On the Tall Boys’ MySpace page, Charmaine Slaven is listed as “guitar/feet,” which might seem incongruous unless you’ve been lucky enough to catch her in action. Performing with this high-energy, old-timey string band, Slaven occasionally puts down her instrument to become the fanciful, busy rhythm section: a flurry of feet makin’ noise. “I don’t really have a day job,” Slaven begins. “I’ve got a lot of odd jobs to make ends meet.” From Web and graphic design to cat-sitting to leading clog-dancing workshops and fitting clogs with wood taps for other would-be foot percussionists, this musician is busy. Having spent years as a veterinary assistant and being employed by the Department of Natural Resources for a spell, Slaven has given up these more staid positions to concentrate on her music. She dedicates most of her time to practicing, promoting, and gigging with her band. “And we busk a lot, Thursday through Monday, in Ballard,” Slaven explains. “We also have a regular spot at the U District Farmers Market.” The Tall Boys play a monthly square-dancing gig at the Tractor Tavern, and performed some sweet string tunes at SAM’s grand opening. At home, she and her boyfriend (and Tall Boys banjo player) Charlie Beck have a gorgeous vegetable garden. Ripe with tomatoes and lush greens, their front-yard plot, as well as four prolific egg-laying chickens (one especially tolerant bird is seen here), go a long way in feeding the couple.
Day Job is a look at how musicians pay the rent.
