A Very Warren Dunes Christmas @ FREMONT ABBEY

Abbey Arts Presents: A Very Warren Dunes Christmas featuring Warren Dunes and Cold Comfort with guest performances by Annie J, Debbie Miller, Tomo Nakayama, Evan Flory-Barnes, Oz (All Star Opera), Babes In Canyon, Marty Thordarson (Marshall Law Band), Sheldon Rosevear

Come celebrate the holidays at the second annual Warren Dunes Christmas Show, at the historic Fremont Abbey, featuring mega-talents from all over the city. This ALL AGES event is a fundraiser for the Many Hands Project Seattle which raises money for childcare for artists.

Original holiday music, your favorite classics, special guests and more. The yuletide cheer will be through the roof! 

Guest Performances by:

Annie J

Debbie Miller

Tomo Nakayama

Evan Flory-Barnes

Oz (All Star Opera)

Babes In Canyon

Marty Thordarson (Marshall Law Band)

Sheldon Rosevear

Click here for more info about The Many Hands Project Seattle: https://www.warrendunesband.com/manyhands

Warren Dunes: www.warrendunesband.com

"Warren Dunes plays PNW Tropicalia and is led by keyboardist/vocalist Julia Massey. Their unique style of Beach Pop is born from the cold waters and grey sky beaches of the Puget Sound, and is highlighted by Massey’s double keyboards and crystalline voice, soaring over chimey guitars and danceable beats. They are celebrating their most recent LP AQUAMARINE, released in May 2024." - Artist Bio

Opening Act:

Cold Comfort: www.instagram.com/coldcomfortseattle

"Ringing guitars, steely percussion, and infectious rhythms are crafted into a refined sound, yet the feeling is still raw. Effortless soulful howls punctuate soaring vocal harmonies, while lyrics dance from bruisingly honest to gleefully irreverent." - Artist Bio

Guest Performances by:

Annie J: www.anniejofficial.com

"Annie J delivers a close and personal blend of retro soul and modern pop. Her vocal mastery and presence as a performer make for a playful and moving display that pays homage to acts like Dusty Springfield, Whitney Houston, Janelle Monae, and Solange.

At times heartfelt and reserved, at times powerful and hard-hitting, Annie J’s sparkling voice and colorful style are uniquely hers." - Artist Bio

Debbie Miller: www.thedebbiemiller.com

"Seattle songwriter Debbie Miller is like a tantalizing book of short stories. In fact, there are few musicians who work as diligently as she to be as narratively engaging. Her lyrics, like tightrope walkers, rollick on the taut wire of song, guiltlessly and pointedly inspiring listeners who crave more of their spectacle. You might find yourself laughing, then crying, then laughing again - sometimes all in the same song. Miller’s newest release, an EP titled 'Heron' was released on November 29th, 2023. Miller, who recently performed with Dave Matthews, has played prominent Northwest festivals like Timbrrr! and Upstream. She has also opened for the world famous von Trapp family, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, and Kris Delmhorst. Miller has made television appearances on the acclaimed 'Band in Seattle' as well as PBS’s 'The Great American Read' which highlighted her song, 'Queen of Hearts.' Miller’s songs have also appeared on WNYC’s Freakonomics, TED-ED, and the New Yorker Radio Hour. But her dream is to write a Broadway musical, which she absolutely-freaking-will one day." - Artist Bio

Tomo Nakayama: www.tomonakayama.com

"Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, Washington, Tomo Nakayama is an artist whose melodic, complex and emotionally compelling music has been praised by NPR, New York Times, and The Stranger. Beginning as frontman of the indie rock bands Asahi and Grand Hallway and a successful solo career spanning two decades as a singer, songwriter, composer, producer, actor, and curator, Nakayama has become one of the most active and recognizable figures in Seattle music.

After the critically acclaimed indie-folk albums 'Fog on the Lens' and 'Pieces of Sky' (named 'Best Folk Act' by Seattle Weekly), Nakayama surprised his fans by releasing 'Melonday' (Porchlight Records), a collection of instantly memorable and undeniably danceable synthpop songs. Co-produced by Yuuki Matthews (The Shins, Sufjan Stevens) and mastered by Dave Cooley (M83, Paramore, Tame Impala), 'Melonday' was named one of the Top Albums of the year by Seattle Times, KEXP, and Seattle Met Magazine, and debuted at #1 on KEXP’s NW Charts. The following year he composed the music for Megan Griffith’s feature film 'I’ll Show You Mine' and the KUOW podcast 'Ten Thousand Things' hosted by Shin Yu Pai, and collaborated on a song with Dave Matthews to benefit SMASH (Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare). In 2024 his cover of Crosby Stills and Nash’s 'Our House' was featured in the Netflix series 'House of Ninjas.'

