Heart by Heart
Featuring Steve Fossen & Michael Derosier of Heart
With Special Guest, Things on Strings
Sunday, August 6th at 6pm
On the Village Green
203 N Beach Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
Heart by Heart
Featuring Steve Fossen & Michael Derosier of Heart
The original rhythm section for Heart – one of classic rock’s most successful and revered bands – is still locked in and delivering those iconic songs as faithfully as possible, says bassist and co-founding member Steve Fossen (a member of Heart from 1969 to 1982), of his band Heart By Heart. Along with former Heart drummer Michael Derosier (1975-1982), vocalist Somar Macek, Lizzy Daymont on guitar, keyboards and vocals, and guitarist Chad Quist, Fossen says Heart By Heart is committed to playing the music with as much reverence and respect as possible.
“Our mission is to perform the classic Heart music as faithfully as we can,” according to Fossen.
Heart By Heart began organically as a duo when Fossen met vocalist Somar Macek in 2008. “We started out playing dinner parties, bistros and jam nights around town,” Fossen said of the musical pairing. By 2009, Fossen and Macek were a couple and have since married. “We were so in love, we decided to call the project Heart by Heart,” Fossen says. When booking agents began requesting a full band, Fossen welcomed the opportunity to once again play professionally with Derosier while sharing the stage with his new love, Somar.
Heart By Heart presents a powerful, dynamic show that includes all the favorite Heart hits such as Barracuda, Straight On, Crazy On You and Magic Man, as well as deep album cuts that Heart fans will love. “We take the music very seriously,” said Fossen. “Ann and Nancy Wilson are rock’s premiere sisters, and with Heart By Heart, we respect and honor that music we made together.”
Aside from regular repeat appearances around their Pacific Northwest home base, Heart By Heart has been touring the US since 2014, taking their show on the road to Performing Arts Centers, indoor and outdoor theaters, casinos, fairs and festivals.
Fossen says that one of the most rewarding aspects of Heart By Heart is meeting with fans, who are encouraged to bring Heart memorabilia to shows for the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers to sign afterwards. “We have people coming up to us after shows with tears in their eyes,” he said. “They thank us for bringing back memories of those days. Somar and I started singing these songs out a pure love for the material, and now that we’ve branched out and are touring around the country, it’s really rewarding to talk to fans and hear their stories and memories.”
Follow Heart by Heart online:
https://www.heartbyheart.com
https://www.facebook.com/HeartByHeartBand
https://www.instagram.com/heartbyheartofficial
https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartByHeart
Things On Strings
Things on Strings is a unique band that blends different musical genres to create a truly original sound. Started by Joel Gamble on his 7-string electric violin, keyboards, Harpejji, and voice, the band also features the talents of Ty Elwin on vocals, guitar, and looping, Melody Funk on vocals, and Randy Jezierski on drums. Together, they create an exciting fusion of funk, folk, rock, and electronic music that will leave audiences mesmerized. With their exceptional musicianship and rich soundscapes, Things on Strings is new, exciting mix of energy and sound.
Joel Gamble is a masterful multi-instrumentalist and singer, residing on the idyllic Orcas Island. Over the last 30 years he has firmly cemented himself as a staple of the Seattle music scene. His skill and unique style on the 7-string electric violin, keyboards, and Harpejji is simply mesmerizing and has captivated audiences worldwide.
Joel has played with famous musicians including Mike Derosier of Heart, and many up-and-coming artists. He is able to adapt to any genre or style he is presented with. His solo albums, Schizocatta and Splinters, showcase his creative diversity, as do his performances everywhere from an aircraft carrier to the Tacomadome to coffee shops, casinos and even funerals.
Joel is known for his electrifying stage presence and ability to connect with audiences of all demographics. Whether he is performing at a festival, wedding, or theater, Joel never fails to deliver a show that leaves his audiences wanting more.
Ty Elwin began playing guitar on the front steps of local Friday night parties at Penn State in 1992. After playing spring break in Panama City Beach, Ty parked the bus in St. Pete Beach in 1996, hooking up with Dutch and the Masters anchored by accomplished drummer B.D. McGee” of the Rock Bottom Band. Ty has played various venues around the gulf coast including legendary venue Janus Landing for former Led Zeppelin promoter Johnny Greene. In August of 2002, Ty headed to Central Florida securing a bond with local percussionist Ryan Beaver to form Soapbox Groove. “…when soft sounds begin to seep out through his throat and down through his fingers on his guitar, people do double-takes. His guitar playing was outstanding. His voice was dead on. The guy had it together” (Tyler Gray, Orlando Sentinel). Cousin to late great saxophonist, Leroi Moore, various critics have referred to Ty as “the Black Dave Matthews.” He has an endless repertoire of over two thousand covers and fifty originals, and was voted ”Best Acoustic Artist 2013″ by Tacoma Weekly.
Melody Funk embarked on her musical career at an early age, performing concerts and fundraisers with her family. She developed her skills in voice and oboe and pursued jazz studies at Mt Hood Community College. In 1975, Melody made her way to Orcas Island, where she spent five years as the vocalist of the house band, Sail, at Rosario Resort.
In 1978, Melody discovered her passion for the bass, which paved the way for a diverse career performing at clubs, lounges, casinos, corporate events, and festivals. Her repertoire includes a range of musical theatre productions, such as The Fantastiks, produced on Orcas Island, and cabaret shows like Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Jekyll & Hyde, Cats, and Miss Saigon.
Melody has had the opportunity to perform with renowned acts such as the New Blues Brothers Revue and Top Brass. She has also lent her talents to the Seattle Seahawk Band, performing for the Mariners, Seattle Sounders, Seattle Sonics, Microsoft, Boeing, and the Final Four.
In 2004, Melody embarked on an impressive 11-year cruise ship career, serving as a guest entertainer, show band musician, musical director, and member of jazz groups for various esteemed cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, American West Steamboat Co., and Argosy Cruises.
Throughout her journey, Melody has shared her expertise by teaching oboe, bass, and voice, and delivering seminars at high schools and colleges, enlightening aspiring individuals about the opportunities available in the entertainment industry on land and at sea. She has had the privilege of performing alongside notable musicians such as Oregon, Jeff Lorber, Kenny G, and Stan Kenton.
Currently, Melody resides on Orcas Island, nestled in the picturesque San Juan Islands.
Randy Jezierski is a drummer with over 40 years of experience in the music industry. From Chicago and now on Orcas Island, Randy brings his passion for rhythm and percussion to every performance. With a dynamic and versatile style, he has played with numerous bands and artists across various genres, including jazz, rock, blues, and Latin. Whether on stage or in the studio, Randy’s expertise and creativity shine through in every beat he plays.