Seattle Spotlight:
Bake's Place
By Patrice
Raplee
Bake's Place Jazz and Blues Society, enveloped by evergreens and the
pungent aroma of fresh cedar, is not only an innovative venue, but a
musician's dream gig.
Two and-a-half years ago, Redmond, Wash. entrepreneur
Craig Baker turned the bottom half of his au courant home into a special
events site and private jazz club. Initially, Baker created the venue
so that businessmen could host cocktail hors d'oeuvre parties and presentations
for their out-of-town clients. Eventually, the jazz club burgeoned and
with it, limited overnight accommodations and an outside performance
stage.
Baker has truly fashioned a club that is appealing for
members and artists. The inside facility (smoke-free) is tastefully
arranged by means of deep maroon walls accented with black and white
photographs of famous jazz and blues musicians. Mosaic tile-top tables
are aglow in candlelight and their coffee counterparts are festooned
with various jazz and music books.
A beautiful Yamaha baby grand piano sits poised in the
center room that seats about 50. The outside patio seats 150 and is
equally impressive with its covered seating and stage area surrounded
by a tranquil forest setting. The stage lights are professional and
sound system would make even finicky artists happy.
This intimate setting is advantageous for the rapport
between aficionado and musician allowing an unobstructed and very live
performance. Year round, Bake's Place presents exceptional local and
national musicians, from the exhilarating swing era sound of Lily Wilde
and her Swingin' Boyfriends to the divine renditions of the Greta Matassa
Quartet.
Of course an atmosphere that is perfect for excellent
music is also good cause for superb cuisine. Luscious catered dinners
accompany almost all of the performances and can be purchased with your
ticket before scheduled performances.
Bake's Place Special Events Club offers many other benefits
to members; with the member roster at 600 and growing, it's obvious
that this kind of venue is rapidly gaining in popularity.
Although Baker plans to keep his family-owned-and-operated club at its
current size, he does plan to expand the number of shows in the next
year. He also has a company named Real Time Productions; it is an off-site
production facility that caters food, music sound and stage equipment.
Baker is quite the busy gentleman, but he keeps a vigilant eye on his
enterprises, and manages to remain one of the most affable men in the
business. His jazz and blues society's maxim is: "Our focus is
presenting music in an atmosphere created to evoke a unique connection
between the artist and the audience, resulting in memorable moments
of creativity." And indeed it does Mr. Baker, bravo!
For more information, call Bake's Special Events Club
at 425-898-0311 or visit Bake's Place website: www.bakesplace.org
HOME
|
