Random Howse: the Go-To Spot for Lively Entertainment

World of Stories, Acoustic and LOUD music featured this week

— by Margie Doyle —

Random Howse specializes in performance acts that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, ears and ages

Random Howse is making an indelible impression on those who want to taste first-hand a variety of entertainment.

New General Manager Wendy Shinstine is working towards the goal of entertainment five nights a week to accompany dinner service — or a beverage of choice. The atmosphere is loose and welcoming and guests often arrive to share a table, if they choose.

Dinner service at Random Howse begins at 6 p.m., and features a menu of international tapas, and entrees such as Chinese chicken salad, Hawaiian grilled pork chops, Thai red curry vegetables, and beef tenderloin. Desserts, wines, ciders and beers are among the beverages served.

After Readers’ Theater performances of David Mamet’s “The Frog Prince” this past week, Random Howse has a line-up for the coming week to appeal to all performance tastes:

• Tuesday, July 28 — Eth-Noh-Tec brings “The World of Stories” at 8 p.m. during Orcas Storyfest.
• Wednesday, July 29 — Open Mic with this week’s host Bob Phalan —  poets, thespians, improv artists, musicians, comedians and pitchmen/pitchwomen perform prepared pieces and riff spontaneously, jamming with friends and strangers who have yet to become friends. “It’s a different mix every single time,” says Shinstine.
• Thursday — CCM — Eclectic musical trio rooted in traditional American folk music, branching into ballads, blues, country, jazz, rock, and the music of contemporary singer-songwriters. Blending three-part harmonies with guitar (6- and 12-string), micro-bass, and ukulele. CCM is Cali Bagby, Carl Burger,and Mark Cohen.
• Saturday — Orcas Island Music Festival, “A Visionary Social” entertainment with three bands: Orcas Island’s own “Rise n Shine Band” and “Mind Vice” with Walter O’Toole and Ian Sides; and “Baby Cakes” with Davin Michael Stedman. In Shinstine’s words, the “crazy, nutty, really loud” music is produced by Andon Hiltner’s Andonimus Music Productions and Soul United. Island Hoppin Brewery and Enzo’s are additional sponsors.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door.

Wendy Shinstine, General Manager of Random Howse

New this summer, Shinstine is initiating monthly “Hospitality Industry” nights on Tuesdays to especially celebrate with those who work in the tourist and hospitality “industry.” Anyone is welcome, Shinstine says, “especially all who cater to tourists. It’s their Friday night on the town, with doors open at 6 p.m., a DJ dance beginning at 10 p.m. On the horizon are karaoke, dances and anything imaginable within the law — we can explore roller-skating if they want!” says Shinstine.

The monthly Latin Club Night will expand to provide more modern and hip-hop Latin music at 10 p.m., in addition to the more formal Latin dance styles earlier in the night.

Shinstine is also training staff, including six new people this season, to continue the minimally-distracting food and beverage service that flows under the radar of whatever performance may be on-stage. “We want to do what’s easy for our clients and least interruptive, to create a good atmosphere rather than make a buck”  Shinstine says.

“Training is mostly about personalities, awareness and quality of service.” She is always on the lookout for good staff. “People who are excited about the menus, the entertainment and building an atmosphere of amazement can be very valuable team members if they can make the commitment to Random Howse,” she says.

Shinstine’s duties as General Manager are second nature, as she is the former owner of a 400-seat, 60-staff restaurant in the outskirts of Toronto, where there was entertainment every night of the week. “I thrive on music and entertainment and I love having a place for people to go to experience that.”

Coming soon to Random Howse are a repeat engagement of “Fire the Animal” with Brian Duke, “The Economist” — a “witty, sarcastic speaker;” comedy groups from throughout the Northwest, Big Band Swing groups, and a private party that will open to a dance for the public.

“We’ll work with people to give them what they want. If you could host your dream party, what would it be? You could do it here.”

Clyde and April Duke, proprietors of Random Howse. Photo by Cara Russell

Random Howse is under the ownership of local roofer/contractor Clyde Duke and his wife April, The main room is spacious with high ceilings and features a 27’x12’ stage, with a small attached dressing room. A programmable lighting and sound system assists in stage sound and light production. “With the way the building is set up, this venue can be anything,” said Clyde. “Our intent is to have it as a place where the island can come as a whole.”

Now, with Shinstine in-howse, April can sit back a bit and run her other businesses and causes (catering, bookkeeping, DV/SAS), while the indefatigable Clyde enjoys the music and acts that come to Random Howse.

Some of the local acts that have booked the Random Howse stage in the last two years are the Dustbunnies, JP and the OK Rhythm Boys, Girls with Ukes, Mandy Troxel and the Bitter Ends, Crow Valley String Band, Those Guys from Orcas,The Craicers Celtic group, and even the Chamber Music Festival.

As well as private parties and events, the mid-town restaurant/entertainment hall has held benefits for island non-profits, among them the Food Bank, Montessori School, Helping Hands Noramise in Haiti, BirdFest, Shakespeare Festival, and the Orcas Island Film Festival (OIFF).
Shinstine says, “The Celebration Dance for the first year of the Orcas Island Film Festival “was a huge awakening of what Random Howse can do to honor our own efforts, our own talent,” says Shinstine. “We’re all a part of it; people are welcome to join tables in community seating; let’s all enjoy this together!”

Random Howse is located at 365 North Beach Rd #109 (on “A” Street) in Eastsound. For any questions, or if you would like to book Random Howse for your future event, contact Random Howse at 376-1111 or www.facebook.com/randomhowse