Rebecca Young Music

Here we are in mid-August.  I have been a little quiet and things have been a little rocky.  So rocky that I thought I had sent this email out a week ago, but it only went to me.  Ya, it’s been like that…

Many of you know that my beloved, beautiful, creative, kind, funny, sharp-as-a-tack mama died on July 14.  I was blessed and beyond grateful to have been at her side in Toronto, accompanied by my sister-in law, Carolyn, and my friend since childhood, Maureen. I have now had the unique experience of having been with my father, my brother and my mother when each of them took their last breath.  And there is so much more to say about that, though not here.  

Unfortunately, over these past 8 months, I have had to leave some of my bandmates and students somewhat stranded in order to care for mom and to travel back and forth to be with her.  

I wouldn’t change anything, of course, but certainly my life has been in chaos, my routine disrupted, and I haven’t been announcing many of the shows that I have been able to play.

I’m now home and hopefully not having to make any surprise trips for some time, getting back into real life, and looking forward to these shows coming up:

Doe Bay Artists in Residence with Aaron Starkey
August 18-24 – Orcas Island
I’ll be up at the magnificent and healing Doe Bay Resort with pals Aaron Starkey and Jeff Baars (with a guest appearance from Tony Fulgham), writing and playing music and soaking up the Island vibes. Courtesy of the generosity and kindness of Joe & Maureen and the sweet folks up at DB who make these residencies in heaven possible every year for local artists.  Grateful!

Dean Johnson (with Sera Cahoone solo and Rocky Votolato)
Wednesday August 26 @ Canlis
Doors @ 6pm
Yup! You read correctly.  We’ll be playing in the Lower Lot of this famed restaurant with this killer lineup and what reportedly is the best parking lot food this side of the Mississippi!

Stephanie Anne Johnson
Thursday August 27, Kenmore Summer Concert Series
6-8pm FREE and All Ages
If you haven’t seen or heard Steph, then grab your picnic basket and blanket and head out to the beautiful Saint Edward State Park for a warm & satisfying evening of outdoor music that’s good for the heart and soul. 

Blues Underground presents Hillman City Sway
Thursday August 27, Black and Tan Hall
Doors @ 7pm, Dance Lesson 8pm, Live Music 9-11pm
Come for the free dance lesson and dance your Blues away with our 6-8-piece band featuring Ricky Gene Powelll, Steve Flynn, Joe Seamons, Briar, John Oliver III, Martell Brooks, Jada Sills.

Jelly Rollers (Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Eric Eagle, Ron Weinstein, yours truly)
Friday August 28, Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Pioneer Square
9-Midnight
FREE. 21+
Swinging/improvisational Blues avec Hammond B3 organ and sometimes with Special Guests…

Dean Johnson
Saturday August 29, Quilcene Lantern, on the Olympic Peninsula
All Ages, Doors @6pm
This will be my last DJ show for a spell – and it will be under the stars on the Peninsula at this magical venue.  I’ve heard so much about this beautiful place and its owners/managers and now I get to play it with Dean, Sam and Sera.  Come hang with us!

Your Jack Album Release with Nat Meek, Annie Sutherland, Mike Heath, Andrew Frank
Thursday September 3, Sunset Tavern
I just finished recording with Your Jack and we had a sweet time and are looking forward to sharing some of these songs, old and new!

Darren Loucas (with Barton Carroll, Braly Sangster)
Friday September 11, Rabbit Box, PIke Place Market
I’m so excited to be playing this show and this incredible line-up of beyond-talented friends.  And there are few venues as warm and intimate as this gem in the Pike Place Market.

Golden West (middle slot between Seola Station and featuring the Stereo Embers Reunion Show!)
Saturday September 12,Sunset Tavern, Ballard
Come out for this killer line-up, to see Kim & Kathy (and all of our big band) do their thing, and to celebrate the long-awaited reunion of the Stereo Embers.

Betsy Olson Band, in support of Jesse Roper
Friday September 25, Sunset Tavern
Betsy Olson Band welcomes Jeff MacIsaac on the drum kit for this special night in support of fellow Canuck Jesse Roper!

Here are some damn good shows coming right up that I just happen to be playing bass on (and ofc there is GREAT live music 8 days a week in this town). Go get ’em!

