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Friday
Jackie McCarthy recommends:
Billy Bragg & the Blokes—Backed by a crack team, Bragg brings his sly wit to the people. In the wake of his Wilco collaboration on Woody Guthrie material, Mermaid Avenue, the singer-songwriter has released Reaching to the Converted, a remarkable collection of 17 tracks previously unavailable in the US. 9-10:15pm. Opera House.
Olodum—This amazing Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble will help kick off Bumbershoot and also play every day of the festival, so you can't miss 'em. 12:30-1:30pm. 5:30-6:30pm. Teatro Circo.
Joe Henry—Previously a twangy collaborator with the Jayhawks, Henry has spent the latter half of the '90s reinventing himself as a moody pop performer. His latest groove-filled record, Fuse, carries on the transformation with style and grace. 8:45-10:15pm. Bumbrella Stage.
Tom Tom Club—This funky Talking Heads offshoot took a five-year break in the mid-'90s, but now they're back in fighting form. They describe their latest material as "very romantic, especially for girls who like to wear track suits." 7:30-9pm. Rhythm Stage.
The Hankdogs—Stark and dark acoustic melancholy from a family trio who wear their dysfunction on their sleeve. 7:30-8:30pm. NW Court Stage.
Richard A. Martin recommends:
Son Volt—Led by Jay Farrar, this alt-country mainstay has become a masterful live band with one of the deepest repertoires on the rock circuit; they're today's answer to Creedence. 7:30-9pm. Blues Stage.
Murder City Devils—They may not be original, but the Devils' updated take on Motor City Madness makes for an explosive live show, especially at big events such as this. 9-10pm. Bumberclub.
PH Balance—Since they've got an album out on Indigo Girl Amy Ray's Daemon Records, it's not surprising to find pH Balance opening for their benefactor, but the Atlanta trip-hop group's got merit of its own. 7:30-8:45pm. MainStage.
Julian Snow Trio—A young Portland jazz group, this trio hinges on the roiling Fender Rhodes of frontman Julian Snow. Fans of Medeski, Martin and Wood take note. 6-7pm. Jazz Stage.
Tight Bros. From Way Back When—Over-the-top rock from down Olympia way, with histrionics thrown in at no extra charge. 7:30-8:30pm. Bumberclub.
Saturday
Jackie McCarthy recommends:
Source of Labor—Seattle's busiest hip-hop crew gears up for the release of a full-length record with this show. Few local acts in any genre can match SoL's live intensity. 1-2pm. Rock Arena.
Pharaoh Sanders Quartet—You can't please all of the people all of the time, as jazz legend Pharaoh Sanders' career has proven. Whether or not you agree with his musical direction, the saxophonist can still move an audience with just the majesty of his presence. 4:30-6pm. Opera House.
Kelly Willis—This Austin chanteuse of twang brings old-fashioned grace to the country arena. 6:30-7:45pm. Bumbrella Stage.
Swayzak—Two pale, skinny limeys in cute hats who turn out intense, intelligent house music that's as fun to listen to as it is to dance to. 9:30-10:45pm. Bumberclub.
Africa F괥 Tour—A good bet for the nonperipatetic festival-goer. Stay in one place and hear Zimbabwean "big voice" singer Oliver Mtukudzi, the duo of bluesman Taj Mahal and Malian kora player Toumani Diabate, and the always incredible Senegalese vocalist Baaba Maal. 5-10:30pm. Rhythm Stage.
Richard A. Martin recommends:
Pavement—Left for dead by fans and critics alike, indie-rock godfathers Pavement rebounded for a stellar summer of nonstop touring, playing some of their most energetic shows ever along the way. 5-6:15pm. Rock Arena.
The Pretty Things—A contemporary of the Beatles, Kinks, and Stones, the Pretty Things reemerged from obscurity last year and have rekindled their grungy pop prowess. 5-6:15pm. Blues Stage.
Pete Krebs & the Gossamer Wings—A Seattle favorite (though he lives in Portland), the crafty singer-songwriter straddles roots, punk, and folk idioms on his way to creating spirited music; he plays with his 7-piece band. 12-1pm. Rhythm Stage.
Richard Buckner—This hard-travelin' troubadour has gained a reputation as a stellar folk-rock songwriter, and his live shows can become whimsical gems if he's in the right groove. 7:30-8:30pm. NW Court Stage.
Larry Barrett—This low-key Seattle singer/songwriter has quietly released three discs of plaintive, sparklingly constructed tunes; he's a dark horse at Bumbershoot, but could pay off big. 5-6pm. Music Box.
Sunday
Jackie McCarthy recommends:
Master Musicians of Jajouka—Beloved by everyone from late Rolling Stone Brian Jones to jazz innovator Ornette Coleman, this Moroccan ensemble carries the depth of a 4,000-year tradition in its piping horns and dense beats. 12:30-2:15pm. MainStage.
Sonic Youth—Last year, these veteran NYC noisemeisters brought a Moore Theater audience to floor-crawling ecstasy. Imagine what they can do with a stadium crowd. 2:15-3:30pm. MainStage.
Rennie Harris Pure Movement—The Philly flash of breakdancing, this 10-member troupe literally brings hip-hop to the opera house. 5-6pm. Opera House.
The Funky Meters—The New Orleans party band that set the standard. This is not the same lineup that played behind Dr. John, Earl King, and Paul McCartney among others, but chances are good that they've still got the funk. 8:45-10:45pm. Rhythm Stage.
