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sasquatch 2013, recommended list

May 21, 2013 in events

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It was almost heartbreaking to learn that we would not be attending the Sasquatch music festival this year.  Sasquatch is far from perfect, the big festival corporate sponsorship can be more than overbearing, especially when compared to some of the other festivals in the Northwest.  But it’s still a beautiful location and despite my exhaustion last year, I had a lot of fun.  Even though we won’t be there, I want to make sure that if you’re going, you see the best music and comedy the festival has to offer.  As was my experience a year ago, the best acts are not always the most advertised or known.

FRIDAY 5/24
Last year the Friday schedule was so light that I didn’t even bother getting there early enough to see it, this may have been a mistake, but considering how exhausted I was by  Monday morning, I don’t regret my decision.  This year it is a MUST to get there on Friday, as some of the festivals most dynamic acts will be performing.
Reignwolf- Even if you’ve seen Jordan Cook, it’s more than worth it to see him again, his performances at Sasquatch and Bumbershoot last year were among the best I’ve ever seen.
Japandroids- This duo just feels like it was built for something like Sasquatch, heavy deep-cutting rock with a strong melodic core.
Telekinesis- Fresh off their tour with Deep Sea Diver, and supporting a sweet new album, Dormarion, it’s a shame that they are running right up against another favorite…
Father John Misty- I could talk about how much I love FJM until I was blue in the face, I won’t, but it baffles me as to why they would place him on Friday evening.
Youth Lagoon- Just as with Japandroids, there are some sounds that just work so well at Sasquatch, this is one of them.
Vampire Weekend- Everyone is going to be vying for the best view of Macklemore at the main stage, but I wouldn’t discount VW who will probably have a more intimate crowd.

SATURDAY 5/25
The Friday and Saturday schedules should be reversed.  While Friday has an overabundance of great music, Saturday is a little a lot, light on good music.  Actually I didn’t realize just how bad it was until now.  My suggestion is to take it easy, browse the stages for whatever interests you, and take in a lot of comedy.
Rose Windows- My favorite music act of the day. I don’t think you can describe their music better than they do themselves “insufferable psychedelic garbage.”
Joe Mande, Kyle Kinane, Nick Offerman- My suggestion is to take in all the comedy this day.  These are three of the funniest guys alive, both Mande and Kinane (my personal favorite) will no doubt have amazing standup sets.  While I have no idea what exactly Offerman will do, I’m sure it will be hilarious and very Ron Swanson(esque).
Sigur Ros- They could either be a lot of fun live or really boring.  I’m really just grasping at straws for the Saturday schedule, but as one of the more unique main stage acts it’s probably worth checking out.

SUNDAY 5/26
Friday is still the day that is most full of good music, Sunday is better than Saturday.  But with at least two of my favorite bands playing, I call the day successful.  It should be noted that this year Sasquatch did away with the noon start times.  1:00 is still early when people are partying until 3-4 am.  That said, I saw some really great acts first thing in the day last year.
Deep Sea Diver- My favorite Seattle band by a long shot.  If you see only one performance all festival, make it this.  Yes, it’s early, but it’ll be totally worth it.
Wild Belle- I’ve been crushing on this brother and sister duo for about a year now.  Their debut album Isles, is one of the years best, and their show last November with DSD at Neumos was spectacular.
Jon Daly, Brody Stevens, Brett Gelman- All three of these gentleman are hilarious, but I have a soft spot for Gelman, whom I saw do a workshop of his show 1,000 Cats many years back at the UCB in LA.
Primus 3D- I’ve loved these guys for many, many years now, and new album or not they would still be a fun show to see.  It’s a little strange to see them going on so late.

MONDAY 5/27
Monday is the final day of the festival, and you’re either going to be dragging, where you’ll just want to plant yourself at a stage and chill for the day.  Or you’ll have a runners high, where you’ll try to get around to as many shows as possible before going home.  I sound like a broken record, but it was detrimental to Sasquatch to front load the schedule on Friday, with so many great bands, especially when so many people miss that day.
James Adomian, Tig Notaro, Mike Birbiglia-  Three immensely funny people, all of which are worth checking out.  If you only have time for one however, don’t miss Tig.  Last year she went on stage at Largo in LA just days after learning she had breast cancer, throwing out her original set list, she performed what will go down in history as one of the most important Comedy sets in history.  I really wonder what she’s talking about a year later.
Cody Chesnutt- I was not familiar with him before the Sasquatch premier party, but now that I am, I have fallen in love with his soulful voice.
Dirty Projectors- Their crossover sound will be great on the Bigfoot stage, with the sun beating down on a sapphire sky, this should be very idyllic.
The Postal Service- Why not! They’re closing out Sasquatch, and as one of the most anticipated performances, they’re definitely going to make it worth it.

