Letter from the Curator & A Tale of Two Towers

I've been looking for an opportunity to break the mold of the usual music performance, to offer a unique experience, one that is still focused on the music, but one that delivers a greater connection, intimacy, and creativity. 

As an artist, I’ve played hundreds of shows, year after year, around the Northwest and North America. I’ve found that one of the most memorable places to play was in my backyard, at the top of the oldest skyscraper in Seattle, the Smith Tower. It’s one of the most enchanting, unique places in Western Washington, and the tenant Petra Franklin is a champion of the arts, turning the multi-level pyramid penthouse into a space that breeds creativity and magic. Something happens when you are up there, it's like the bustle of the city and all the daily distractions subside, and you have a momentary break from the world to lose yourself in something else. It felt like the perfect place for this series. 

I'm interested in exploring how we experience music.  I'm also always looking for ways to support other artists who I enjoy and respect.  Bringing these two concepts together is exciting.  I can't wait to introduce you to new works in what I feel is the ideal venue.

Every month for a year I will be stretching myself, bringing a unique performance to the top of the Smith Tower, with a different established artist, a different "mystery" guest. You can find more about my music at www.krisorlowski.com. I hope you will join me. 

-Kris Orlowski (2015)


A Tale of Two Towers

Seattle has a history of authentic musicians, many of whom have gone on to national and international acclaim from the Kingston Trio, Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Fleet Foxes, Laura Veirs, Death Cab For Cutie, Nirvana, Macklemore and many more.  

Our first 18 part series took place in my pyramid shaped apartment at the top of the Smith Tower. The vision was for Kris Orlowski to share the stage with the greatest songwriters of our time across diverse musical genres. And indeed that is exactly what happened! Wow! And it was a creative Eureka. You can find some of the newly created songs on Kris Orlowski’s album, Often in the Pause.

1. Something's Missing (4:27) 
2. Walking In My Sleep (4:07)
3. Falling Apart (4:24)
4. Electric Sheep (3:57)
5. Enough (3:34)
6. Go (4:32)
7. Always Bring Me Back (4:20)
8. Stars & Thorns (3:56)
9. Carry Your Weight (3:38)
10. Lost (4:07)
11. We Share the Moon (4:23)
12. Together (2:02)

Our second 12 part series will be in my new apt in the Kiara tower located in the heart of bustling South Lake Union. Our vision is to stretch the audience/performer thread in new directions, continue to share the creative process, and leave you with an unforgettably novel experience.

- Petra Franklin

(Click on the months for a few photos from Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb.)

 

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS  Please reach out to smithtowersession***@***gmail.com (with no asterisks).


Inside the Kiara tower in South Lake Union.

Inside the Kiara tower in South Lake Union.