Band In Seattle, Now Taping for Season Two!

SweetKiss Momma at Band In Seattle (Photo by Mocha Charlie)

With production for the second season of Band In Seattle well under way, the show, (which airs on The CW Saturdays at 11 p.m.) has more musicians yet to feature before they wrap things up for 2014. The unique production not only showcases Northwest musicians, but the audience can also be an active part of the taping of the show. Tickets are available to the public for each of their live tapings, which are announced both on their website and Facebook pages.

Last Friday night, audience members were treated to the southern rock sounds of Puyallup’s, SweetKiss Momma, and Seattle’s one and only Australian didgeridoo master, Blake Noble. The stage set-up under the metal sign at Victory Studios (where the tapings are held) is simple, and each band holds nothing back from their performance. Chairs and tables are provided for the audience; however, depending on the band who’s slated to perform, they leave a wide gap in the center to encourage dancing. And on Friday, there was plenty of dancing.

SKM’s soulful, root rock sounds encourage audience foot stomping, toe tapping,  hand waving and beat clapping. Consisting of both family and friends, they have had much support since their four-year recording hiatus from 2010 to 2014. Not only has their latest CD, A Reckoning Is Coming (March ’14) received numerous positive reviews, but they continue to rank in the top 20 on Reverbnation’s charts, and have secured their first upcoming European tour (Jan-Feb ’15).  Friday’s show included an interview portion where each member responded to various questions from both the moderator and the audience. Who are their influences? What music inspires them? Wondering how they got their name?  You’ll have to wait until their episode airs next year to find out!

There really are no words to describe a Blake Noble performance.  Many who have seen him would agree that he is best experienced LIVE to really appreciate the scope of his talent.  He is a master at his craft. What sounds come out of and off of his twelve-string guitar (lovingly taped to maintain its shape and integrity) is an energetic performance that leaves Noble breathless by the end of each song, and he doesn’t even sing a note. When he performs with a band, it only elevates the music he is expressing. Friday’s performance included Noble, and bassist, Joel Hoyer, and Matthew Rieger on slide guitar and banjo. During his interview after his performance, he tried to teach his band members and moderator how to play the didgeridoo, which proved to be way harder than Noble makes it look (and sound).  His latest release,  Underdog, includes both full band sounds and special guest vocals by friend and fellow musician, Cody Beebe. It is a must-have for any music collection.

Band In Seattle will continue to produce next season’s shows through December, with Season 2 air dates to (tentatively) begin in February 2015. Because Seattle and the Northwest has hundreds of bands they’d like to showcase, they plan to increase the type and style of the show. They are seeking out large contract sponsors to make that happen. Until then, The CW has placed the show in re-run rotation each Saturday at 11 p.m.