Lions and Tigers and Bears.  Cello, Viola and Brass.  Cello and Keyboards and Sax. 
First up are two shows that I’m TINGLING with excitement to play – and that feature more bandmates on a stage than makes sense. But don’t mistake quantity for NOISE.  These shows, with this instrumentation, will take you on a sonic journey through to some sacred, psychedelic spaces: 

Thursday, June 11 @ 7:00 PM – Clouds of the West with Quentin Ertel, Rose Bellini, Dan Walker, Erin Jorgensen, 
Easy Street Records (4559 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116)
Come see our orchestral indie rock band to see if we can fit all our players on their little stage, all during the West Seattle Art Walk! Our beautiful vinyl record will be available. And you’ll be home by 8:30pm.
Free & All Ages!
Listen Here

Friday, June 12 – Brenna Bruce  (with Lightweight Champion & Stonefruit)
Rabbit Box Theatre, Pike Place Market
Brenna’s new record, Light Catcher, is so stunningly beautiful that it almost hurts to listen to it.  Hurts so good, that is.  Charles Wicklander, Rachael Beaver, Kat Olsen, Paul Hirschl, Brenna and her sisters Brooke and Bailey and I will try to bring it to life, live for you.  
Tickets Here
Listen Here

Then, sans cello!:

Saturday June 20 @3:15pm – Where’s Beth
Tangletown Porchfest – 2111 N. 52nd Street (Tangletown, near Greenlake)
No cellos or brass.  Just beautiful songs & lyrics, and funny faces from our beloved drummer, Jesse Thorson. 🙂
FREE.  Donations Accepted. 
Listen Here

Thursday June 25 – Hillman City Sway – Free Dance Lesson 8-9pm, and live band 9pm-11pm
Black & Tan Hall, Columbia/Hillman City
You can dance -and you can be inspired and watch some of the great dancers from Blues Underground. If you haven’t been to B&T Hall yet, it’s time to check it out!
Tickets & Info Here

Friday June 26 – Jelly Rollers – featuring  Darren Loucas, Sean Divine,, Ron Weinstein (and me and a drummer in Eric Eagle’s stead this time around)
Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Pioneer Square
FREE 9-11pm – Info here
THE oldest Irish pub in Seattle with smokin’ hot music most nights of the week. We love the Owl and always have a great time here. Come have a pint and some fries.  Pool tables, too!
Listen Here

Saturday June 27 – Betsy Olson Band @ 6pm as part of Wildrose Pride  – the FULL Band (Olson, Cahoone, Provencher, Young – not a law firm)
Outside The Wildrose Bar, Capitol Hill
Tickets Here

Saturday May 23 – Golden West (The Jaws of Brooklyn Record Release with RUB)
Tractor Tavern, Ballard
Tickets here

Golden West is fresh out of the studio and finishing up a full record, so we’re ready to play these songs for you and to celebrate with friends, Jaws of Brooklyn.
Sunday May 24 – Stephanie Anne Johnson, 5pm
Juan de Fuca Music Festival, Port Angeles
Tickets here
Come to the peninsula for a full band performance in a beautiful setting.  Road/ferry trip?

Memorial Monday, May 25 – The Debbie Miller
Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Centre
Schedule here – we play at 5pm.
The Debbie Miller performs at The Greatest Festival on earth. I love Folklife so much – and Zan Fiskum will also perform on the same stage before or after us. Come for a full day of great music, art, food, and fun. 

It’s May!  And it’s so beautiful to see everything in bloom in Seattle.  Here are some fun shows I’m playing.  You’re invited! Mark your calendars. 🙂

Friday, May 8 – Where’s Beth (with Claire Tucker Trio, C. Marti)
Rabbit Box Theatre – Pike Place Market
Tickets here

If you haven’t yet seen or heard Sarabeth Weszely (and Jesse Thorson), May 8 is the night and we’ll be playing songs from the new record, Ache is a Cricket in the Night.
Friday, May 15 – Dean Johnson (with The Kimball Superstars & DJ 50 Spence)
Jazzbones, Tacoma
Tickets here
We can’t wait to play Tacoma.  Road trip?

Saturday May 23 – Golden West (The Jaws of Brooklyn Record Release with RUB)
Tractor Tavern, Ballard
Tickets here
Golden West is fresh out of the studio and finishing up a full record, so we’re ready to play these songs for you and to celebrate with friends, Jaws of Brooklyn.

