A record of my past musical performances, for posterity. Most of the information is copied and pasted straight from my “Live” page, but occasionally I have added some details after the fact. I only really started this project in 2019, so anything before that will be a bit spotty — feel free to contact me if you remember a show that’s not listed here!
2024
August 1
Seattle, WA
The Shay & Shay Radio Hour
at the 12th Ave Square Park, Central District
6 PM
– My brother Aaron J. Shay and I will be playing a combination of our solo works together at this free show in the park. Bring the kids and come hang with us!
July 5
Seattle, WA
Zoe Boekbinder, Molly Lewis, and the Shay & Shay Radio Hour
Doors at 6, show at 6:30 pm Pacific
– This is a COVID-cautious outdoor show, so please visit zoeboekbinder.com/tour for safety/accessibility details and to RSVP (required to receive the address). Donations at the door (cash and digital accepted).
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/–zmakHy1lo?feature=share
May 12
Bellingham, WA
Juniper’s Birthday Bash
@ Lookout Arts Quarry
– Played with Aaron, there was an accordionist who also played and whose name I forgot
2023
August 10-12
The Subdued Stringband Jamboree
Deming, WA
— I’m not playing a full set, but I’ll be playing in the canteen, and backing Strangely’s Saturday night set. [Strangely also performed “My Honeybunch Lee” with a full band including Lucas Warford as a birthday surprise.]
May 20
June’s Birthday
Clear Creek Farm (Duvall)
12 pm – ???
— A backyard birthday show on a farm. Featuring Aaron J. Shay, Dogwood, myself, and the birthday human: Juniper Q. Belmont.
March 3
Frandcamp Buyday Livestream
3 PM Pacific
No cover; tips and purchases encouraged!
— A livestream concert with Molly Lewis for Bandcamp Friday! RSVP now and get a reminder when we go live! Bandcamp account required.
February 10
Our Bloody Valentine
Adam Reese’s backyard in Pinehurst
7:30 PM
Pay what you can
Facebook event
— An evening of murder ballads in Seattle (weather permitting), with K. Brian Neel, Meghan Arnette, and Adam Reese. There will be a bonfire, dress warmly and BYOB! All proceeds go to Single Spark Mutual Aid.
2022
April 15
Jesus Christ UkuleleStar
8pm Pacific
— An annual living room performance of (almost) the entirety of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, (almost) entirely on ukulele. For nearly 10 years, this was a highly sought-after and exclusive live event, but now it’s streaming live for the whole world to join! Featuring K. Brian Neel, Eric Ray Anderson, Adam Reece, Kat Vatne, Aaron J. Shay, and yours truly. Donations benefit A Single Spark mutual aid group.
January 28
Trifilkta 2022
5pm Pacific
— Three filk cons (Seattle’s Conflikt, Georgia’s GAFilk, and the virtual Festival of the Living Rooms) have banded together for one big virtual music weekend! There are 19 artists in total and no cover (although tips and donations are welcome). My show is Friday at 5pm Pacific, but check out conflikt.org for the full line-up and links!
2021
August 12-14
Subdued Stringband Jamboree
— Played a set in the canteen with Aaron J. Shay and Bellow.wing
July 24
Confluence Virtual Music Weekend
2pm–3pm Pacific
— This Pittsburgh scifi con is over 30 years old, and I’m delighted to get to join their virtual music track this year! They have performers booked from all over the world, including Paris, London, Singapore, Poland, Australia, and half a dozen states, mostly streaming live! All the performances are free, no ticket required — although of course donations are appreciated. Check out the lineup! (Facebook link)
June 20
The TeaTRPG Talk Show
2pm PST (archived video available later!)
— A fun talk show about tea and games hosting by some PNW nerds! This is the Pride episode, so I’ll be performing my gayest songs.
June 5
Livestream Concert on YouTube!
4pm-5pm Pacific
— Requests welcome prior to start time! I’ll be playing mostly originals, including (possibly) a brand new song!
March 22
The TeaTRPG Talk Show
Streaming live at 2pm PST, archived video available later
— I’ll be the musical guest for this nerdy talk show about tea and tabletop games, so tune in if you’re interested in all things tabletop and role playing!
2020
April 10 – Friday
Cabin Fever on Twitch
4pm PDT/6pm CDT
One hour of music from me, a proper show with a setlist and everything!
April 12 – Sunday
All-Requests Livestream!
8pm PDT
The plan is to do a 1-2 hour concert of all requests, every Sunday that I can! You can visit my Google Drive folder of cover lyrics/chords (which I’ve been compiling for over 10 years and just made public) to get ideas! ALL REQUESTS ATTEMPTED!
instagram.com/thesarahshay
youtube.com/sarahalyse
CANCELED FOR COVIDApril 9Norwescon
Seatac, WA
11pm
– I am performing at this convention with a new act called Dogwood and the Gentry! Led by the infamous Dogwood, with a band featuring Aaron J. Shay, Elizabeth Lain, Betsy Tinney, Mike Mermelstein, Alexander James Adams, and me! Attendance to the event requires a badge for the convention, but does not have an additional cover charge.