By no means is this the best list, or the most comprehensive, but it’s my list of the performances that I wouldn’t miss.  My suggestion for any festival is to make a list of the bands you Can’t Miss, those you Want To See, and those that you’ll Check Out.  Look, you probably spent the equivalent of a months rent on this festival, fill it with music and comedy, take a risk on someone or a band, you wouldn’t see otherwise.

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what to do with your summer (northwest music festivals)

May 15, 2013 in events

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If you’re like me, than your brain can only hold so many dates and numbers.  I need clearly drawn out chronological lists to help me prepare for the things coming up in the future. In fact, this article began not as an article, but as my own list to help me figure out what was happening this Summer.

I don’t know what the Summer festival landscape looked like five years ago, but I’m willing to bet that it wasn’t as strong as it is now.  The obvious reason is that in the last five years the Northwest music scene has grown exponentially both in quantity and quality.  Most festivals take place at a variety of locations across the Northwest, from Portland to Anacortes, so not only is this an opportunity to see some great bands, but it’s also your opportunity to visit some beautiful locations.

By no means is this a comprehensive list, it’s really just a list of the festivals that I’m familiar with.  If there’s something I missed that you think should be on this list, shoot me an email at submissions@secretly-important.com and I’ll tack it on.

 

SASQUATCH! May 24-27, The Gorge, WA, Tickets: Expensive and Sold Out
If big name headliners are your thing, and you don’t mind overbearing corporate festival sponsorships then Sasquatch is for you.  But if you’re looking to go in 2013 you’re probably shit out of luck.  Hell, we couldn’t even get in this year.  But if you’re only planing on going to one festival this year and can manage to snag some tickets from somewhere, then you should go, because the lineup is pretty outstanding.  Father John Misty, Wild Belle, Deep Sea Diver, The Postal Service, Macklemore, Telekinesis, are just a few that get us jazzed.

 

Northwest Folklife, May 24-27, The Seattle Center, Tickets: FREE
If you didn’t get tickets to Sasquatch but still want a weekend of music, then this is your best option.  You may (or may not) have some negative connotations about Folklife, but I’ve actually seen some really great bands there.  Though the K-Records influence this year is somewhat diminished, it does appear that some great acts like Briana Marela, Kendl Winter, and The Shivas will be playing.  Best of all this festival is free and very family friendly.

 

Anacortes Unknown Music Series #3, July 19-21, Anacortes, WA, Tickets: $50
Born from the ashes of the popular What-the-heck-fest, the Unknown series emerged as the brain child of Phil Elvrum.  Unlike the other festivals this is really a music series that takes place a number of times a year, with series #3 happening this Summer.  There have been no official announcements for 2013 but Phil always manages to round up some of the most intriguing lineups of any festival.  Regardless, I think we can expect a performance from Karl Blau/Lovers without Borders/D+/whatever he’s working on, Mount Eerie, and a number of other K artists.  Anacortes is a beautiful place and $50 is totally affordable.

 

Sub Pop Silver Jubilee, July 13, Georgetown, Seattle, Tickets: FREE
If you just don’t have the cash for another of the big festivals this year, then you should definitely keep July 13th clear for Sub Pop’s Silver Jubilee.  This might just be the best most exciting lineup of the Summer.  Sub Pop has gathered some great bands from the past, present, and future: Mudhoney, J Mascis, Shabazz Palaces (w/ THEESatisfaction) Father John Misty, Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, Endino’s Earthworm, and more to be announced.  Sub Pop will never be celebrating 25 years again, so this is a once in a lifetime event.  The fact that it is free means that you’d be a fool not to go.

