Two of my favorite bands, a long-time favorite (Camera Obscura) and a new favorite (The XX) are coming to the Nightlight Lounge in April. Although I have all of Camera Obscura’s albums and singles, I’ve never been able to make it down to one of their Seattle shows. I never thought they’d play Bellingham, but The Nightlight always surprises me with some of their bookings, and they’ve really come through with this one. Get your tickets quick, because this one is sure to sell out.
Another great show on the horizon …

I have fond memories of the Show Off Gallery, as a music fan and as a member of local indie-pop band . After a nearly decade long run in the 90’s and early 00’s, it was shut down by the owners and seems to be falling into disrepair. If I had the money it’s something I’d love to bring back, but I’m not even sure the current owners want it to open again.
Strolling around online I found the following essay about the Show Off - it was great to read …

The Nightlight has just released their late-summer/fall schedule and man, there are some exciting shows on the horizon - just take a look at the list below! My personal must-sees are Sugar Sugar Sugar, Shonen Knife and Southern Culture On The Skids, but I defy anyone not to find at least 2 or 3 shows to get excited about.

8.19.09 - Six Organs of Admittance, Master Musicians of Bukkake
8.26.09 - Jucifer
8.28.09 - Sugar Sugar Sugar
8.31.09 - Busdriver
9.04.09 - Os Mutantes
9.12.09 - Styff Anyss, Sweetheart of the Rodeo
9.23.09 - Beach …

There are 3 shows set for this coming weekend that have been set up to remember Donnkie & Gunther, two guys that were connected in some way or another to just about everyone in the local arts and music scene. Even though I didn’t know them personally, I know lots of people who did and know how much they meant to them. I know I will miss Gunther’s crazy photography during his stage invasions at shows all over town - I have taken photos at many shows, but have never …

The DT’s - Live-Hot-Nasty CD (Serpent’s Hole)
by Anna Rankin (What’s Up Magazine - July 2009)
Looking for a new album full of relentless rock ‘n’ roll for your collection? Well look no further, The DT’s’ newest offering will fill your niche.
The nine tracks on Live-Hot-Nasty were recorded live in July of 2008 on the “Drinking from the Puddles” radio show on KBOO 90.7 FM in Portland, Oregon. They don’t mess around getting right into the action with the first track “April Holeso” and you are taken head first into the action …

A group of locals paid tribute to the life of Michael Jackson by reenacting the Thriller video at the intersection of Holly and Railroad downtown.

Dick Dale is making the rounds up here in the Northwest for the first time in several years. A chance to see the King of the Surf Guitar is not to be missed - catch him live at the Nightlight on June 28th.

Yogoman Burning Band - City of Subdued Excitement CD (Self Released)
by Haylee Nighbert (What’s Up Magazine - June 2009)
Yogoman Burning Band’s newest release, City of Subdued Excitement, won’t dissapoint their live show fans. They decided to release something that glittered with live-show appeal and dripping with groove. It’s an album that holds true to their reputation as an uplifting, high-energy jam band with an album that jumps from big band, to reggae, to dancehall and back.
A keystone of Bellingham musical culture, Yogoman Burning Band’s style comes together to make a …

Yogoman Burning Band just sent out a newsletter to their e-mail list saying, in celebration of the coming of summer and the great, 80-85 degree weather we’ve been having this week, they have decided to give away two free songs! These aren’t throwaway tunes either - these are great recordings that could have easily been on their new CD (then again, I don’t have their new CD yet, so maybe these songs are on there!). You can get the songs by clicking here. You can also enjoy a clip on …

Jarvis Cocker, former lead singer of Pulp, took over the Galerie Chappe in Paris to rehearse songs for his upcoming tour, as well as create new songs - opening the whole thing up to the public. It goes well beyond that though….
“What if you invite members of the public to play with the band? Or invite them to submit song titles which the band then have to base an improvisation upon? Could a live band provide the accompaniment to an aerobics class? What happens if you play music from 12 …

Sadly I wasn’t able to make last week’s Death Cab show in Bellingham, so I passed my ticket on to local music enthusiast Scott D. Here is his report from the show:

The air was electric with anticipation. The lights went out as smoke and a droning ambient noise filled the room. The crowd went wild. Lead singer Ben Gibbard’s voice soared over the fray, marking Death Cab For Cutie’s long awaited return to Bellingham. It’s been ten years since the band has played here in our basements and bars since …