Talking Weird #213 Tales from the Other Side with Bob Antone

A long-time local of Snoqualmie Valley and the Seattle area, Bob has collaborated and performed alongside a variety of traditional and modern cultural influences. As a musician, artist, woodcarver, writer, and public speaker, he and his wife Laura continue to collect oral histories, folktales and cultural information North America wide. Having written two books and working on a third, Bob keeps a daily journal and has been doing so for a solid 15 years now. Growing up in a musical household, he learned classical standards, old-time folk music along with logging camp and railroad stories from his father and grandparents. He later came to understand avant-garde and experimental composition at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Visit Bob, online, here: https://bobantone.com/

As a young man he learned fiddle tunes from his violin teacher Carol Davidek-Waller. She was part of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers who met frequently in eastern Washington. After forming several garage bands with high school friends, Bob later came to know and teamed up with well-known rock musicians namely Christopher Thorn of “Blind Melon” at Lucky Dog Studios in Seattle, cellist and composer Lori Goldston along with “Heart” founder Roger Fischer. Bob played electric violin with the “Tiny Kings” founded by band leader and composer Paul Hutzler. From 2004 to 2005, Bob performed with Lummi Native American violinist Swil Kanim who appeared on the television show “Northern Exposure" and “The Business of Fancy Dancing”, a film by Sherman Alexie.

In addition to musical performances, Bob often appears as a public speaker and is well known for his storytelling. Storytelling events include the “Flying Saucer Festival," held annually in the town of Chehalis, Bigfoot gatherings and true crime/ghost tours throughout the state of Washington.

If that wasn't enough, Mr. Antone documents local history and folktales within his original wood carvings and paintings. Songs have corresponding illustrations while local legends take the shape of life-sized sculptures.

Documented by academics in the field including Harvard University, Florida State University, and the Smithsonian Institute (recognized through ethnomusicologist Jens Lund of Washington Parks and Recreation) Bob Antone showcases his unique brand of music, storytelling and comedic performance art. As a solo performer, public speaker, or band leader, Bob brings cultural authenticity and years of experience to successful event planning and entertainment.

Bob, one of Talking Weird's most popular, regular guests, returns to the show to kick off our annual month of spooky episodes in the lead up to Halloween. He shares spooky tales, and accounts of contact with the unknown, as only he can!

This is a creepy and enchanting episode that you dont want to miss!

Episode art/painting: THE HAND by Bob Antone.