Sadly the bulldozers came in and took down the beloved Show-Off Gallery, truly the end of an era in Bellingham.

The Nightlight Lounge has closed again, probably for good this time, due to unpaid rent and unpaid taxes. Hopefully someone can take over the space, with all of the improvements in place and without the debt, and bring it back from the ashes once again. For now, let’s support the Wild Buffalo and make sure they continue to book the kind of shows this town deserves. Most of the shows previously booked at the Nightlight are now at the Wild Buffalo - still waiting for confirmation on The XX and …

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 …

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 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 …

Coming up this weekend is the big What’s Up! Magazine New Music Showcase. For some reason they’re also billing it as the 11 Year Anniversary show - didn’t they just do that at the Wild Buffalo a couple of months ago? Anyway, this is a great opportunity to hear some up-and-coming local acts, including Bell-Tone faves Skyfire Puzzle. Although they are reason enough to hit the Rogue, there are other great bands on the bill, including Bluebird, Lumpkins, Addition and Birthday Boi. 5 bands for 3 bucks - whatta deal. …