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Bottom Line Duo - Saturday, February 7, 2009

Best described as light humor with serious music, the Bottom Line explores the most intimate relationship in music, the duo. Combining the warm sonority of the Double Bass with the soaring melodic beauty of the Cello, the Bottom Line Duo tastefully and artfully presents a concert for all ages and musical backgrounds. Fans have come to expect a concert program that is educational, masterful, warm-hearted, charming, and entertaining. Their integrity and joy for music is heard in every note while their romance and humor is seen in every expression.  

The husband and wife team of Spencer and Traci Hoveskeland have been performing as the Bottom Line Duo since 1996. Like the Berlin Philharmonica Duo in Germany, the Bottom Line Duo continues the tradition of bass and cello duos. Bassist Domenico Dragonetti (1763-1846) had a duo with the famous cellist/composer Robert Lindley. Dragonetti is the fellow who showed Mr. Beethoven the capabilities of a competent bassist and thus changed symphonic bass writing forever. Haydn, Rossini, and Dragonetti himself composed works for the duo.  

The Bottom Line’s fresh approach and their strong traditional background as chamber musicians has allowed them to  entertain audiences throughout Europe and North America. Concert goers are delighted to share with Spencer and Traci the great diversity in music, from classical concerti  to modern works, and are amazed at what these two instruments are capable of. Don’t be surprised if Mozart is followed by Duke Ellington!  

Spencer and Traci first met during their Freshman year of High School. A music folder provided the initial conversation. In July of 2002 they celebrated their twelfth anniversary. Spencer & Traci now make their home in a wooded Seattle neighborhood with their aging feline “Delzy” and their vicious Jack Russell Terrier “Rufus-the Squirrel Hunter.” The Bottom Line Duo has been an exclusive performing entity since 1996. 

Locally the Bottom Line Duo is known for its performances at the Juan de Fuca Arts Festival, Seattle’s Bumbershoot,  the Anacortes Arts Festival, and Tacoma’s First Night Festival. The Bottom Line has been featured on Seattle’s classical station KING- FM, KCTS & RCTV public television, and “All Things Considered” on National Public Radio. The last year has seen the duo featured as guest artists for the Festival of Strings in Cebreros, Spain and the Dos Tradiciones Festival tour of central Mexico.

When not duo-ing, the Bottom Line may be heard as part of numerous ensembles including Broadway at the Paramount and 5th Avenue theaters where (from the pit) they’ve supported  the stars Theodore Bikel, Ertha Kitt, Richard Chamberlain, and Patty Lupone. Traci even braved riots and secret service to play for President Clinton and other world leaders at the WTO in  Seattle with a quartet in 1999. Browse through the site and learn more than you ever wanted to know.

Spencer and Traci first heard live music at five years old when touring musicians performed at their elementary school.  Today some presenters reach the grown-ups too, by having the duo perform and promote the arts and scholarships at community club meetings.

Tracks

Sample tracks from Bottom Line Duo are available at Bottom Line Duo's Web Site

Reviews

“They have a flair for playing with excitement and humor. You can truly hear the fun they are having.”
- Victory Music Review 2002

Seattle’s biggest arts festival “Bumbershoot” Heralds the Bottom Line as a “ Most intriguing must see ” for classical fans
- the Seattle Weekly

I've known this band for at least 10 long years.  It was major distraction having them sitting next to me in an orchestra.  The guy who plays the larger instrument transcribes bebop melodies and violin solos for himself.  It's disturbing that he can actually play them, too.  The smaller member of the band has the sound of a female Rostropovitch, not looking like the man-frog, but the princess who kissed him.
- Tim Koss, Northwest jazz bassist

Web Site

Bottom Line Duo's Web Site

Spotlight Series Performance

Remember ... a 3 course meal is available at our Spotlight series performances. See our food page for menu and prices.

Online Tickets are closed. Some tickets available at the door.

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