The Gum Wall Seattle
The Arts, Music, Health, Society, and Culture from a Seattlite perspective by Jamison A. Johnson
Monday, March 18, 2013
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Experience Avenue Q and Balagan's Annual Casino Night Fundraiser!!
Formed to embrace the immense talents of local theatre artists, Balagan Theatre strives to create smart and fearless theatre of the highest artistic quality. Since the first production over six years ago, Balagan has grown from another upstart theatre into one of the more exciting and successful theatre companies in Seattle.
Balagan produces work of the highest artistic quality while becoming involved in the greater community. From Footlight-award winning shows like Arabian Nights, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog and Picasso at the Lapin Agile to “Best of the Year” productions like Elephant’s Graveyard, Big Love and Trout Stanley, Balagan is well-known for consistent artistic success no matter what genre or period of theatre is being tackled.
With inventive programming and solid business management comes a wide-variety of patrons from the young and old, to experienced theatre-goers and first timers. The entire community finds something for them at Balagan.
Balagan is often found in the parks during the summer time doing live productions and making theater accessible to everyone. They provide high quality and entertaining theater that can be embraced by all demographics in our cosmopolitan city.
So get your tickets here and see you all there: Casino Night 2012
| Reactions: |
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Wifi that connects us: Life on a Computer.
What began as a thought on social media has inspired me to post this on my blog. This is a departure from what once was the focus of this blog, which was arts, music, and culture. What is beginning is a space where all topics that beg inspiration can be explored un-apologetically. So stay tuned as I talk about all the topics I have covered and now add more such as living with a gluten allergy, random thoughts about social issues and culture, and how to survive the pending collapse of the universe. ~Jamison A. Johnson
It's interesting how in many ways Facebook has replaced human interaction, talking about problems with friends by venting, etc. And this white space simply eggs it on with the question "What's on your mind?" And I have so many things on my mind, so I resist the evil. I have such a fragile yet resilient soul that thinks entirely too much about everything that its like a dry dead field with a lit cigarette. Eventually everything burns and I am left holding a piece of smoking grass with 3rd degree burns fallen on my knees wishing I was never born in that moment. Then I have a few more drinks and pass out and wake up wondering why all that had to occur. Facebook is the ultimate mind boggler. In one sense you feel greater connection to your world. In the other sense you could feel the coldness alone with a monitor with people's heads in front of your face reminding you that you truly are alone in this moment and have to rely on technology to persist.
I was hanging out with someone last night and they became angry and frustrated when their modem wouldn't connect to their computer rendering them without access to the internet. How many of us have experienced the same frustration and anger? The truth was they had a roommate and a guest in their home instead of virtual friends. A real opportunity for real connection and relationships.
What about how we as a culture in Seattle and else where go to a coffee shop to get Wifi and sit around and ignore each other? Is this what being social and community has become? Is community now a blog, a topic board, a social media group, or who are friends are on a gaming site such as Farmville, Steam, or World of Warcraft? At least the concept of Meetup is using technology for people to actually form real relationships based on common interests. Also, isn't it interesting now that most people try to find dates and friendships with others through online sites such as OK Cupid, Plenty of Fish, and all the social media sites. While in the mid 90s chat rooms served this same capacity, I think that there is something real and organic about meeting someone in person and feeling a personal chemistry while sharing a moment. I don't mean to say that technology is all bad, but it doesn't replace our human needs for touch, audible voices, and being together with a family or community. If memory serves me correct, it is actually important for humans to live not only happily, but also for optimal health and functioning.
Do we really need technology to exist? Is it helpful or harmful? Is it a strange blend of both? Are we better for it?
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?
Here are a few more links concerning this topic:
| Reactions: |
Friday, November 11, 2011
Local Music Feature: BC Campbell
"It was built in 1930 (think Shawshank Redemption). One night, years ago, when I was rehearsing at the old Hush Studios next door, I saw a riot there with burning mattresses being thrown from the top floor windows. We set up in one of the holding cells; there was graffiti written in tar on the walls, some of the windows were missing and you could hear the trains going by below. We wanted to transform the space"
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Aaron Daniel, Vicci Martinez, and Emily Valentine @ The Showbox Market
| Reactions: |
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Brand new photography blogs!!
