Synergia Northwest 2011 cooked up a magical musical stew at The Moore

Greg Roth Seattle Music Examiner

May 9, 2011 

Synergia is a Greek word that means joint work and cooperative action. Synergia Northwest 2011 could be defined as a night when Classical, Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, Roots Rock, Power Pop, Folk and World Music collided, converged and worked in perfect harmony and synergy... if you will, to create an evening of music magic. This past Friday, May 6th, the multi-genre music event swept in and took an engaged and appreciative audience on a musical journey at the historic Moore Theater, deep in the heart of The Emerald City.

When music is done right by real virtuosos and artists that have for years honed their craft, it defies definition and thus, Synergia Northwest 2011, like last year, is a challenge to try to explain to the uninitiated. However, I put in a concerted effort to tell the story on the front end the best I could with music and interviews here: SMI Radio Synergia Northwest 2011 Podcast

Completing its sophomore year, Synergia Northwest 2.0 is now in the books, with its mind’s eye looking toward the future, with visions of becoming an annual tradition that will continue evolve, grow and spread its wings and fly to other lands to share the passion of music to generations of diverse, colors, creeds and cultures.

What also must be duly noted is that a virtual all-star team of musical artists lent their energy, talent and passion to a cause bigger than themselves, music education for kids via Music Aid Northwest.

Show Recap (For complete set listing and performers scroll down and visit, www.synergianorthwest.com.

Outside of The Moore Theater on 2nd Avenue, it was another dreary and grey May Seattle night. In deep contrast, inside the theater was a warm and colorful glow, as several hundred music lovers waited in anticipation for what would unfold that evening. With the music of Steely Dan playing out into the house, the Synergia Northwest Orchestra directed by Nikolas Caoile, took their positions on stage. At this point the house music faded, the stage lights slowly came up and orchestra opened the show with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. 

Geoffrey Castle then took the stage with his band and his trademark electric violin and performed "Istanbul" and a sample of "Streets of Inwood," slowly bringing the energy on the stage and in the theater up another notch. The intensity and passion would continue to build from there, as the musical journey continued on throughout the evening.

The night's tone was set as the Synergia Orchestra then performed and captured beautifully, the spirit of one of the most stunning American musical pieces ever written, a delicious medley from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Power Pop and Punk meet Classical…
The energy at the Moore shifted gears again when power pop group,Tennis Pro’s quirky and punk spirited attitude crossed paths with the orchestral maneuvers from the "house band." The juxtaposition worked well and seemed to elicit a collective smile from the audience.  Tennis Pro consists of: Sean Lowry (drums), David Drury (guitar/vocals), and Phillip Peterson (bass/vocals). Peterson performed double duty that evening, playing cello in the orchestra.

Keeping it real...
Some of the most moving moments of the evening was when Shawn Smith (Brad / Pigeonhead / Satchel) walked out on stage to perform with the orchestra. Smith’s voice was beautiful, haunting and soulful. His understated yet powerful performance of "Don’t lie to Me" challenges our leaders, the media, the people that surround our daily lives and ourselves to simply tell the truth and keep it real. Smith's authentic vocal and lyrical delivery demonstrated to the audience that they were in the  presence of a true artist.
Smith also performed equally haunting; soulful and memorable versions of "Someday" as well as the title track from his "Wrapped in My Memory" LP.

After Smith's masterful performance, Master of Ceremonies and KMTT returning prodigal son, Marty Riemer introduced Music Aide Northwest President, Bob Tomberg at center stage to talk about music education and “The Music License Plate Bill” signed earlier in the week by Governor Christine Gregoire. (See Governor Christine Gregoire and Synergia Northwest say music does matter).

Act II…
After a brief intermission, the dynamic Kokon Taiko drums took to the stage and provided the audience a spectacular performance in authentic Japanese tradition. They would later perform with the Seattle Seahawks, Blue Thunder drum line and White.

