Tall Ships and Smooth Jazz at The Tacoma Club
Ooowee, in just doesn't get much better than this. Tall Ships and Smooth Jazz at The Tacoma Club gives you an eagle's eye view of the Tall Ships on Commencement Bay and the Thea Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma on the 16th floor of the Wells Fargo building. You can sip a well-aged Scotch and stare out the windows for a spectacular view. If you are coming from Seattle, the freeway stops just a few feet away from the parking garage underneath the Wells Fargo building. We recommend arriving at 5:30pm. The show begins at 7:00pm, but we will have a "meet & greet" at 6:00pm where you may meet the stars and get autographs and buy CDs.
The Tall Ships are in Tacoma for just four days. They begin arriving the 3rd of July and by the 7th they are all gone. Here's your chance to see them without a worry about the weather and massive crowds.
The show is going to be fabulous. Smooth Operators originator Ed Taylor has asked his friend Patrick Lamb to join him as a Smooth Operator. Patrick is bringing his super Saxophone stylings to Tacoma for the first time. Pairing Ed Taylor and Patrick Lamb is going to make such a nice combo. You have got to be there.
Patrick played Jazz Alley with Bobby Caldwell in May and set the audience on fire. If you love Saxophone and smooth jazz, then you have to come to The Tacoma Club and enjoy the show. Patrick has been honored with numerous awards, including the acclaimed best soloist award, at an early age at the Lionel Hampton Jazz competition (under direction of Thara Memory). As a result, he performed with Lionel Hampton, and, by request, performed twice at the White House in Washington, DC. Most recently Patrick has toured with Diane Schuur, and currently tours internationally — currently in Japan — with legendary R & B artist Bobby Caldwell. Patrick has won Muddy Awards for the NW Tribute to Ray Charles — both for the concert production by his own production company, and for his own extraordinary performances on the saxophone. The subsequent CD has been nominated for a Muddy Award. Patrick will sing and play for both shows on Saturday evening, but has to hurry back to Portland for a winery gig on Sunday. Later this year, Ed will join Patrick as a featured guest star for a gig in the Portland area.
"One of the best instrumentalists I've ever worked with."
-- Bobby Caldwell
"Patrick Lamb's playing and singing are simply fabulous!"
-- Two–Time Grammy Winning Diane Schuur
Joining Ed on both Saturday and Sunday evenings will be Darren Motamedy. Saxophonist extraordinaire Darren Motamedy is the most sought after contemporary smooth jazz artist in the Northwest. He has performed for hundreds of corporate and private events over the last decade. His 7 "original" smooth jazz CDs keep his live performances fresh and exciting. He continues to reach even greater heights as his latest orchestral recording comes to completion.
Darren has performed with giants like "The Rippingtons" and "David Lanz". He has opened shows for Grover Washington Jr., Ray Charles, Dee Daniels, Ce Ce Penniston and Denice Williams with his great band. You will see why Darren is in high demand as a local and national performer.
In addition to his concert performances, Darren Motamedy's music can be heard throughout the nation on the DMX music network as well as MUZAK. He is currently featured on a variety of Smooth Jazz Sample CD¹s released in England and New York. Not only will Darren be playing with Ed on Sunday, but he has cleared his schedule so he can join Ed and Patrick on Saturday as well. This is going to be such a great show even the musicians don't want to miss a minute of it.
Our comedian, Debbie Wooten will warm up the audience and engage them. Give her a second and she'll also tell you about having her hip replaced ("It's a female hip."). She'll tell you about her marriage ("I've been married 32 years . . . it took three husbands."). She'll tell you about getting your children to leave the nest ("I had him throw a sleepover . . . and invited the army recruiter. I told my boy yo uncle wants you, but yo momma don't . . . three of 'em signed up.").
Debbie will make you laugh. Her sister calls her a funny liar. Debbie will tell you about overcoming obstacles. She's done it all of her life and she is still working at it. Her laugh filled programs are inspirational. Her laugh filled acts on TV and around Puget Sound are . . . well . . . hilarious. She's a professional speaker . . . a professional comedian, and a great lady.
There will be a silent auction to raise funds for Pierce County Connect in the efforts to help the homeless.
Fun Concert Photographs from July 5th at The Tacoma Club
Order Tickets & Snacks Online
It's too late to order dinner for tonight's show, but you can still get tickets and snacks. The Tacoma Club is offering a great snack (it's not always the same, but close . . .) of Caesar Salad, crustini, bacon wrapped scallops, pigs in a blanket, and chicken satay. It was enough to share for some people, but I had to restrain myself from eating the second scallop.
If you do not want to order online, you can call 253-759-6639.
This is an "all ages" concert (no babies or toddlers, however), but parents and grandparents may bring well-supervised children to the show to enjoy the music and entertainment.
Smooth Operators Tickets and Dining Options - July 6th, 2008 - 7:00 pm Show
Pay for tickets for the 7:00 pm show on Sunday July 6th - $30 each.
Pay for a snack/appetizer the 7:00 pm show on Sunday July 6th - $8 per order.
Driving Directions to The Tacoma Club
From I-5, take the I-705 N exit toward City Center/Tacoma Dome. Take the A Street exit. Off ramp turns into A Street. Stay in the left lane. Wells Fargo Building Visitor Parking Garage will be on your left.
The Wells Fargo building occupies the entire block between South 13th - South 12th streets and Pacific Avenue - ‘A’ Street. The Tacoma Club is on the 16th floor.
The Smooth Operators are available through TayEd Productions (Michelle Taylor & Don Doman Principals). Call 253-759-6639 to book a performance or a tour or write smooth@thesmoothoperators.net for details.
The Smooth Operators
4701 North Huson
Tacoma, WA 98407
253-759-6639
253-759-8373 fax
smooth@thesmoothoperators.net
