Listen up, Seattle! It is now time to bear witness to some serious artistic greatness right here in our town (OK, Ellensburg, but close!) Star Anna is the real deal, and if you haven’t seen her or her amazing band yet, now is the time. I don’t often throw out this kind of jargon, either spoken or written. But this woman from Ellensburg has more originality and soul in her left pinky–especially live–that I just can’t help but be in awe. It’s a musical inspiration, a mix of Merle Haggard, Mark Lanegan and Patsy Cline. Do yourselves a favor and catch her locally soon-before it’s just too damn late. The Only Thing That Matters is real, real fucking good. Godspeed, Star Anna. With Damien Jurado, Mark Pickerel, Gabe Archer of The Pale Pacific. DUFF MCKAGAN
Sun., July 18, 6 p.m., 2010