March 21
Clockwork Alchemy official livestream
— MC’d by Strangely, featuring Aaron J. Shay, Dogwood, Unwoman, Crystal Bright, Nathaniel Johnstone, and Lee Presson
CANCELED FOR COVIDMarch 20-22 Clockwork Alchemy
Burlingame, CA
– I will be returning to this delightful convention for my third year! I’ll be playing solo, recording a live episode of the Pilot House podcast, and gallivanting around the con with such pals as Strangely, Aaron J. Shay, and Unwoman! This is a really fun event, I highly recommend you check it out if you live in the Bay Area.
February 14
Our Bloody Valentine: Songs of Murder and Heartbreak
at The Beehive
Doors at 7:30, show at 8:30
Cover by donation
All ages
BYOB
— This is a wonderful evening of songs in the ancient folk tradition of “murder ballads,” hosted by my friend K. Brian Neel. I will be playing with my brother Aaron J. Shay on two original ballads!
Facebook event
* Last live performance before quarantine.
January 4
at the Firefly Lounge
Bellingham, WA
The Shay & Shay Radio Hour
w/ special guest Dandelion
8pm, $5, 21+
— A lively stage show by Sarah Shay and Aaron J. Shay, featuring original songs, witty banter, sweet sibling harmonies, and just a touch of the occult.
January 2
at the Firefly Lounge
Bellingham, WA
Frisky Fandoms Nerd Burlesque
8pm, $12, 21+
— A burlesque series with monthly, nerd-themed shows. This month’s theme: Time Travel!
2019
November 26-27, 29-30
at The Theatre Off Jackson
Parlor House: Panic of 1893
An immersive theater show set in the brothel of Seattle’s infamous Madame Lou Graham and her “seamstresses.” It’s just another night of fun and frivolity…until news arrives of America’s first stock market crash, and everything goes haywire! Featuring Sarah Shay and Aaron J. Shay as the house band.
21+
Tickets
November 9
at Columbia City Theater
Helen America’s album release show!
w/ Helen America and Katie Kuffel
8pm, 21+, $20
Facebook event
Tickets
June 14
Friday Afternoon Tea
An evening of parlor amusements from Sarah and Strangely: music, magic, and more!
7-9pm
By donation
All ages
Facebook event
April 19
Jesus Christ UkuleleStar
A one-of-a-kind local tradition!
The entire score of Jesus Christ Superstar, performed primarily on ukulele by K. Brian Neel, with guest artists including me and my brother Aaron!
Cover by donation
Extremely limited seating, RSVP ASAP!
April 13
Nathan & Tempest’s Farewell Frolic!
SoulFood CoffeeHouse
Redmond, WA
7pm
Cover by donation
– Come say goodbye to Nathaniel Johnstone and Tempest, before they leave us for new adventures (and lower rent) in New England! Featuring appearances by all their friends, including Dogwood, Aaron J. Shay, Elizabeth Lain, Betsy Tinney, and me!
April 11
Spin the Bottle
Monthly variety show
Annex Theatre
8pm, $10-15 sliding scale
Get tickets!
April 5
First Anniversary party for The Uncommon Cottage!
Free music from 7-7:30
– Aaron and I played together, and the owner paid us in store credit. I got my green purse!
March 22-24
Clockwork Alchemy
San Francisco, CA
Feat. Aaron J. Shay, Strangely, Unwoman, Dogwood, Lee Presson and the Nails, Aurelio Voltaire, Bellow Wing, and Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands!
March 19
“You Can’t Kill My Art”
Fundraiser for Post-Break-In Recovery of Vandalf the Grey
Hart’s Haven
Fresno, CA
Feat. Strangely, Dandelion, Aaron J. Shay, and Tim Mannix
March 17
Geeky Teas & Games
with Strangely, Dandelion, Aaron J. Shay
Burbank, CA
6pm
$8
March 16
Rogue Balladeers house show
w/ Aaron J. Shay, Strangely, Dandelion, and Ryan Adam Wells!
Los Angeles, CA
7:30pm, all ages
Cover by donation!
March 15
St. Paddy’s Party
with Strangely, Dandelion, Aaron J. Shay
at King & King Ranch
Fillmore, CA
7pm-10pm
Cover by donation
March 13
Song Circle w/ Cindy Emch and the Rogue Balladeers
at The Bistro
Hayward, CA
7pm
Cover by donation
March 9
Fringe Factor: Rogue Edition
at the Tower Lounge
Fresno, CA
6:30pm
$12, 21+
– A fun and unpredictable game show pitting fringe performers against each other in a series of ridiculous party games! Hosted by Grant Knutson and featuring music by Strangely (I’m just a contestant, but come anyway!)
