• Featured Business
    • Around the House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Restaurants
    • Services
  • Everyday
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Aberdeen High School
    • Elma High School
    • Hoquiam High School Sports
    • Montesano High School Sports
    • North Beach High School Sports
    • Ocosta High School Sports
    • Wishkah Valley High School Sports
    • Rec League
  • Food & Art
  • History
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Adult
    • Family
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Kids
    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Tourism
    • 1. Winter
    • 2. Spring
    • 3. Summer
    • 4. Fall
  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • COVID-19 Local Information
Search
Thursday, February 25, 2021
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
  • Forums
GraysHarborTalk
  • Featured Business
    • AllAround the HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsRestaurantsServices
      Olympia-Orthopaedic-Associates-Walk-With-a-Doc

      Monthly ‘Walk With a Doc’ Sessions Encourage Healthy Movement and Conversation

      Summit Pacific CNO-Grays-Harbor-clinic

      Welcome Summit Pacific’s New Chief Nursing Officer

      Grays Harbor Hospital-Dr-Bajwa-Outdoor

      Grays Harbor Community Hospital Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Arpun Bajwa

      foot-and-ankle-surgical-olympia-Winter-Foot-Care-Patient-1536x1024 (1)

      Whether Snow, Sleet or Rain, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates Helps…

  • Everyday
    • Evergreen-Masters in Enivronmental studies Beach

      The Evergreen State College Helps Students Build Their Path to Success…

      Evergreen College Paths of Study-Mushroom-Hunt

      The Evergreen State College Helps You Plan Your Educational Journey with…

      point defiance park

      How to Maintain Your 2021 New Year’s Resolutions in Grays Harbor

      -Local-Businesses-Benefit-North-Beach-Community-Food-Truck-Outside-Line

      Local Businesses Team Together to Benefit North Beach Restaurant Employees During…

      evergreen state college--Gateways-classes

      The Evergreen State College’s Gateways for Incarcerated Youth Creates Change Through…

  • Sports
    • AllHigh School SportsAberdeen High SchoolElma High SchoolHoquiam High School SportsMontesano High School SportsNorth Beach High School SportsOcosta High School SportsWishkah Valley High School SportsRec League
      Hoquiam high school maddie-german-1

      Hoquiam High School Grad Maddie German Heading to Everett for Softball

      Janessa-Otterstetter-Montesano-1

      Montesano Grad Janessa Otterstetter to Be Dual Sport Athlete at Wenatchee…

      Aberdeen Annika-Eisele-PLU-swimming 3

      Aberdeen’s Annika Eisele to swim at Pacific Lutheran University

      Elma girls basketball regionals

      Elma, Montesano Heading to 1A Girls State Basketball Tournament

  • Food & Art
    • where to get burgers grays harbor Gray-Goat

      Where to Grab a Burger in Grays Harbor

      Thriftway-Deli-Ivars-Soup

      Tired of Cooking? Let Thriftway Do It For You

      grays habor vintage Molly-Ehmer-Overalls

      Stitch by Stitch, Molly Ehmer Infuses New Life into Vintage Textiles…

      Bayview-School-of-Cooking-Sun-Dried-Tomato-and-Mushroom-Pasta

      Bayview School of Cooking Finds Ways to Keep Home Cooks Inspired

      Bayview-Catering-Smoked-Salmon

      Think Outside of the Box this Holiday Season with Bayview Catering

  • History
    • Hoquiam river 1

      Discover Hoquiam River History

      Polson-Museum-Hometown-Teams-Boxing-Gloves

      The Smithsonian Institution Hometown Teams Traveling Exhibition Inspires Harborites To Discover…

      Kestner Homestead

      Historical Homesteads of Grays Harbor

      Grays Harbor County Fair Charlie Daniels

      A Quick History of Grays Harbor County Fair Entertainers

      Willie Bush, Child Solider

      Willie Bush: The Tie Between Montesano, the Civil War and a…

  • LocalTalk
    • crabbing

      WDFW Re-Opens Crabbing in Grays Harbor and Point Chehalis Northward After…

      Grays Harbor

      Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance

      adopt a pet Dog of the Week Dolly Parton

      Adopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week: Dolly Parton

      PSE Foundation Provides Grants To Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts

      Salal

      Salal Permit Sales to Begin March 3, 2021

  • Activities
    • AllAdultFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids
      Harborena-roller-rink-grays harbor-lights-on-floor

      The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles…

      Day trip Waterfalls Olympic Peninsula-Cascade-Falls

      Where To See Waterfalls On The Olympic Peninsula

      Aberdeen Sam Ben Disc Golf Course

      21 Things To Do in Grays Harbor in 2021

      Where to Surf Ocean Shores-Damon-Point-Surfing

      Where to Surf in Ocean Shores

    • Kids
  • Event Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Tourism
    • All1. Winter2. Spring3. Summer4. Fall