Sunday May 24 – Stephanie Anne Johnson, 5pm
Juan de Fuca Music Festival, Port Angeles
Tickets here
Come to the peninsula for a full band performance in a beautiful setting.  Road/ferry trip?

Memorial Monday, May 25 – The Debbie Miller
Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Centre
Schedule here – we play at 5pm.
The Debbie Miller performs at The Greatest Festival on earth. I love Folklife so much – and Zan Fiskum will also perform on the same stage before or after us. Come for a full day of great music, art, food, and fun. 

Thursday May 28 – Hillman Sway – Free Dance Lesson 8-9pm, and live band 9pm-11pm
Black & Tan Hall, Columbia/Hillman City
Tickets and Info
You can dance -and you can be inspired and watch some of the great dancers from Blues Underground. If you haven’t been to B&T Hall yet, it’s time to check it out!

Saturday May 30 – The Jelly Rollers – featuring Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Eric Eagle, Ron Weinstein (and me)
Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Pioneer Square
FREE. 9-11pm – Info here
One of the oldest pubs in Seattle with smokin’ hot music most nights of the week. We love the Owl and always have a great time here.  

Hello friends and music lovers.

Happy almost Spring.  Lots – and lots of rain here in Seattle.  A good time to be inside listening to live music. 🙂

TONIGHT, Friday March 6
A last minute show with my long time friend, Rick DeChurch.  Rick and I play as a duo tonight, singing together with a bass and an acoustic guitar.  
You may have seen us over the years as EOC, Higgsfield, Rebrick, and now we’re B.E.L. or Beautiful Existential Love.  Rick as written over 200 songs and we’ll be playing 7 of them; a short set opening for the fabulous Margo Adrift.  And I love a gig I can walk to… 
St. Andrew’s Pub (next to PCC Aurora on Aurora at 74th Street)
8pm – opener Patrick Santerre.  9pm – Beautiful Existential Love 9:45pm – Margo Adrift

Saturday, March 21
I’ll be playing middle slot with – The Debbie Miller! We open for Jesse Roper and beautiful & friendly Maike Frazier will open the night. This one may sell out, so don’t dilly dally…
Sunset Tavern, Ballard.
Doors: 8p.  Show 9p. TIckets here:
https://dice.fm/event/q26bwo-tractor-tavern-presents-jesse-roper-debbie-miller-mike-frazier-21st-mar-the-sunset-tavern-seattle-tickets?pid=f8b95fbd&_branch_match_id=989404647576355286&utm_medium=partners_api&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1c80TDU1STU0NE1MS7QvyEyxTbNIsjRNS0pRqytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAHrsXnUgAAAA%3D

Friday, March 27
Jelly Rollers (Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Eric Eagle, Ron Weinstein)
Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Post Alley, Pioneer Square
9pm-Midnight. FREE
Ridiculously fun and blistering blues with a lot of twists and turns.
https://owlnthistle.com/ 
(this doesn’t tell you much, but I promise some crazy good music)

Hi Friends and Music Lovers –

Yes, I have always loved roller coasters.  All kinds of State Fair rides – and especially roller coasters.  The bigger, the better.  Once, when I was recovering from breast cancer almost 20 years ago, I took Jack to Legoland and we were in line for the roller coaster.  I had just finished chemo.  I was bald.  I was wearing a wig.  As we got to the front of a long line, the attendant told everyone to remove their hats.  Well…my hat was holding my wig on.  I panicked – and pulled both the hat and the wig off and heard a kid behind me ask his mother, Why is that lady taking off her hair?

Lately, I’ve been on a different, less enjoyable roller coaster navigating my mother’s health. Over the holidays, on a trip home to Toronto, we unexpectedly were faced with the fact that we would probably have to say goodbye to her.  It was sudden.  A mysterious illness that she wished not to diagnose or receive testing for.  She acknowledged she had had a long life and was ready to go. I said I would stay with her.  And I stayed for almost 6 weeks. And she’s still here.  

At this point, her health has since stabilized, and her future remains uncertain as we respect her wishes to forgo diagnostic testing. She no longer believes she’s dying.  Wow. 

Coming so soon after the loss of my brother just over a year ago, seeing my mother—who has always been so active—decline so suddenly has been a shock. I spent January by her side assembling a palliative care team and had to cancel gigs, students and my life here at home.

