This event is 21+.

Wanda Jackson & The Dusty 45s are joined by Evening Bell to perform as part of the Influencers Concert Series at EMP.

By bringing together up-and-coming artists with the established acts that inspired them, the Influencers Concert Series celebrates how the greatest forms of creativity are often sparked by sharing in the creativity of others.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Wanda Jackson
The rockabilly field of the ’50s wasn’t exactly crowded with female performers, but Wanda Jackson didn’t let that stop her from making her mark. She emerged from a small town in Oklahoma to become the first Queen of Rockabilly. Jackson started out her career singing with the likes of Hank Thompson and Red Foley, who hosted the Ozark Jubilee Barn Dance. Her first contract, arranged with Thompson’s assistance, was with Decca Records, and she had a country hit in 1954 with the duet “You Can’t Have My Love.” The song became a national hit, and Jackon’s career was off and running.

When Jackson first toured in 1955 and 1956, she was placed on a bill with none other than Elvis Presley. The two hit it off almost immediately. Jackson said it was Presley, along with her father, who encouraged her to sing rockabilly. In 1956, Jackson finally signed with Capitol, a relationship that lasted until the early ’70s.

Jackson toured regularly, was twice-nominated for a GRAMMY®, and was a big attraction in Las Vegas from the mid-’50s into the ’70s. Jackson also enjoyed a formidable presence on the country charts, and racked up 30 C&W hits between 1954 and 1974.

More recently in 2009, Wanda was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That year it was also announced that Jackson would start work on new recordings with Jack White. The resulting album, The Party Ain’t Over, was released on January 25, 2011.

Evening Bell
Part western psychedelia, part northwest rock ‘n’ roll, Evening Bell is the new collaboration between Ballard songwriters Hart Kingsbery (Davidson Hart Kingsbery) and Caitlin Sherman (Slow Skate). The duo quickly became a full band with Jason Merculief (Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Sera Cahoone, J. Tillman) on drums, followed shortly by Aaron Harmonson on bass, and newest addition Olie Eshleman (Corespondents) on pedal steel. They have recently shared the stage with established roots acts such as Ha Ha Tonka, La Luz, Barna Howard, Banditos, Howe Gelb, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Moondoggies, and Alela Dianne.

With vocals that soar on that high lonesome road between city lights and prairie skies, Evening Bell’s moody call-and-response style echoes effortlessly, Sherman’s bar room piano and noir vocals intimately blend with Hart’s low, scratchy hooks and twangy tremolo-soaked guitar. A rhythm section reminiscent of The Wrecking Crew in their more psychedelic moments and the lilting cry of pedal steel complete the sound. Evening Bell’s got a few cross-country tours under their boots, a song premiere of spaghetti southwestern ballad “Dust Storm,” and a recent KEXP in-studio. Their ghostly nod to vintage saloon-pop is quickly gaining speed in anticipation of their upcoming debut album, Dying Stars.

The Dusty 45s
The Dusty 45s have inspired and fired up crowds for almost two decades. Their rockin’, high-energy music is delivered at full throttle, keeping fans on their feet and begging for more. The group melds wide-ranging styles such as honky-tonk, jump blues, surf, and R&B, all while adding Dixieland and jazz elements. The finished product is a sizzling sound uniquely their own.

The band is led by singer/songwriter and founding member Billy Joe Huels along with Jerry Battista on lead guitar and Robin Cady on upright bass. Drummer Kelly Van Camp, a 10-year veteran of the band, will also be making an appearance for this special show.

Huels and his outfit have steadily built their fan base at festivals and roadhouses around the country, including seven appearances at Bumbershoot, and as support with Wanda Jackson on Adele’s 21 tour in 2011. In 2015 they were featured on Cayamo alongside top artists Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile. Last summer they starred as the Rydell High School band in Grease at Seattle’s renowned 5th Avenue Theater. This marked a return to the 5th Avenue stage for Huels who starred as Buddy Holly in the theater’s acclaimed production of The Buddy Holly Story. The 2014 album and 7th release The Dusty 45s: Live and On Fire brings the best of their brassy and boppin’ sound to fans worldwide. The band continues to tour extensively to support that release.

Date and Time:
November 18, 2016
9:00pm (doors 8:00pm)

Venue:
EMP Museum
Sky Church
325 5th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109

Ticket Info
$22 ($17 EMP members)
21+