Stan James (1935-2008), a Seattle folksinger from the early 1950s, passed away at his cabin near Granite Falls on October 31, 2008. One of the mainstays of folk music in this area, he was one of a group of young folksingers who sang at the UN Pavilion during the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. In 1962 he bought “The Place Next Door,” a coffeehouse in the Wallingford District, redecorated it and renamed it “The Corroboree.” It was one of the best coffeehouse folk venues in Seattle at that time. Stan, a boat builder, was involved in some of the early restoration of the Wawona, and lead many chantey sings at the NW Seaport on South Lake Union. He was the second president of the Seattle Folklore Society, and was active in the Seattle Song Circle. He will indeed be sorely missed!

As part of the Tribute To Silent Voices at the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle on Sunday, May 24th, 2009, Stewart Hendrickson and friends presented a tribute concert to Stan James. Paul Dorpat served as the MC with performances by Stewart Hendrickson, Nancy Quense, Al Hirsch, Chris Roe, Mariide, Percy Hilo, Paul Gillingham and Steve Lalor. Several of these performances were captured on video as shown below. Thanks to Steve Whinihan for taking the videos.

Stewart Hendrickson sings "Ashes on the Sea" (Utah Phillips)

 
Allan Hirsch sings "Cockles and Mussels" (trad)

 
Nancy Quense sings "Twa Magicians" (trad)

Chris Roe sing "Drive on Mr. Custis" (Dylan Todd)  

 
Steve Lalor and Paul Gillingham sing "He Was A Friend Of Mine" (Bob Dylan)