Nakayama has toured across the US and Japan, sharing the stage with Built to Spill, Thao, Cornelius, Daði Freyr, Fleet Foxes, Buffalo Daughter, Sons of Kemet, and Shugo Tokumaru. He has performed and collaborated with Sera Cahoone, Jherek Bischoff, Jeremy Enigk (of Sunny Day Real Estate), and experimental dance company Malacarne. He also composed music and appeared as an actor in the Lynn Shelton film 'Touchy Feely' with Elliot Page and Rosemarie DeWitt. A former Artist in Residence at Seattle’s Town Hall, his sound installations and compositions have also been featured at the Museum of Northwest Art and Wing Luke Museum." - Artist Bio 

Evan Flory-Barnes: www.linktr.ee/evflorybarnes

"Evan Flory-Barnes creates a music that combines classic soul, experimental-pop and jazz. Featuring his talents as a bassist, singer/songwriter and classically inspired composer/arranger and singer songwriter." - Artist Bio

Oz (All Star Opera): www.allstaropera.com

"All Star Opera, a seven-member Hip Hop ensemble hailing from Seattle, WA, was founded in 2016 and has since evolved into a unique musical force. With a steadfast commitment to growth, the band seamlessly blends the introspective and thought-provoking lyricism of MCs Flow Carter and Oz. Notably, Flow Carter's vocal prowess extends to singing and trumpet, contributing to the band's versatile sound.The sonic landscape is enriched by the collective talent of Seth McDonald on keys, Tylee Toyoda on drums, Will Greenburg on guitar, Bailey Wager on percussion, and Kirk Huffman on bass – each a producer in their own right. This convergence of musical knowledge and taste defines the distinctive All Star Opera sound. Having toured the western US extensively and graced festivals like Treefort Music Fest and Capitol Hill Block Party, All Star Opera is not just confined to the stage and studio. In addition to their musical endeavors, the band runs the nonprofit Seattle World Tour Foundation in collaboration with Respect My Region. Since 2019, they have raised over $50,000 for WA State musician relief through various campaigns. As of 2024, All Star Opera is diligently crafting their sophomore album while releasing singles along the way, staying true to their commitment to musical innovation and community engagement." - Artist Bio 

Babes In Canyon: www.babesincanyon.com

"Eloquently blending synth-folk, moody pop, and soaring vocal harmonies, Babes In Canyon crafts music that is eminently engaging and very much of the moment. Born of a spontaneous writing session during a blackout, their debut EPs Second Cities & Year To Live unfold with an easy grace that belies the relative newness of the endeavor.

As one of the founding members of the indie-pop band Kuinka, Nathan Hamer honed his skills as a singer-songwriter through years of national headlining tours and festival performances.

Yet, Hamer felt a calling to explore a new path. 'I wanted to start a project that explored the outer edges of folk music, that pushed what I love about folk and americana song structures into a new soundscape.'

Fate must have been listening, and soon a severe windstorm stranded Hamer and partner Amanda Ebert in a remote cabin near Washington’s Mount Baker. 'We lost power and then the trees started to fall. Our only path out was blocked, so we started playing music by firelight to calm our nerves,' laughs Hamer. 'I was humming along with my baritone uke. Amanda wrote out lyrics. And by the end of the night, we had our first song for Babes In Canyon.'

A brace of songs in hand, the duo enlisted Michelle Nuño to track bass on their debut record, then headed to Hamer’s farmhouse to be close to nature, converting the bottom floor into a proper recording studio. Joining the band was vaunted producer & engineer Jerry Streeter (Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers). 'We recorded at night.' explains Hamer, 'We’d step out between takes to watch the stars and listen to the owls.'

Hitting the road for a spate of tours, festivals, and live performances, the duo conjure up layered soundscapes, 'looping keys, beats, percussion effortlessly in an electric, raucous live performance' (Atwood Magazine).

While thematically linked, each song by the band is laced with a strong sense of transition and individuality. 'We try to create a sonic landscape of standing on a mountain just after a storm,' says Hamer, 'when the first beams of sunlight start to break through the clouds.'

With their first two EPs and latest single receiving praise from the likes of Under The Radar, Magnet, and Atwood Magazine, Babes In Canyon’s debut album 'The New Loud' is set to release in 2025. Genre-defying, expertly arranged, and profoundly catchy, Babes In Canyon stands ready to soundtrack your adventures - spontaneous or otherwise." - Artist Bio 

Marty Thordarson (Marshall Law Band): www.instagram.com/metalmarty88

"Born into a musical family, Marty Thordarson (Metal Marty) has been playing music most his life, picking up the saxophone in 5th grade band and never looking back. Having played in a number of bands throughout his time in the Seattle music scene, he now dedicates time solely to The Marshall Law Band. The MLB is a funk-rock-hiphop group known for high energy love shows and their commitment to the community. Through events like Fremont Fridays and Emerald City Gala as well as their blossoming non-profit, Music For Everybody, the band is dedicated to using their platform to give back." - Artist Bio

Sheldon Rosevear: www.facebook.com/sheldoninseattle

"Sheldon Rosevear performs (phenomenal whistling, excellent singing, decent guitar work) and hosts events in Seattle, WA. Host of the Conor Byrne Open-Mic" - Artist Bio

@ Fremont Abbey Arts Center

6p doors, 7p show

All ages, some seating available, bar w/ID + elixir bar and concessions

ABBEY ARTS EVENT INFO:

• Fremont Abbey is ADA accessible on either level.
• For most events we have a mix of padded chairs and standing room.
• Seating is not guaranteed or reserved unless noted.
• To respect the performing artists and your fellow attendees, please refrain from talking during the performances
• Please limit photos during the show so as to not distract other attendees from the experience.
• Phone and video may be permitted for some shows, from the standing area only please.
• No professional cameras or cameras with shutters allowed in the venue
• We are an all ages venue. Kids 10 & under are free at Abbey Arts concerts & arts events unless noted.
• Equity & Inclusion - Entering the venue indicates agreement to adhere to the Abbey Respect Policy. www.fremontabbey.org/respect
• Service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.