The show had Heart…music…
After Kokon Taiko, the Synergia NW audience was treated to a medley of Heart classics by Heart by Heart which featured the original rhythm section of one of Seattle’s seminal rock bands, drummer Mike Derosier and bassist, Steve Fossen, as well as guitarist Scotty Olson, Castle and former Heart guitarist Roger Fisher. Rounding out Heart by Heart was the amazing Somar Macek on vocals. Like last year, she was able to effectively channel the great Ann Wilson’s soul and range, while putting her own stamp on Heart classics. Macek brought the crowd to their collective feet with a moving and flawless rendition of “Alone.” 

A briefcase full of Blues Traveler and more…
Musical Director and Synergia NW creative director and pianist / keyboardist, Michael McMorrow brought an all-star group out on stage, comprised of vocalist and mouth harp master, John Popper and drummer Brendan Hill, (McMorrow, had previously played with Hill in a group named Stolen Ogre), Scotty Olson, Fossen and Macek and were later joined by Derosier, who partnered with Hill and brought down the house with their "drum duel," during the group’s performance of The Beatles epic, "Golden Slumbers" / "Carry that Weight" / "The End." The song was highlighted with Popper's patented blues harp riffs and pyrotechnics.

Blues Traveler will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They are working on a new record and will perform at the Snoqualmie Casino, August 5th.
SMI Radio had the opportunity to chat with Popper backstage prior to that show and will air next week during the SMI Radio Post Bumbershoot Special.

White on...
For several decadesYes have taken the stage after various arrangements of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” In that great tradition the group White sauntered on stage after a live version of "Firebird Suite" courtesy of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra.

Alan White and his band White delivered a performance of "Ritual" (Nous Somme Du Soleil), a piece they performed last year with Tracy Bonham. Like last year, the show-stopping piece was one of the evening’s highlights. The band White features Robyn Dawn on vocals, Karl Haug on guitar, Steve Boyce on bass, keyboardist Jonathan Sindelman and a guest appearance by Music Aid Northwest VP and talented drummer, Reek Havok sitting in on percussion. As previously mentioned, The Kokon Taiko and Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder drum lines provided a dynamic and powerful percussive display during the drum break.

For those that have not heard Yes perform this number live, it was a real treat and executed with all of the beauty and passion that Yes themselves have delivered in subsequent performances throughout the years. Dawn’s vocals soared beautifully and effortlessly over the orchestra and band and brought new life to a Yes classic. White also performed songs from their first record as well as "Changes" from the Yes blockbuster LP, "90125."

Queensryche commands the stage...
Another great Seattle music export took to the stage in the form of Queensryche. In what has to be one of the most moving and beautiful classic rock tunes ever written and performed. The progressive hard rock unit performed the grand and sonically brilliant, "Silent Lucidity" with full orchestra. Geoff Tate’s four octave range was on full display, as he moved effortlessly across the stage with the confidence and swagger of a seasoned professional.

Tate and band performed the Queensryche and Pink Floyd inspired number flawlessly with the power of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra behind them. The band’s guitarist Michael Wilton was unavailable to play that night so Roger Fisher stepped in and brought his own signature guitar tones and licks to augment guitarist Parker Lundgren, in what was one of the most memorable and moving performances of the evening. The group performed three additional numbers including "Around the World" from of their forthcoming album, "Dedicated to Chaos", to be released on June 28th, with full orchestra, to the wonderment and delight of the audience. The band also performed "Rhythm of Hope from "Tribe" and "Real World" from the soundtrack of "Last Action Hero," a song co-written with the late orchestral composer, Michael Kamen.  

Instant Karma is gonna get you...
In the true spirit of synergy and Synergia, The show ended with a rousing and loose performance of the John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band's "Instant Karma,"  a tune that Alan White played on with Lennon during the original studio recording. This number was an all-inclusive performance featuring not only all of the musical performers but the audience as well.
Closing thoughts...
Synergia Northwest was again an ambitious undertaking and the type of show that one must truly experience to really get the full magnitude and soul of what this show truly was and is. Trying to describe a show like this is like trying to describe what a really good chocolate ice cream cone tastes like. Words simply cannot do it justice. One just has to taste the delectable delight and savor the various flavors to truly get the full and rich experience.

This was the second year of the show so this year's version seemed to flow and run smoother than last year with some nice seques in between some of the various musical numbers. Indeed, Synergy is created when things work in concert together to create an outcome that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Synergia Northwest 2011 did just that and significantly a lot more, for a good cause... music education.

