Remembering Musicians from Stanwood and Camano Island, Washington

Pattie Vail
(1962-2008)

Pattie L. Vail passed away unexpectedly November 23, 2008, at the age of 46. She was born in Mount Vernon, WA. on April 26, 1962 to Edward and Nola Vail. For 10 years, Patti lived in London, England where she was a big part of the jazz scene.

Pattie was the love of George's life. She loved gardening, pets as well as her family. Pattie is survived by her husband George of Camano Island, mother; Nola Bowdridge step dad Bill of Mount Vernon, WA., sisters; Debora Vail of Sacramento, CA and, Christine (Mike) Tenborg of Burlington, WA., brothers; Randy (Lynn) Vail of Lyman, WA., Michael (Peggy) Vail of Burlington, WA., and Brian (Karin) Vail of Hamilton, WA. Tim Vail of Lyman, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step-mother; Maggie Vail of Sedro Woolley, WA.

Pattie was preceded in death by her father Edward "Ted" Vail.

Pattie was a frequent local musical performer and artist. She was a member of both the Camano Arts Association and the Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild. She will be deeply missed by those in the Camano and Stanwood Community.

Laurie Z
(Laurie Zeluck Carter, 1957-2006)

Camano Island resident Laurie Z., a professional pianist, composer, and arranger, passed away February 9, 2006 after a two-year struggle with lung cancer.

A self-made (and self-promoted) professional performing and recording artist, Laurie played her first piano recital at age 5 and never looked back. From New York to Santa Barbara to Disneyland to Camano Island, Laurie's talents developed through years of intensity and dedication. Laurie had seen many friends suffer through bad recording deals, and decided to self-publish. She developed the necessary business skills and launched her own record label, Zebra Productions, and sold over 20,000 records. Laurie performed in clubs like the Troubadour and the Roxy; she opened for Herbie Hancock and Leo Kottke; she played at Disneyland, and performed for Yamaha at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Her recordings can be heard on over 200 radio stations around the world.

Laurie married Michael Carter in 1999, who sang with her and served as her business manager, and moved to Camano Island, WA. In 2004, Laurie (a non-smoker) was diagnosed with lung cancer. In March 2005, Michael suffered a massive heart attack and died. In While still undergoing chemotherapy treatments in January 2006, Laurie passed away.

During her short tenure in the Stanwood-Camano area, Laurie Z was a major influence on the local music scene, touching musicians with her positive energy and enthusiasm, right up until the bitter end. She continues to be missed.

Discography

	Window To The World (1991) — rave reviews from critics and trade mags
	Life Between the Lines (1995) — new age album of the year
	Roots (1997) — considered for eight Grammy nominations
	Heart of the Holidays (2001) — featuring Jack Palance
	The Heart’s Journey (2003) — considered for seven Grammy nominations