Initially not much more than a good natured musical one-off between friends, the West Coast quartet In Spite of Ourselves has evolved into a highly entertaining act with a mission— to keep alive the deep and timeless catalogue of songwriter John Prine.

An unspoken understanding of this mission is the belief that there are only two kinds of people in the musical world: those whose lives have been profoundly changed by Prine, and those who haven’t heard him yet.

In Spite of Ourselves: A Celebration of the Music of John Prine brings together the interpretive talents of multi-instrumentalist/producer Doug Cox, Juno Award-winning Tom and Kalissa Landa from the Paperboys, and Nashville/Vancouver Island songwriter/artist Steve Mitchell. All lifelong Prine devotees, the members of In Spite of Ourselves take turns diving deep into the Prine songbook. With a twinkle in his eye, Doug Cox leads the band through a joyously loose reading of Prine’s “You Got Gold” featuring a drunken-sounding orchestra of fiddle, harmonica, and melodica. Tom Landa finds the tender and contemplative heart of “Long Monday,” and Steve Mitchell goes over to the other side of the tracks on the funky “Mexican Home.” And on “Picture Show,” Kalissa Landa follows up the song’s insanely hooky chorus with a fiddle solo that’s as combustible as an old film projector.

Tragically for all of us, John Prine left this world at the beginning of the pandemic. But thanks to his songs, music fans everywhere have a permanent portal into the little universe of his singular mind.

In Spite of Ourselves takes you through that door and shows you the house that John Prine built.

You’re never going to want to leave.

Moondance is a 5-star musical ensemble covering Van Morrison's timeless up-tempo soulful, rock, blues anger for Steve Miller, d Celtic ballads from the 1960’s to the present. We are a Seattle based band. The band’s performances capture the lyrical and rhythmic passion that has enchanted Van Morrison's audiences throughout the years along with our all-star sound. Moondance has a fun, engaging style that provides our audiences a connection to the "feel good magic" of Van Morrison's music.

Michael Clune, the band leader who put Moondance together 5 years ago recalls his thoughts leading up to committing to Van Morrison’s music and legacy. “I always had super respect for the troubadours, the songwriters with a soulful genuine delivery. I was moved by Van’s diversity of blues, jazz, rock, and Americana styles, his arrangements that were open to improvisation, and his ability to tell a story with significant emotional depth.” Moondance is made up of 6 talented musicians that are experienced pros with big ears. Their 3 part vocal harmony arrangements and soloing expertise perform Van’s songs not only in a true tribute spirit, but with their own musical expression that conveys a real time feeling to their audience.

Chefs: Kenji Lopez-Alt - New York Times Food Critic & Cookbook Author Taichi Kitamura - Sushi Kappo Tamura Mutsuko Soma - Kamonegi & Hannyatou Christina Wood - Temple Pastries

Seattle Chamber Music Society and Tasting Notes returns on July 6 with an exciting new lineup of celebrated Seattle chefs and a delicious new twist! Hosted by SCMS Artistic Director James Ehnes and celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author Kenji López-Alt, this one-of-a-kind evening brings SCMS musicians together with acclaimed Seattle chefs.

Guests will experience live chamber music, cooking demonstrations, and—new this year—a full dinner service featuring each chef’s creations, all unfolding on stage at the Triple Door. The event features table seating, with a four-course dinner served family-style to each table, (vegetarian option available). A wine pairing add-on featuring Gard Estate Wines will also be available for purchase.