Bumbershoot ⇒

A little bit of catch up is needed, so sorry that this is old news. On Labour Day weekend Christine & I went down to Seattle to experience [Bumbershoot][281]. What is Bumbershoot? It is a four day arts and music festival that takes place at Seattle Center, and it is wonderful! Seattle Center is a large area that holds several theatres and attractions, including the Key Arena, which is where the Sonics play, and the [Space Needle][282].

It is quite the experience, going to this festival; there are thousands of people, buskers, beer gardens and crafts. It is like being at a carnival!! The main attractions are the music and the film festival, although there are also readings, poetry and a fair. We had decided that 3 days of music was too much, so we just purchased a two day pass (for only $28 USD each!!). What a deal!

We left home Friday after work, breezed through (only 3 cars in front of us!!) the border, and made our way to Jacqueline's house in the Queen Anne area of Seattle. We had a few acts that we really wanted to see, Macy Gray, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Bonnie Raitt. At first we wandered around to see what was there and to grab our wristbands for the evening show.

The shows:

Jacqueline was the one that said we had to go see Macy Gray. Although, I wished we had gone to see Solomon Burke play as he sounded amazing!! Anyway, Macy sure is groovy. And she has HUGE hair!! With her music, you just sit there and get in the groove, swaying and bopping. We will be purchasing one of her albums shortly!

We had seen the Blind Boys when they opened up for Tom Petty and we feel in love with them. They are a bunch of really old, really blind, really black guys that sing gospel music! Man, can they ever sing. There is one guy that can hold a note for so long...like well over a minute. I have no idea how he does it! Their music is just so wonderful, you can't help but like it.

And finally, Bonnie Raitt. This was the show we were really looking forward to. There were 6 artists before Bonnie got on stage and unfortunately only 3 of them were any good. I forget the first lady's name, but she was a local blues singer and she was quite good. The second singer was Ruth Brown. She is a blues singer from waaaay back. The amazing about all of these older performers is that they don't seem to have lost any ability or energy. She came out and sang her heart out. Might have to buy her albums as well! Shemekia Copeland is a big ol' black lady who sure can belt'em out! What a voice!

Unfortunately, after them came three artist who just weren't very good. Some modern jazz, Maxi Priest (yes, that Maxi Priest) and Howard Tate. I wish they hadn't played. I wish Bonnie came on after the first 3!

Then Ms. Raitt came on. As usual, she was awesome! Smokey voice, simple lyrics, wicked slide guitar. Her set was a little short though; she only played a few songs. Oh well, not a bad day for $14!!

Day two brought us Nickel Creek and Leftover Salmon, two bands I had never heard before. But I am sure glad I went to hear them...they're great! Upbeat music, clever lyrics...a great show.

The highlight of the show by far was R.E.M.!! Man, do they put on a great show. It was one of those where you keep going, "Oh, I forgot they sang that...I love that song!" We did that all night. Michael Stipe is quite the performer! Very engrossing with a large stage presence. They played many old, familiar songs as well as several songs off their soon-to-be-released album (which was recorded in Vancouver!!). Their new stuff sounds great! Similar sound, but obviously stretching musically and lyrically.

After that we were all tuckered out and headed home. Whew, what a weekend!!

More updates to come.