March 9
“Fictional Love” Hangover Show at Rogue Festival!
w/ special guests Aaron J. Shay, Strangely, and more
at Spectrum Art Gallery
Fresno, CA
3:00pm
$7, all ages
Tickets
March 8
“Fictional Love” at Rogue Festival
at Spectrum Art Gallery
Fresno, CA
9:45pm
$7, all ages
Tickets
March 3
“Shtrangely & Shay’s Shpectacular Ship Show”
at Hart’s Haven
Fresno, CA
8pm
Details TBA; check event link!
March 3
“Fictional Love” at Rogue Festival
at Spectrum Art Gallery
Fresno, CA
6:45pm
$7, all ages
Tickets
March 2
“Fictional Love” at Rogue Festival
at Spectrum Art Gallery
Fresno, CA
6:45pm
$7, all ages
Tickets
2018
March-April
The whole YHQSC release tour
May 6
You Have Queer Street Cred release party
at Revolution Pizza Music in Pioneer Square
Aaron, Strangely, Dogwood, Molly, Mai Li
2017
May 13
The Mongrel Jews
Wheel of Tease
at Re-Bar
The (unplanned) final Mongrels show
– Improvised burlesque routines with a live band! A wheel is spun to match each performer with a song (half originals and half covers) and a prop to base their act on. We learned “Flagpole Sitta” and “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” among others — I got to sing the latter for Jacqueline Boxx as the final act (swoon).
Performers: Jacqueline Boxx “Miss Disa-Burly-Tease” (from Baltimore!), Mister Twister Maximus Sinsation (from Chicago!), Miss Violet DeVille, Mercury Divine, Momo La Vein, Rosie Cheex, Amaro Menta, and MeMe Butters. MC: Eddie Van Glam.
Facebook event
January 12
Strangely & Shay CD Release show
w/ The Pickpocket Revue
Cafe Racer
– Dual album release show for Strangely’s Roaring Accordion and Aaron’s Discrete Packets of Song. Featuring a special lineup of the Pickpocket Revue with me on washboard and Strangely on upright bass! 8pm doors, 9pm show, cover by donation (NOTAFLOF).
Facebook event
2016
April 22
at Lucky Liquor
The Mongrel Jews with The Bad Things and Bakelite 78
8pm, 21+, $8 ADV/$10 DOS
Facebook event
2015
May 22
4th Annual Punk as Folk
at Conor Byrne
Danbert Nobacon (of Chumbawamba) as MC, with The Mongrel Jews, The Wages of Sin, The Pickpocket Revue, Butterflies of Death, and The Whiskey Achievers (Portland)
8pm, 21+, $10 advanced/$12 at the door
Facebook event
May 12
at The Kraken
Backing up Total F’in Bummer (Mikey and Johnny) on washboard/vocals
April 24
at The New Frontier Lounge (Tacoma)
The Mongrel Jews, with Rusty Cleavers and Stoned Evergreen Travelers
Facebook event
April 20
Grand Opening Party for Hashtag
at Stone Way Cafe
The Mongrel Jews
April 19
at the Paradox House
The Mongrel Jews
with Avery Burke
February 26
The Mongrel Jews
Kulshan Brewing
Bellingham, WA
(Austin drove down from Vancouver)
2014
September 4
at The Prophouse Cafe (Vancouver, BC)
w/ Britney Grabill and Russell Haskins
July 15
at The Sunset
H.O.B.O. Road Show (CA, feat. members of Dum Spiro Spero)
The Mongrel Jews
Elephant Gazebo w/ Jeremiah Clark
$6, 21+, doors at 8, show at 9
Facebook
July 13
Acoustic Punk Night at The Kraken
Dan Gardner, Lizzie Frank, Matt Pless, Adam France, and Mikey Sellars (feat. Sarah Shay on washboard and vocals)
– One of two gigs I played, first with Mikey and then with Mikey and Jonny, playing covers and Kids on Fire songs acoustic. Discussions of starting a new band with that lineup called ‘Angerball’ never took hold.
May 23
The Mongrel Jews
at Conor Byrne
April 13
The Mongrel Jews and Duo Finelli
at Ballard Brothers
7pm, all ages, $5 donation
Facebook event
March 17
at the Copper Gate
St. Patrick’s Day gig sitting in with Sweet Lou’s Sour Mash
March 7
THE THEM, Sweet Lou’s Sour Mash, Jackson’s Oddities
at Cafe Racer
– Acoustic The Them reunion, I played washboard
Facebook event
February 28
The Mongrel Jews
at the Mirkwood (Arlington, WA
February 7
at Marigold
Dogwood’s Friendship Orchestra Birthday
January 16
at Theater Off Jackson
Opening for Seattle Experimental Theater’s “The Doctor”
January 2
at The Hobb House
Solo set, with Dogwood and ?
