photo by Brittney Bush Bollay

Slick back your hair and put on your dancin’ shoes, ’cause the 22nd Annual Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball is back! Hosted by KEXP’s own Dr. Leon Berman, better known as “The Shackmaster,” the longest running rockabilly festival in the U.S. is happening Thursday, September 24, through Saturday, September 26, at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard.

Starting off as a small affair to pay tribute to this old school genre and underground culture, the Rockabilly Ball has since grown to a huge three-day celebration with more than just a few cool cats taking stage. This year not only includes a cookin’ car show, but 10 radioactive bands from across the country. And remember, the ball isn’t limited to traditional hounddogs — fans of all ages, styles and backgrounds are welcome to boogie at an occasion made in the shade.

Take it from the Good Doctor: “All I know is that the Rockabilly Ball is still my favorite time to let it all hang out, have fun and immerse myself in the best rockabilly bands, the most fun people, the best tattoos, the best hot-rods, the coolest hair, the coldest beer, and some of the best dancing I’ve seen anywhere. Everyone is invited: rockabillies, rockers, boppers, cats and kittens, foxes and hounds, moms, dads, greasers, accountants, teachers, whoever wants to see the best rockabilly bands there are on the face of the planet, all at the Tractor here in Seattle!”

Thursday 9/24

Roy Kay Combo

With four full length albums and major rockabilly respect under their belts, Roy Kay (vocals/acoustic guitar), Robin Cady (upright bass/backing vocals) and Mike Geglia (electric guitar/backing vocals) of Roy Kay Trio tossed aside their famous name to add Aaron Mlasko (drums/backing vocals) and form the Roy Kay Combo. Even though the drumless trio lives on making music of their own, the new combo tears up the dance floor with their classic 50’s rock. Look for their debut album as a combo, “I’m Hooked,” in October.

Jukehouse Hounds

The Jukehouse Hounds are what I call straight-talking fellas putting everything on the table in their name. Kelly Van Camp (drums/harmonica/vocals), Robert Lee Mitchell (keyboards/vocals), Keith Lowe (bass/vocals) and Al Kaatz (guitar/vocals) banded together to create fun and upbeat Americana roots music. With songs like “Wild Weekend” and “Goo Goo Muck,” the Hounds “guarantee good howlin’ times.”

Billy Dwayne and the Creepers

Ballard band Billy Dwayne and the Creepers may look like trouble makers covered in tattoos and riding around town in hot whips, but their dancey music shows otherwise. Billy Dwayne (vocals/guitar), Armando Nienhuser (upright bass) and Jody Gere (drums) don’t take themselves too seriously with songs like “Big 390″ and “Long Legged Baby” off their new album, Damn That Lincoln.

plus, the Shake The Shack Rock ‘n Roll Party featuring:

Vince Mira

photo by Brian Cullen

Singer/guitarist Vince Mira has managed to reincarnate the voice of Johnny Cash, produce and record his first album by John Carter Cash at the Cash Cabin (built by the legend himself) in Nashville, and perform on daytime television shows like Good Morning American and Ellen DeGeneres, all before starting the eleventh grade. After perfecting Mr. Cash’s wise voice on his debut album “Cash Cabin Sessions,” the young, country music titan is now giving a hand to artists two to three times his age, most recently recording with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam for Stone’s “Hank Williams Tribute” album.

Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands

photo by Christopher Nelson

Mark Pickerel discovered his love of music on a high school band trip to Walla, Walla by fellow band nerd, Van Conner (otherwise known as Gary Lee of the Screaming Trees). After serving as a member in bands like the Trees and Truly, Pickerel decided is was time to become a “free agent.” Originally playing under the name Dark Fantastic, Pickerel kept his style but swapped his title to Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands before releasing his new album “Devil Takes His Turn.”

Christy McWilson

photo by Eric Frommer

Christy McWilson is an Americana fox who started out in the 80s as a singer in The Dynette Set. After helping to form the Picketts who released three albums throughout the grungy 90s before their disbandment, McWilson has grown into her own with solo ablums, The Lucky One and Bed of Roses.

Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s

Starring as Buddy Holly in a 5th Avenue theater production, Billy Joe of the Dusty 45s not only has the musical swagger of a rockabilly giant, but the classic cleaned-up greaser look. Leading the Dusty 45s for the past decade, Joe knows how to put on a show with his smooth voice and hot finale, complete with a flaming trumpet. With the Dusty 45s voted as “Best of Seattle” three years in a row by Seattle Weekly readers, Joe is reviving Americana swing music in the Northwest.

