The Merc or Busk

Gravel-voiced street musician turned stage artist Jason Webley oozes a Tom Waits vibe, but don't tell him that. The busking accordionist is clearly his own creation, known for leading Andy Kaufman-style audience-participation parades (one Webley-led public takeover of a Seattle water fountain got him banned from Bumbershoot), using a coin-filled...

By Susan Froyd

July 19, 2007

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Gravel-voiced street musician turned stage artist Jason Webley oozes a Tom Waits vibe, but don't tell him that. The busking accordionist is clearly his own creation, known for leading Andy Kaufman-style audience-participation parades (one Webley-led public takeover of a Seattle water fountain got him banned from Bumbershoot), using a coin-filled vodka bottle as a percussion instrument, driving a tomato-mobile, spontaneously erupting into song in supermarkets and staging his own death each Halloween, among other things.

The inimitable Webley performs his unilateral version of gypsy/punk/folk music with stories this evening at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street. And don't, even for a minute, think you know what to expect. Just go — and be there by 9 p.m. Tickets are $6; call 303-294-9281 or visit www.mercurycafe.com for details.
Thu., July 19, 9 p.m.

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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