Damfino

Damfino Arts is passionate about bringing together as many local artists of all kinds! Here's a clip highlighting our most recent collaborators, the incredible artists Joe Panzetta (guitar and vocals) and Rebeka Kuzma (vocals) from Saint Ophelia with Dianne Krause (clarinet) and Annie Roberts (cello).

Here's how it all came about:

Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) team members Ronly Blau and Crissy Baker connected the Damfino Arts team with Joe Panzetta (Marketing Director, VCA) who is a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist for this project. At their initial meeting, he introduced the song ‘Saving Grace’ as a possibility. Both Miles and Sydney loved it immediately.

“This song came about in ways both typical and unique. I came upon the chord progression and melody line all at once last fall. This is how all my songs happen, starting with the melody and some inclination of theme or meaning and then a period of work and play ensues that can take hours or months to finish … The next stage of songwriting for me is an interesting combination of holding space as it gestates,” Panzetta mused.

Panzetta also invited local musicians cellist Annie Roberts, clarinetist Dianne Krouse and singer Rebeka Kuzma to join him. The musicians were able to rehearse together Wednesday, and filming started the next day. The audio was recorded live with 2 external mics to enhance the beautiful sounds of the incredible musicians and singer as Sydney swayed along the dancers while they moved throughout the space.

“I feel very lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful project … ‘Saving Grace’ feels complete but still malleable in some way. It will take on a new life when Saint Ophelia starts playing … but it will forever have the spirit of this dance, this exhibit and this moment woven into its fabric.” Panzetta said.

Saint Ophelia is an alt folk rock band based on Vashon Island. Composed of a 5 piece ensemble set featuring Rebeka Kuzma (vocalist + guitarist), Joe Panzetta (singer + songwriter), Dan Tyack (pedal steel), Wesley Peterson (drums) and Chuck Keller (bass). With respect to COVID protocols, and the vaccine rollout, it was also a time for a part of the Saint Ophelia crew (all who are fully vaccinated) to celebrate their exciting return to the Vashon Island music community. They have 3 shows this summer! Please visit their website at saintophelia.com or on their page to learn more.