I am now back in Seattle, having promised my mother I will return to Toronto every few months to be with her. She has promised to alert me immediately if her condition changes.

So…here’s what coming up for me musically for the remainder of this month:

Wednesday, February 25
Erin Jorgensen, Clouds of the West, Raven Quartet
I’ll be playing mid show with Clouds of the West (9 of us on stage!) and it’s our record release show.  Would love to see you there for some rich, luscious sounds (horns, keys, strings…).
Sunset Tavern, Ballard.
https://dice.fm/event/92dk39-erin-jorgensen-clouds-of-the-west-raven-quartet-25th-feb-the-sunset-tavern-seattle-tickets?pid=f8b95fbd&_branch_match_id=989404647576355286&utm_medium=partners_api&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1S9PTTM0SDEyTk40TbMvyEyxTbNIsjRNS0pRqytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAFkQiVkgAAAA%3D

Thursday, February 26
Hillman Sway, Black & Tan Hall, Hillman City
We play swing dancing blues at this beautiful cooperatively owned club in Hillman City.  Great music along with a FREE Blues Dance lesson 8-9pm, sponsored by Blues Underground.
https://www.blackandtanhall.com/events

Friday, February 27
Jelly Rollers (Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Eric Eagle, Ron Weinstein)
Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Post Alley, Pioneer Square
9pm-Midnight. FREE
Ridiculously fun and blistering blues with a lot of twists and turns.
https://owlnthistle.com/ (this doesn’t tell you much, but I promise some crazy good music)

What a year it’s been.  Lots of ups and downs.  I guess that’s the name of the game, isn’t it? 
Live Music sustains me; playing it, watching it, and living in a community of people who care about and prioritize it.  
Thanks to all of you reading this for supporting live music in whatever ways you do.  There are no shows without an audience (If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?).

Here’s what is left for me for the rest of this 2025, starting TONIGHT – an early show! where I join two beautiful singer/songwriters, Brenna Bruce and Where’s Beth. 

TONIGHT, Wednesday, December 10 – early!! – doors at 7pm.
Where’s Beth with Brenna Bruce & Nina Natasia – I’m thrilled to be playing bass both with Brenna and Where’s Beth.  If you haven’t heard either of these bands, you’ll want to rectify that this evening if possible. 
Royal Room, Columbia City
Tickets/Info:
https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/wheres-beth-overtime-waltz-release-show-w-brenna-bruce-and-nina-nastasia/

TOMORROW, Thursday, December 11
Mike Frazier/Rebecca Porter/Country Dave Harmonson & Charles Wicklander – I’ll be joining both Mike Frazier and Rebecca Porter for this beautiful night of music.  
Conor Byrne Pub, Ballard
Tickets/Info:
https://www.conorbyrnepub.com/#/events/149195

Saturday, December 13
Long Dark Moon, Blackstock, Golden West – I’ll be opening the night with Golden West and staying to see all of my friends in LDM and Blackstock.  
Sunset Tavern, Ballard 
Tickets/Info:
https://dice.fm/event/dk8ea6-kbcs-presents-long-dark-moon-cassette-release-show-blackstock-golden-west-13th-dec-the-sunset-tavern-seattle-tickets?pid=f8b95fbd&_branch_match_id=989404647576355286&utm_medium=partners_api&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1a9ITE0xMTZMszA1SrMvyEyxTbNIsjRNS0pRqytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAz1PmfEgAAAA%3D

Friday December 19
10th Annual Shit Show! @ The Rabbit Box Theatre, Pike Place Market 
SO many musical delicacies…I’ll be playing a few tunes with my friends/musical dreamboats Amanda Winterhalter, The Debbie Miller, and joined by Tomo Nakayama and Aimee Zoe. 
Tickets/Info:
https://www.therabbitboxseattle.com/events/9gqcwm5agh61fhhvrqi20r7eeskuxl-ykhab

This is an exquisite show and the 6pm show is SOLD OUT.