Timber! Fest, July 26-27, Carnation, WA, Tickets: $45, $20 camping
This is a brand new festival in its first year, put on by the guys who brought you Doe Bay Fest.  So if you’ve resorted to the fact that you’re not going to Doe Bay, I would definitely give Timber a shot.  Expect the organizers to be working out the kinks for this festival (so go with some patience) but also know that you’re probably going to what will become the next Doe Bay.  From small up-and-comers like Lemolo, River Giant, Hobosexual, and Bryan John Appleby, to big names like the Helio Sequence and the Fruit Bats, this lineup packs a lot of punch for just two days.  Set amongst the idilic woods of Carnation, makes this festival something that should be right at the top of your list.

 

Capitol Hill Block Party, July 26-28, Capitol Hill, Seattle, Tickets: 3-day $115 single $40
You’ve got a choice to make here; the granola Timber fest, or the sleek CHBP.  It’s really too bad these two festivals fall on the same weekend.  Starting a couple years back I noticed this festival started to make a serious run at being a real festival with serious bands.  This year of note is La Luz, Pickwick, Pure Bathing Culture, Hey Marseilles, Radiation City, and… the Flaming Lips.  This festival really seems to be coming into it’s own and the last two years have really shown that. I don’t like that venues span the city that range from Capitol Hill to the Seattle Center, but everything is time out enough that you can see everything. Hopefully for next year Timber and CHBP can coexist on different weekends.

 

Doe Bay Fest, August 8-11, Orcas Island, WA, Tickets: $90, camping $90
You’re probably not going to this festival.  Well, maybe not.  This festival quietly started a number of years ago, and between the exquisite setting, its intimate nature, and the organizers ability to find the next big thing, Doe Bay has quickly become the most sought after festival of the year.  Tickets sell out in mere seconds, before people even know the lineup.  You don’t go to Doe Bay just to hear music, you go because it’s a magical place.  Unlike past years, tickets will be sold mostly to guests who stay at Doe Bay prior to the festival (though some tickets may become available later.) So this year you have a chance.  But need I remind you that staying at Doe Bay isn’t cheap, nor is getting to the island (accessible by ferry only).  If you can, do everything in your power to get to Doe Bay.

 

Helsing Junction Sleepover, August 16-18, Rochester, WA, Tickets: $35 (2012)
The past number of years K-Records has partnered with the Helsing Junction farm to create the Sleepover, a loose festival of (mostly) K bands, playing for fans and friends.  I often look at it more as an Olympia convention, as similar bands play the festival every year, and you go for the experience as much as the music.  Free from the corporate or even the anti-corporate sponsors of every other festival, Helsing truly is about the music and the fun.  The official is yet to be announced, but it will be chock full of K artists, the festival also features films and organic food for which the proceeds go to Thurston County Gleaners Coalition.  $35 is almost too cheap not to go and have fun.

 

Bumbershoot, August 31- September 2, The Seattle Center, Tickets: 3-day $150 single $50*
Seattle’s longest running music/art/comedy festival is the perfect way to draw your Summer to a close.  Everyone has a lot opinions about Bumbershoot, some have even questioned whether it’s still relevant.  Though at times it struggles to compete with the bigger festivals dedicated solely to music, Bumbershoot is the perfect mix of great music, art, and some of the nations best comedy.  Though this years lineup doesn’t get me as hot as last years, bands like Thao, River Giant, the Grizzled Mighty, and Deathcab for Cutie are well worth it.

*Saturday day pass is $55, Sunday/Monday $50

 

Music Fest Northwest, September 3-8, Portland, OR, Tickets: $75-$125 (2012)
If you’re not going to Bumbershoot, or if you just want a solid week of music, than get your ass down to Portland for Music Fest NW.  Like SXSW or CHBP, this festival utilizes venues all across the city.  It has considerable drawbacks, for instance, it takes place during the week, it’s not centrally located, it’s in Portland.  But last year it boasted an outstanding lineup, if I didn’t have a three week old at home I would have been there in a heartbeat.  The lineup won’t be announced until May 29th, but get your pocket book ready, this one is definitely worth it.

 

City Arts Fest Mid-October, Seattle, WA, Tickets: $55 (2012)
Okay, so technically this isn’t part of the Summer, but it’s close enough to Summer that it should count.  I wasn’t familiar with CIty Arts Fest until last year, and found their lineup to be surprisingly good, actually excellent. Just like Music Fest NW, City Arts takes place during the week, which is tough for those who have to work or go to school, but after last years lineup that featured bands like Reignwolf, Lemolo, St. Vincent, among so many others, I’m really looking forward to what 2013 will offer.  This effectively ends the festival season, maybe not with a bang, but with a really excellent selection of arts and music.