      How To Dig for Razor Clams in Grays Harbor

      Where-to-go-Beachcombing-in-Winter-in-Grays-Harbor-Shells-and-sand-dollars

      Where to go Beachcombing in Winter in Grays Harbor

      twin bridges county park

      Grays Harbor County Parks

      Where to Eat in McCleary

  • Community Channels
    • Coffee Shop
    • Grays Harbor Transit
    • Hospital
    • Financial – Credit Union
    • Veterinary Services
  • COVID-19 Local Information
Home a - Web Site Placement Russoul Up Some Music on the Harbor

Russoul Up Some Music on the Harbor

By
Gregory Zschomler
Wil Russoul
Wil Russoul performing at a Play it Forward event. Photo credit: Matthew
Facebook49Tweet0Pin0

If you live anywhere near the Harbor it’s only slightly possible that you’ve not heard of nor seen Wil Russoul. He seems to be almost divine in his omnipresence and those who’ve heard this “music missionary” speak, know his enthusiasm for the arts is evangelistic in nature. His goal? Orchestrate an arts community in harmony with local business. “I totally believe we can use art and music to build revenue and enhance social behaviors,” says Wil. “Art and music has to be a part. Every mayor’s dream involves [that]. Creativity allows us to grow.”

Wil Russoul, the writer-composer of the song Aberdeen, makes music and he makes music happen. In addition to managing Stone Soup Artists—for which he takes no salary or commission—and heading the non-profit Play it Forward, Wil also plays around the Harbor with various artists including his band Outta Monte, works a full-time day job and remains active in “community”—no matter which community it is.

It seems he’s on a local talk show every other week and is always on social media supporting other musicians, a local cause or singing his heart out in a music video. All this while he’s ardently pursuing “The Alley”—his impassioned vision for a vibrant, musical downtown Aberdeen.

Wil Russoul
Wil Russoul rocks out with Outta Monte, a local band, just one of many he supports. Photo credit: Pam Wiley

To sit down and chat with Wil is like going to a Tony Robbins seminar. You walk away pumped about doing something for your fellow man, getting involved in your community and cranking up your iPod or playing your guitar.

It’s quite possible that his infectious zeal is in part due to being born to missionary parents in Puerto Rico. Or, maybe it results from having been mostly deaf until he was fifteen years of age and then, having his world suddenly opened to hearing and music. Or, perhaps it’s the result of rebounding from a broken back after being assaulted. No matter the origin, he’s an inspirational firecracker.

With a background in social work serving tribal peoples, Homeland Security and the Washington State Guard, the singer-songwriter-musician currently works non-musically for Washington State with the Workforce Training Board approving educational institutions for funding through the G.I. Bill. He’s also on call with FEMA, a social activist, a supporter of community development and a personal encourager.

Stone Soup Artists

The concept of Stone Soup comes from an old folk story in which hungry strangers convince stingy townspeople to each share a small amount of their food in order to make a meal that everyone enjoys. The strangers begin by boiling a stone in a kettle of water and then, sampling the “soup,” convince the town folk that this or that would be just the thing to make the broth better.

Wil Russoul
Wil Russoul mentors and supports local artists such as singer Wednesday’s Child. Photo credit: Bobby Reinholtz

Stone Soup Artists is about bringing people together, creating performance venues and enhancing the community and local business. Though not a formal booking agent, Wil works tirelessly to match businesses to bands. He’s helped put music into local record stores, bakeries, coffee shops, Harbor Square, D and R Theater, bars and restaurants. “I’m trying to help businesses by creating learned behaviors—by booking regular gigs into local venues,” says Wil.

Stone Soup doesn’t barrel into establishments and take over, nor do they manage bookings for a venue. They simply offer artists who want to perform—many of them new musicians wanting for nothing more than an opportunity. It’s more about bringing instrumentalists, singers, songwriters and even roadies together to serve the community, he explains.

Wil even brings music to the streets and can often be seen parading around with guitar in hand encouraging whomever he comes across with an impromptu song.

Play it Forward

Wil Russoul
Wil, seen here with Kristi Daniels, is a proponent of the arts and developing a vibrant music community in Aberdeen. The duo partner in non-profit Play it Forward. Photo courtesy: Wil Russoul

Kristi Daniels (recently engaged to Wil), who wears several community hats as well and works at Grays Harbor College, helps Wil run the non-profit Play it Forward. The organization is primarily about funding music and arts scholarships, but they also repair and give away musical instruments. It’s all designed to invest in musicians and to help the local music arts scene.

“Working with Grays Harbor College, we try to benefit students like foster kids,” says Wil, noting that many Stone Soup artists, along with the Grays Harbor community, are those that help make it happen..” It’s just one way that Wil gives back to the Harbor community, but he’s composing another plan called The Alley.

