TosT

The Art is Not a Piece...at Tost

I am an art nerd, and I love checking out displays of human creativity wherever they occur: museums, offices, coffee shops, train station bathrooms- I don't let the location of the art determine my interest in the talent. As much as I am an art nerd, however, I am even worse of an art critic and routinely sum up many of the pieces in Seattle's bars with words of four letters. But Tost is different. The art is not crap. It is good. It is original. It makes you think. There is obviously someone smart choosing the rotating exhibits, not just another bar owner putting up their friends uninspired Dali knock-offs. I could also talk about the smiley-face bartenders, the groovy evening music or the popular poetry slams at the club, but the original artwork alone is enough to bring you out to Fremont. Check out the current display, have a drink, get your jam on, go for a smoke on the back deck and decide what you think of the pieces of Tost.

Every Thursday...

The Marmalade boys kick it at Tost in Fremont each week with grooves as smooth as their name. The ten-man band fills the stage with their chill presence and straight lays down the funkiest, jazziest beats to be found in Seattle. Funklove's velvety vocals spread the good vibes through the crowd, a mellow Fremont blend of 20-something singles and friends. Marmalade's sound is an original (and often improv) mix of soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop, a fresh groove that is just perfect for a Thursday evening. Smear it on thick and get ready to dance!

Who Knew...

Marmalade has made some changes in their roster. Davee C is now playing drums. I headed there to see him play and he was off the hook. Yes, I know him and think he's an amazing musician. Last night Feb 21st 2008 at 11:30 he was a freak. The way he kept time and the way he hits the drums is just not right. Davee C is the Man.

Bob, it was cool watching you go from the vocals to your Bass. You took the Bass from the other guy and started playing while it was still on him. The entire time he was passing the instrument over to you, you just keep on playing in beat. Bro! You do know that's som sick stuff don't you? Well Done!

Scotty S. You were the sound guy. Who know you could walk over Bob and take the Bass from him and start holding it down? My man, we need to talk.

Special shout out to Big Talk for offering to let me sit in last night. I had to decline but I appreciated the offer.

Hey Everyone, Marmalade can get down!

yawn

Marmalade is a thoroughly mediocre *band. Please stop exaggerating. NOW.

*a couple of their members are excellent musicians (such as Davee C) but one or two solid components do not make for a good band. Dig? I hope so.