by Gretchen Wing
Special to The Weekly
Long-time Lopezians may associate Labor Day Weekend with top-notch, homegrown dance parties like The Lopez Wave, but this year, Lopez gets a jump on the holiday to jam one weekend early. On Saturday, Aug. 27 from 5–8:30 p.m., the community is invited to the Rhythm and Waves Music Festival, a family picnic and dance party at the Lopez Community Center Pavilion.
Three bands will play. The first, Blue Steal, rocks the classic blues. The band is a family affair, comprised of local guitar maestro Bill Johnson (on bass), two of his guitar students, 16 year-old Jack Sovelove and his 14 year-old brother Tyler on guitars/keyboard and harmonica; their dad, Steve Sovelove, on drums; and their mom, Alisa Ball, on vocals. This will be Blue Steal’s debut, but Jack is already too much of a pro to betray excitement.
How does it feel, getting ready to perform with his family in front of his community?
“It’s all right,” Jack concedes.
The second band also contains a Bill Johnson connection. Jammin’ on the Hammond with Hubbard features Johnson’s brother-in-law Dave Hubbard, who raised his kids on Lopez and used to drive a bus for the school. Dave brings his band and his Hammond B3 organ to Lopez from South Sound, where he currently teaches music in Puyallup. Joining the band will be Hammond’s wife Kim on vocals, and saxophonist Mark Doelman, who has traveled from Spokane for years to play with Super Wide Groove.
Expect upbeat rhythm and jazz songs like “Green Onions” and “Put It Where You Want It,” plus some pop favorites by Ray Charles and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
And speaking of Super Wide Groove, Lopez Island’s own soul, funk and Motown dance-band sensation re-groups once more to headline the evening, playing hits by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and others. Keyboardist Beth Geever migrates all the way back from New Hampshire to join bandmates Colin Doherty on bass, Todd Goldsmith on drums, and — you guessed it — Bill Johnson on guitar. Vocalists Susie and Nick Teague, Kenny Ferrugiaro, and soul diva Megan Herold will bring the howls, the harmonies, and—of course—the dance moves. Bring your boogie shoes; you’ll need them!
Rhythm and Waves is the brainchild of Rip Van Camp, who wanted to expand the draw of Super Wide Groove to include part-time Lopezians and tourists without conflicting with Labor Day events. Rip contacted Bill, who used his extensive musical connections to pull the acts together. Says Bill, “I am excited about three bands delivering varieties of dance music not often heard on Lopez. What could be more fun than a picnic with live music?”
What indeed? Tickets are $15, available online at lcca.org, or at the door. Youth 12 and under are free. Pack your picnic from home, or enjoy food from Lopez Village Market, Blossom, Vita’s, or Edenwild, who will all offer picnic delights from their respective locations. An on-site beer garden completes the party, so bring chairs or a blanket and come celebrate Lopez summer with all your friends and family.
