Magenta? It’s sort of purplish-pink.

To be frank I had to look it up.  I don’t really know what teal is either.  When I grew up it was red, yellow, blue, green, brown.  Those were colors.  And they were good enough for me, dammit.

We three. A blast was had by all.

More to the point:  Mike, Ed and Scott (your eccentric correspondent) played four tunes during Magenta Theater’s “family and friends” music showcase on Friday Nov. 13 in downtown Vancouver WA.  Magneta Theater is a local theater company that’s been bringing original and classic comedy and drama and musicals and even improv to downtown for a few years now.  We were glad to be asked to participate – and must point out that Scott’s son Miles, 14, played piano in the Magenta Small Band that was the Real Star of the evening.  (And Mike “Teacup” McNaughton, an old buddy from the Mystic Canyon Band, was the Magenta Band’s drummer!)

1. Mythical (Hewitt)

2. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace Love & Understanding?

3. Runnin’ the River (Hewitt)

4. Here Comes the Sun

Grinnin' Ed

Scott (yours truly), who does get wobbly at this early stage of his bandleading career, was delighted to find his nerves calming down by the first chorus of the first song.  And the applause certainly appeared both genuine and, in places, a bit wild.  After deciding ahead of time not to to try a bit of possibly aimless jamming at the end of PL&U, we found ourselves feeling so good when we got there that with a smile and nod, Scott and Ed started trading licks and makin’ stuff up.

Scott croonin' at Magenta.

Thanks organizer Eric Toner and Magenta Theater!  (Photos by Scott’s lovely wife Sue.)

Mike beams: A job well done.

Painting the Town Magenta

This Friday, November 13, the next leg of our Eccentric journey commences at the Magenta Theater in Downtown Vancouver, Washington. We’ll let music director Eric Toner explain:

Magenta Theater Music Night
When: Friday Nov 13 at 7:30pm
In September, Magenta decided to begin exploring the musical talents within the Magenta Theater community and within Portland & Vancouver at large. We uncovered what we suspected might be there – a whole slew of talented singers and musicians hungry to display their abilities for drawing and moving us in their song. And so we have a cross-section of these musicians coming together this Friday to show their stuff. Be warned – if you darken our door, you must be prepared for a very enjoyable evening of live music. Friday’s line up includes:
Magenta Theater Small Band: Devon Rowe, Steve Goodwin, Miles Hewitt, Eric Toner, Deb Blakewood, Mike McNaughton
Harmless Eccentrics: Scott Hewitt, Mike Lambe, Ed Travalia
Individual acts:  Mandy Ficket, Dirk Wallace, Aaron Baca

Since this is a first, we are calling it “Friends and Family Night” – this means admission is free. As the Kung Fu Panda would say, “There is no charge for awesomeness . . . or attractiveness.” So come one, come all.

Clearly the keywords here are “musical talents…very enjoyable…Scott…Mike…Ed…awesomeness.” Hope to see you Friday night.

Thanks, Mugs!

We did it!  Harmless Eccentrics played its world premier to a handful-and-a-half of friendly folks at Mugs Coffee in Hazel Dell on Sunday, Oct. 25.  We were a little nervous but the crowd was warm (& forgiving) – and some cute chick kept trying to hand Ed what was either a stick of gum or a guitar pick, I couldn’t tell.  The whole thing was a blast for all.  Me, I’m just thrilled to have debuted MY VERY OWN LEETLE BAND and, crucially, to emerge feeling like it’s got nothing but potential.  Onward!   -Scott

Here’s the set.  (* = a Scott Hewitttune)

1. What You Did*
2. Here Comes the Sun
3. Mythical* >
4. Blackbird
5. Brown Eyed-Women
6. Norman’s Song*
7. Sunrise, Sunset
8. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace Love & Understanding >
9. Crazy Fingers
10. Running the River*

The Harmless Eccentrics are ready to get eccentric in YOUR face.

We’ll be playing akoustically and harmonically and originally and non-originally at MUG’S COFFEE in Hazel Dell (that’s just north of Vantucky) at 9230 NE Highway 99 on Sunday Oct. 25.  Alongside the very delicious but strangely sightless Blind Onion Pizza.  Sharing the bill with some other acoustic acts.  The show starts at 6pm; we’re on at 8pm.  Please join us for the Eccentric World Premier!