Ben Gibbard and Rachel Blumberg lead a tribute in honor of the renowned folk figure, Michael Hurley.
New Narrative:
H meet Michael Hurley: The Unheralded Folk Hero and His Pacific Northwest Legacy
Say goodbye to the enigmatic and offbeat folk maestro, Michael Hurley. The man who resided in the Columbia River delta, just East of Astoria, Oregon, quietly departed from our world in April this year, at the ripe age of 83. The Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland and Seattle, lost a cherished local oddball, a cult idol who eschewed mainstream fame.
Hurley was as rugged as the Pacific Northwest itself, wholly embodying the region's creative spirit. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Rachel Blumberg of The Decemberists, Robin Holcomb, and many more notable local talents will come together on June 15 to honor Hurley's discography at the Tractor Tavern, with a tribute show simply named "O My Stars: The Music of Michael Hurley."
Musician and composer Wayne Horvitz, who used to own The Royal Room, spearheaded this tribute after hearing of Hurley's demise. Holcomb, Horvitz's wife and a massive fan of Hurley, led Horvitz down the rabbit hole of Hurley mania. The Tractor Tavern, known for its raw aesthetic that echoes Hurley's rootsy vibe, was the natural fit for this sends-off-style gathering.
The show promises to be a musical variety show, featuring a house band, individual acts, and smaller musical configurations, all topped off by Abbey Blackwell on the bass. The outpouring of enthusiasm for Hurley was palpable, as no one turned down the invitation to be a part of this special tribute.
Born in New Jersey and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Hurley cobbled together his life experiences as a groundskeeper, machine operator, and cookie bakery worker to create his unique perspective on life, which is reflected in his music. His quirky, somewhat cryptic songwriting style pioneered what would be known as the "freak folk" subgenre. Hurley's themes, sprinkled with dreary divorce songs, fantastical tales of pie, and moon-driven werewolves, earned him a devoted following of passionate admirers.
In a recent interview, Hurley candidly discussed his eclectic career, expressing gratitude for the fact that his music resonated with such an appreciative audience. His sarcastic wit and homespun charm endeared him to many, including Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, all of whom sang his praises.
Robin Holcomb, who adored Hurley's work for years, wrote liner notes for his 1999 album "Weatherhole." She also had the pleasure of watching him perform on both coasts, even purchasing a few of Hurley's vibrant album covers, which he often sold from the stage. Holcomb describes Hurley's music as "tender but really hilarious."
Kevin Murphy, lead vocalist of Seattle band The Moondoggies, jumped at the chance to participate in the tribute when Horvitz reached out. He summarizes Hurley's appeal as "an energy to aspire to, to find what you like and create your own path with it."
For Hurley, this path twisted through intimate venues that mirrored his music's unconventionality. In addition to the Tractor, Murphy remembers Hurley gracing small stages at 20/20 Cycles and a Mexican restaurant on 15th. Hurley, according to Murphy, was unlike other artists who followed the usual definition of success. Instead, Hurley created his own world, inviting listeners to visit it.
When it comes to Hurley's musical legacy, it's safe to say that his influence will reverberate through various forms of music as the years go by. Hurley's gift for blending tradition and innovation will echo in the music of future generations of songwriters who follow in his distinctive footsteps.
The Tractor Tavern denotes Hurley's expansion beyond the Pacific Northwest, as musicians from various genres are eager to revel in his transformative music. Beyond the Tractor, Hurley's influence can also be traced in 90's hip-hop classics reimagined as cool jazz jams at a Belltown bar, Pioneer Square's enduring commitment to music, and the grand concerts taking place in Seattle's outdoor venues this summer.
- Hip Hop Meets Jazz: Fourth and Vine's cool jazz transformation
- Pioneer Square: A continual hub for music in the face of adversity
- The Summer Sounds of Seattle: Biggest outdoor concerts coming up
- Mississippi Records: Celebrating the legacy of Michael Hurley
So, on June 15, gather your mates and pack your loved ones into the Tractor Tavern to celebrate the life and music of Michael Hurley. With a fantastic cast of regional musicians ready to honor his work, this night is set to be a melody-infused tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the music scene, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest's rebellious, bohemian soul. Mark your calendars, people; this is one tribute you don't want to miss!
- Seattle's Tractor Tavern, known for its raw aesthetic, will host a musical variety tribute to Michael Hurley, an iconic folk musician who arose from the Pacific Northwest's creative spirit.
- The diverse musical landscape of Seattle continues to celebrate the legacy of Michael Hurley, as the Summer Sounds of Seattle concerts this year will pay homage to his groundbreaking fusion of tradition and innovation.
- As the local music scene mourns the loss of a beloved eccentric, you can catch the beloved songs of Michael Hurley reimagined in the unique style of cool jazz at Fourth and Vine, combining the cultures of hip-hop and jazz in Seattle.
