Seattle City Buzz

The Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is hosting the Seattle Presents lunchtime concert series at City Hall. These free community concerts within walking distance from various downtown condo locations, feature top Seattle talent and regularly draw a devoted audience of residents and downtown workforce.

Upcoming concerts include:

The Jim Knapp Orchestra

Thu., May 3, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

Top Seattle instrumentalists perform works by recent Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Jim Knapp. A prolific composer/arranger, Knapp’s big band compositions resound with lush textures and round harmonies.

Quinton I. Morris & Friends

Thu., May 17, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

Metropolitan Opera soprano Indra Thomas and celebrated Seattle pianist Byron Schenkman join acclaimed violinist Quinton I. Morris for a performance of classical and contemporary music. Raised in Seattle, Morris founded The Young Eight, a string octet of African American string players.

Seattle Pro Musica

Thu., May 31, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

Celebrate the best of American choral music with beloved classics and adventurous new works in this special preview performance of the American Masterpieces Choral Festival. Karen P. Thomas conducts works by composer-in-residence Morten Lauridsen and festival selections.

Holly Figueroa O’Reilly

Thu., June 7, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

Alt-country Americana rock from the Seattle singer/songwriter Rockrgrl Magazine calls a “force to be reckoned with.” O’Reilly has wowed audiences internationally and logged nearly 900 tour dates. She brings her group home to play tunes from her latest album “Gifts and Burdens.”

Two Loons For Tea

Thu., June 21, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

This sophisticated dream-pop group brings their hypnotic vocals and haunting riffs to City Hall. Fresh off their European tour and performing as an acoustic trio, Two Loons for Tea plays tracks from their forthcoming CD recorded at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studios.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Tue., June 19, 2007, noon - 1 p.m., City Hall Lobby

With a spirited and infectious fusion of traditional West African music, roots reggae and rhythmic folk, the All Stars craft music that transforms and uplifts. Their music decries the horrors of war and is an inspiring symbol of the healing power of music. Hosted in partnership with Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

Memphis Radio Kings

Thur., July 12, 2007, noon - 1:30 p.m.

City Hall Plaza

Wine and bullets, melody, hooks and rhythm stewed together for an altered country sound beyond all other “alt.” Borrowing liberally from 70’s rock, indie-pop, gospel, blues, and country, the sound from these local lads steamrolls like an armadillo on speed.

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