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10/27/2007: "Ian Byington Has A New Album"

It's his third album since 1999, but many islanders aren't aware that writer, teacher & web designer Ian Byington also writes songs, sings, and plays guitar. He's a regular fixture at the County Fair, Lavender Festival, Arts Fair, graduations, and community events, as well as performing for weddings all over the islands.

Ian playied an album release concert at the Benefit Players Theater (on the corner of Guard and Tucker Streets, in Friday Harbor) on Friday, and Saturday, October 27. In keeping with the BPT's mission, admission was by donation, benefiting locals who have a need. Ian's past and present CDs are available (You can hear samples) at his website (www.ianbyington.com).

His new album features songs that define a vision of the way the world is, and the way the world can be. His most-played song, "Flowers in the Sand," has been played on radio stations since 2003, while "You Are Love" features former islander Kimberly Cincilla in a Rumi-influenced song of love intertwined with the divine. The sacrifices of Ben Linder in Central America are chronicled in "Hey, Ben, Hey," with the counterpoint of covers of Jackson Browne's "Before the Deluge" and John Denver's "Rhymes & Reasons."

Playing with Ian for the shows was up-and-coming local band Athemology. Composed of high schoolersAvery Adams,Christian Carter, Miles Cobos, and Shay Byington, the group scored an impressive debut at the Ale House back in May and at the County Fair, and packed the house at a sell-out benefit earlier this month. Influenced by a wide range of music from the past few decades, the band also offered thoughtful poetic songs they've written as well.