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bumbershoot 2013 lineup announcement

May 8, 2013 in events

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UPDATE: This article originally listed Hobosexual as a Bumbershoot performer, which as I was informed tonight they are not.  This was bound to happen eventually as I’ve been on a pretty good streak of all factual information, I was just waiting to fuck-up.  That said, Hobosexual will be playing this year at Timber Music fest in July.  All that said, sorry for any confusion, and Bumbershoot would probably be better if Hobosexual was playing.

Friday, after browsing through the Bumbershoot 2013 lineup, I penned an overly critical article debasing the selection of artists.  As I prepared to post the article I trashed it.  Something in my gut told me that I was acting irrationally and impulsively.  I decided instead to give myself a few days to really think about the list and then make a more rational decision.

When the 2012 lineup was announced I immediately found a handful of bands who not only would I want to see, but bands I genuinely love, Deep Sea Diver, Reignwolf, Bryan John Appleby, Damien Jurado, Mudhoney, and most impressively Ana Tijoux.  Bumbershoot was worth giving up my Labor Day weekend for these bands alone.  So it was unfair to put that kind of pressure on Bumbershoot to manage to hit on my favorite bands once again.  Besides, most of the bands I was most excited to see play this year will be at Sasquatch.

Ultimately what I had to remind myself was that Bumbershoot is more than a music festival, it’s an art/performance festival for locals to come together and celebrate the final throws of Summer.  Music has always played a big part, but with so many Pacific Northwest festivals (I just counted eight from memory) dedicated to music, it’s hard for Bumbershoot to compete.  Moving forward I would expect Bumbershoot to have years where it really hits the mark, and other years where they miss.

Even as I type that last sentence, I must admit that given these few days to really reflect on the 2013 lineup, I’m not so sure they did miss.  They may not be as on (for me) as last year, but seriously: River Giant, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Vintage Trouble, Kithkin, The Grizzled Mighty.  These are bands who not only peek my interest but light it on fire.

These bands mixed with some of the more notable acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Allen Stone, MGMT, FUN, or Tegan and Sara, make the festival desirable.  What I am willing to stand by from that trashed article I wrote Friday, is that this years lineup feels less special. Ana Tijoux was a special opportunity, Reignwolf’s set at the mural was outstanding, Deep Sea Diver, Bryan John Appleby, and Damien Jurado all graced the same stage at the same festival… this is the future of Seattle Music right here (though Jurado has been around for over a decade).

What will really make or break Bumbershoot 2013 for me will be the comedy acts.  The festival has long been known as a premier comedy showcase of talent from across the country.  It’s been a trend setter in putting music along side comedy and discovering that those two groups of people have a lot of overlap.  Last year I saw as much comedy as I saw music, the comedians and podcasts were some of the nations best, anything less this year will be a disappointment.

I’ll be honest, I’m not as jazzed about this years lineup.  It’s good, but not over the top amazing.  That said, I’m glad I took the time to really look at and think through this years bands, because they’re great, they’re worth it, and kudos to Bumbershoot for getting them to the festival.

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deep sea diver with telekinesis tour

May 2, 2013 in events

deep sea diver telekinesis tour

Canada, Eastern United States, Northern States, Southern States, a few Western States, take heed!  I’ve got a little secret to share with you… Seattle’s premier musical act, Deep Sea Diver is coming to your home town, to play for you (well, you and anyone else who show up).  Take advantage of this opportunity, it won’t come around often.

There are a lot of bands whose music I’ve fallen in love with, but rarely does a bands sound effect me so deeply from the first note.  The click clacking guitar picks at the beginning of Ships built in intensity and scale, until frontwoman Jessica Dobson’s voice cuts through the song like a knife, it just felt perfect.  Deep Sea Diver surprises me all the time, be it Christmas songs, a cover of Time After Time, or new sounds.  I’ve seen them live on a number of occasions and can assure you that they are not to be missed.

