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

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 - 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 …

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 …

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. …