FRIDAY, SEPT. 2
Shore Fire
Elvis Costello
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Bumbershoot 2005
Bumbershoot's been a family-oriented event since its early-'70s inception. Even so, this year's music lineup—despite Devo and later, after that band dropped out, Iggy and the Stooges—seemed even safer than usual. So we decided to search out the festival's odder corners. We don't claim to present them all in this package, but we do claim that the four events we're highlighting—the "In Resonance" sound-art exhibit; the ballet-meets-hair-metal of Buttrock Suites; stand-up comic Todd Barry; and Wreckage, the one-woman show by Lauren Weedman—will give you something you weren't expecting. Which is, of course, the entire point of an event like Bumbershoot.
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ANNA OXYGEN
You never know quite what to expect from this one-woman band, but more often than not, keytars, electronic drumbeats, Jazzercise, and a newfangled version of the blues figure pretty prominently. And then there are the visuals. Oxygen dreams up characters for her electro-folk junk/punk songs and imagines their lives with slide shows and odd home movies. EMP Sky Church, 3:15 p.m.
SMOOSH
Last year's She Like Electric keeps on finding an audience thanks to slow-building national media coverage (they were interviewed by The Believer's music issue, for instance), the local sister duo's live shows get tighter by the month, and the new stuff they've been playing sounds as good as the debut. Let's hope for another record soon—but this appearance will tide us over till then. EMP Sky Church, 4:45 p.m.
BEYOND REALITY
Comprised of Jonathan Moore of Jasiri Media Group (who won the Mayor's Award for Excellence in Hip-Hop in 2003) on decks, emcee Erica White, and their son/hype man Upi, Beyond Reality is one of the most positive and creative units around town. What's Next Stage, 5:15 p.m.
THE DONNAS
They don't have a lick of originality in them, and neither did their great forebears, from Joan Jett to the Ramones. Instead, they have hooks, chops, and enough badass stage presence to make it even more fun than it already looks like. Plus, after six albums, they've even got—whaddaya know?—a varied catalog to pick from. Mainstage, 6:15 p.m.
SKERIK'S SYNCOPATED TAINT SEPTET
Versatile and dauntingly prolific as he is, saxophonist Skerik could have brought any number of the configurations he works with to Bumbershoot this year, but we're happy he chose the Syncopated Taint Septet, because it's probably the most fun. Hammond organist Joe Doria, drummer John Wicks, trumpeter Dave Carter, alto saxophonist and flautist Hans Teuber, trombonist and electric pianist Steve Moore, and baritone saxophonist Craig Flory round out the group. Bumbrella Stage, 6:45 p.m.
AKIMBO
Sandwiched between a band that shot to local fame earlier this year (RazRez) and one that's finally seeing its due (the Ruby Doe) is one of Seattle's most intense hardcore bands. Twisting time signatures beyond recognition, bassist Jon Weisnewski's growl leads a spiral of guitar and drums that threatens to blow the house down, every time. EMP Sky Church, 7:45 p.m.
MAVIS STAPLES
Bouncing gracefully between gospel and R&B for over four decades, Staples is one of the first ladies of American song, and she keeps on proving it with strong albums like last year's Have a Little Faith (Alligator), not to mention "Hard Times Come No More," her album-stealing contribution to the superb Stephen Foster tribute disc, Beautiful Dreamer (American Roots Publishing). Blues Stage, 7:45 p.m.
M. WARD
Portland troubadour Matt Ward's raspy homages to old-time folk and blues, most recently on Transistor Radio (Merge), have earned praise from those who pine for simpler times. Whether performing alongside Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst or covering Alejandro Escovedo and Johnny Cash, his songs are like crackly transmissions from the '50s and '60s—gentle, nostalgic, and soothing. Backyard Stage, 8:30 p.m.
GARBAGE
One of the few leading ladies of '90s alt-rock still standing, Shirley Manson found her best gig sticking with Garbage, who need her hotheaded charisma to appeal to anyone who doesn't cream over the words "Butch Vig" (that is, most of us). Whatever you think of their latest, Bleed Like Me, they've always been explosive live, thanks to Manson's presence. Mainstage, 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 3
CAROLYN MARK
"Said you like fireworks/Well, I'll give you fireworks," goes the refrain from the lead track on Mark's fine new Just Married: An Album of Duets (Mint), and in her low-key, good-humored way, she delivers. Since most of her singing partners won't be here, we'll just have to settle for stuff from her other albums, like 2004's great The Pros and Cons of Collaboration. Aw, shucks. Backyard Stage, 1:30 p.m.
INFOMATIK + MERCIR + VIVA VOCE + IQU + EVA + JUNKIE XL
The Sky Church gets progressively more electronic today, as Infomatik channel Ian Curtis (well, to be sure) at midday, followed by Mercir's indietronica in the vein of great forgotten bands National Skyline and Antarctica. Viva Voce's Anita and Kevin push electrofied garage rock against Kento and Michiko's theremin and talkbox in IQU before house DJ Eva primes the crowd for Junkie XL, who makes big beat that rockers can dance to. EMP Sky Church, 12:15 p.m. + 1:45 p.m. + 3:15 p.m. + 4:45 p.m. + 6:45 p.m. + 9 p.m.
MAVIS STAPLES
See Friday. Blues Stage, 2:15 p.m.
IAN MCFERON BAND
Whether it's McFeron's funky take on folk, Alisa Milner's distinctive Texas fiddle, or the fact that all five of them are young and hot, the boy and his band have found an ever-growing local following this year. Those who regard roots-rock as a no-man's-land should steer clear— your feet may start dancing of their own accord. Backyard Stage, 3:15 p.m.
BILL FRISELL/TONY SCHERR/ KENNY WOLLESEN
With his guitar(s) and a toolbox full of toys, Frisell can fry your senses with psychedelic abstractions or charm you with Eno-esque ambience. He's collaborated with both Elvis Costello and the Los Angeles Philharmonic; Frisell has range to spare. In this trio, Wollesen's drums and Sherr's bass add to the excitement. McCaw Hall, 3:45 p.m.