If the above paragraphs don’t convince you to see Deep Sea Diver and Telekinesis, then I don’t know what I need to say that will convince you.  Deep Sea Diver constantly blows me away, and Telekinesis?  These guys are top notch as well, they ping-pong back and fourth from sweet lo-fi acoustic indie ballads, and heavy gut-punching rock anthems.

Take a look to see if they’ll be in your town, and don’t forget to check out this strange and funny tour video from Deep Sea Diver.

2-May Thu Nashville, TN @ The High Watt details

4-May Sat Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn details

5-May Sun Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 details

6-May Mon Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage details

7-May Tue Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s details

9-May Thu New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom details

10-May Fri Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall details

11-May Sat Montreal, QC @ Il Motore details

12-May Sun Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern details

14-May Tue Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop details

15-May Wed Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall details

16-May Thu Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon details

17-May Fri, Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry details

18-May Sat, Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room details

20-May Mon, Denver, CO Hi Dive details

21-May Tue, Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge details

22-May Wed, Nampa, ID Flying M Coffee details

23-May Sun, George, WA Sasquatch Music Festival details

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stacey rozich ~ within without me

April 24, 2013 in events

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Since Secretly-Important began a couple years back, I’ve interviewed more than a dozen artists from various mediums.  Many of these artists were well established, others were on the cusp of reaching recognition.  Every single guest is someone who I respect deeply and admire, but the guest who has left the most lasting impression on me has been artist, Stacey Rozich.

Like many, I was introduced to her work through the cover of The Curious Mystery’s album We Creeling.  A colorful, bushy haired beast, with long protruding horns, and intricately detailed patterned clothing.  I was immediately inspired by the image and wanted to know more about the artist.  I took a plunge and discovered a treasure trove of material from artist Stacey Rozich.  I couldn’t get enough of her art, it was as if some one had penetrated my brain and extracted the information necessary to make art that would tug at my deepest desires.

Stacey’s work has served as one the of the greatest inspirations in my life, both personally and artistically.  I take no shame in admitting that I have in fact written more than one short story based on Stacy’s work.  I’ve watched her work grow and evolve, always in new and tempting ways.  Around this time last year I noticed that her mythical and folkloric images had adopted hipster culture.  This blending of the old and the new world is a physical representation of how I’ve always interpreted her work, as a modern representation of classic world culture.

I’ve become familiar enough with the Rozich cannon, that I’ve begun to identify  reoccurring characters, for whom I’ve projected story lines, beliefs, and emotions upon.  A towering void of a being whose body is both impressive and empty.  A great hairy beast, whose muscles ripple with tension, gently reveals the truth behind his mask, a face full of snakes.  A congregation of Imps whose aim is to wreak havoc, drinking your Rainier Beer, smoking all your cigarettes.  I always look forward to creating new narratives for her work.

Stacey’s credits are so impressive that by far the least important thing she’s done is appear here.  Her art appeared in a Fleet Foxes video, on album and book covers, the cover of Seattle’s The Stranger, banners for the Capitol Hill Block Party, and accomplished publications… as well as any other medium I might have missed, Stacey is a busy woman.  That’s right, like when she won the Nelly Cornish award.

Though we’ve taken to mostly/only promoting and covering music events, I will always make an exception for the art of Stacey Rozich.  Next Thursday May 2nd at Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle from 6p-9p, is the opening for Stacey’s latest collection of new work titled Within Without Me.  You would be a fool not to check it out, you would be a fucking fool to do anything else.  I believe that Stacey is hands down, Seattle’s greatest working artist, you should get out there and support her, and at the same time give yourself the gift of some exquisite artwork.

As I understand it, Roq La Rue has just moved to a new location at 532 1st Ave S (near King St) in Pioneer Square.  You can also find Stacey Rozich at staceyrozich.com.

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the glamour and the squalor (trailer)

April 12, 2013 in events

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Last week I stumbled down the back alleys of memory lane as I reminisced about my personal experience with Sub Pop and my 10 favorite releases in celebration of their 25th anniversary.  This week I continue down that back alley as I reflect on my earliest memories of Seattle’s most recognizable modern DJ Marco Collins.

Just as my parents can hear the voice of Pat O’Day and instantly recall the music of their childhood, I hear the voice of Marco Collins and I’m instantly barraged with music from the 1990’s.  The two men have a lot in common, more then I ever realized in fact.  Both helped usher in a music scene to the Pacific Northwest and became influential in its movement, both rose through the ranks at their respective radio stations, both suffered from addiction.