- SnoBro: For all the things I see in Snohomish County
- See Seattle: See the magic of the Emerald City you don't always catch.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wallingford Art Walk: A Thriving Community Center for Seattle Art and Music
| Reactions: |
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Jimi Hendrix 68th Annual Birthday Bash at The Triple Door in Seattle and The Jet Bar in Mill Creek
Artists Featured:
Ari Joshua - Guitar/Vocals
Jabrille - Guitar/Vocals
Brandon Storms - Bass
Mike Stone - Drums
Steve Barci - Drums
Ty Bailie – Organ
And many Special Guests!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Love Will Carry Us All by Jamison A. Johnson

This song was inspired by 9/11. Its dedicated to those we lost and those that remain on...Love Will Carry Us All by Jamison A. Johnson
Friday, June 18, 2010
‘When push comes to love’…
An event preview article by Jamison A. Johnson. **Special Note: All images and quotes in article are taken from the organizers site and for use of event promotion only and subject to use and copywrite laws/regulations.
Archaic Bliss benefit party
@Club Motor this Thursday, June 24th
1950 S. 1st Ave Seattle 98134
Phone - 206-623-3230
doors at 630 event at 7pm
http://www.whenpushcomestolove.org/
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/114091
Imagine, if you will, a family member decides to violent slam you into a steel pole at top velocity tumultuously and unexpectedly without forewarning. You lie in shock and in pain as your body dropped full force to cold stone concrete not aware of the severity of your injuries and trying to recover your senses, pushing past the pain, and trying to process the assault that just occurred. When sharing this with your family they dishearteningly side with the attacker and leave you for dead.You find yourself passing out while driving, agonizing pain with each breath, and feeling paralyzed to actually make it up a few steps of stairs as your neck injuries makes the simplest movements seem anguish. Attending practitioners are sugar coating everything with an alarmed look on their faces as they try to minimize the shocking horror they feel just staring at your frail body.
Envision now with a major concussion trying to heal without the support of your family and your boss taking advantage of your weakened state and betraying you by stealing your hard earned commissions of $20K which could pay your medical bills. You go home to find you are locked out of your home with your things taken from you. You keep trying to work, going to multiple treatments, spend hours trying to deal with the situation legally, emotionally drained from the trauma and stress of just living and healing, physically disabled for life, and in pain constantly when you were once passionately vital, had a great job, and were financially and personally in a great position with your whole life ahead of you. How would you feel? What would you do? Would your world collapse and fade??
From the ashes rose a young woman whose countenance glimmers easily more brilliant than any celestial spotlight in the cosmos, whose smile could quell a stampede of raging vicious Kodiaks, and her vigor could rival determination of a an ocean of salmon splendor triumphantly battling to return to spawn.
Here is a quote and a small window into the back drop that fuels inspiration to this amazing event from their site @ http://www.whenpushcomestolove.org/ :
"Our friend, a Seattleite, fellow Ballardian, and fallen Angel, was nearly killed in an assault almost 5 ½ years ago. The injury left her with blurred vision, severe hyper kypho deformative scoliosis, stenosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, arthritis, morphed sitting position for her head, neck, spine, and hips, not to mention a plethora of specific ailments too long to list. The doctors, numerous specialists, and physical therapists say she will not fully heal and will need to find a way to live with the pain … she was 25 at the time of the accident and is now 31 years of age. Prior to the accident she participated in most sports, enjoyed Traveling and well, working.
As this was a family member that attacked her, she was unable in her dedicated search to find a lawyer who was willing to take on such a 'sticky' case. Left for dead by the person who did this and the rest of her family, she is undoubtedly a survivor, a warrior priestess, fallen angel. She had been in the Oregon and Washington Wine Business prior, and shortly after the accident, her boss ran off with about $20K in commissions and expenses.
