Best Interview:
Kerry Zettel of Das Llamas. (You can hear it here) Okay, so I don't rank my interviews; I love all of my interviews, especially from this weekend. I just tend to overanalyze every single word of an interview and try to make each session unique to the music. Aside from hearing several of Das Llamas' songs, I just let myself be entirely surprised (and enthralled) by their appearance at Sky Church. I am stumped and have no idea how to describe the very eclectic rock that I had just witnessed, other than to say that the color green is exactly what I visualize when I think of Das and that was the primary color used throughout the light show. After the show, Kerry and I talked almost exclusively about that performance and being at Bumbershoot. Great conclusion to the evening.

Best Performance:
Art Brut! I never saw them at their public performance as it was the same time as Army of Me (I had to make quite a few hard choices as such this weeked) but I did catch them at the "Secret" KEXP Music Lounge on Sunday.

Best Random Fact Heard on the Streets:
I ran into Ted Hudson, bassist of the Damnwells, when I was ferociously trying to navigate the insane crowds against the Esurance stage on my way to the Sky Church. He was sad that he missed John Legend because he went to high school with him. (!)

Best Staff of Volunteers:
Okay, it's a tie. I love the people at both the EMP Sky Church and the Sound Transit Stage. They actually clearly stated all that I needed to know as a kid here with a photo pass for the very first time. (Hear that, Exhibition Hall, did you hear that?) Plus they were just plain cool. Speaking of Sound Transit, that leads me to...

Best Bumbershoot Stage:
Sound Transit Stage. I saw the Lashes, the Trucks, the Blakes, all of the bands that start with "the" making it look semantically annoying to list them here — plus Ted Leo.

Best Kick Out:
I had just came back from Das Llamas at about 10 minutes till 9:30 to the press room and was about to integrate all 3 of my interview blogs online when...

"Can you do me a favor?"

I glanced up, and the press room coordinator stood on other side of the table looking at me. Sure.

"Since you're the only one in here, could I kick you out so that I can go see Wu-Tang Clan?"

OKAY!

I considered that my calling for.....

My Best Photography Experience:
Sharing the same stage as Ted Leo & the Pharmacists on Monday.

Best Conclusion:
I don't think that the Seattle Times realize that giving photo/press passes away to 5 little kids from Vera for Bumbershoot 2007 is like feeding raw sugar to a 2-year-old for the first time.

Julia Lipscomb

The weather was kind all weekend long. The rain held off until the very last moments of Bumbershoot and started pouring like the clouds were waiting all weekend. It wasn't great the day before, and it definitely isn't great the day after, but the sun shined on Bumbershoot.

It seems almost impossible for one to look back on three days of non-stop music, arts, comedy, and running around. The best way I can imagine to recap such an enormous festival is to talk about all of the stuff that I missed.

Renton's own Dyme Def garnered tons of attention behind their debut full length "Space Music." I had two chances to see them and missed them both. They played on the Seattle hip-hop showcase on Saturday and I missed them then to see Sabzi performing stand up comedy. They're a great group, and I would have loved to see them perform on a Bumbershoot stage, but I could not fit them into my schedule any time.

I made plans to see three different comedians throughout the festival, all of whom I missed, and all of whom played every single day. I wanted badly to see Eugene Mirman (signed to Sub Pop and on Flight of the Conchords), and Fred Armisen (of Saturday Night Live, and a big fan of indie rock (he directed a video by Portland's The Helio Sequence), who performed during the same comedy set, but none of their times worked out with mine. I'm sure they were both hilarious and I was missing out on the comedy show of my lifetime, but I just could not fit them into my busy schedule. Also, in the comedy realm: I wanted to see Michael Ian Black one time throughout the weekend. Unfortunately he played only headlining comedy slots and I wasn't able to make any of them because of important indie rock which was happening simultaneously.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists surely was an exciting show, but I have no idea for myself because he was pitted against Wu-Tang Clan. I'm confident he looked intense all throughout the set and stretched his face while screaming his lyrics. I'm sure his fans crowd surfed and left the show with sweat dripping down their faces.

I've heard a lot of people say Art Brut was the band of the festival (honestly I think they should have been on the main stage), but I got distracted by the responsibilities of blogging and an enormous crowd and passed. The post on this here blog made me cringe because I can't believe I missed such an awesome show. I know it was great, but I wont be telling anyone all about it today at Vera.

I also missed both Andrew Bird and Devendra Banhart on Sunday night, and apparently so did everyone else writing for this blog.

The last thing I missed was the things which I wanted to post in this blog but didn't. I took pictures for a post about just how long the lines were at Vera. The capacity of the Comedy Stage West at Vera was not high, and the demand for the shows was. Every performance people were turned away because the venue had filled extremely quickly. I also wanted to write a post about how great the food looked, but I was always too busy to stop and eat anything.

All five of us worked as hard as we possibly could to see as much as we possibly could and still enjoy ourselves over the three-day festival, but Bumbershoot is so enormous and ever-changing that there is no way we could have picked up everything. Art happens spontaneously at Bumbershoot and we can't always be there to find it. We found impromptu break-dancing in the afternoon and it was amazing. There were people in the circle who were obviously experienced break-dancers, and then there were those who were definitely beginners but the everyone clapped along like each one of the break-dancers were the best they had ever seen. I suppose that is what Bumbershoot is all about.

Tristan Pelton

Yes! Yes! Yes! Guess Who's On Third... it's Lupe Fiasco! Lupe was the third performer at Memorial Stadium on Monday, and those familiar with his work know the opening sentence of this post as Lupe's first lines from his verse on the song Touch the Sky by Kanye West. I remember back in early 2006 watching the video for Touch the Sky and thinking that Lupe Fiasco was one lucky guy to be featured on a song by a superstar like Kanye West. From that time on, Lupe's career has taken off and is now pretty much "sky high." In June of 2006, Lupe released the song Kick, Push which gave him crossover appeal to the skateboarding community.Then two weeks before Lupe dropped his first album, Food and Liquor, Kanye brought out Lupe during Kanye's Bumbershoot performance at Memorial Stadium. When Lupe returned to the Bumbershoot stage on Monday he really was "looking extra fly" — Lupe wore all white (except for his black aviator shades) with a polo shirt and the requisite popped collar. He played Kick, Push (see video) to the delight of all the fans, and to my delight he performed a rousing rendition of the song Daydreamin.

Lupe brought out double threat rapper and singer Gemini to perform a couple of songs, and one of the songs was so good that I had to wonder if it might be Gemini who continues the cycle and returns to Bumbershoot next year as the headliner. There were two fairly interesting moments worth mentioning. The first occurred when Lupe made an anti-Bush statement and the crowd cheered louder for that line than just about everything else in Lupe's set. Still influenced by last night's local hip-hop moment, I thought about what the crowd reaction would have been if event planners could have finagled getting local rapper Geologic AKA Prometheus Brown up there to collaborate with Lupe on Kick, Push (Prometheus Brown has a variation of Kick, Push called Kick, Bush (Out) up on his myspace). The second was when Lupe played the song Us Placers which features Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, who, together with Lupe, are rumored to make up the super group CRS. At other acts I attended, crowd reaction diminished noticeably whenever an artist performed new material. However, judging by the fan reaction to Us Placers, it seemed like a lot of fans were already familiar with the song. The song was released, not on an LP, but as part of Kanye's Can't Tell Me Nothing mixtape. Perhaps the enthusiasm for Us Placers indicates how the internet has really increased the power of the mixtape as a marketing tool. Like the crowd, I was enthusiastic to hear Us Placers, but the song is kind of lacking without live verses from the other superstars. I couldn't stay mad for too long though $#8212; I got to see another super group, Wu-Tang Clan later that night.

Kate Carosino

And here, the performance I have been waiting for since I last saw the Damnwells last November. When they broke out with their older "Star/Fool" song, I got chills. So good. I had to record it.

After their performance, I snagged frontman Alex Dezen away for 10 minutes for an interview (
listen here). Okay, now that I have seen all three of my top rated Bumbershoot bands - Army of Me, For Years Blue, Damnwells - I should probably quit obsessing over how I discovered them all in a little tiny coffeeshouse in little tiny Spokane last year. I have met a lot of cool people through my Bumbershoot excursions, and I'm pretty sure that each one of them suspects my abnormally constant preoccupation with just how awesome it was that they were all scheduled here and they all must think I'm just psycho or something. But... still, wasn't it amazing? All three of those thrilling performances within a mere 24 hours in one location again?

I feel quite spoiled. If this is an annual celebration then in September 2008, I will highly depend on my expectations for those three to reunite for me once again.