Thank you...
Like last year, I would like to give a special thanks to Music and Artistic Director Michael McMorrow, Amy Elyse and their very professional staff for providing SMI and examiner.com access to cover the event as well as rehearsals for fans who may not have been fortunate enough to witness this amazing display of music and art.
I would like to also like to thank my partners Jerry & Lois Levin for helping tell the story by providing some stunning photos. 

To see more of their work please visit: www.jerryandloisstudios.com.

Complete Synergia Northwest 2011 Set List

SET I

• Synergia Orchestra -Egmont Overture (Ludwig Van Beethoven)
• Geoffrey Castle - Istanbul
• Synergia Orchestra - Westside Story Medley (Leonard Bernstein)
• Tennis Pro w/ Synergia Orchestra - Rounding up the Frightened Pets
• Tennis Pro w/ Synergia Orchestra - Dance Hit Number 1
• Tennis Pro w/ Synergia Orchestra - We Put The Punk In Punctuation
• Synergia Orchestra Synergia Orchestra- Russian Easter Overture
• Shawn Smith w/ Synergia Orchestra -Don't Lie to Me
• Shawn Smith w/ Synergia Orchestra - Someday
• Shawn Smith w/ Synergia Orchestra - Wraped in My Memory
• Marty Riemer and Music Aid Northwest’s Bob Tomberg

Intermission
SET II

• Kokon Taiko Drums
• Heart by Heart( Steve Fossen, Somar Macek) - w/Mike Derosier, Scotty Olson w/ Synergia Orchestra -  Dog and Butterfly (Heart)
• Heart by Heart-  w/ Mike Derosier,Scotty Olson w/ Synergia Orchestra - Alone (Heart)
• Heart by Heart - w/ Mike Derosier , Roger Fisher, Scotty Olson and Geoffrey Castle w/Synergia Orchestra - Magic Man (Heart)
• John Popper and Brendan Hill, Michael McMorrow, Scotty Olson, Steve Fossen, Somar Macek, Mike Derosier w/ Synergia Orchestra - Golden Slumbers /Carry That Weight /The End (Drum solo w/ Brendan Hill and Mike Derosier) (McCartney / Lennon)
• Synergia Orchestra & Alan White and White - Stravinsky Finale Firebird Suite
• Alan White and WHITE w/ Synergia Orchestra -Beyond the Sea of Lies (White)
• Alan White and WHITE w/ Synergia Orchestra -Changes (Yes)
• Alan White and WHITE w/ Synergia Orchestra w/ Kokon Taiko/Blue Thunder - Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil) (Yes)
• Synergia Orchestra- China Doll (Garcia/Hunter)
• Queensryche - Silent Lucidity
• Queensryche - Rhythm of Hope
• Queensryche - Around the World
• Queensryche - Real World
• Encore: w/ all Synergia NW Artists and Audience – Barracuda (Heart) and Instant Karma (John Lennon and The Plastic Ono Band)

'Music Matters' license plates could help save school programs | KING5.com

by JOHN SHARIFY / KING 5 News

Posted on May 6, 2011 at 4:21 PM

Updated Friday, May 6 at 5:09 PM

SEATTLE -- Music matters!
That’s the battle cry for folks who want to save music programs in our schools in Washington state. It’s also the two words that will appear on special license plates that Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law Tuesday.

Inglemoor High School Orchestra instructor Jim Rice is getting one.

“You bet," he said. "To me it’s an exciting thing to drive around and say music matters."

The campaign to get the special license plates approved took three years. Now for $40 you can tell the world how you feel about music and at the same time help struggling music programs. It costs $30 to renew the plates.

“The last thing we need to do is raise the remaining amount of funds to get the project off the ground,” said Michael McMorrow from Synergia Northwest. “The state required $35,000 initially for some administrative costs and for some initial printing of the plates.”

That’s where this Friday’s concert comes in. It’s a benefit concert at Seattle’s Moore Theater. Proceeds from the concert will help pay for the license plate campaign and make those Music Matters plates a reality.

