According to Travel & Leisure Magazine,

"The city [ Seattle ] is

1. Best in the country for
   
   • Cafés and Coffee Bars (No. 1)
   • Farmers' Markets (No. 1)
   • Intelligent People (No. 1) [ ahem! ]
2. Near the top in Environmental Awareness (No. 2)
3. Among the best in Public Parks and Access To The Outdoors (No. 4)
   

But.... pack an umbrella for that Rainy Weather (No. 23)."

http://www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2008/city/seattle


Note: in the PNW, umbrellas have two common names: "bumbershoot" and "I don't have one... never have." Seattle just might be the only place in the world that has a huge festival celebrating something that nobody owns or wants to own: http://www.bumbershoot.org/

Labels: bumbershoot, seattle

Seattle Sports And Culture Fans Mourn Death Of Tuba Man

To sports fans across Seattle, Ed McMichael was an icon - a gentle giant whose tuba sounds outside area ball parks rang consistent, regardless of the action inside.

What fans may not have known about the Tuba Man was that for 10 years he was principal tubist with the Bellevue Philharmonic and played with the Cascade Symphony, before growing bored with orchestras and hitting the streets. He once said his dream was to play "O Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the mound at Safeco Field. Seattle, a town with street entertainers seemingly everywhere, had the quintessential busker: a quirky musician beloved by all who heard him play.

McMichael, 53, died Monday, nine days after police say he was kicked and beaten by a group of juveniles near a bus stop in the 500 block of Mercer Street. Police have arrested two 15-year-olds in connection with the assault.

The Tuba Man's death has led to an outpouring of sadness and anger from those whose encounters with him left a lasting impression. His brother, Kelsey "Bud" McMichael, is surprised by the impact Ed had on this city. "My brother never really sought that notoriety," said Kelsey McMichael, who flew up from Florida to help his brother after the assault. "He didn't really want to be popular. Yet everything he did drew that out. It's amazing thinking back at all the names people called him: 'Crazy. Weird. Gentle giant.' Everyone had an opinion about him."

For 20 years, Ed McMichael was a fixture at Mariners, Sonics and Seahawks games and around Seattle Center - trading his talent for spare change. "Any of us attending a Seahawks game always got a chance to say hello and give him some pocket change for his playing tunes," said Ross Cook of Gig Harbor.

Cook recalled that in 2003, his then-25-year-old son stopped to talk with the Tuba Man before a Seahawks game and asked if he'd ever actually attended a game. When he learned he had not, he bought him a ticket to sit with him and a friend. "My son says Tuba Man had the time of his life at the game, and once people in the general-seating area around them recognized him, they began sending peanuts, hot dogs and beverages over 'gratis' to welcome him." [ don't be surprised - we're talking about Seattle ]

One of tens of thousands of stories about the Tuba Man: "one of the highlights of any trip to Safeco or KeyArena was hearing the music from the Tuba Man. I remember going to a TBirds game at the Key many, many, years ago..." complete story.... Seattle P-I       Seattle Times      Art Thiel, Resident Smart-Ass       KOMO-TV

My comments:

1. Tuba Man also entertained patrons who were attending cultural events at the old Opera House (and, I'm told, at Seattle's Benaroya Hall).
2. Tuba Man inspired and encouraged a young friend of mine - a teenager at the time - to play his cello for passers-by at a Mariners Game.
3. I'll be among the hundreds of thousands who will miss him.
4. OK, Seattle - it's time for a statue. I'm thinking between Safeco and Quest Field. Or Fremont.... (Seattle insiders' joke). "Mr. Allen, paging Mr. Allen."
5. I once called out to him "Fantasia on the Dargason." He immediately played the tuba solo from the opening bars. Then I tried "Smoke on the Water." Duh-oh. He nailed it. After "Sgt. Pepper" and "Stardust" it was clear that he was going to win. The guy was an oom-pah juke box. He loved his music and the modest living he made bringing smiles to all.
6. I'll miss you, Tuba Man. Too shall your city.

Update: Memorial Fund Established

Go to any Bank of America branch and you can donate to the Edward "The Tuba Man" McMichael Memorial Fund or send checks and money orders made out to Edward "The Tuba Man" McMichael Memorial Fund to PO BOX 4985, Federal Way, WA 98063.

Area musicians are invited to bring their instruments for a musical remembrance of "The Tuba Man" on Saturday, November 8 at McCaw Hall. Details

Labels: seattle, tuba man