The Alley

“When I first came here in the mid-90s, everyone said there was nothing to do. So, I took a look at what I could do,” says Wil. Since then he’s been building momentum toward what he calls The Alley. He, along with a handful of other parties, is trying to create a thriving two block-wide music district for all ages that stretches from the D and R Theater to The Morck building in downtown Aberdeen.

The effort will involve business owners, Jason Hoseney and others from Grays Harbor College and, of course, local talent. In fact, projections based on studies and examples from other cities suggest such a music mecca will attract other artists and audiences from outside the area. Wil is the primary force behind the project and his passion is far-reaching. On March 30, Wil spoke to representatives from seventy municipalities about what’s happening on the Aberdeen music scene.

Wil Russoul
Wil Russoul is a well known figure, not just in the music scene, but all around town. Photo courtesy: Wil Russoul

Wil Russoul is so driven by and involved in his dreams that he sometimes envisions quitting his day job. “If I can do [all] this at the end of every exhausted hour, I wonder what I could do if I gave myself to it.”

Today, The Alley is already taking shape. Just check out a First Friday downtown and you’ll see—and hear—the beat of Wil’s heart for a rockin’ Harbor. Because when it comes to rustling up some music, where there’s a Wil, there’s a way.

To get an idea of what Wil sees, watch his music video Aberdeen highlighting the people and places mentioned this article.

Print Friendly
Facebook49Tweet0Pin0
Previous articleAdopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week
Next articleArnold and Marianna Perttula Leave a Lasting Legacy in South Beach
Gregory Zschomler

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

North Beach Hunger-Action-Team HAT-Team-Delivery

Chapel By The Sea’s Hunger Action Team Feeds North Beach

point defiance park

How to Maintain Your 2021 New Year’s Resolutions in Grays Harbor

GHT-Community-Survey-prevention

Every Voice Matters with Harbor Strong and My TOWN’s and Community Survey

Upcoming Events

Feb
27
Sat
10:00 am Lower Satsop Planting @ Grays Harbor Conservation District
Lower Satsop Planting @ Grays Harbor Conservation District
Feb 27 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Please pre-register by emailing graysharborstreamteam@gmail.com The Grays Harbor Stream Team will be planting native tress with the Grays Harbor Conservation District in order to increase habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds. Take Hwy 12 to[...]
Mar
3
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Mar 3 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Mar
6
Sat
1:00 pm Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
Saturday Matinee @ McCleary Timberland Library
Mar 6 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us each Saturday for movies at the library on the big screen. Bring a comfy pillow and bottled water. Popcorn will be provided. Call or stop in for this month’s titles. For all ages.
Mar
10
Wed
10:30 am Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Family Storytime @ Elma Timberland Regional Library
Mar 10 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
This engaging program includes rich stories, rhymes, songs, and movement games for the whole family! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
7:15 pm Aberdeen City Council Meeting @ Aberdeen City Hall
Aberdeen City Council Meeting @ Aberdeen City Hall
Mar 10 @ 7:15 pm
 
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

STAY CONNECTED

13,753FansLike
970FollowersFollow

Business

Olympia-Orthopaedic-Associates-Walk-With-a-Doc

Monthly ‘Walk With a Doc’ Sessions Encourage Healthy Movement and Conversation

Every fourth Saturday of the month, Dr. Leila Borders goes for a walk with her patients. It’s a virtual walk, given the current pandemic,...
Summit Pacific CNO-Grays-Harbor-clinic

Welcome Summit Pacific’s New Chief Nursing Officer

Grays Harbor Hospital-Dr-Bajwa-Outdoor

Grays Harbor Community Hospital Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Arpun Bajwa

Trending Now

Harborena-roller-rink-grays harbor-lights-on-floor

The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles...

Kestner Homestead

Historical Homesteads of Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance

Editor Picks

Day trip Waterfalls Olympic Peninsula-Cascade-Falls

Where To See Waterfalls On The Olympic Peninsula

North Beach Hunger-Action-Team HAT-Team-Delivery

Chapel By The Sea’s Hunger Action Team Feeds North Beach

Quinault Beach Resort and Casino at Night

Sneak Away to Quinault Beach Resort Hotel & Casino for a...

Recent Posts

  • WDFW Re-Opens Crabbing in Grays Harbor and Point Chehalis Northward After Sampling Indicates Drop in Marine Toxins
  • Monthly ‘Walk With a Doc’ Sessions Encourage Healthy Movement and Conversation
  • Grays Harbor County Public Health Scheduled Website Maintenance
  • Adopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week: Dolly Parton
  • The Harborena Roller Skate Rink in Grays Harbor Overcomes Major Hurdles During 2020 and Skates Toward a Positive Future
ABOUT US
GraysHarborTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Grays Harbor County, including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, Elma, Ocean Shores, Westport and the surrounding area. Advertise with GraysHarborTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@graysharbortalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Team
    • Media Partner
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertising
    • Company News
  • Forums
© GraysHarborTalk, Inc.
Edit with Live CSS
Save
Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete.