MATT DRISCOLL: A GRAND EVENT AT THE GRAND >>>

With Kimya Dawson’s Weekly Volcano sponsored show at the Grand Theater this Sunday quickly approaching, I caught up with the Grand’s Director of Community Development, Rachel Marecle, to discuss the big event.
Here’s a taste:

Weekly Volcano: How did this performance come to be? Whose idea was it and why did people want to make it happen?
Rachel Marecle: Our executive director, Philip Cowan, approached me with an article from The Olympian highlighting Kimya Dawson and her musically involvement with the movie, Juno.  He immediately asked me to see if I could get her to perform or do something with the Grand Cinema in conjunction with the current movie playing, Juno.  The Grand Cinema has been showing Juno for 7 weeks now and it just seemed like a natural tie between a local musician and the local non-profit art house film theater.

WV: It's awesome that the Grand is showing Juno and bringing in Kimya Dawson. How do the two compliment each other?
Marecle:  It is the perfect compliment - The Grand Cinema is Pierce County's only non-profit art house film theater with a mission to enhance the cultural vitality of our community through the art of film.  How better to express that than a live performance from a local musician whose music is highlighted throughout an Oscar-nominated movie.  That is truly enhancing our community with art - both through film and music, which is what makes the art of film so amazing because it usually always ties in other elements of art (whether it be literature, music, performance, visual, etc.)

WV: How much longer will Juno be running at the Grand?
Marecle: It’s hard to predict exactly, but at least one or two more weeks.

WV: What can people expect from a musical performance at the Grand - something most people have probably never seen?
Marecle: Good question.  It should be very intimate and entertaining.  You will definitely get an up close look at Kimya and be able to enjoy her music.  We hope to even get a few minutes of Q&A with her.

WV: Will we see more music at the Grand, or is this a special thing?
Marecle: This event and performance is definitely something special.  I am not sure if The Grand has done anything like this before, but I can tell you that we are always looking for unique opportunities to share with our loyal patrons of The Grand.

WV: What has the reaction been?
Marecle: The reaction has been great.  The Juno soundtrack just hit number one and people are very excited that a local musician is part of that success.  Coupled with the fact they get to see her perform at The Grand and support their local non-profit movie theater...it’s a win-win for everyone.

Kimya Dawson will play the Grand Theater this Sunday. For more info look here.