In Your Neighborhood: Darden Smith

Showing posts with label Darden Smith. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Darden Smith. Show all posts

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hart, Smith Make For Sublime Summertime Memories in Vaughn, WA

Above: Darden Smith reaches for a glass of water during his evening performance last night on the Key Penninsula.
Copyright 2010 by Mizu M. Sugimura.

What do some of the folks who write on the "In Your Neighborhood" blog here at TNT do in their spare time? Kim Bennett Thompson, our ever active Gritty City Woman was spotted yesterday at Word & Music's simply enchanting evening featuring poetry by the Neighborhood's amazing, Lorraine Hart , and soothing sounds by the talented and personable night's Texan headliner, Darden Smith.

Above: Kim Bennett Thompson.
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Smith, an all-around singer, composer, and musican who traveled up from the great state of Texas, is no stranger to the land of lumber, laptops and latte. He mentioned at least two of these products at several points in his equally sharp, mostly humorous and self-depreciating running commentary.

Above: Darden Smith, a Texan who truly appreciates a mug of Northwest Joe.
Photo by Mizu M. Sugimura.

To link with Darden Smith's website and details on his latest work click here.

Apparently Smith's performing skills are not limited to the stage and recording studio. In addition to at least eleven studio albums and CD's under his belt, he is a gifted teacher as well. Prior to his performance it was shared that was mentioned that many youthful converts had been made during prearranged workshops for area boys and girls sponsored just the day before.

Access information about Words and Music click here.

Above: Lorraine Hart.

The folks at Word & Music deserve many showers of accolades for carving out a cultural island of beauty and creativity and energy in the South Sound and Key Peninsula. And in an ideal world, it's the opinion of this writer whose first introduction to the group was also yesterday night, that every community ought to be as fortunate!

Above: And the setting sun played the very last notes of the day. Copyright 2010 by Mizu M. Sugimura

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Our regulars

Stephanie Frieze

Stephanie Frieze
…has always liked to write. Her experience includes three years at the University Washington School of Communications studying journalism. She had a stint at the Chinook Observer in Long Beach. Raised in Bellevue, she’s lived in Gig Harbor for nearly 18 years. She and her husband have a home in Ilwaco, where they spend as much time as possible. This mother of four loves books, spending time with family and the color purple. Contact her at dbandstefery@comcast.net.

Lorraine Hart
…was born a nomadic mutt. She spent her life observing, writing and making music. She’s an unabashed carrier of the titles “hippie,” “feminist” and “liberal.” She’s resided in the South Sound since 1996 and is currently living above Joe’s Bay in Home. She juggles her time between being a caregiver, a writer, an artist, a musician, a minister, a wife, a mother, an advocate, a friend and a pilgrim – not necessarily in that order. Contact her at matlox@cablespeed.com.

Jaynie Jones
…is a Tacoma resident with diverse career tracks in broadcasting, journalism, teaching, health care, desktop publishing, floral design, special event planning and photography. She’s best known as long-time KOMO radio personality Jaynie Dillon and was once a familiar voice on Tacoma stations KTAC, KBRD-FM, KTNT and KNBQ-FM. Formerly a resident of Tacoma’s East Side, she’s volunteered in the Eastside Substation and with Safe Streets. Contact her at jaynie.jones@gmail.com .

Tracy Lebenzon
...is a blog contributor from Greenwater. Greenwater is the last stop before Crystal Mountain, Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness areas. When not exploring the next mountain peak or forest trail, Tracy also contributes to the Greenwater Community Council and the Explore-Greenwater.com web site. He writes about topics ranging from favorite foot, bike, and snow trails to community events, local merchants and politics. Contact him at dmountains@explore-greenwater.com.

Joseph McGowan
…is a chaplain who supports patients, families, friends, nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Being 67, he’s learned this about living: Meet people on their own ground and you will discover that this Earth is our special place to meet and support each other. His motto: Live now. Share yourself now. Every living thing you experience is a pure gift. Love all life unconditionally. Contact him at mcg9940@yahoo.com.

Mizu Sugimura
…is a third-generation Japanese American living in Federal Way. She’s married and a parent of one adult child. A lifelong resident of the Puget Sound area, she graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Washington School of Communications. and served on Federal Way’s Diversity and Art Commissions. Her interests are politics, art, the history of minorities in Washington and family history. She’s written a self-published family history about her paternal grandfather. Contact her at mizusugi@yahoo.com.

Kim Thompson
…is a Grit City native who was born and raised in Tacoma’s Old Town neighborhood by the gulch. She boasts that she’s a former Lowell Leopard, Mason Mustang and Wilson Ram, a short-time PLU Lute and a longtime UW Husky. This former corporate businesswoman is a wife, a mom, a school volunteer, a substitute teaching assistant, a writer and a born-again distance runner. She has convinced friends from Bellevue that Tacoma is worth the drive. Contact her at kimricksy@comcast.net. ugi@yahoo.com.