According to the organizers news release, “highlights of the evening will include performances of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra with Pacific Northwest rock recording artists including Grammy award-winning drummer Alan White ( yes, John Lennon) and his band WHITE, Shawn Smith of Brad, Tennis Pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler, Michael McMorrow, special performances by the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Corp and Seattle Kokon Taiko.”

The hopes are high. Once those license plates are available, organizers predict a healthy revenue stream of at least $200,000 for the first three years to help music programs in Washington state schools.

“It can only get bigger and bigger as more people are award of the license plates,” said McMorrow who will also get one for himself and every driving member of his family, once the license plates are available.

But first things first. There’s the concert this Friday night to raise the rest of the funds needed to make this dream of helping music programs a reality.

"We've raised $16,000," said McMorrow. They now have $19,000 to go.
For more information about the concert and how you can get tickets go to www.synergianorthwest.com.

Governor Christine Gregoire and Synergia Northwest say music does matter

Greg Roth  Seattle Music Examiner May 3, 2011


Olympia Washington, Tuesday, May 3rd will be a day that Music Aid Northwest will remember for years to come and hopefully the impact will be felt for years to come as well. At around 1:30pm in the afternoon yesterday, Governor Christine Gregoire signed House Bill 1329, also known as "The Music License Plate Bill." This will make it possible to create and sell “Music Matters” special license plates to benefit music education programs in state schools.

The new plates will cost around $40 the first year and about $30 for renewal, on top of the regular license tab fees. There are 24 special license plates available. Once signed by the governor, the law takes effect January 1st.

To help support school music programs through sales of a distinctive new Washington State license plate, available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Monies raised through Synergia Northwest 2011 will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process.

To see more photos from Jerry & Lois Levin from this historical signing please go here
This is something that members of the not for profit organization, Music Aid Northwest has been working on for years. Several local music artists have been heavily involved in lending their talent and efforts to get the bill passed. This Friday, May 6th at The Moore Theatre, Queensyche, Alan White and White, former members of Heart, John Popper and Brendan Hill from Blues Traveler will participate in Synergia Northwest 2011.


The concert will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process.

Synergia Northwest 2011 is sponsored by Washington Music Educators Association, Central Washington University, NAF Productions, Drifting Homeward Music, STG, Stenide Ilumination. Synergia Northwest 2011 has again enlisted Music Aid Northwest, a Washington State 501 (c)(3) organization, to direct the funds to Young Musicians Excelling award funding grant program through Washington Music Educators Association to Musicworks Northwest and Music Matters. Other non profit agencies benefiting from Synergia Northwest 2011 will be announced.

Tickets are on sale at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (M-F 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org.

SMI Radio (Synergia Northwest 2011 Special)

SMI Radio’s Greg Roth attended Synergia Northwest 2011 rehearsals the weekend before Synergia Northwest returns for the second year. This year’s show takes place in Seattle, AKA The Emerald City this Friday, May 6th at The Moore Theater. Roth features behind the scenes interviews as well as music from Synergia NW performers: Tennis Pro, the original rhythm section from Heart, drummer Michael Derosier and bassist Steve Fossen. Also, Roth interviews members of Yes and John Lennon drummer Alan White and his band White, Reek Havok, VP Music Aid Northwest, drummer Brendan Hill from Blues Traveler, Professor of Music at Central Washington University, Dr. Bret Smith and Michael McMorrow,the music and creative director of Synergia Northwest.

Alan White of 'Yes' | KING5.com Seattle

Alan White of 'Yes' 

by SAINT BRYAN / Evening Magazine

Bio 

Posted on May 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Updated Thursday, May 5 at 11:34 AM

Alan White: drummer, rockstar and Bellevue resident? Local Seattleite, Alan White, looks back on stories of his rockstar past and looks into the future and shares what he is doing to keep the music alive.

The Synergia Northwest concert is at the Moore Theatre tomorrow night at 8:00 pm.

Synergia Northwest | KING5.com Seattle

Synergia Northwest

by New Day Producers

Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM

Updated Thursday, Apr 28 at 12:10 PM

A number of bands and musical acts are coming together for a mammoth concert with one mission: to raise money for programs that teach our children to play and appreciate music. Synergia Northwest features a number of performers, from well-known rock musicians to students. A woodwind quintet made up of high school students across western Washington join the show to perform.

The Synergia Northwest concert will be at The Moore Theatre, in Seattle, on May 6th at 8:00 PM. For ticket information please click here.

To visit the Synergia Northwest website please click here. Anyone who signs up for email updates at the Synergia website will be automatically entered into a drawing for a waterside hotel room at the Edgewater Inn in Seattle, 2 VIP tickets to the concert and a special "meet and greet" session with the performers before the show.

A military discount is available to all current and retired military and their families. A special password can be requested for online ticketing by contacting Operation Military Family at mschindler@operationmilitaryfamily.org

One of the organizations benefitting from the concert is Music Aid Northwest, which is spearheading a specialty license plate project to help raise money for music programs in schools across Washington state.

Blues Traveler John Popper added to Synergia NW 2011 lineup

Greg Roth Seattle Music Examiner

April 28, 2011 -

He has trotted the globe with Blues Traveler and makes his home in the Northwest. Next Friday night, May 6th, John Popper will join band mate Brendan Hill, along with a group of local music luminaries, to participate in Synergia Northwest in support of youth music education. 

Popper and his band first came to national prominence with several appearances on Late Night with David Letterman. Letterman championed the band early in their career and introduced them as his favorite band prior to their performances on the show. Letterman's band leader Paul Shaffer has played on several of Blues Traveler recordings.

 The band had breakout and mainstream success with their fourth album, titled Four, which was released in late 1994. The catchy pop single "Run-Around" became a popular hit and was followed by the snappy number, "Hook". "Run-Around" won a Grammy Award and broke a record for most weeks on the chart.

Blues Traveler appeared at Woodstock '94 and later became an opening act for The Rolling Stones. Popper has also made several appearances with Northwest resident Dave Matthews and the Dave Matthews Band.

The charismatic and witty Popper is also most known for his legendary live performances and a fan base that has followed the vocalist / harmonica virtuoso and the band with an almost religious fervor.

The musical paring of Popper and Hill is a great addition to a strong musical bill that will feature Queensryche, Yes man and Plastic Ono Band drummer, Alan White with his band White, Shawn Smith of Brad, Tennis Pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek,  Geoffrey Castle, Michael McMorrow, Roger Fisher, Scotty Olson and special performances by the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Corp and Seattle's Kokon Taiko.  The Kokon Taiko performance continues Synergia Northwest's acknowledgement of the area's unique and diverse cultural heritage.

The Synergia Orchestra will also perform the brilliant and moving Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition"China Doll" from Georgia-based composer and educator Lee Johnson's "Dead Symphony #6: An Orchestral Tribute to the Music of the Grateful Dead". One of the goals and objectives of Synergia Northwest is to help bring some of the most interesting and eclectic musical collaborations and experiences to the audience year over year.

Tickets are on sale at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (M-F 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at: STGPresents.org.

For more on Synergia Northwest 2011 please go here and visit seattlemusicinsider.com
Also you are invited to visit the official Synergia NW website and their Facebook Page.

Synergia Northwest Orchestra Concert to Support Senate-House Bill 1329

Synergia Northwest Orchestra Concert to Support Senate-House Bill 1329

Posted: April 26, 2011 by Music Works Northwest in Uncategorized
Tags: bill 1329, music matters, Synergia Northwest Orchestra

Synergia Northwest Orchestra and rock stars perform May 6, 2011 at 8:00 pm at the Moore Theater to help support Music Education through Music Matters, WMEA and Music Works Northwest!

“Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone…” laments the old Joni Mitchell song. When I moved to Washington in 1980 the Kent school district was the jewel of the northwest. They had highly rated schools and outstanding, nationally acclaimed music programs that have gradually been eroding away over the last two decades. Now to “save money they are talking about eliminating music, art and PE classes altogether in spite of the reams of research that concludes that student success can be tied directly to school music and private lesson participation. This pattern can happen here. Kent is the 4th largest district in the state of Washington!

Bellevue has outstanding schools. They remind me of the Kent district programs in the early 1990s with strong band, orchestra, choir and jazz programs district wide as well as comprehensive elementary music programs. These programs are in danger everywhere in Washington!