The Glamour & The Squalor – 2 Minute Teaser from The Glamour & The Squalor on Vimeo.

I can remember the first time I listened to Marco Collins on 107.7 The End so vividly, it was by accident.  It was 9:00 pm on a weeknight in the summer, and I had played the four cd’s I owned, Bleach, Nevermind, Dookie, and the Superunknown, so many times that I thought my head was going to spin into orbit.  So as I lay down to go to bed I turned on my boombox which had been firmly planted on KidStar 1250 AM for years.  I slowly rolled the dial, passing fragments of words and songs, searching for my music, something that I wanted to listen to, something like the four cd’s I had.

I continued rolling past soft rock of the 70’s and 80’s, smooth jazz, and early rock and roll, until I reached the end of the dial, I slowly rolled back and immediately hit on something.  Now of course I can’t remember the song, but I can remember every other detail from that night. As the song faded out I heard this incredible rich voice, it painted this picture of a really “cool” guy.  I wanted to be Marco Collins.

The first thing I did was pop a tape in and start recording everything.  The next day I became a radio DJ in my bedroom, I spun the four cd’s I had, and conducted interviews with bands live on air.  I don’t know if I really wanted to be a DJ or just wanted to feel like one, I loved listening to Marco talk passionately about the music he played, and began imitating him during my own imaginary time slot at 107.7.

This sounds crazy now, but I was part of the last generation of kids who couldn’t just hop on the information superhighway and immediately find my people and the music I wanted to listen to.  Collins is part of the last great influential DJ’s.  We relied on the radio for new music, and depended on DJ’s to play it, their willingness to play an artist or song could make or break you.  The list of bands that Marco was instrumental in bringing to the American airwaves is impressive, Beck, Weezer, The Presidents of the United States of America, the Foo Fighters etc.  He’s a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, christ, he spoke at Kurt Cobain’s memorial.

He left The End in 1998, and at least for me he became a sweet memory.  He held a number of high profile jobs in the music industry, but never stayed anywhere particularly long.  It wasn’t until 2009 when Collins returned to Seattle and began appearing on KEXP that I started thinking about him again.

Marco is the subject of a forthcoming documentary The Glamour and the Squalor, which just released its first trailer this week.  The Glamour of Marco’s career was obvious, but the Squalor?  For someone who was so instrumental in my musical education, I really knew nothing about him.  I didn’t know that Marco was gay, I didn’t know what he’d been doing for the past fifteen years, and I didn’t know that for over ten years his addictions had sabotaged his career.  By the time he returned to Seattle in 2009 he was broke.

As I read articles detailing the downfall of Marco Collins I felt guilty, like I’d somehow mistreated or under appreciated this man I’ve never met.  But there was hope.  He got clean and sober, and took every opportunity that came his way.  This past year he started Jet City Stream, an online radio station that aims to highlight local music and take on the evil corporate juggernaut like Clear Channel, and the soft voiced hipster bastion of KEXP.  Jet City Stream’s inclusivity and commitment to local music earns a special place in my heart.

When I heard his voice for the first time in fifteen years it was as if nothing had changed, and immediately I was brought back to that summer all those years ago that I discovered 107.7 The End.  I’m rooting for Marco.

Be sure to check out the trailer for The Glamour and the Squalor, it looks like it’s going to be right up there with my favorite music documentary Hype!  You might also want to follow these guys on facebook to stay up to date with whats happening with the film.

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capitol hill block party, will host some bands

April 3, 2013 in events

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Typically I meet the release of the Capitol Hill Block Party lineup will mixed enthusiasm, I can always find at least one or two bands I love, a few I like, and a bunch that I’m willing to admit play music.  But the last two years have been full of talent, and some previous guests on the podcast.  Last years most impressive additions were bands like Reignwolf, Father John Misty, Lemolo, Spoek Mathambo, and Kithkin.  Not to mention posters and banners designed by Stacey Rozich.

This year’s lineup continues to impress, and has me thinking that CHBP is not just some overpriced neighborhood mid-Summer barbecue.  Though it’s not a block party in the sense that all the performances take place on the block we’re supposed to be supporting, I’ll take any excuse to get this many musical acts together in a three day span across the city.