Friday 9/25

The StarDevils

The StarDevils deserve their savage title with their finger lickin’ good twangy rock sound. With 5 star reviews from the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Black Cat Rockabilly, Lance Kaufman (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Frank Turner (upright bass) and “Lost” Jim Ohl Schmidt (lead guitar) are worthy of playing any sized shindig. Check out some of their feet-tappin’, tail-waggin’ albums like “The Devils Music” and “Diagnosis Dee-Licious.”

Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp

Austin, Texas rockabilly singer Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp has teamed together with the Zipguns to create a swingin’ melody of old and new with Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp and the Zipguns. With his fancy bass playing in albums like “Ride That Rocket” and “Who’s That Fool,” he’ll have you wearing holes into your dance shoes by no time.

Captain Jeffrey and the Chumbuckets

Rooted in San Fernando Valley, California, Captain Jeffrey and the Chumbuckets bring their jazzy, borerline desert flare to American music the right way. Captain Jeffery (vocals/lap steel), J. Carlos Reynoso (drums), Kevin Stewart (bass), Eli Hathaway (rhythm guitar), Zach Mayerwitz (trumpet), and Patrick Morrison (lead electric guitar) are a rockabilly brotherhood, celebrating the sounds of their influences, The Lighthouse Doughboys, Mr. Milton Brown with His Musical Brownies for over five jammin’ years.

Slim Sandy

Slim Sandy is a one-man band, boppin’ hillbilly and country beats on guitar, harmonica and even a suitcase drum. On his down time, this master of instruments and styles band hops, jamming with groups like the Shady Rhythm Cats, The Hot Shot Band, and The Crazy Rhythm Boys. With over 100 songs in his repertoire and decades of experience, the slim man doesn’t plan to stop making tunes at his newest album “This Is The Night.”

Saturday 9/26

Starkweather Boys

Starkweather Boys of Oklahoma are an explosion of swing, two-step, jump and smokehouse blues. J.D. McPherson (lead vocals/guitar), Kevin Wright (vocals/guitar/pedal steel guitar/harmonica), Johnny Carlton (vocals/upright bass), Billy Earl Padgett (vocals/drums) and Mitchell C. Hamilton (vocals/piano) banded together in 2004 and have since spiced up venues across the country with tunes like “Off His Leash” and “Slow Movin’ Girl.”

Rocky Velvet

Rocky Velvet brings their upfront New York attitude to the dawdling rockabilly world, creating a raw 50s roadhouse sound. Crowned the “Best Band” in 2007 by the newsweekly of NY’s Capitol Region, Ian Carlton (lead singer/guitar), Graham Tichy (guitar), Jeff Michael (drums) and newest member Jim Haggerty (bass) hold a reputation for hard-slugging performances and bonafied tunes. Grab their newest album “It Came From Cropseyville!” for a boogie woogie time.

Hillbilly Casino

From the country capitol of Nashville, Tennessee, the independent band Hillbilly Casino is burning rubber across the country with their punkified twist on hound dog music. Starting in backwater bars and clubs, Nic Roulette (vocals), Ronnie Crutcher (guitar/vocals), Geoff Firebaugh (bass/vocals) and Andrew Dickson (drums) have grown to support acts like Rancid, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Horton Reverend Heat. Rock out with their 2006 debut album, “Sucker Punched.”

The Still Creek Brothers

The Canadian boys of The Still Creek Brothers pack a mean southern punch with their traditional western swing sound. Tony LaBorie (upright bass/vocals), Ben LaBorie (Take-off guitar/vocals), Juho Uuraslahti (rhythm guitar/vocals) and Ken Egeland (drums/percussion/hollerin’) seem like their straight out of the south with songs like “What A Lonesome Life It’s Been” and “Let Me Love You.” With a name derived from “lost” underground river; how rockabilly can you get?

For more information about Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball lineup, ticket prices and directions visit KEXP .

Last Friday, Leon Berman, host Shake The Shack, was presented (and surprised) with a certificate inducting him into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Mike Fuller (aka Cousin Mike), the fill-in host for Shake The Shack and not coincidentally Leon’s cousin, spearheaded the campaign and worked his ass off to make this happen. Here’s Mike:

This came about a couple of weeks ago when I was looking at the Rockabilly Hall of Fame website. As I was going through at the names, it just suddenly struck me that Leon should be in the Hall. I mean, who’s done more for rockabilly in the northwest than Leon? And he’s been doing it for 22 years — not just the show, either, but the Rockabilly Ball and its CD series and now a DVD.

So, I started corresponding with the curator, Bob Timmers, in Nashville. He was reluctant at first, because the Hall has a history of mainly honoring musicians, but I presented what I thought was a convincing argument that Leon’s body of work made him a prime candidate and that his induction would make the Hall stronger. Bob agreed and that was that.