BUT…there are a handful of tickets left for the 9pm show and you can use the code below for a 20% discount (shhhh…) cuz we want a full house for both shows and cuz it shouldn’t be missed:

Saturday, December 6
Linda; The Story and Music of Linda Ronstadt, featuring Brenna Bruce, V. Contreras, Mireya Ramos and Mariachi La Tierra with house band Reb Young, Aaron O’Neil, David Salonen, Jason Staczek, Alex Guy and her string quartet.  This year with Narrator/Host Nancy Guppy.
Triple Door, downtown Seattle.
Two Shows:  6pm is SOLD OUT.  9pm still has a few tickets left.  Get ’em 20% off here:

https://thetripledoor.net/mainstage-calendar
Use LINDA25 at checkout

To close out November, I’ll be with the Jelly Rollers (Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Will Sage, Ron Weinstein and special Guest Brittany Davis) TONIGHT playing some swinging Chicago style Blues at the venerable Owl ‘n Thistle Pub from 9-midnight.

TONIGHT Friday November 28
Jelly Rollers @ Owl ‘n Thistle Pub, Pioneer Square
9-Midnight
Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Will Sage, Ron Weinstein, Brittany Davis and me. 
https://owl-n-thistle-pub.restaurants-world.com/#google_vignette

And…next month:

Saturday, December 6
Linda; The Story and Music of Linda Ronstadt, featuring Brenna Bruce, V. Contreras, Mireya Ramos and Mariachi La Tierra with house band Reb Young, Aaron O’Neil, David Salonen, Jason Staczek, Alex Guy and her string quartet.  This year with Narrator/Host Nancy Guppy.
Triple Door, downtown Seattle.
Two Shows:  6pm is SOLD OUT.  9pm still has a few tickets left.  Get ’em here:
https://thetripledoor.net/mainstage-calendar

Wednesday, December 10
Where’s Beth with Brenna Bruce & Nina Natasia – I’m thrilled to be playing bass both with Brenna and Where’s Beth.  If you haven’t heard either of these bands, you’ll want to rectify that now. 
Royal Room, Columbia City
Tickets/Info:
https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/wheres-beth-overtime-waltz-release-show-w-brenna-bruce-and-nina-nastasia/

Thursday, December 11
Mike Frazier/Rebecca Porter/Country Dave Harmonson & Charles Wicklander – I’ll be joining both Mike Frazier and Rebecca Porter for this beautiful night of music.  
Conor Byrne Pub, Ballard
Tickets/Info:
https://www.conorbyrnepub.com/#/events/149195

Saturday, December 13
Long Dark Moon, Blackstock, Golden West – I’ll be opening the night with Golden West and staying to see all of my friends in LDM and Blackstock.  
Sunset Tavern, Ballard 
Tickets/Info:
https://dice.fm/event/dk8ea6-kbcs-presents-long-dark-moon-cassette-release-show-blackstock-golden-west-13th-dec-the-sunset-tavern-seattle-tickets?pid=f8b95fbd&_branch_match_id=989404647576355286&utm_medium=partners_api&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1a9ITE0xMTZMszA1SrMvyEyxTbNIsjRNS0pRqytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAz1PmfEgAAAA%3D

Friday December 19
10th Annual Shit Show! @ The Rabbit Box Theatre, Pike Place Market 
SO many musical delicacies…
Tickets/Info:
https://www.therabbitboxseattle.com/events/9gqcwm5agh61fhhvrqi20r7eeskuxl-ykhab

Hello friends of live music!

What an epic homecoming for Dean Johnson and band at the Showbox last night. 
Thanks to the droves of you who showed up to support.  What a way to end a beautiful tour…
There is NO GOOD SHOW without a good audience.  We had a great show because we had a great audience.  Thank you again.

I’m tired, yes, but not too tired to play with an incredible band tonight backing up the shining Julia Francis.  If you can make it out tonight, you won’t be sorry:
Saturday, November 22 – Julia Francis (with Seola Station)
Royal Room.  Doors: 6:30pm and Show at 7:30pm
Tickets & Info here:
https://theroyalroomseattle.com/event/julia-francis-seola-station
Julia’s band features Darren Loucas, Aaron O’Neil, Charles Wicklander and yours truly supporting Julia and her beautiful and wild songs.  It’s a rare live full band show for us so please come and see us if you can!

To close out November, I’ll be back with the Jelly Rollers (Darren Loucas, Sean Divine, Eric Eagle, Ron Weinstein) playing some swinging Chicago style Blues at this venerable Irish Pub: 
Friday November 28, so you can work off your turkey/tofurkey.