She has made great strides in dealing with her chronic pain, although is very much still in survival mode. She has been left over $30K in debt resulting from seemingly unending medical bills, supplements, additional fees, acupuncture, x-rays, charged rent, and a whole lot of lost work. She has received eviction notices although continues to charge her rent, as healing would be quite a bit more difficult without a space. She had hoped to find a lawyer for both cases, although this has proved difficult. It is necessary that she see specialists, although much of this is not covered under DSHS (state disability funds). Since writing this, they have lost their checking account and credit card after having a credit score in the high 700's prior to, so they are struggling (to put it mildly) just a wee more."
For your convenience, I posted highlights directly from the event organizers, which looks like an amazing event in and of itself!! Going or supporting will go to a worthy cause. Just imagine being in that situation, having a great attitude about it in spite of it all, and having a community around you want to pull together and help you out with an event of this magnitude! I could not begin to express or capture the depth of delight and affection I would sense from her standpoint taking this all in. I think to truly get it, we should take the time to let it truly soak in our soul and then allow a rebirth through a renewed spirit and determination to not only take advantage of this special event, but truly take from this tragedy the victory torch of inspiration sparking motivation and a renewed vigor in our own journey. This event is also a stand for healing for us all in spite of all dead ends, obstructions, and what seems unattainable. I look forward to celebrating the victory with you all!!!
The acts are truly amazing reading about it on their site!! Don't miss some of the area's accomplished musicians, internationally and locally renowned burlesque/boylesque dancers, belly dancing, and fire dancing, and mouth watering culinary delights of tantalizing food and healing touch of soothing massage!!!!!!!
More about the event per organizers @
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127158133977081:
"A spectacular event unlike any other . .. .
.. . join us for an unforgettable evening that will tantalize your senses, blow your mind, & warm your heart ~:~ as we gather together in support of one of our own Seattles' fallen the best {and easiest} way we know how, by partying!!
.. . to benefit a local assault survivor who was attacked by a family member and is now disabled, may they have the resources, space and community they need at this time, aum ♥
We will be graced with live music by
John Ames of EQlateral will perform a set of electric cello music!
The Smokin Jays (blues, funk) http://www.myspace.com/thejays
Blue Monster (funk, jam) http://bluemonster.muxtape.com/
Unite 180 (upbeat orchestral funk, etc) http://www.unitecentral.com/ http://www.reverbnation.com/unite180
In between musical sweats we will be teased by the enticing
Moon Sirens (bellydance trio)
Lilla Coy (burlesque)
Bootsy LeMuze (burlesque)
Whisper de Corvo (burlesque)
Sir Mark (boylesque)
Paris Original (boylesque)
http://www.parisoriginalboylesque.com/
Miss Kiymbah (fire dancing)
. ..Aside from all that fabulousness, we will have a Healing Temple area which may have a live altar, and live art as well as massage. Also in the works is what is turning out to be an amazing raffle! Seattle businesses truly do support their people! Come find out who :)~ There will also be a VIP area with snacks, THIS WILL BE catered fancy like.. .whether you're coming after work to enjoy music, food and relaxation or to make a night of it and get your dance on, perhaps you just appreciate artistry at its finest---there's something for everyone and then some, Enjoy..
Through music will come joy and connection,
Through connection and dance will come inspiration,
Through inspiration and connection will come community,
Through an inspired community will come healing, for all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Making it easy to support really good causes, one burlesque performance at a time . .. .
Live somewhere else? Get some tickets for a local friend, it'll be the gift they never stop talking about *wink wink* nudge nudge... Live here? You'll need just this kind of a break about then: The planets say so!
Pssst… We'll have two photographers and two video folks capturing the event, so put on something fun ..and come have your heart and image captured ♥
Tickets $8-15
VIP Level $20
VIP Level plus Massage $30
♥, the No Faerie Left Behind Crew"
| Reactions: |