Longtime Shake the Shack listener, Thom Head (Rear Admiral of the Friday Night Yacht Club), made a special one-of-a-kind frame for the certificate.

Here’s the letter Mike sent to Bob Timmers that convinced him to recognize Leon’s contributions:

Many Halls of Fame have inductees who are not performers. The Baseball Hall of Fame comes to mind as one that honors broadcasters and executives, as does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I think it’s an acknowledgment that the creation and ongoing health of an industry or art form is not the sole result of the people on stage-but rather that the songwriters, engineers, producers, promoters, A&R people and, yes, broadcasters like Leon, are the ones who create the environment where the performers’ work can be heard. I don’t have to tell you that without the recognition of a Hall of Fame, over time, these people often fade into an unjust obscurity.

I’m a big rockabilly fan myself and know that, without the support of organizations like the Hall; record labels and studios and, again, broadcasters like Leon, rockabilly would fade because it’s the work that all of you do that makes my enjoyment of the music possible. You’re not making the music but in giving me access, you’re keeping it alive and vital. I don’t underestimate the value of performers, but would Elvis Presley be Elvis without Sam Phillips, Dewey Phillips, Leiber & Stoller and (I know this is a touchy subject for some, but) Col. Tom Parker? Perhaps — maybe even probablyŠbut perhaps not and I can’t help but wonder how many other performers of Elvis’ stature might have been out there (might be right now) but we never heard of them because they didn’t have the support and encouragement of people behind the scenes?

I’d like to share a small story that happened last month: Sleepy LaBeef was booked to perform here and the day before the show, the club had sold exactly two tickets. Leon personally called everyone in his address book and by the time Sleepy hit the stage, the show was not only sold out, but the club had to turn people away. I was standing right there when the promoter told Leon that it was all because of him. Sleepy said the same thing on stage. Do you think another club here would have brought him back if he had really sold just two tickets that night? Again, that’s just a very small example, but it illustrates that the performer is not the only one who makes the music possible.

I obviously like to argue — it’s a skill that’s useful in my line of work-but I would have a hard time overstating what Leon has done over the past 22 years to keep rockabilly not just alive, but thriving. That there is a rockabilly scene here at all is largely due to the sheer force of Leon’s will. Anyone who’s met him will tell you that the man is like a force of nature and is truly worthy of induction in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame as a full member, as are others. I believe that the Hall would be much stronger for it. Again, I totally respect your decision, Bob, but I do ask that you consider what I’ve said and do what you feel in your heart is the right thing.

Keep on rocking,

Mike

Last week’s 3-night bender that was the 21st Annual Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball was a blast for all of those involved. Thanks to our sponsors, Pabst and the Tractor Taver, everybody who came out, danced and dressed up, and all of the great bands:

Omar Romero / Dusty Chance & the Allnighters / Texas Steve / Slim Sandy/ Little Rachel / James Intveld / Rocky Velvet / The Royal Deuces / Jimmy Sutton / Pep Torres / Miss Lauren Marie / The Black Crabs

And a big thanks to our photographers who captured the event for all to see: Jim Bennett, Brittany Bush Bollay, David Frank, and Andrew McDonald.

Good God, Y’all…September 27th is rapidly approaching. 17 Bands are starting to “gig” their way to Seattle for the 20th Annual Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball. What started out as a hair-brained idea 20 years ago to bring a few rockabilly bands to Seattle to help bolster awareness for the genre, has turned into a multi-day, international event complete with Hot Rod Show and a CD…what went wrong? I used to have dark brown hair, it’s very white now – I used to have normal blood pressure, now the doctors are concerned – My liver?…punish the liver, it is evil. All I know is that the event which takes place every last weekend of September is still my favorite time to let it all hang out, have fun and immerse myself in the best rockabilly bands, the most fun people, the best tattoos, the best hot-rods, the coolest hair, the coldest beer, and some of the best dancing I’ve seen anywhere. Everyone is invited…rockabillies, rockers, boppers, cats and kittens, foxes and hounds, moms, dads, greasers, accountants, teachers…whoever wants to see the best rockabilly bands there are on the face of the planet…all at the Tractor here in Seattle.

This year I will be celebrating 20 years of both the Rockabilly Ball and Shake the Shack, so I wanted to bring my favorite bands and I also wanted to showcase the best new, young rockabilly bands from around the world.

Thursday night the 27th will feature my favorite bands from around the Seattle area. The Roy Kay Trio, a three piece traditional rockabilly band with no drums, will be live on Shake the Shack this Friday the 21st. Marshall Scott Warner plays the drums and croons with the best of ‘em and always has an all star lineup backing him. The Dusty 45’s will always put on a show from flaming trumpets, to incredible showmanship, Billy Joe belts it out, while playing guitar and trumpet… they are a Northwest classic. What really excites me Thursday, is the special All Star Sun Records Tribute – this is an all-star band backing many different singers from all different backgrounds and genres… we can’t say who the singers are, but you will be surprised - anyone who misses it will be sorry!

Friday night the 28th will feature 5 bands… we will start early 8:00 – every band is a monster. All the way from Great Britain, The Cathouse Creepers, a high energy crazy show that will leave the audience in disbelief…this is real British rockabilly. Chuy and the Bobcats, a crew of youngsters from LA who has impressed me as one of the new “contenders” of rockabilly. Their original tunes and incredible musicianship will have you dancing… even if you don’t know how. Omar and the Stringpoppers, another young band from LA, will gut punch you in the eardrums and continue with your uncontrolled dancing. Now, take a big bowl, mix up a batch of rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, psychobilly, and punk – you will have the next two bands. 18 Wheeler and Hillbilly Casino – these two bands are no-holds barred, serious rockin’ bands. You will see the best upright bass playing you have ever seen, you will hear bands play songs you never thought you’d hear played by a rockabilly band…stay to the end – you will be a sweaty mess.

Saturday morning the 29th we will convene at the Shanty Tavern on Lake City Way for the 4th Annual Shake the Shack Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show. The show starts at 10:00am. What kind of vehicles will you see? Hot Rods, Classic Cars, Family Cars, weird cars, rat rods, the Shake the Shack Solid Gold Cadillac, sportscars, theme cars, Harleys, rat bikes, crotch rockets, and more. Bands will be playing (Mama Tried, Billy Dwayne and the Creepers, The 1,2,3,4’s, and more). Dante will be there with his famous hot dogs, wieners and sausages! Come on down and vote for your favorite cars – all spectators get to vote.

Saturday night the 29th we meet up again at the Tractor for the finale, the Big Kielbassa of all rockabilly shows…for tonight we celebrate the 20th anniversary – bring your stunt liver. The Honeybees – these young ladies from Chicago will tear the evening open in style as they sing, shimmy, swing and rock the house (you will fall in love – I do every time). Now my three favorite modern rockabilly bands of all time. The Mezcal Brothers – these Lincoln Nebraska boys have a few tricks up their sleeves – you will be talking about them and their stage show for a long time. The Go Getters, from Sweden, stand-up drummer singer three piece high energy insanity all on stage right before your eyes… they are the best there is. Together again for the first time in ten years, a reunion of Johnny and the Blades… Dixie Peach Palmade!

So if you are a bit curious, come on in… the water’s warm and the music is great. And if we offend you… tell your friends!

Click here for the full lineup and information. Buy your tickets at Ticketweb now!

Last Friday November 10th marked the 20th anniversary of Shake the Shack.

After wrapping up a week of deluge rains, floods, and traffic from hell, I was ready to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Shake the Shack. There were a couple of things holding me back from the long awaited event – one, traffic between Snohomish and Seattle was brutal (to say the least) and two, about a 104 temperature raging through my body… along with a headache behind my eyeballs that felt like someone had strategically placed a claw hammer (claw down) in that same spot. Finally arriving at KEXP with a half hour to spare, I noticed that the parking lot was really full. I was met in the lot by KEXP Manager Tom Mara who carried my large cd carrier inside for me and congratulated me on 20 years at the station. (what… no personal parking place?)

Inside I was greeted by a contingent of KEXP staff to present me with a cake and a cool microphone from the 1930’s. Then the “Coup De Grass” (as we say on STS), Elvis himself appeared and sang Hound Dog to the surprise of us all.

I waited for him to give me a Cadillac… but I missed out again (that only happens to morning DJ’s). Then the youngest of the crowd wanted me to re-tell the story about radio with no cd players and the days of vinyl-only. As I put back in my teeth, I retold the story of KEXP, KCMU, and the days of yore. I quickly scampered to pull off the 20th Anniversary special. All the e-mails, phone calls, gifts, and a special guest appearance by Billy Joe from the Dusty 45’s, really rounded out the night.

I thank not only all the folks who helped me celebrate, but most of all, the listeners that make it all happen year after year. Final note – after spending last Saturday in the hospital and being diagnosed with an ugly sinus infection, I am now on the mend – hell, Rockabilly Music has been around a lot longer than 20 years just like I plan to be.

Still putting the “f.u.” in fun, Dr. Leon Berman