Julia Lipscomb

I am still awestruck that local punk gods in the Blakes agreed to do a spontaneous interview with me right after their set (
listen here). While I was escorting them from the Sound Transit Stage in one corner of the Center and all the way over to the press room in the north, we were stopped frequently by fans as jaded as myself reminding them how much the rocked. It's true. They did rocked the stage, and as I said in my exclusive interview with them here, they were the one and only band to make me shake my groove until I broke a sweat.

Julia Lipscomb

Wu-Tang Clan didn't invent hip-hop, but they've been a serious catalyst in its continued relevance into the 21st century. As far as rap groups go, one could argue that they're the most important of the 1990's. The 1990's are long gone though, and Wu-Tang Clan are no longer the most relevant hip-hop group around. Despite the pain involved, Ol' Dirty Bastard is dead, and the legacy of Wu-Tang exists mostly in records which are more than a decade old. However, the individual performers have not lost any of their fire and recent albums (Ghostface Killah's "Fishcale," being the most notable of those) have brought Wu-Tang back to the prominence they deserve.

Wu-Tang's headlining performance at Bumbershoot continued the path to bringing Wu-Tang back as one of hip-hop's most important current groups. They opened their show with the classic "Wu Tang Clan Aint Nuthing ta F' Wit," a song which is as recognizable to hip-hop fans as "Hey Jude," is to baby boomers. From there Wu-Tang excited the crowd, trading off verses like wildfire and playing legendary song after legendary song.

When Wu-Tang asked the audience for a response, the crowd reacted accordingly. When Wu asked for fists to be pumped, the entire packed ground of Memorial Stadium obliged. When Wu-Tang asked for the crowd to hold their hands in the shape of a "W," the sight looked like a Wu-Tang bat call.

On record, RZA is the undisputed leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He is the one who brought all the group members together and sparked the fire which they're still burning. Live however, Method Man took the lead, acting as the ambassador between the Wu and their adoring fans. He had to put his host role aside however, for his big performance during the song which has a title bearing his name. During the song the crowd jumped and screamed to the opening and chorus which repeat "M-E-T-H-O-D Man!"

Much of Wu-Tang's performance was a tribute to the fallen soldier: ODB. Wu-Tang paid particular tribute to his legend by playing his solo songs and letting his verses play recorded over songs they rapped live, including his amazing verse on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin.'" At other times, Wu members recited his verses as if they were already folk stories which had been passed from generation to generation, even though he only passed but three years ago.

To close the show Wu-Tang performed the song "Gravel Pit," one of their newer smash hits. It was a bittersweet moment for Wu fans. It was new enough that it allowed listeners to look forward to their upcoming album which drops in October, but also a song which so obviously misses ODB that one realizes Wu-Tang will never be the same without him.

Tristan Pelton

Tokyo Police Club plays unique indie pop about robots taking over the world and first kisses. They are flawless in song structure and every single track is catchy. I would have loved to have watched their whole set, but I had to move along to the Sky Church in order to get my Fleet Foxes fix. This is one of the only downsides to Bumbershoot; overlapping bands. But what can you do!

Emily Gorman

Emily Gorman

Emily Gorman

When recommending Fleet Foxes to anyone, I am totally 100% positive. Ever since I heard their EP last fall I have been absolutely hooked. This morning I ran from my car in order to catch a 12:00 noon live KEXP private broadcast. This was the perfect way to start the day. Cushioned seats and perfect sound only added to what the Foxes already have to offer.

Emily Gorman
Now, even though I had already seen them once, there was no stopping me from attending their later set at the Sky Church. This was another perfect example of the charm of a Fleet Foxes set. It would have been impossible for anyone to walk into that room and not become entranced in what they heard. They brought out some new songs during the set that were more than promising. Front man Robin Pecknold played a solo piece that was both moving and well crafted in every way. We are all awaiting their first full length.

Lyrics Born performed this afternoon at the Esurance stage in front of a sizeable crowd.

I also noticed that some local b-boys had set up shop on the lawn near by using Lyrics Born's beats and rhymes to power their footwork and windmills.

Keayleen McDaniels

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Fergie's "fergalicious" performance at memorial stadium. Today I watched Joss Stone perform in the same venue. While there are parallels between Fergie and Joss Stone--both are popular female singers--Joss Stone's live vocals really sounded better (to my ear at least) than Fergie's. Her soulful sounds got crowd members of all ages dancing and having a good time.

Katie Carosino

John Legend played to a large audience which may have exceeded the one The Shins brought in two days ago. Legend came out wearing bright white pants which shined with help from the sun's rays. Smiling and clapping his hands he looked around the enormous crowd and then sat at his piano and the band started jamming.

Every once in a while Legend would leap from his seat at the piano and stand straight in front of the crowd, clapping his hands while the fans clapped along in unison. Legend's walk and voice are smooth and sultry, which was apparent when he slid across the stage with his hips shaking. He has the gospel, r&b, and soul credentials which make him a proper heir to Marvin Gaye's throne.

Tristan Pelton

Today, I watched the Blakes perform at the Sound Transit Stage. Among other songs, they played a rousing rendition of the song Pistol Grip. My favorite part of the performance was the enthusiastic tambourine playing.

Kate Carosino

It was hot and humid this afternoon at the Esurance stage, but being both the DJ and the MC was no sweat for Ohmega Watts with the help of fellow Portland rapper Braille. Ohmega Watts (Milton Campbell) is a 28 year old writer and producer who was born in New York and now hails from Portland, Oregon by way of Florida.

Granted, the show would have been more entertaining had there been more people on stage to help out (a hype man perhaps?), but Ohmega Watts' beats and delivery were dead on. He and Braille performed songs from Ohmega's 2005 album "The Find" as well as some brand new material, still in raw form. I enjoyed the song "Model Citizen" that is going to be on the new album "Watts Happening" which is slated to drop in October. I'll definitely be looking for that when it comes out.

This video will give you an idea of the difficulties posed by being both the DJ and the MC at your show.

Keayleen McDaniels

"Three years ago, they were just a little indie punk band..."

A guy's voice walking outside of the EMP Sky Church echoed toward me.

It's true. A year ago, For Years Blue was Spokane's best kept secret.

To give all you hip Seattlites an introduction to what comes out east of you, Spokane produces a slew of rock bands with potential. Spokane treats its music right, so most of its groups never go without a little pretentiousness here and there. But For Years Blue — where did they come from — They definitely did receive some nurturing from Spokane, but they lied low, focused solely on their music for several years and suddenly they found themselves declared the winner of this year's EMP Soundfest — the biggest underage battle of the bands in the Pacific Northwest.

I had only seen them once before at a small coffeehouse back east (opening for Army of Me and the Damnwells — holla!) one year ago, so I was curious to see how they have adapted to playing larger stages in a far more promising city.

The result was full blown amplification adhering to each of the five elements of their personalities composed together in an blissful hour-long blues session. I just recently started comparing them to a European rock band called Amusement Parks on Fire primarily because of the vocals, the atmospheric quality surrounding the cacophony of their live set, and the mystique. The mystique. They are such a quiet and humble group of musicians, and that adds to their focus toward their artistic performance. I especially appreciate how the rock sound as a whole backs the lyrics, though subtlety, which is composed of refreshingly complicated prose.

Julia Lipscomb

Smoosh are most commonly known because of their beginnings when they were eight and ten years old respectively.

Now, the two sister drum and keyboard duo have grown up quite a bit. They're teens now and have two albums and countless tours behind them. Their years in the music business hasn't tainted them though, as they an extremely fun Bumbershoot set which they smiled all the way through.

It was hard to get photos because everywhere I stepped moved I found myself standing in front of small children and I didn't want to block anyone's pint sized view. By no means do I mean to demean their music by saying that their fanbase is all children, though. They play keyboard driven pop which is great for listeners of all ages. It isn't too threatening for kids, but also isn't too tame for adults.

I interned for the record label which broke Smoosh a few years back, Pattern 25 records. By the time I started with Pattern 25, Smoosh were already off and signed to Barsuk records, but the owners still spoke longingly about the girls. They continually mentioned how Chloe and Asya were still so down to earth after all the success they've found. Here, you can tell with the video that they're still having a lot of fun playing.

Tristan Pelton

For Years Blue are a Spokane band which I have championed quite a bit since I started booking Vera.

They're the first rock band at Bumbershoot that I have booked personally for a Vera show, and they did not disappoint (ironically the only other band I've booked for a Vera show played on the same show at Vera and are playing on the same stage at Bumbershoot a few hours later: indie band Siberian). For Years Blue play extremely mature indie-rock (considering they're all under 21) which is influenced by a variety of sources from The Arcade Fire to My Bloody Valentine.

They earned this particular spot at Bumbershoot by winning the EMP's underage battle of the bands Sound Off! Winning that contest is something which does not definitely equal immediate success, but does help quite a bit. Calling Spokane home can be a hindrance though, to an up and coming music career and a move to Seattle may be necessary. For Years Blue have a lot going for them right now and once they get a few more shows and an album under their belt they will be playing big shows in the future.

Tristan Pelton

Today is my day! Everything that I have been looking forward to seeing, whether for the first time in a year or for the first time ever, are happening this afternoon at Bumbershoot. Most notably, the Damnwells at 5pm on the Starbucks Stage. I was listening to their "Air Stereo" album on this morning's transit rides over here. There's something magical about that album. I always listen to it all the way through, and it immediately makes me antsy at the thought of comparing their pop rock melodies to all the good happening in my present — " namely, through my introductory excursions through both the Spokane and Seattle music scenes and the excitement of publishing and distributing my writings throughout the past year.

Combine the Damnwells' tunes buzzing still in my head, the two pepsi cans of sheer caffeine running through my blood, the prospect of seeing the Blakes and For Years Blue and Das Llamas, maybe getting a few more interviews, and of course — " the Schoolyard Heroes" — yes, the Schoolyard Heroes, the one and only top rock outfit coming out of Seattle as of right now are sitting across the hall in this press room reading my little fanzine... well, through all of my high anticipation, I am blushing and shaken with a beating delight. Today will be incredible, and it's all happening as of now! Yes, to quote the film Almost Famous, "It's all happening!"

Julia Lipscomb

To see the photos we aren't using in the blog visit our photobucket page.

I don't know how people are able to pick and choose days they want to attend at festivals like Bumbershoot. To me, the festival works as a whole, not as a number of disjointed days which can be packed together. If it weren't for yesterday, I wouldn't have the same opinions I have for today.

Looking at today's schedule: there isn't the quantity of great performers that there were on Saturday and Sunday, but today there is a lot of quality. The main stage has three great acts, with John Legend and his subtle R&B/soul and then the hip-hop tonight with indie-skate rapper Lupe Fiasco and the legends Wu-Tang Clan. There is concern right now that all of the important members of Wu-Tang won't make it to the Bumbershoot main stage (note: all members of Wu Tang are important, but if Ghostface Killah or GZA, or Raekwon the Chef, or Method Man aren't there I will be pissed).

Elsewhere throughout the day there are some up and coming local indie rock groups which have good slots. The Light in the Attic Records signed The Blakes, Siberian, and Fleet Foxes all fall into this category.

One of the days most exciting shows: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists happens at the same time as Wu-Tang Clan so I'll miss that performance. I saw Ted Leo at Bumbershoot three years ago and he played a great set which included songs both new and old and a crowd which jumped and sweated along with every power-pop note.

Bumbershoot has been great so far; I can't believe it's almost over. These last two days of blogging for me have been the two fastest Bumbershoot days I've ever had. I've been moving so fast between I don't know if I've settled in an enjoyed all that much. Today however, I'll stay and appreciate all that Lupe Fiasco and Wu-Tang have to offer.

Tristan Pelton

Fergie's live performance headlining Sunday night of Bumbershoot was all about the stage show. I can't imagine listening to Fergie without having some sort of image attached to the music, and that image is typically her humps. Fergie's singing was by no means perfect (just listen to her in the videos!) but her stage show was a spectacle.

Fergie performed for much of the show wearing a tiara, a plaid skirt with jewels on it (she must have a Bedazzler!), and black and yellow argyle high socks (no suspenders, unfortunately). Wearing this outfit she performed her #1 single, or so she informed us, "Big Girls Don't Cry," which Laguna Beach fans will recognize well. After that song Fergie left the stage and her backup dancers had a choreographed dance battle. Once the battle concluded (I couldn't tell who won the battle: the "homeboys," or the "homegirls") Fergie reappeared wearing skin-tight-metallic purple leggings and a green hooded sweat shirt. For someone whose fashion sense is held in such high regard: this was the faux pas du jour. Fergie then asked who had ever read "PerezHilton.com" and launched into a song addressing all of her detractors. Ironically, it was during this song that I wrote down my most negative commentary.

Fergie clumsily rapped her way through lyrics which discussed how she had paid her dues and deserves respect; unfortunately, Fergie is as hip-hop as Common in a Gap Commercial.

I'll let the "My Humps" video speak for itself.

Tristan Pelton

After catching the surprise Blue Scholars/Good Medicine show, I went over to check out Sean Paul's performance at Memorial Stadium. I was on such a high from seeing so many members of the Seattle hip-hop community come together to put on an electric ending to a terrific performance by Good Medicine, that I didn't even care that Memorial Stadium was so packed that I couldn't even see Sean Paul for the first couple minutes. After a while, I maneuvered closer to the stage just in time to get a good vantage point to see Sean Paul perform We Be Burnin' to a crowd who really felt the song. In the first video below you can hear the crowd singing along with the We Be Burnin chorus. Then check out Sean Paul's dance moves in the second video.

Kate Carosino

If Saturday was all about crowds, then Sunday was all about themes. There were the themes of continuation from yesterday, the theme of reoccurring images, and the theme of reoccurring people.

On Saturday Blue Scholars DJ Sabzi got mentioned three times, and he reappeared today unexpectedly when they got added to the lineup as last minute replacements. Mass Line Media, Blue Scholars label, was also certainly a theme of today. In a four hour time period 2/3 of the label's roster performed on the same stage.

Another reappearing person was rapper Grynch. Yesterday I mentioned his goals of being on a Bumbershoot stage and today his wish came true when he was unexpectedly called in the afternoon and asked to perform with Good Medicine at 7:45.

There was also the theme of some clunky main stage headliners. As far as I can tell the biggest main stage crowd was for The Shins on Saturday afternoon and not for any of the radio-ready pop artists. Fergie did entertain, but not with her singing voice, much in the same way that Gym Class Heroes did not impress with their raps.

The Final theme from Sunday was fun. Saturday was packed with a lot of great stuff, but it wasn't quite as fun as Sunday was. I had tons of fun watching Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, it was amazing watching Gabriel Teodros, Good Medicine with Blue Scholars was the most exciting performance I've seen in a long time, and honestly I did have a little bit of fun watching Fergie.

Tomorrow: Wu Tang.

Tristan Pelton

Art Brut! My ABSOLUTE favorite of the day, and could quite possibly take number one for my whole weekend. I heard rumors about Art Brut's live show, all of course, that it is amazing. This was exactly the case. Everyone in Art Brut was visibly having fun, and I mean EVERYONE. I have never seen a drummer who successfully interacted with the crowd, in the same way a singer or guitarist would. Speaking of front men, Eddie Argos is amazing as well.

He shouted "let's go Art Brut" or "are you ready Art Brut?" between each song. There was something distinctly charming about each member of the band. My attention was taken hostage for every single second of their set. It was more than a cluster of songs; it was comedy, tragedy, and reflection on past events. But this reflection was not melancholy. It raised a big screw you to anyone who has ever done us wrong in our lives, and cleared up any awkward moment you have ever experience with you know... love. Truly, I am sorry for anyone who missed Art Brut. I couldn't wait to get home and blast them on my I-pod.

Emily Gorman

After Stars of Track and Field I headed over to the Sky Church to see Iceage Cobra. These guys know how to rock, really! Not the type of "rock" you hear in popular music, they really rock. The line was long but moved fast, and I was anxious to see how much they had changed since the first time (and only time) I had seen them last year.

Their lovable borderline dance/rock/60's 70's sound is really unique. They served as my second surprise of the day. I stepped out of my normal musical taste and discovered how awesome they really are. Something that really stood out to me was that they all sing, and they all have awesome voices! Keep in mind this isn't your textbook type of singing, but really rough around the edges dirty rock vibe vocals. A really satisfying set all around and the crowd loved the energy.

Emily Gorman

As I waited for Stars of Track and Field I was on the fence about what their show might be like. I had heard the hits, and felt a mild admiration for them last year, but never pursued it enough to attend a show. No lie! More expectations exceeded!

Their energy and sound were perfect. The sun hid behind the clouds just in time for their mellow anthems about missing your loved ones, and other reflection evoking sorts of songs. The crowd was so calm and collected as well, which really helped the vibe. These guys know how to keep your attention. I certainly will be going out to buy some of their music. Plus, Eric of Long Winters fame (familiar face to many of us) appeared to play bass during the last song.

Emily Gorman

One year ago, I entered a little coffeehouse in Spokane and discovered Army of Me, who were currently on tour with the Damnwells away from their home in the other Washington. That night was when I first realized the true core concept behind rock 'n' roll. Through their intimate coffeeshop performance and then sticking around several hours later to hear an exclusive (and very insane) jamming session, I was so inspired that I sat in my car in a parking lot behind a Jack 'n' Box writing until nearly 3 in the morning. This performance at the MySpace-sponsored Exhibition Hall was no different and to express my ecstatic energy during the show, I got out my duct-taped bounded journal and began writing at an increasingly accelerated pace to keep with their tempo.

Opening my diary to those pages now, I get a headache. My handwriting was AWFUL. I was eavesdropping on a conversation in the press room, and three reporters/photographers were talking about the prevalent usage of bad handwriting skills at shows like this, so I flashed them two of my pages from the concert. They were like, "Whoa! It looks like Kurt Cobain's diaries!" Need to say more? I got way into it.

Well, originally I really wanted to post a good photoblog here like how my photos for the Lashes and the Trucks miraculously turned decent, but the maddening volunteers at the Murdoch-sponsored Exhibition Hall thrusted my newfound camera love straight back into my writing diction because I really do not fit in as a photographer at Bumbershoot. Like other photographers, I wanted to get some pictures from the front but common sense told me that security escorts the
photographers by certain guidelines. I respect the venue and I especially respect the band, so I was really (and actually, still am) curious about how to photograph a band from the front. A volunteer by the gate would let me pass, I'd walk toward the stage and get out my camera, then the guards would immediately scorn me, mouth a bunch of words that I could not comprehend, and ask me to leave. I asked the designated "photo escort" volunteer what rules I need to work by so I
could do my work, and she was like, "Just go up there!" So I went back, took a few pictures from the side, but whenever I approach closer to stage center, the guards were at me again. This relaying between the volunteers repeated nearly 10 times until Army of Me finished their incredibly dynamic "Meet You at the Mouth" which was their third song, so I was immediately escorted out of the backstage area all together. I had no pictures not even without a flash from the front of the gate.

The only photos that I did have were the fun random shots that I took during their soundcheck before the doors opened again. It always feels jadedly exhilarating to be backstage, so I just took photos of anything and everything of the scene around me while experimenting with different switches on my Canon for creative variety. I decided, rather than giving you a straight-up MP3 of my interview with lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Vince Scheuerman, I composed all of my backstage snapshots into a slideshow to play while you listen. These photos clearly do not stand well individually, but composed altogether in a conceptual manner, I think I expressed my excitement for Army of Me as they continue to excel through the constant thrills of touring and their budding musical career.

Julia Lipscomb

There are moments which define festivals. They are the moments which you remember for years after the festival that summer and use to define your opinion of it forever. For the Capitol Hill Block Party 2007, it was Natalie Portman's Shaved Head and their crazy live show. For Bumbershoot 2007 it is Blue Scholars and Good Medicine. They played a set which was so energetic and entertaining that I am not going to forget it for years.

Blue Scholars are the perfect group for Seattle. They're very knowledgeable about local history (which I know anyone who has been forced to take History of Washington State in high school appreciates), they're proud of their recent immigrant background, they're accepting of every culture which they may encounter, they manage to bring along almost every single one of their peers with them on their way to stardom, and (shout out to Microsoft and Starbucks) they're shrewd businessmen. This is the group which will carry every other rap group in Seattle on their backs and bring them popularity. I would be overstepping my grounds if I said that they will do for Seattle hip-hop that Nirvana did for grunge in the late eighties - but I certainly think so right now. They're the first to get signed, more will come soon.

Considering how short notice the fans of Bumbershoot received, the crowd for Blue Scholars managed to pack the Fisher Green like the show had been scheduled since June. I can only imagine how many people there would have been had it been. For music, Blue Scholars turned their guest spots on each other's albums into extended jams with freestyle raps coming from the rappers who didn't appear on the original. Khingz of Abyssinian Creole gave an extremely energetic show as he bounced around the stage and rapped about his home town in the Central District of Seattle. I would love to say the highlight of the show was when Blue Scholars brought out rapper Grynch to perform his song "Summertime" featuring Geo, but I can't: that distinction goes to the all-star finale.

Closing their set, Blue Scholars brought a cadre of rappers onstage, including members of local rap groups The Physics, Saturday Knights, Cancer Rising, Step Cousins, Sportn' Life Records and about fifteen more who are in various groups. Together this group played the Blue Scholars classic "North by Northwest," concluding the performance with everyone yelling "Ain't no party like a 206 party, cuz a 206 party don't stop!" while the crowd screamed the same back. Basically every notable member of the Seattle rap scene was on hand to laud Blue Scholars and the progress they have made.

For my closing statement from the best set of the entire festival I'll leave it up to the girlfriend (Jennifer) of Sportn' Life Records founder DeVon. As we walked away from the set she said "Do you see how many people are onstage!? Do you see how the crowd is reacting! This is the summer of Seattle hip-hop!"

I've seen Gabriel Teodros perform in some pretty interesting locations. I traveled down South to Tacoma to see him with Blue Scholars at their CD release show at Hell's Kitchen. I saw him as part of Good Medicine on the Vera stage at the Capital Hill Block Party this year. I saw him at an in store in the back of the Queen Anne Easy Street promoting his new album Lovework (more on this album later).

This was one of my favorite shows because there were only about six of us in the crowd. Gabe and Kinghz (his partner in Abyssinian Creole took song requests and really made a connection with the sparse crowd of die hard fans and loitering record store shoppers.

The most intimate show of Gabe's I've ever seen happened a few months back at the White Center Community Center. He and Kingz performed some songs, freestyled, and taught a rhyming clinic for some future south end kings in the WC. After the show, my boyfriend and I went over to talk with Gabe and Khalil and to thank them for coming down to do a show for the kids at the community center. They asked us where we were from, and though they were familiar with my hometown of Renton, his neighborhood Boulevard Park didn't seem to ring a bell. Gabriel and Khingz proved to be true southenders though, as we saw them driving through Boulevard Park one evening a few weeks later.

I was extremely impressed with Gabriel's mellow album Lovework. I got it soon after it came out, and listened to it for two weeks straight while doing data entry at work. This took some real dedication since I hadn't bought my re-furbished I-pod Shuffle yet and involved running the CD off the disc drive of my office computer. The laid back beats and soulful lyrics helped me get through the days with a smile, and got me excited to see Gabe's show this year at Bumbershoot.

Fortunately, the show did not disappoint. This afternoon's performance at the Esurance stage was by far the most energetic I've ever seen. Gabe had a number of Massline guests and others, including Khingz, Meklit, Toni Hill, Lioness and Geo as Prometheus Brown. Gabriel and Khingz rocked the crowd with Gabe's song East Africa that pleads with listeners to clean up Africa's East as well as the local South Seattle streets. I saw female fans moved to tears by Gabe's song about women in hip-hop , and after the passionate rendition of Southend Kings, Khingz jumped into the crowd. Now I'm of to see a recently announced performance by Blue Scholars and Good Medicine that is sure to be more than tight.

Keayleen McDaniels

Apples in Stereo lead singer Robert Schneider was more than happy to show off for cameras before their performance on the Broad Street Lawn:

They have a big spot at Bumbershoot opening for Art Brut, a show which is sure to pack every open inch of the grass. I first heard of Schneider when he performed a song on The Colbert Report featuring Stephen Colbert, since then I've learned a lot about the group and realized that it is kind of weird an indie pop band would appear on a national fake-pundit broadcast. Schneider appeared before the "Countdown to GuitArmageddon," in which Colbert challenged Decemberist Chris Funk to a guitar battle. Fans of Colbert will be happy to know he won (with a little help from Peter Frampton). At Bumbershoot The Apples in Stereo played an energetic sound to a large crowd who were very enthusiastic.

Kate Carosino

Today was a Flight of the Concords themed day for me. First, I saw Kristen Schaal perform a comedy set with Anthony Jeselink and Jonthan Coultan. Kristen Schaal plays the kooky fan-girl Mel to perfection on HBO's Flight of the Conchords. Anthony Jeselink's insult-comic techniques went over decently with the crowd and the best I can say is that he reminded me of a comic with the insults of Lisa Lampanelli and the delivery of Christopher Walken.

But Kristen Schaal changed the tone and brought the laughs with a funny, although somewhat derivative, joke about a small-time acting role on Law and Order SVU.

Afterwards, I saw Eugene Mirman, Jemaine and Bret's landlord on Flight of the Conchords, enjoying the sights and sounds of Bumbershoot. Following Mel's fan-girl techniques, I had to ask for his picture, and he obliged. Sadly, however, the Flight of the Conchords themselves are not scheduled to perform at this year's Bumbershoot. Their folk-parody music would be perfect for this festival, and it is disappointing that they were not booked.

Kate Carosino

Rose Hill Drive out of Boulder, Colorado filled the Starbucks stage this afternoon with their long haired classic rock:

Keayleen McDaniels

A cultural revolution at Apartment 15 on 601 Bute Street in Vancouver, BC has been artistically recognized by this weekend festival's art curators. Instant Coffee is a little kitchen nook within that apartment with 2 built-in bench seats and a rough wooden table. The apartment has been a center both socially and culturally for artists, writers and friends for 10 years.

Inside the Lopez room within the Northwest art exhibit corner of Seattle Center is an installation modeled after Instant Coffee. What is a nook?

The sign before you walk into the exhibition reads that former nook holders, Hadley Howes and Maxwell Stephens, explained that "'a nook design shouts, I have room for four! Maybe Six!' Even when the artists were home and working in separate rooms, going to the nook meant that it was "time to take a break and hang out with each other."

If you need a break from the crowds and hysteria of this incredible center of humankind, go take a rest in a nook with your friends, deal some Texas Hold 'em, or hang out right outside the nooks and collage. I, personally, was right at home when I walked in because it reminded me of a modern 21st Century take of the '60s era Warhol Factory.

And the room could have not been more complete without this:

Julia Lipscomb

About a half an hour ago I was told that soul singer Ryan Shaw had cancelled his Esurance Stage appearance which was slated for 7:45. I was upset that I wouldn't get the privilege of seeing Shaw, but I didn't get too much time to mourn, because during Gabriel Teodros' set on the same stage he announced that Blue Scholars/Good Medicine will be doing a special surprise replacement set. Unlike Schoolyard Heroes, who replaced +44 yesterday, Blue Scholars were not slated to perform at the festival.

Blue Scholars are the hottest group in all of Seattle right now, and have been riding a wave of press and sales after their fourth release Bayani. MC Geologic, and DJ Sabzi play Seattle-centric music which is both jazz, soul, and hip-hop influenced. Good Medicine, who will be playing simultaneously is a group of four rappers: Gabriel Teodros (more from his solo performance later), and Khingz of Abyssinian Creole, Geo and Macklemore who played yesterday with his group Step Cousins. This is Good Medicine's fourth performance, the first came one year ago on Sunday of Bumbershoot at Neumos. Recently they headlined The Vera Project Stage at the Capitol Hill Block Party and played a raucous set. This addition also means that every group from Mass Line Media will have performed on the Esurance stage in the last two days (Common Market, and Gabriel Teodros are the others). Clearly these guys are all prolific and the excitement is high for this one. Once again, they play the Esurance stage at 7:45 PM.

Tristan Pelton

Doug Benson hosted a funny and sometimes edgy hour of comedy featuring Craig Baldo, Janeane Garofalo, & Al Madrigal. Prior to this summer, Doug Benson was already famous for his humorous quips on VH1's Best Week Ever, but decided to try to increase his fame by appearing on the competitive reality show Last Comic Standing. Alas, Doug Benson was not the last comic standing, but that did not stop him from reusing material already televised during the competition (the joke deals with Doug's inability to connect with the ladies in any month besides that which ends in "bruary." At first, I was kind of upset to hear repeated material, but Doug later copped to the recycling and expanded on the televised material to really round out his opening set.

Doug then introduced Craig Baldo who delivered a very funny musically themed set. He discussed iPods and how to make a mixtape for an ex that you hate. Craig cut to actual samples from several songs and the resulting mix would scare any sensible girl away from him. I don't want to spoil the set for Monday attendees, but let's just say that Shania Twain's, "I Feel Like a Woman" was included. The audience seemed to laugh most at Craig's jokes out of all the performers.

Janeane Garofalo unintentionally continued the musical theme by running out in a panic because she lost her performer credentials which were absolutely necessary to her seeing Kings of Leon. She informed the eager crowd that she just returned from filming a movie with a dog and the dog would only sit next to her if she had a tennis ball and chicken bone on her person. Janeane later joked that she would have to try the chicken bone/tennis ball trick if she wanted the youngsters in Kings of Leon to give her a second look. Janeane's set was filled with slightly edgy (or perhaps not by Seattle standards) rants — republicans, air traffic safety, and prescription painkillers were all topics. Later, at Kings of Leon, I saw Janeane rushing into the Memorial Stadium — I guess she found her credentials.

Kate Carosino

The Marlon Brando jocking (their name comes from the film "The Wild One") Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have changed their sound progressively over their four albums, but live their show has not changed all that much. I saw them for the first time in 2004 with The Rapture at The Showbox.. At the time, it didn't seem all that preposterous that those two bands would be paired together: they were both fairly hip, and both were highly influenced by bands from Europe (The Rapture were influenced by Stone Roses and Madchester bands, while BRMC idolized the Irish My Bloody Valentine and Scottish Jesus and Mary Chain). Now, it seems downright weird. The Rapture have continued playing dance music, and BRMC have moved into roots music.

The pairing with Kings of Leon seems almost as preposterous. While BRMC sound great in basements with smoke in the air, Kings of Leon sound great in stadiums with smoke in the air (fittingly BRMC brought along a smoke machine). Live, Black Rebel came off a little lackluster under the sunny skies, while Kings of Leon's enormous southern-indie filled Memorial Stadium's deepest reaches. It was interesting to see that Black Rebel haven't found new ground with their performances, and it was also great being able to see Kings of Leon (I saw them at an Easy Street in-studio which was so packed I didn't get one glimpse of the band.

On album, I think that Kings of Leon have taken a step back (sometimes opening up your sound doesn't mean you're getting better), but it would be hard for them to carry on a career of minimal country riffage. Now, they're neither The Allman Brothers or The Strokes, and they've had a hard time finding a medium in-between the two. Live, they're perfect for a huge venue and the main stage sounded great with them on it.

Tristan Pelton

Alright girls, flash your cutest smiles:

Quit that. Act goofy now:

The Trucks are Seattle's next generation of riot grrrls. What is a
"riot grrrl," you ask?

Any awesome chick that yells from the Sound Transit Stage in front of
an insane high noon crowd, "NO, I WON'T ACT NICE AND BE QUIET."

All four of the girls are all simultaneously stunning and charming and
menacing, and here is an example of their beloved sensibility as lead
vocalist Kristen allures the crowd:

Julia Lipscomb

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head might be the most up and coming band in all of Seattle. There are other groups who definitely have a spark (like Little Party the Bad Business and J. Pinder from the world of rap) but none can compare to fast and furious popularity that NPSH have gained. They're almost playing on their home field at Bumbershoot, as all of them graduated from The Center School which holds classes in the Center House which is just adjacent to EMP. They've played a number of shows for Vera, including a show at The Capitol Hill Block Party which had the largest crowd of any our stages (and they kicked up the energy by throwing out Otter Pops to the sweating fans) and have never failed to impress.

Musically, they play the right sound at the right time, their music sounds a lot like Bonde do Role, or Matt and Kim, but they don't necessarily sound derivative of those other bands. On top of playing the right music and the right time, they're also really good at what they do. Jacked up electro guitars and keyboards weave around in the mix while the drums kick at a manic pace, and can't help but getting the crowd dancing.

Live, they're also a nightmare for stiff-footed fans. The band can't help but dance to their own grooves, as you can see from the video. They played to a packed Sky Church crowd, and those who didn't know before are definitely taking notice. Their attire was also exciting, as they came out wearing leather fringe, akin to eagle feathers with a western theme. Their show was pure fun, and they're well worth seeing every time they play. On top of all of this, they're all nice people too. They brought a copy of their EP over to Vera personally for me and I have been introduced to them by my friend, fellow Vera intern David Sykes. Watch out for this band, they'll be on the main stage soon. Clearly not everyone was appreciating NPSH as much as I was: check out the security guy mean mugging at me in the picture.

Tristan Pelton

41 years ago when Lou Reed wrote the haunting and lush "Sunday Morning," for The Velvet Underground and Nico, I don't think the morning before Bumbershoot was what he was referring to. The song does feel right today for those hours us Bumber-goers use to recharge after a long night last night. Since I'm awake early, before breakfast is being served and before I can muster the strength to prepare for another long day ahead, there seems like nothing better to do than look ahead to what the rest of my day will look like. I can't factor in the surprises, but I do know which bands I'll make an attempt to see.

Sunday is an extremely full day for Bumbershoot. Unfortunately however, there isn't the hip-hop that there was to offer yesterday. To begin the day most of us bloggers will be checking out Natalie Portman's Shaved Head at the EMP Sky Church. Meanwhile next to the Sky Church will be Black Rebel Motorcycle Club(BRMC) and Kings of Leon on the main stage. BRMC began their career as a fuzz rock band living in the legacy of The Jesus and Mary Chain, but have recently added many roots and country elements to their sound. The new roots sound is the logic behind pairing them with Kings of Leon, who began their career trying to be The Strokes and the Allman Brothers at the same time, and now have decided that U2 are a pretty interesting band.

In the afternoon local hip-hop multi-culturalist Gabriel Teodros plays with a huge cast of guests lined up for his set, including MC Geologic of Blue Scholars performing under his alias Prometheus Brown, and fellow group-mate Khingz from Abyssinian Creole. Also playing in the afternoon are underage garage rockers Iceage Cobra, and The Apples in Stereo. The Apples in Stereo, who are part of the same Elephant 6 collective that Of Montreal rose from, have been recording for more than a decade now and found regained popularity this year after new album "New Magnetic Wonder," was released on Yep Roc records. Indie rapper Sage Francis will be performing a spoken word set at the same time as well. Fans will consider this set exciting and new and detractors will think that Sage Francis is not so much a rapper as a spoken word artist all the time.

The night is what is really packed and what makes Sunday the biggest day of Bumbershoot. On the main stage there is Sean Paul and Fergie, who both need no further description, but will likely be covered. Elsewhere, there is retro-soul newcomer Ryan Shaw, expository brit-punks Art Brut, haunting singer-songwriter Andrew Bird, classic singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding, and literate metal from Blooghag, as well as brilliant comedy from Michael Ian Black. It will be hard to cover everything tonight, but we'll try to see all we can!

Tristan Pelton

I'll admit it--long ago, before I saw either group play, I mixed up the Schoolyard Heroes and the Gym Class Heroes. And I'm not alone; today at Bumbershoot I overheard someone telling his friends that they had to leave early to see Gym Class Heroes because they had been bumped up into +44's former time slot (Travis Barker's newest band shares the honor — with Rosie Thomas — of being the first major cancellations of Bumbershoot 2007). Of course, it was actually the Schoolyard Heroes who were selected to fill in for +44. Given the vast difference between the Schoolyard Heroes' horror-punk with its piercing screams and the Gym Class Heroes' Hip-Pop with Travis McCoy's rhymes over Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo's riffs, I think the guy I overheard won't make the same mistake twice. I know I won't!

Gym Class:

Memorial Stadium was full of fans eager to see the Gym Class Heroes, and Gym Class did not disappoint. The group put on a high energy show and played the songs popularized by near constant rotation on MTV's family of music channels. Speaking of MTV, Seattle is the Heroes' last stop before performing "Cupid's Chokehold" at the Video Music Awards next weekend. The Gym Class Heroes drew a pretty big crowd tonight, but their audience might grow even larger if they take home a moon man for best group.

Kate Carosino

Since Schoolyard Heroes were moved onto the main stage at the last minute their fan base didn't have a lot of time to adjust. Unfortunately there is not a lot of crossover of fans between the pop-rap of Gym Class Heroes or the pop orchestras of Panic! At the Disco. This meant that Schoolyard Heroes played to an extremely small crowd opening for those two bands, which is unfortunate because their fans would have crowded Memorial Stadium if they had the time. Schoolyard Heroes are almost solely responsible for starting the genre horror-core, a genre which focuses more attention on zombies and vampires than most pop genres of the last century. Ryann Donnelly, lead singer of Schoolyard Heroes, serves on Vera's Board of Directors.

Tristan Pelton

Entering the Sky Church five minutes till 9 o' clock felt exactly as I expected. I had heard Tiny Vipers once before at Sonic Boom Records and was well aware of the masterful command that singer/songwriter Jesy Fortino holds. Her voice is soft in its struggling, and that vocal complexion adds intensity to the emphasized simplicity of the guitars. I had difficulty opening my notepad after walking in. It was so quiet, and I did not mean to break that. Still, I had to write so I lifted the pages very carefully and slowly so as to not disrupt.
Heart rates slowed in this environment, and I got chills.
Unfortunately, I came late and they finished the song that I had walked in on and walked off.

A crowd from the front of the stage waved through the exit of the venue, and I found myself in perfect standom to reserve a spot for the following act. Who was the next band? I asked a guy leaning against the front fence. Grand Archives. They were a headliner the day of Capitol Hill Block Party that I did not attend. I tried to figure if I had heard them at all, but I had not. Their set was scheduled the same exact time as Gogol Bordello. Should I see this band here that I had not heard at all or should I see the other band that I had at least heard one song by (but anything beyond Gogol's "Start Wearing Purple" escapes me)? Considering Fisher Green would probably suffocate me whole at this hour and that I had a front row spot at the Sky Church waiting for me, it took me a good 10 seconds at most to decide.

I immediately knew that I would enjoy Grand Archives when I noticed the lead singer's guitar during sound check. I do not exactly know what that brand is called, but that exact type of guitar as being used for some heavy and melodic blues-playing. They were a throwback to the old rock 'n' roll, using an electric set only to back the core power of acoustics and a duet of harmonizing vocals. They began their set promptly after a little stream of consciousness greeting from the lead vocalist. "How's it going?" Loud applause, but he never minded that. "Seeing some good stuff at Bumbershoot?" An even louder uproar, still he talked in a humble oblivious nature. "Okay, well here goes nothing."

They stormed through an introduction with "George Kaminski"and immediately was drawn to their slower bluesy rock. They immediately reminded me of the Damnwells (have been giddy with complete giddy over them playing tomorrow since last February) with their slow but uptempo classical revival through altcountry. They began "Crime Window" by announching, "Oh, you're gonna love this song." And I did. With my hands clutching onto the front fence, I bobbed my head against their consistent beat and waved my long numetal hair across my face. I was zoned, and they lifted me with their subtle but driving force.

Their set was far too short than necessary and they cut just 15 minutes before the program originally scheduled them to end, but all of us in the pit were just too happy to be there in front of them that it did not phase us because we all wanted to live every last second.
They announced their last song before leading into haunting hi-hat started "Couch," and there was this amplified "AWWWWW" that escaped throughout the entire audience.

They reconciled between the group, "Okay, we have 10 more."
"10 one-minute ones."

"They're all the same!"

"Over and over."

And the ended that song with a simple, but intriguingly poignant line, "Those Days..."

"Golden Days" by the Damnwells up next, anyone? Okay, okay, I have to wait... The Damnwells are not playing until Monday. But before the Damnwells play, I am highly looking forward to seeing Army of Me on Saturday (Filling in for The Providence) and For Years Blue at noon on Monday. Both of those bands opened for the Damnwells at a small coffeeshop in Spokane one year ago. Flash forward a year, and they're all back on schedule tomorrow. And after this whole arts festival is over, I will perpetually "over and over" rotate both the Damnwells and Grand Archives on my record player.

Julia Lipscomb

The Sun shined on this first day of Bumbershoot, even if not everything about the festival was perfect. +44 cancelled on the main stage, and us bloggers had to face dire conditions due to bad wireless connectivity in the press room. While that was annoying for us, none of the music annoyed throughout the day.

I spent the morning taking in the best rap that the 206 has to offer, and shared a conversation with my friend, rapper Grynch who told me "I'm trying to be up there next year," while pointing to the EMP Sky Church Stage. I'm confident he'll be part of the Seattle Rap Showcase 2008, after his highly anticipated album "My Second Wind," drops in January.

At night I found myself having trouble taking photographs because of enormous crowds for Rodrigo y Gabriela and Gogol Bordello. Gogol Bordello were fantastic, but this is probably the only mention they'll receive by me because I could not get a good video or photograph of either one. They play Armenian punk rock, and are shockingly popular considering they have little to no radio airplay anywhere in Seattle. Lead singer Eugene Hutz, however is extremely charismatic and a budding movie star: he had a phenomenal performance in the film adaptation of Jonathon Safran Foer's "Everything is Illuminated" Earlier in the day I received help from rapper Spaceman of Sportn' Life Records who was able to take a better photo of The Saturday Knights than I could because of his height. At six foot something he towered over me and fellow rapper D. Black, who stands but 5' 4."

The crowds were stunning all day long, considering it took about fifteen minutes to travel between The Vera Project and the Fisher Green, which is next to the Center and no more than a three minute walk without traffic. However, Google maps told us there would be heavy congestion as Bumbershoot is rush hour for three straight days. The biggest crowd I saw all day was for The Shins, who got the bodies swaying in the afternoon, but I did miss that Disco band who closed out the show. I think that Bumbershoot might have catered too much to the middle school crowd and could have done better with an opening day headliner, considering that Seattle is one of the most music rich cities in the world.

Tristan Pelton

This has probably happened at least once to every Bumbershoot-goer. I lingered a little too long at the end of one show on my list of things to see, and ended up being late to the next one. Usually being slightly late to a stage doesn't cause too many problems, and is more of an inconvenience than anything else. You might end up standing behind a really tall dude or being sandwiched in the middle of a gaggle of middle school aged girls, but you can still more or less see the show. Unfortunately this was not the case tonight with Rodrigo y Gabriela. I arrived at the Starbucks Stage at the Mural Amphitheatre to be greeted by a wall of people. I walked around the entire area looking for a small hole in the forest of humanity hoping that I could at least get a glimpse of the guitar playing duo from Mexico City. I had no chance. Once I realized that there was no way I could break through the crowd to watch Rodrigo y Gabriela, I started trying to think of alternative solutions. My eyes were immediately drawn to the tree in front of me. If I could climb up there, maybe I could watch the show from a vantage point above the crowd. This plan was not to come to fruition either. Someone else was already in my tree. And someone was in the tree over to my right. And the tree to my left. And up on the pole a few yards away. Even though I didn't get to see Rodrigo y Gabriela, I can infer from the intricate rhythms that I heard and the dedication of those fans who watched the entire show perched uncomfortably in trees that the show was a lofty success.

Keayleen McDaniels

This is the second straight year that Common Market have played on the Fisher Green (formerly called the Bumbrella stage until being renamed the "Esurance Stage," this year). There were a number of similarities between their performance this year and the one in 2006. Since they have not released a new album in the last 12, they played many of the same songs they did last year, including "Re Fresh," "Push," and "G'Dang Diggy," all from their 2005 self-titled album. Two years ago Common Market brought Sir-Mix-A-Lot DJ Kid Sensation: this year they brought rapper Asim from local heavyweights Black Anger to rap verses over the last three songs. Another similarity was Common Market sampling the beats from mainstream hip-hop hits. In the past they have sampled The Beatles "Come Together," this year they sampled "Breathe," by Fabolous, and "International Player's Anthem," by Underground Kingz as well as the metal classic "War Pigs," by Black Sabbath.

This was my 13th or so (I'm giving a fairly rough guess there) time seeing Common Market and they never fail to impress. While they do perform in similar ways every time I see them play, they're always fresh with new material every time. DJ Sabzi (who has been mentioned by me twice before today) has been especially prolific in the last week, winning a beat battle at the War Room on Friday Night, and managing to prepare a comedy set and Common Market set just after getting off tour with Blue Scholars. They played their first ever show at a Vera Project booked event which took place on the Seattle Center campus well before Vera ever was.

Tristan Pelton

I'd like to give a shout out to my boy Chevis from high school who had his Bumbershoot debut this evening on the Esuarnce stage with Common Market! Ra Scion of Common Market stirred up the crowd by welcoming Asim of Black Anger and Chev of Muridian out onto the stage to tear it up. It was exciting to see Seattle's hip hop past, present, and future collaborating to create a once in a lifetime experience for Bumbershoot 2007.

Keayleen McDaniels

Menomena is one of those bands that I will never get sick of. The crowd grew fast in front of the stage, and everyone was curious to see exactly how their set would go. After all, they were backed by a complete choir. Have you ever seen that before? At first the choir was limited to hand claps, ooh's and ah's. But in the band's final song "Rotten Hell," for absolutely amazing. The rest of the set was completely solid, and everything sounded great. Seattleites have lots of love for these boys.

Emily Gorman

In the shade of the Wells Fargo stage, the Cave Singers really showed us how to have a good time, without even having to leave our seats. There were in fact chairs filling what would be the "pit" or standing room. Having not seen the Cave Singers before due to my under age status, I was really anticipating this show.

I have to say, they exceeded my expectations. The set was practically flawless. The haunting melodies and amazing instrumentation puts you under a spell. They left the crowd asking for more even after their time slot was certainly over with. This is a band I hope to see doing great things in the future! I am sorry if you missed this one!

Emily Gorman

These are by far the worst pictures I have ever taken. The laser show complimentary offered with each performance at the EMP Sky Church are always quite nifty, but the lights do not work well with cameras.

While there are a lot of rock bands who are labeled punk when they really are quite polished in every which way, the Pharmacy really are straight up punk. They're rock, they're outrageous, they're surprising - even though they are well known for trashing their instruments (as a rock star always should) at the end of their sets, it never comes without an alarm. And through all of that raw sound, they bring out a rockabilly edge that just makes you want to dance like it's an ole' Saturday night of pure rock 'n' roll. And it was.

Because I have a tendency to overanalyze the complexion of rock bands and draw obscure parallels and analogies between two very different art forms, I am posting those photos any way. If you, our reader at home, would enjoy a visual interpretation of Seattle's jazziest punk band.... there you go.

Julia Lipscomb

An essential part of Bumbershoot is the fountain! When you're hot and tired from standing in the crowd watching your favorite artists, the area around the Seattle Center fountain is a nice place to cool down and take a break. Especially for kids. I think all of us who grew up in the Seattle area remember running through the fountain screaming with joy while getting soaked from the jets. (Or like me, looking longingly at the kids whose parents weren't concerned about them getting their clothes all wet). Anyway, I saw kids enjoying the fountains all over the Seattle Center campus today. Ahhh, how reminiscent of sprinklers and sunshine...

Keayleen McDaniels

The rock-rap hybrid The Saturday Knights have been growing in popularity consistently since their debut EP was released in 2005. Since then they've signed a record deal with Light in the Attic Records, and wrangled KEXP DJ John Richards (who most know as John in the Morning) to help them out with managing and booking. They played the Esurance Stage on Fisher Green this afternoon. I like The Saturday Knights a lot, but I've always felt that they don't have enough material to be one of the premier rap groups from Seattle. They proved my point during their Bumbershoot set when they played their hit song "45," twice in a row. They closed their set with "45," and used it for an encore. It is a great song, but I don't think anything can justify playing a song twice in one set. However, judging by the crowd reaction (see the You Tube video) they were all for seeing that one twice: John in the Morning would approve.

Tristan Pelton

Ben of the Lashes prepares for a major crowdsurfing following their phenomenal production at the Sound Transit Stage.

And then the crowd lashes out into a wild exhilarating frenzy.

Plus Erik can still rock it:

MOST amazing riffs ever!

Julia Lipscomb

I can't even put the Lashes performance into words. They have their own brand of power pop that has been blowing my mind for years. This show marked guitarist Eric Howk's return, and even featured a Lashified version of one of his solo project's songs (Palmer, AK worth checking out of course). Ben Clark knows how to keep the crowd under his control like no one I have ever seen. The set was peppered with inside jokes and ridiculous (in the good way) banter. Each song came one after another, and time flew as everyone was visibly having a great time. I can't help but dance through every second of their set. The set concluded with Ben throwing crate paper and cans of silly string to members of the crowd. It was absolute chaos, just like any other Lashes show you will ever attend, I promise. This one will go down in history. Listed right after the time those crazy Lashes threw an on-stage pizza party at Neumos. Apparently the spectacle was completely thrilling from the absolute back of the crowd as well, as I was told by friends who arrived late.

If you are looking for a party, the Lashes are it.

Emily Gorman

The Step Cousins kicked off the Saturday hip-hop block at the EMP's Sky Church. The members of Step Cousins are Xperience and Macklemore. With this show, Macklemore has now performed at Bumbershoot for the past two years. He played a solo set last year during the same hip-hop showcase, but changed it up this year by bringing along his step-cousin.


Kate Carosino

Saturday, September 1
3:12 PM
I was walking around the lawn in front of the Esurance Stage just as Honey Cut wrapped up their set and a huge wave of people were leaving the lawn, I met the two most adorable girls outside of the Center House, Honey and Ashley:

Figure in all of the finances spent at Bumbershoot: meals that are no less than 8 bucks, CDs and souvenirs that you just HAVE to have, and of course the cost of actually getting into the festival is not so cheap anymore. Shouldn't there at least be SOMETHING for free?
If you're lost, jaded, have a fear of crowds, are about to break down via anxiety attack from your crowd phobia and just need or hug �" or maybe you'll all ready as happy as can be and just need a little affirmation to assure that you will still be okay throughout the evening, find these girls. They've got the priceless idea.

And they're not the only ones. They told me about a guy with blue hair offering free hugs. (Now, he is officially on stalker-alert because I am out to retrieve a hug by a guy with BLUE hair.) Here's Honey with another girl advertising the only free thing you can get at Bumbershoot:

When I was walking away, I realized something... I was so busy taking photos, I never got a hug of my own.
I NEED A HUG. A FREE HUG. NOW.

Julia Lipscomb

Kate Carosino

The Shins played to a huge crowd which seems to contradict their early time slot. They played after New Zealand's own Crowded House (who earned a mention on last weeks Flight of the Conchords episode! More to come on FoTC later), who do not have the draw in Seattle, WA that they do in the land of orcs. The Shins, however managed to fill the enormous Memorial Stadium to its deepest reaches with their elegant pop. The crowd danced and crowd surfed through the set, especially enjoying their hit song "New Slang." The Shins probably deserved a spot later in the weekend - perhaps Monday during the day on the main stage instead of Kings of Leon, but their pop sounds perfect with the sun shining down and the Space Needle watching over us.

Tristan Pelton

D Black, J Pinder and other members of the Sportn' Life crew played to a crowd at the EMP Sky Church this afternoon. D Black realizes the importance of having signature hand signs and dance moves to get the crowed hyped. All hip hop MC's encourage their fans to put their hands in the air during shows, but its so much more endearing to have something unique to throw up to show your support. Jay Z has diamonds in the sky. D Black and the Sportn' Life guys have L's up! (Just make an "L" shape with your thumb and first finger and hold it high). They also have a catchy dance. Everyone in the crowd can do the swing while they sing along with D Black. Check out the video of the dance on YouTube. Put your L's up for local hip hop!

Keayleen McDaniels

After reading the feature in the Seattle Weekly's newspaper-within-a-newspaper feature about the very first event at the literary arts stage called the "Salon of Shame," I knew that I had to check this out. Local writers recite their diary entries from their early writing days — back when our English teachers told us not to use "I" before every sentence, when we would completely state every single event between our junior high classes, and of course, when "crushes" was a serious word in our vocabulary. These are the diaries that were stashed underneath twin beds complete with a lock alongside the binding so that pesky siblings and worried mothers would not bother us.

I remember eighth grade year, my best friend gave me a large gold notebook for Christmas — it had no lock, but I would write some very secretive poems about young love (AKA: cliched infatuation). One night, my older brother caught me writing and whisked my notebook out of my hands and locked himself in the bathroom to escape my fingernails before I was ready to claw my way through his tight grip on MY notebook. I was absolutely devastated and I kept knocking and knocking on the bathroom door, shouting as loud as I could to get his attention and finally get my precious notebook back. Before I gave up, I wanted to at least know which poem he was reading. I asked and he shouted back (as I imagined him wearing a devious grin) in a cynical tone while about to burst into laughter, "Too Adorable!" "Too Adorable" was a lyric that I spontaneously wrote from being intimidated by older kids at the school and assuming that they only liked me when they baby talked me. I was absolutely mortified, and I still blush at the thought.

Keeping the shame of my old diaries in mind and wanting a listening release and a few giggles, I walked into the Leo K. Theatre across from the Vera Project, asked the volunteer directions to the stage, and as she pointed to my left, she added, "It's really dark in there, so make sure you adjust your eyes." She was right — the hallways leading down the seated theatre were nearly pitch black and all I could see was two or three stage lights from the stage where one woman stood front and center reading exuberantly a past journal entry as the entire theatre echoed every three seconds of applause as sheer genuine laughter. I sat down in the back row of the balcony and immediately shifted my focus to the stage. Her last entry was actually a song lyric that she used to sing every single day. When she was rediscovering her diary entries, she was immediately able to recognize and sing the up tempo tune called "The Rainbow." Every line described simple imagery about a different creature from the astrological zodiac — catching a pisces fish, fighting a leo or even a taurus. It was just so simple and absolutely adorable, I really could imagine her (or myself, rather) looking in the mirror for hours in the morning singing that tune. The audience erupted like I had never seen at any Bumbershoot musical performance. The MC got on stage and simply concluded her thrilling recitations by yelling, "Wow — &%$# the Shins and Lupe Fiasco!"

It's true. I am usually hesitant to attend any spoken word performances — not sure why, maybe it's because of myself being a writer and over emphasizing with the performance — but once I'm there, I have just as much fun as if I am dancing at a rock show — maybe even more since I can relate to the performers. My favorite at the Salon of Shame came right after that last performance by a writer for the Stranger. When she discovered her first romance novel, she tossed it aside out of immediate inspiration because she knew that she could do better. She introduced "The Fires of Passion." After all of us just cracked up at the title, she added, "That's really all you need to know." Her recited novel illustrated the entire hooking up of a man and a woman as any 11-year-old would know — in an unabashedly simplified way that would make anyone with a few more years on their bones completely blush — or in the case of salon recitations, giggle hysterically until in tears. An excerpt, as she annunciated how shameless simplicity of the line: "Miranda felt him as a woman feels a man. It felt awesome."

The following writers shared with us even more insanely unique coming-of-age tales straight from their personalized antique handwritten notes. We chuckled at a diary-turned-official-FBI-handbook that listed various kids being arrested, going straight "to the gas chamber for making a mistake," and assigning a repeating offender to the electric chair. (The MC commented, "I would not like to get on the bad side of [that] 11-year old.) We sympathized with a very Seinfeld-obsessed little boy contemplating his relationship with his first crush and debating which "date" movie to take her to. And we heard the hilarious anecdotes of a teenage girl attending Driver's Ed.

Okay, so now I don't feel completely alone. People write even worse things that what I write. Okay, my old journals still look worse to me. Consider Saturday, the first day of Bumbershoot 2007, to be an RX day prescribed to take away any shame. First, the therapeutic care of listening to others' shame. Second, dance away all of my worries. And by dancing, I mean some major DANCING. Tonight will consist of performances by the Lashes, the Pharmacy, and the ultimate — Gogol Bordello! COMPLETE INSANITY ON THE DANCEFLOOR — THREEFOLD! I'm leaving old written shame behind.

Seattle Weekly Article: http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-08-29/arts/salon-of-shame-teen-angst-becomes-grist-for-local-literary-mill.php

Julia Lipscomb

The Vera Project is home to Comedy Stage West and their show "Music's Funny," which features a local musicians performing stand-up comedy. Blue Scholars DJ Sabzi, who is also playing later today with Common Market was one of the performers. He joked around about "Jesus is My Homeboy" Shirts, and mentioned that his father was accused of being a terrorist because of pollen on a letter in his mailbox.

Tristan Pelton

The first day of Bumbershoot is typically a slow one, but not this year. This first day is filled with exciting local and national hip-hop and rock acts. While Bumbershoot feels a little bit light on the hip-hop this year - Saturday is definitely the day for local rap fans. The local rap showcase in the EMP Sky Church features harder street rap than the showcase ever has. Vera has been especially receptive to D. Black (www.myspace.com/dblackmuzik) and the group Dyme Def (Myspace.com/dymedef) who are both under 21. Other local hip-hop on Saturday includes rock-rap hybrid The Saturday Knights with their club-ready lyrics and Common Market which features Blue Scholars DJ Sabzi.

There are a lot of local groups who will be making big appearances on Saturday as well. The Shins, who released the gold selling record "Wincing the Night Away," on Sub Pop Records earlier this year are playing the main stage in the afternoon. Another interesting Bumbershoot story is Seattle's The Lashes, who are playing their first show since member Eric Lashes was almost paralyzed after falling of a Seattle porch.

Tonight is a tough choice for Bumber-goers with three extremely interesting acts all at the same time and competing with Gym Class Heroes and Panic! At the Disco on the main stage. The always entertaining Armenian punks Gogol Bordello, the MTV praised Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, and local newcomers Grand Archives. Grand Archives are the second Seattle group playing on Saturday who have risen from another popular group's ashes. Cave Singers (http://www.myspace.com/grandarchives), who play the Wells Fargo Stage in the afternoon features a member of the former Pretty Girls Make Graves and Grand Archives was formed by former Band of Horses guitarist Mat Brooke (http://www.myspace.com/grandarchives). Both groups have signed with big indie labels in the last year, Cave Singers to Matador, and Grand Archives to Sub Pop.

Tristan Pelton

The Vera Project is a volunteer run all-ages arts and music venue which moved into the Snoqualmie room on the Seattle Center campus last summer. In February we opened up for shows after completely renovating the room and making it our own. This summer we've had the privilege of participating in a number of festivals at Seattle Center including the Bite of Seattle, and Folklife. It was fun working with those festivals, but the entire summer we were counting down to what we considered the real highlight: Bumbershoot.

For Vera's first Bumbershoot five of us have received the special opportunity to lend readers online our eyes for three days. We're going to be blogging the pictures and videos that we see throughout the weekend so that you at home get an idea what Bumbershoot looks like. We'll also be hitting many of the great music and comedy acts which make Bumbershoot our favorite Seattle Center festival.

For me personally this will be my fifth Bumbershoot, and I've come a long way musically since my first year when David Lee Roth and Henry Rollins were my biggest draws. For my second Bumbershoot I drew up a schedule with all of the acts I was going to see and didn't bother to allow time for traveling between the stages, eating or waiting in lines. Veterans of Bumbershoot know that you need to plan a lot of time for lines at Bumbershoot, especially if you're looking to see the bigger music acts. Planning a day at Bumbershoot is like any skill which takes years of refining and now I consider myself somewhat of a veteran. This means that me, and my four other fellow bloggers will be able to provide the best coverage of the most interesting sights.

If this were two years ago it would be the first day of Bumbershoot today. Judging by the rain pouring down on the Seattle Center campus, we're lucky it's not. However, we're excited to get this thing going, and we're willing to rough either rain or shine (although I don't think we're going to see too much sun) so keep checking back frequently all weekend!

Tristan Pelton