It’s been a whirlwind week for Juanita-based rock heroes Shotty, who won the 2006 Classic Rockathon at Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center and were recently featured at Seafair’s Rock & Roll Marathon and Bite of Seattle.
From July 22-25, the members of Shotty were the stars of a summer project at The Art Institute of Seattle called Studio 101. More than 140 students from across the country, working in 10 different departments of the Art Institute, spent eight hours a day, over the four-day period, creating marketing, promotional and performance materials for the band.
And on the evening of July 21, Shotty had the privilege of entertaining medically fragile children and teens at Camp Korey at Carnation Farm. As one of Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Camps,” it gives kids with serious illnesses a chance to relax, play — and simply be kids for a while.
Eva Dankanics, public relations coordinator for Camp Korey explained, “As our 170-plus campers sent in their applications for Summer 2009, a frequent answer to the question, ‘What would you like to see at camp?’ was ‘live music!’ With the prevalence of phenomena like ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Camp Rock,’ kids of all ages, campers 7-17, are more excited about being involved with music than ever before. Camp Korey tries to fill camper sessions with tons of fun and unusual activities — like hot-air balloon rides, improv comedy and talent shows — so hosting live teen bands seemed like a perfect fit.”
Because of their health restrictions, many of these children and teens can’t go to a concert or festival for a mainstream audience.
Camp Korey recruiter Yolanda Arias had a connection with Ken Wong, City of Redmond teen programs director and asked him to recruit some young bands from the Old Fire House roster to brighten the campers’ summer.
“It was an amazing night to see all the campers there, dancing, playing instruments and getting autographs from the band,” said Wong. “I felt that this show was one of the most worthwhile events that we have done because of the lives that we were able to touch, who may not have an opportunity like this. As you know, the campers have medical conditions that limit or even exclude them from some activities that we take for granted. The smiles, thanks and happiness that evening were very rewarding. … Shotty was very interactive and did a great job engaging the campers and including the campers in their show.”
The band’s manager, Redmond resident Robin Fairbanks, explained that in addition to a number of original songs, Shotty carefully chose some cover tunes that all the campers would be sure to know. “I have to say, ‘Ghost Busters’ was a huge hit,” she remarked.
Fairbanks added, “We’re thankful to Ken Wong for feeling Shotty embodied the spirit of the event. …(The night) wasn’t about ticket sales … it was about joy and it was spontaneous and heartfelt. I know it forever changed each band member in some way.”
Garrett Radke, keyboard player and vocalist for Shotty, called the Camp Korey show “a unique and heartwarming experience. …I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the campers enthusiastically dance around to our music. All the campers and staff were wonderful. They had a blast and so did we!”
Said drummer Miles Frank, “I was in awe of how beautiful the place was. The view and scenery were magnificent. Playing our music for the kids and counselors was a hundred times more fun and exciting than I expected.”
Lead singer/guitarist Pat Moon agreed, “Those kids know how to have fun. I felt like I was part of a big family. I would definitely love to go back and play again.”
The Old Fire House Teen Center will also send bands to Camp Korey on Aug. 11 (to be announced) and Aug. 18 (People With Faces, led by Jeff Stillwell.)
Shotty plans a West Coast tour in September, before going back into the studio to record a follow-up to their EP “Ah, Here We Go.” Before they leave town, you can catch them as part of the International Pop Overthrow (IPO) Festival, at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 at Mars Bar, 609 Eastlake Ave. E. in Seattle. For details, call (206) 624-4516. Also visit http://myspace.com/shotty.
