The Early Days of Hendrix, Swil Kanim, and Musical Milestones

Megan Sukys
07/01/2008

Jimi Hendrix didn't make it big until after he left Seattle, but critics still debate about the influence Jimi took away from the local music scene. Today, a case for early Hendrix recordings that suggest a legend in the making. Plus, violinist and storyteller Swil Kanim.

At 2:05 p.m. – Jimi Hendrix in Seattle: The Early Days

Jimi Hendrix didn't make it big until after he left Seattle. But fans and critics still debate about the influence Jimi took away from the local music scene. Peter Blecha is the author of Music in Washington: Seattle and Beyond. He's here today to make a case for the early Hendrix recordings — songs that give a glimpse of a legend in the making.

At 2:20 p.m. – Swil Kanim

The violin is not a traditional Native American instrument. But, musician and storyteller Swil Kanim didn't know this when he was a fourth grader in Bellingham. He was living with a foster family, separated from his mother on the Lummi Indian reservation. And, the promise of playing violin seemed like a natural fit to him. He shares music with Megan Sukys in an archive interview from 12/4/07.

At 2:40 p.m. – Toby Saks: Musical Memories and Milestones

Music conjures strong memories. And for an artist whose life revolves around music, those memories are especially vivid. Since 1976 Toby Saks has shaped Seattle's musical life as Professor of Cello at the University of Washington and as the founder and artistic director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society. She's joins us to share three pieces bringing to mind important musical milestones in her life.

At 2:50 p.m. – Artistic Lessons From Bad Movies

The movie Citizen Kane inspired the careers of countless filmmakers. You can't really say the same of Howard The Duck. Local filmmaker Dan Tharp believes bad art teaches as much as good art. He's gotten valuable lessons from lousy movies. He shares those lessons with Jeannie Yandel.