Senate-House Bill 1329 offers a self perpetuating source of funding for music programs state wide by creating a “Music Matters” special license plate. The bill is basically ready to pass if we can collect the 30,000 signatures needed to provide the state assurance that people will purchase these plates. The bill is endorsed by Washington Music Educators Association, by Music Works Northwest, Gerard Schwartz and many other community based music organizations.

On May 6 there is a special event produced by Synergia Northwest to support this bill as well as community music organizations including Music Works Northwest. This is a concert at Seattle’s Moore Theatre Featuring Alan White, Shawn Smith of Brad, Tennis Pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen, Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler, Geoffrey Castle (a Music Works supporter), Michael McMorrow, Seattle Blue thunder, Queensryche and the Synergia Northwest Orchestra conducted by Dr. Nikolas Cole.

Tickets are available at www.stgpresents.org or by calling 877-784-4849.
Please support this event and save our music programs before they are gone!

Synergia Northwest 2011 at Moore Theatre (Seattle) on 6 May 2011 – Last.fm

Synergia Northwest 2011

Synergia Northwest Orchestra, Shawn Smith, White, Alan White, Tennis Pro, Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Corps and Fossen and Macek

Friday 6 May 2011

May 6

Moore Theatre

1932 2nd Ave
Seattle WA 98107
United States
Show on Map

Web: www.themoore.com/

www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1545

April 25, 2011 STG presents Synergia Northwest 2011 on Friday, May 6, 2011 at The Moore Theatre in Seattle. Synergia Northwest blends classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one evening-length performance that unifies cultures, age and musical genres. The event raises funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to Northwest area music students who would not have the necessary financial resources.

Golden Circle Ticket holders will have the chance to meet and greet with performers from 7:00pm to 7:30pm Friday May 6 at the Moore Theatre. You will receive an event poster and have photo opportunity. Must be at venue by 6:30pm to receive credentials for your special meet and greet.

Internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University and the conductor of the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra will conduct the concert with acclaimed violinist William Boyd as concertmaster.

ProgressiveWorld.net - Queensryche Joins Synergia Northwest

Your Ultimate Guide To Progressive Music   4/24/10

Seattle's progressive stronghold Queensrÿche will join the stellar 2011 Synergia Northwest lineup on Friday, May 6 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle to support youth music education. "They are a perfect fit," said musician and show producer Michael McMorrow. "Their music has resonated for a couple generations of music fans here in the northwest and world-wide; and of course lends itself to symphonic components beautifully, and most importantly, they get it. They totally understand the tremendous need to support youth music education programs. They know where they come from."

The concert event raises funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to music students who would not have the necessary financial resources. A first of its kind event, Synergia Northwest 2010 launched in Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center last year, and blended classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one concert, unifying musicians across cultures, ages and musical genres all in the name of Washington State Youth Music Education. This year Music Aid Northwest's "Music Matters" Washington State License Plate Initiative campaign fund will be an emphasized beneficiary. This initiative allows the Washington State Department of Licensing to collect fees to create special ‘Music Matters' license plates. These plates will help fund music programs in Washington schools.
Other highlights of the evening will include performances of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra with Pacific Northwest rock recording artists including Grammy award-winning drummer Alan White (Yes, John Lennon) and his band White in a reprise of their performance at Synergia 2010, Shawn Smith of Brad, tennis pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler, Geoffrey Castle, Scotty Olsen, Michael McMorrow, special performances by the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Corp and Seattle's Kokon Taiko. The Kokon Taiko performance continues Synergia Northwest's acknowledgement of the area's unique and diverse cultural heritage.

The Synergia Orchestra will also perform the brilliant and moving Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition "China Doll" from Georgia-based composer and educator Lee Johnson's Dead Symphony #6: An Orchestral Tribute To The Music Of The Grateful Dead.

The concert will conducted by internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University and the conductor of the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed violinist William Boyd is the concertmaster. The Synergia Northwest Orchestra is comprised of some of the area's finest professional classical musicians and selected players from Washington State All-State groups and regional youth and public school orchestras.

The event will have special emphasis on "Music Matters," a self-perpetuating fundraising initiative Senate-House Bill 1329 to help support school music programs through sales of a distinctive new Washington State license plate, available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Monies raised through Synergia Northwest 2011 will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process.