-Played “Oh Vincent” with Aaron on piano and Margaret Beres (née Hubert) on cello)
2013
December 21 (?)
Mongrels?
at Cafe Racer
December 1
Mongrels?
at Nectar Lounge
November 3
Supper Show
at John Benner’s (actually breakfast)
November 2
The Mongrel Jews
at the Summit Inn (Cap Hill)
Dia de los Muertos show
w/ The Gloria Darlings, The Gin Jars, Duo Finelli, Ronnie Earl Porter and His Wolf Pack
October 26
The Mongrel Jews
SteamCon
at Bellevue Hyatt
October 15
The Mongrel Jews
at the 2 Bit Saloon
w/ Ghost Town Gospel, Thee Hobogobbelins, Chaotic Noise Marching Corp
September 15
The Mongrel Jews
‘Busked’ in Ballard by Conor Byrne and then played later at Hale’s Paladium, for some kinda corporate event scavenger hunt thing
September 5
Busking outside PAX with Vincent
August 16
at Cafe Racer
w/ Austin Hedeen
June 15
The Mongrel Jews
at Columbia City Theater (bar stage)
June 10 (?)
The Mongrel Jews
at the Crocodile (lounge stage)
May 29
The Mongrel Jews
at the Tractor Tavern
w/ Sweet Lou’s Sour Mash (?)
May 27
The Mongrel Jews
at the Comet
Punk As Folk
May 10
The Mongrel Jews
at Honey Moon (Bellingham)
w/ Strangely, Luz
May 16
The Mongrel Jews
at Hobb House
April 5
at The Tractor
Sat in on a couple songs with Blvd Park
March 16
The Touring Test
The Mongrel Jews
at Conor Byrne
w/ Ghost Town Gospel
March 17
The Touring Test
That weird jazz bar in Portland
w/ Ghost Town Gospel
March ??
The Touring Test
The Mongrel Jews
at Wandering Goat (Eugene, OR)
March ??
The Touring Test
The Mongrel Jews
at Fireworks Pizza (Corvallis, OR)
February 23
The Mongrel Jews
at the Belltown Underground
February 2
The Mongrel Jews (plus Miles and Andy)
at Conor Byrne
w/ Blvd Park (also sat in with them)
2012
December 13
The Mongrel Jews
at some warehouse space (I think Unicorn Meat Parade?)
Melissa Cerise’s apocalypse birthday
November 4
The Mongrel Jews
at The Black Lodge
October 6
Slantsquatch
The Mongrel Jews
– Also played one song solo, also played or sang with James Sutter
September 8
Tony Tapatio’s Birthday Blowout
at The Morgue (Georgetown)
The Mongrel Jews (Sea)
Ando Ehler’s Death Polka (Sea)
Studfinder (PDX)
9pm, all ages, BYOB
August 8
My 30th birthday show
at the Beery House
w/ Corpus Callosum, Spirits of the Red City, someone else?
June ??
The Mongrel Jews (plus Miles)
at Conor Byrne
May 25
The First Annual Punk as Folk
at The Funhouse
The Mongrel Jews, Blackbird Raum, Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra
– The first of four nights, also featuring God’s Favorite Beefcake, Nu Klezmer Army, Esmerelda Strange, The Bad Things, Sour Mash Hug Band, and more. We were joined by Miles and Andy on fiddle and bass.
May ??
The Mongrel Jews (plus Miles and Andy)
at Columbia City Theater (mainstage)
March 25
at Casa Luna
Bike Shack Brew Fest
“Last Year’s Bands” (me, Aaron, Patrick, James)
2011
May 31
at Folklife
busking with Aaron
January 17 (?)
at The CanCan (the temporary location)
Bushwick Book Club
Book: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
????
Bike Shack Brew Fest
The Mongrel Jews
– I don’t remember the date, but since 2012 was when we did the “Last Year’s Bands” supergroup, that means the Mongrels must have played in 2011
2010
November 17 (?)
The Mongrel Jews
at the dance studio off Broadway
Seattle Blues Exchange
October 15
The Mongrel Jews
at Hale’s Paladium
the Circus Open Mic
– Played music while people were arriving and leaving, plus interstitial sets when setups were required for the circus acts. Joined by Strangely on fiddle — the night we met!
September 11
The Mongrel Jews
Bicycle Music Festival
at Denny Park
– I believe this festival had more than one location, and the gimmick was that everyone traveled between locations on bike (including the sound gear). We played after a DJ whose name I’ve forgotten now, but he did very cool mashups.
September 26
The Mongrel Jews
at The Thicket
Mai Li’s Rockstar Birthday