Also performing at the June 14 Songs for June benefit are RedDog and Kristin Allen-Zito. RedDog is the current project of former Velvet Underground member Doug Yule. He left rock & roll behind long ago, after singing and playing on classic albums such as The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970). In the mid-‘70s, he worked with Beatles producer George Martin while part of the folk-rock supergroup American Flyer.
Now, as a Seattle-based violin maker, Doug Yule’s passions lie elsewhere. Along with mandolin player Cary Lung and banjo/guitarist Tom Collicott, Yule is helping to keep the musical traditions of early Appalachian bluegrass alive. RedDog’s debut album Hard Times was praised by music critic David Fricke in Rolling Stone magazine last year. Its follow-up, Nine-Tail Cat, will be released soon.
Singer-songwriter Kristin Allen-Zito has been promoting her latest album, The Atlas. Allen-Zito achieved prominence as part of the all-female indie rock band The Trucks, whose self-titled album from 2006 quickly became a cult favorite. Having toured nationally with The Trucks, Allen-Zito is back to where she began, as a solo artist singing intricately detailed songs about her life. The Atlas is laced with memorable melodies and poignant lyrics, songs from which will be performed at Songs for June.
Gilda’s Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was named in honor of the late comedienne and actress Gilda Radner, who died in 1989 after a long struggle with cancer. The first clubhouse opened in New York City in 1995, founded by Joanna Bull (Radner’s cancer psychotherapist) and Radner’s widower Gene Wilder. They have since expanded to 22 currently operating clubhouses in the U.S. and Canada, with additional locations in development. Their support and educational services are completely free of charge for males and females of all ages, living with all types of cancer.
For more information about attending the June 14, 2011 Songs for June at Seattle’s Triple Door Theater, visit the Gilda’s Club Seattle website.
Article comments
1 - Thomas
Glad that they are doing something useful and charitable. When do you think we will have more of the Idols turn out some quality albums and make some big waves.