Synergia Northwest 2011 is sponsored by Washington Music Educators Association, Central Washington University, NAF Productions, Drifting Homeward Music, STG, Stenide Ilumination. Synergia Northwest 2011 has again enlisted Music Aid Northwest, a Washington State 501 (c)(3) organization, to direct the funds to Young Musicians Excelling award funding grant program through Washington Music Educators Association to Musicworks Northwest and Music Matters. Other non-profit agencies benefiting from Synergia Northwest 2011 will be announced.

Tickets are on sale at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org.
(Golden Circle seats are a reserved seat in the first 3 rows with access to a pre-show meet and greet with musicians, a poster for autographs and a photo opportunity.)

In related news: Queensrÿche have launched their very own app for the iPhone and iPad. Stay updated on the latest news, videos, music, photos, and more, directly from the source.
With the Queensrÿche app, you will receive exclusive text, picture, audio and video updates, often directly from Queensrÿche themselves. Most of the content you will find in the Queensrÿche app is exclusive to the app itself and you won’t find it anywhere else.

BLABBERMOUTH.NET - QUEENSRŸCHE Joins Synergia Northwest Benefit to Aid Northwest Youth Music Education

QUEENSRŸCHE Joins Synergia Northwest Benefit to Aid Northwest Youth Music Education - Apr. 22, 2011

Seattle's progressive stronghold QUEENSRŸCHE will join the stellar 2011 Synergia Northwest lineup on Friday, May 6 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle to support youth music education. "They are a perfect fit," said musician and show producer Michael McMorrow. "Their music has resonated for a couple generations of music fans here in the northwest and world-wide; and of course lends itself to symphonic components beautifully, and most importantly, they get it. They totally understand the tremendous need to support youth music education programs. They know where they come from." The concert event raises funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to music students who would not have the necessary financial resources. A first of its kind event, Synergia Northwest 2010 launched in Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center last year, and blended classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one concert, unifying musicians across cultures, ages and musical genres all in the name of Washington State Youth Music Education. This year Music Aid Northwest's "Music Matters" Washington State License Plate Initiative campaign fund will be an emphasized beneficiary. This initiative allows the Washington State Department of Licensing to collect fees to create special ‘Music Matters' license plates. These plates will help fund music programs in our Washington schools. Other highlights of the evening will include performances of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra with Pacific Northwest rock recording artists including Grammy award-winning drummer Alan White (YES, JOHN LENNON) and his band WHITE in a reprise of their performance at Synergia 2010, Shawn Smith of BRAD, tennis pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of BLUES TRAVELER, Geoffrey Castle, Scotty Olsen, Michael McMorrow, special performances by the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS BLUE THUNDER DRUM CORP and Seattle's Kokon Taiko. The Kokon Taiko performance continues Synergia Northwest's acknowledgement of the area's unique and diverse cultural heritage. The Synergia Orchestra will also perform the brilliant and moving Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition "China Doll" from Georgia-based composer and educator Lee Johnson's "Dead Symphony #6: An Orchestral Tribute to the Music of the Grateful Dead". The concert will conducted by internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University and the conductor of the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed violinist William Boyd is the concertmaster. The Synergia Northwest Orchestra is comprised of some of the area's finest professional classical musicians and selected players from Washington State All-State groups and regional youth and public school orchestras. The event will have special emphasis on "Music Matters", a self-perpetuating fundraising initiative Senate-House Bill 1329 to help support school music programs through sales of a distinctive new Washington State license plate, available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Monies raised through Synergia Northwest 2011 will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process. Synergia Northwest 2011 is sponsored by Washington Music Educators Association, Central Washington University, NAF Productions, Drifting Homeward Music, STG, Stenide Ilumination. Synergia Northwest 2011 has again enlisted Music Aid Northwest, a Washington State 501 (c)(3) organization, to direct the funds to Young Musicians Excelling award funding grant program through Washington Music Educators Association to Musicworks Northwest and Music Matters. Other non-profit agencies benefiting from Synergia Northwest 2011 will be announced. Tickets are on sale at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org. (Golden Circle seats are a reserved seat in the first 3 rows with access to a pre-show meet and greet with musicians, a poster for autographs and a photo opportunity.)

