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 …

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 …

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. …

It’s nearly 24 hours after the Sadies/Black Mountain show at the Wild Buffalo, and my ears are still ringing! I was a little worried that I wouldn’t get in - I never got around to picking up an advance ticket, and I had a indoor soccer game to play until 10pm, so I didn’t get there until a quarter after. The place looked packed when I looked in from the front door, but I was still able to get in. Apparently the show was declared sold-out shortly after that. It …

Yogoman Burning Band is heading out on a West Coast tour tomorrow (Wednesday) and will be playing shows between Seattle and L.A. and then back to Bellingham. In April YBB will be releasing their next CD, called City Of Subdued Excitement, and will join Iron & Wine for a few shows in May.
MARCH ‘09 TOUR
March 18 . Tractor . Seattle, WA
March 19 . Eastside . Olympia, WA
March 20 . Broadway Rock Hall . Coos Bay, OR
March 21 . Jambalaya . Arcata, CA
March 22 . Six Rivers Brewery . McKinleyville, CA
March …