Love Is On The Menu

Most of you have probably already forgotten about my Portland-promise from earlier this year to try and highlight more music from our sister city to the south. I almost did myself, so I can’t say I blame you. Luckily, however, I’m here to back it up and expose a bright spot in the Rose City’s art scene.

In what seems like an increasing (but by no means recent) trend in the world of music, musicians these days are more than just simply musicians; they design stylish clothing, they fashion sustainable jewelry, they create visuals for a local concert, or they manipulate photographs for a friend’s gallery. In short, they’re multitalented, versatile and resourceful. At least, many of them are. One such example is Portland folk outfit Love Menu, featuring a crop of designers and musicians working together to bring their innovative ideas to the world. More specifically, the band will be bringing said visions to a trunk show and par-tay at the Last Waltz Boutique in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on Saturday, April 26th.

Originally the solo project of organic clothing designer Emily Katz, the band has now progressed—and taken off—to include a slew of additional collaborators such as Bobby Smith on guitar and glockenspiel, Steve Kierniesky on the banjo and guitar, vocalist Jeevan Singh, and drummer/designer Emily Baker. Baker, who cloaks herself under the veil of Clever Castle, is a bonafide veteran of the Seattle music scene, sitting behind the drum kit for such bands as Sinestro, Enemy Kite, Via, Panda & Angel, and Touchdown Eagle, among others. Recently transported to Portland in the hopes of improving her chances as a jewelry designer, her body ornaments have garnered much acclaim for their uniqueness, their sustainability, and, of course, their magnetic charm. Now teamed with Katz, she and the rest of the Love Menu gang are taking the west coast by storm with a soothing catalogue of flourishing acoustic folk tunes. Katz’s hauntingly beautiful voice wafts through each of their songs as the players embellish with a flock of instruments, including melodica, autoharp, concertina, and, oh yes, handclaps.

The band will be embarking shortly on a tour through California, Oregon, and Washington in the wake of a successful recording session at the legendary Dub Narcotic Studios (that of K Records founder Calvin Johnson) in Olympia, WA. The party in Seattle will be the final stop. Come out and support local artisans as they weave their homegrown magic.

Post Script: Proceeds to benefit Baahaus, a Vashon Island animal shelter!

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