Alan White - News

April 16, 2011  AlanWhite.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) PRESENTS SYNERGIA NORTHWEST 2011

Synergia Northwest 2011 Brings Rock, Pop, Cultural Artists And Classical Music Community Together Benefit to Aid Northwest Youth Music Education

Friday, May 6, 8:00pm
The Moore Theater, Seattle Washington

Reserved and Golden Circle Tickets On Sale Friday March 25, 10AM charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org and www.synergianorthwest.com

APRIL 2011 - Synergia Northwest 2011 will debut its first Seattle concert on Friday, May 6th at 8:00pm at Seattle's renowned Moore Theater, original home to The Seattle Symphony. The concert event raises funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to music students who would not have the necessary financial resources. A first of its kind event, Synergia Northwest 2010 launched in Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center last year, and blended classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one concert, unifying musicians across cultures, ages and musical genres all in the name of Washington State Youth Music Education. This year Music Aid Northwest's "Music Matters" Washington State License Plate Initiative campaign fund will be an emphasized beneficiary. This initiative allows the Washington State Department of Licensing to collect fees to create special 'Music Matters' license plates. These plates will help fund music programs in our Washington schools.

Highlights of the evening will include performances of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra with Pacific Northwest rock recording artists including Grammy award-winning drummer Alan White (Yes, John Lennon) and his band WHITE in a reprise of their performance at Synergia 2010, QUEESRYCHE, Shawn Smith of Brad, Tennis Pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of Blues Traveler, Geoffrey Castle, Michael McMorrow, special performances by the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Corp and Seattle's Kokon Taiko. The Kokon Taiko performance continues Synergia Northwest's acknowledgement of the area's unique and diverse cultural heritage. Synergia 2010 included a special tribute to the music of Beaverchief. Additional special guest performers will be announced.

The concert will conducted by internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University and the conductor of the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed violinist William Boyd is the concertmaster. The Synergia Northwest Orchestra is comprised of some of the areas finest professional classical musicians and selected players from Washington State All-State groups and regional youth and public school orchestras.

Within the wide spectrum of music, the Synergia Orchestra will also perform the brilliant and moving Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition "China Doll" from Georgia-based composer and educator Lee Johnson’s "Dead Symphony #6: An Orchestral Tribute to the Music of the Grateful Dead".
Synergia Northwest was conceived and developed by Seattle composer, producer and recording artist, Michael McMorrow, who has long been involved in producing some of Washington States most prestigious and beneficial music events. McMorrow is also an advisory board member of Music Aid Northwest.

"Last year Synergia Northwest 2010 was a grand and successful musical experiment and due to the overwhelming response from audience members and participants, the Synergia Northwest concept continues to blossom and grow. We learned a lot and for such a new concept we did well. We ended up raising over $8000.00 that provided extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to students who would not have the necessary financial resources. If there is one single cause I can hang my hat on, it is the importance of youth music programs," said McMorrow.

The event will have special emphasis on "Music Matters", a self-perpetuating fundraising imitative Senate-House Bill 1329 to help support school music programs through sales of a distinctive new Washington State license plate, available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Monies raised through Synergia Northwest 2011 will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process.
Synergia Northwest 2011 is sponsored by Washington Music Educators Association, Central Washington University, NAF Productions, Drifting Homeward Music, STG, Stenide Ilumination. Synergia Northwest 2011 has again enlisted Music Aid Northwest, a Washington State 501 (c)(3) organization, to direct the funds to Young Musicians Excelling award funding grant program through Washington Music Educators Association to Musicworks Northwest and Music Matters. Other non profit agencies benefiting from Synergia Northwest 2011 will be announced.

Tickets are on sale Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10am at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (M-F 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org. (Golden Circle seats are a reserved seat in the first 3 rows with access to a pre-show meet and greet with musicians, a poster for autographs and a photo opportunity.)

Military discount is available to all current and retired military and their families. A special password can be requested for online ticketing only by contacting Operation Military Family at mschindler@operationmilitaryfamily.org Tickets can be purchased for Synergia Northwest at www.stgpresents.org