden and can grow, share and cultivate new friendships. My partner in Urban Garden Share is Bernadette Powers, who also lives in West Central and happens to be my next door neighbor!

2015 Performer Spotlight #8

You’d be surprised to know that Drew is a relative newcomer to the music scene…

 

DREW BLINCOW – Singer/Guitarist –

 

© Marshall E. Peterson Jr.

© Marshall E. Peterson Jr.

Bio: I am 26 years old and I found music about 4 years ago. Patti Smith said “all you need is a poem and three chords” and thats what I did! Little did I know I had so much music to give, and now over time I can call myself a true musician.

 

I love music and art and I truly believe they are human gifts for therapy, healing and expression. Sharing songs is one of the most beautiful things in this life.

 

I am also a face painter and fine artist and I tend to jump through cycles of creativity by alternating between seasons of art and music. I’m not sure what to make of this world and this life, but I know art, music and community sure make it better.

 

2015 Porch Host Spotlight #7

Bea loved last year’s event so much that she wanted to host this year. Wish granted!

 

– BEA – PFEST2015LH6B2SM2

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourselves, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1-What got you interested in PorchFest?

I attended PorchFest last year and really enjoyed the musicians, poets, and nice neighbors. This event gave me “permission” to say “Howdy” to neighbors I didn’t know yet.

 

2- What is community? How do we build it?

I define community as people and families who share something basic, like the neighborhood they live in, a workplace, a common cause – and because of an over-riding desire for this common element to be successful – the people manage to get to know each other and pull together on common goals. Catalysts are important for community building. Either a common GOOD THING – like farmer’s markets, community spaces and sharing art and music – or – a common threat (fires, heavy snow, dirt bike track or pig farm moving in…) can build community.

 

3- What have you done to build community?

Be friendly. Support community gardening. Volunteer at local grade school, Holmes E.S. I would like to keep the north side of Bridge Avenue getting better and better as a good place for families to live. 

 

4- What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?

I hope people will enjoy coming to my humble yard, feel blessed by the huge old apricot tree, and enjoy the musicians’ and poets’ gifts to us. I hope I can be part of PorchFest being a series of fun, warm and fuzzy gatherings.

 

5- What things will you be doing to make this year’s event special?

Cleaning up my yard! Tending the neglected garden! Making lemonade, maybe cookies.

 

6- Why should people come to this year’s event?

People should come if they are curious, adventurous, and willing to be just a little vulnerable going into the unknown, after all – questing after food for the soul (music, poetry) and to be the guests of strangers.

2015 Performer Spotlight #7

 We just met Matthew and Sarah a couple of weeks ago. Welcome to Spokane Sarah!

 

MATTHEW WINTERS & SARAH HULL – Singer/Songwriters –PFEST2015LH4DSM2

 

Bio: “Matthew started off as a writer and later added music to his repertoire.  He sang in bands of various genres in high school, but nothing fit until he started accompanying himself on guitar.  His lyrics paint realistic pictures of everyday life.  One might be overcome by the darker aspects of his songs, but there’s always some underlying hope or even a wry sense of humor beneath the surface.  Matthew’s voice is deep and raw…it’s easy to see why many people call his style ‘acoustic punk.’  He has been writing, performing, and touring intensely in the past couple years, which resulted in a loyal following but only now is he getting broader attention.  He earned The Inlander’s “Band to Watch” designation.”

 

Talk to us a bit about community, about yourself as an artist, and about PorchFest, please…

 

1 -What got you interested in PorchFest? What do you think about it?

Matthew: This will be my first time at PorchFest. I missed the boat last year, so I’m excited to get to perform this time. Marshall Peterson recently contacted me about playing at the Kendall Yards Night Markets. Sarah had just moved up from Gresham, OR and we had a couple songs together, so we played and just loved the atmosphere. There were vendors coming by to chat and people pulling up chairs to listen for a couple songs and go about their evenings. It was just a good vibe. PorchFest seems like it will be a similar feel and I’m happy to be a part of that.

 

2-What is “community”? How do we build it?

Sarah: I think that a group of like minded  people can accomplish anything, but I also believe that continually having a catalyst as something to push off of is the best way to create, maintain, and propel a community.

 

3- How often do you get over to West Central? What brings you over?

Matthew: I haven’t been over in years. It’s looking great.

 

4-What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?

Sarah: I want to do the best that I can to add as much as I can to the fun as possible! I’m excited to perform!

 

5-What have you done to build community? What else would you like to do?

Matthew: I’ve been a part of the music scene in Spokane for years. I’d like to think my addition to that has been my musical output over my input, although that doesn’t always seem to be the case. I’m fortunate enough to continue performing and writing. My intention is to keep that mojo going.

 

6-What do you hope to accomplish at PorchFest? What do you want to help PorchFest accomplish?

Matthew: I just can’t wait to meet everyone. From what I’ve seen so far this is going to be a lot of fun. Sarah: I want to do the best that I can to add as much as I can to the fun as possible! I’m excited to perform!