Terry Shaw and his band play, discuss the music of Billy Joel 

Rachel Benton

Last time the band did this show, it sold out faster than I could spread the word! This show was truly extraordinary, which is why I’m excited to share the band is back for two Billy Joel Tribute showings at Traditions Fair Trade on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Click here to learn more. 

As we get closer to the upcoming shows, band leader Terry Shaw and I thought it would be fun to introduce you to this band’s incredible musicians: Rick Jarvela, Cal Neal, Jon Balsley, John and Ben Martin. 

I asked each musician three questions, and I hope you enjoy reading their answers and getting to know them right alongside me. 

Favorite Billy Joel song? 

Balsley: “That’s a tough one — we’re playing ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire,’ and I have fun memories of that song from playing video games with my friends in middle school. I also really love ‘Moving Out.’” 

Jarvela: “‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’ because of the different musical and life themes, and memories of how it resonated with me the first time I heard it.”   

1. Martin: “‘Mexican Connection’ — it’s purely instrumental and it’s got this Latin twist that is really fun.”
2. Martin: “Oh my gosh, no doubt — ‘Root Beer Rag!’ I love it, it is just this wonderful, fast, upbeat song that makes you feel good listening to it!”

Neal: “I have two answers: ‘You May Be Right,’ a lifelong favorite, and a song we are doing for this concert called ‘Goodnight Saigon.’” 

Shaw: “‘This is the Time’ was the first Billy Joel song I heard as a kid in the mid-80s. We’ll be performing ‘Goodnight Saigon,’ which has a very significant story we will discuss with audiences at the show. I love to perform ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant!’”

What do you hope audiences take away from the show? 

Balsley: “Putting this concert together, we have all wanted people to have a real sense of community, which is really nice, and I hope people walk away feeling that.”  

Jarvela: “Billy Joel’s music is really varied and embraces different styles, and I hope audiences enjoy the music and their experience.”  

1. Martin: “I hope they discover one song they haven’t heard before, or listened to as deeply before, maybe even discover something new about Billy Joel. I hope they discover a love for his music and style.”
2. Martin: “It is the coolest thing to see people out there smiling, singing along, dancing, or swaying to the music. When we play music, we connect with people and for that hour and a half, they don’t have to think about the outside world. I hope they walk away glad of that experience and with big smiles.”

Neal: “You know, when co-workers talk on Monday about their weekend, and someone mentions a performance that was a highlight? Being part of that has always been my goal! I also hope they enjoy the social togetherness and the music.”  

Shaw: “I hope that people enjoy the music and appreciate the way all these very talented and dedicated musicians have honed in their craft to replicate the qualities present in Billy Joel’s music.” 

Describe the importance of live music today?

Balsley: “I think it’s really easy to get caught up in life’s to-dos, and so when people come together in a room and experience music together, there is a feeling of transcendence. You all get to experience all the emotions together and that is really special.”  

Jarvela: “There are algorithms in this world dividing people, and so it’s nice when everyone comes together to enjoy music, embrace community, and find commonalities with each other.”  

1. Martin: “I think there’s something special about experiencing music, all art really in a live setting. There’s a certain energy that you can’t replicate anywhere else.”
2. Martin: “You can listen to the radio, watch TV, plug in your earbuds and listen to music, and that’s cool, but at a live music show, you get to see the music as it is being made. You can feel the music not just through listening to it, but throughout your body. Literally, you can feel the pulse of the music!” 

Neal: “Anything can happen, and there’s a certain camaraderie that happens when we all experience something and make memories together.”  

Shaw: “The last decade or so has really changed the way people communicate with one another, and social media has gotten rid of a lot of human qualities. Live music is the peak of humanity. Humanity at its finest with forms of expression you can’t get anywhere else and offers a path to help us find human connection again.” 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.