At this point you might be asking yourself who I think is going to be a lot of fun, well, you probably didn’t think that, but if you did here’s my list.

Pickwick

Hey Marseilles

La Luz

Pure Bathing Culture

Fly Moon Royalty

STRFKR

Radiation City

…and I guess a few people are excited about The Flaming Lips.

 

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timber! the festival you shouldn’t miss

March 15, 2013 in events

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Did you watch the amazing Welcome to Doe Bay documentary and wish that you could go?  Then you realized that the price was just a little too steep, and the tickets a little to scarce?  If you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that you will be missing out on Doe Bay, and happen to have the weekend of July 26th and 27th open, then you should check out Timber! a brand new festival from Artist Home, that will take place in the bucolic foliage of Carnation Washington.

For some time now I’ve heard rumors of a new music festival that was to take place in Carnation, rumors that dated back years.  Well, it’s finally here and though just seven bands have been announced, it’s worth the very affordable $45, without even knowing who else will round things out.

-The Helio Sequence

-Fruit Bats

-Lemolo

-Bryan John Appleby

-Kithkin

-River Giant

-Ten Speed Music

Just in case it needs to be said, all seven of these bands are amazing, you would be justified in spending $45 just to see one of them, and that you can see all of them and more amid the picturesque setting of Carnation, makes this festival a no brainer.

Tickets go on sale this Tuesday, March 19th at 10:00am and if you know what’s good for you you’ll be right there to snatch those up because they’re probably going to go fast.  And keep up with Timber! on Facebook and Twitter, they’ll be announcing the remainder of the lineup soon.

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LAKE on tour with r. stevie moore

February 20, 2013 in events

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Recent guests on the podcast and all around favorites LAKE are going on a smallish tour with the legendary R. Stevie Moore.  They’ll be hitting all three west coast states including the fine province of British Columbia.  If you’re in Seattle tomorrow, they’ll be playing the Crocodile.  If I didn’t have a big meeting I would be there in a heartbeat.  LAKE has written a lot of new music over the last year and you can bet that you’ll be hearing some of it on this tour.

 

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la luz, unnatural helpers, lonesome shack @ 20/20 cycle 2/9

February 7, 2013 in events

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If that Gangnam style guy teamed up with that Sanjaya guy from American idol, and then if both of those guys teamed up with a drunk Britney Spears, and then all three teamed up with Skrillex to form a live band- first of all we should all prepare for the apocalypse, because surely that is the first sign, but if they then preformed at 20/20 Cycle in Seattle, I’d go see it.  If the 20/20 Cycle Hot Wheels cars formed a Dubstep band and performed on stage while doing Whip-Its I’d watch.

What I’m trying to say is that after seeing Lovers Without Borders, Ever Ending Kicks, and Karl Blau perform on the intimate 20/20 stage I would see anything there.  The fact that this Saturday you can see a trio of bands not as cringeworthy as those listed above is a bonus.  In fact the bands you can see on Saturday are some of Seattle’s best.

La Luz is a straight out of the 60’s all girl surf rock band that’ll give you a mid-Summer suntan, maybe you’ve heard about their EP Damp Face?  Find out why it was one of 2012’s best releases.  Lonesome Shack is a “haunted boogie” blues band whose album City Man, is basically perfect from the opening song bottle drop to the audience applause that closes out the album.  Did I mention that the album was recorded live at Cafe Racer, these guys are exceptional live.  Then you have Unnatural Helpers, meta punk?  This is the kind of music that will take you back to being 13, when not blood but angst pumped through your veins.  Their brief songs clock in at just a minute and a half, something I like to call, heart attack rock.

As if that wasn’t enough, I understand that Gold Van records is going to be in attendance as well, with the van.  Imagine a musical version of food trucks, that’s Gold Van.  They’ll be selling used records from diverse genres, as they say “he new selection is made up of OUR personal favorites. What we are listening to now. Records that are hand picked from obscure bands and labels that put out the best (again our opinion) in underground, soon to be popular, LPS and 7” singles.”

There are so many reasons to see this show, that I can’t just pick one, the venue, the bands, the record van.  Show starts at 8:00pm, click here for the details.

Unnatural Helpers- Hate your Teachers

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