For many, Candysound is the real deal, so it doesn’t’ matter what I say. For those who haven’t discovered Candysound, however, I can only confirm that they are indeed the “real deal”. This is a band that can play the small club setting or the gravel parking lot, and they will still blow you away.

In today’s musical climate of the artificial, the overly commercialized, and the overtly commoditized with the “American Idols” of the world, it is fun to find the pendulum swinging back on occasion towards the direction of substance, meaning, and intelligence. For those of us in Bellingham who feel the cultural atrophy, Candysound can be seen as a band that delivers on that promise to return to quality and smart pop-artistry.

These Days is Candysound’s latest effort, a conscious song-by-song progression of skillful mediation, and splashy cymbal work. All songs are catchy though far from simple, and would be welcomed at a proper Brit-Pop dinner party. These Days blurs the lines between shoe-gazer and pop by being both progressive and rooted in indie-pop sensibilities. Teo Crider provides a constant swirl of hooky guitar and vocals while anchored by Jesse Cohen’s addictive and instantly appreciated melodic bass lines and Tom Fitzgibbon’s hyper and splashy drumming.

It is interesting how all of Candysound’s present and past songs fit like a puzzle, leaving one with a complete picture of things to come from this promising band.

Self Released
For more, visit candysound.bandcamp.com

What's Up Magazine - November 2011. Cover by Mat Hudson

Brent and Becca’s baby girl Autumn arrived Oct. 13, joining big brother Harrison and big sister Ruby!

Well, now that Horror Business is done occupying the venues of Bellingham, that means only one thing: October is over. But how great was that month? Not only were there fantastic shows spread throughout, but Beavis and Butthead are back, and honestly, who needs anything more than that? Bellingham’s music and arts community are thriving and excelling. It’s been an exciting time, and November is going to be just as good.

NEW PLACES TO PLAY

There’s so many things happening on the south side of N. State recently that I have decided that it will have its own section for the Le Beat this month.

The Ridge Wine and Bar is done. The business was sold to Shea Hagan (of Ship to Ship) and Rebecca Ogden and they have changed the name to Redlight. Not only will the space on N. State Street be one to host shows, art exhibits, delectable wines and beers, but they will also feature its own coffee roaster in the back called “Redlight Coffee Roasters.” It’s practically putting everything that Bellingham loves into one space. I can’t wait to see the final product.

Another addition to N. State is Positive Negative. Jason Byal is the executioner of this much-needed niche in Bellingham. The space is a 1,000 square-foot industrial room that is being transformed to have a darkroom, dry room, studio, and gallery art space for the community. Everything has been placed on wheels for the space to be adaptable to any artist’s needs while keeping lighting in mind. You don’t need to be a professional to use the space either, anyone is welcome to use the facilities. I’m really excited to see what this space will become. For the longest time Bellingham has had tremendous photographers, and I’m excited for the analog form of film to be accessible for anyone.

Time in Play is a new business on 311 E. Holly Street. The idea for this place is amazing: a family (and everyone) caf that has good food, great coffee, (eventually) beer and wine, and climbing structures, big wheels, and toys for kids to play with and on. In time, the space will regularly host music. Jordan Rain is currently setting up every Monday night for a family oriented Yogoman’s Wild Rumpus.

Also, while we’re on the subject of Yogoman, the Burning Band just acquired Nelson Bell from Seattle as a new sousaphone/trombone player for the band! Congrats Nelson! Welcome aboard. The band is still looking for a singing bass player along with sax or trumpet players. If you’re interested and you think you’ve got the chops, find Jordan Rain running through the streets of Bellingham sometime. Or you can even catch him on Mondays at Time in Play!

ON THE RECORD

Odd Ones Out are recording are currently recording. I saw this group for the first time at WhAAM’s Grand Opening at JINX Art Space and they blew my mind. The group is definitely going places, but more importantly they look like they’re having fun when they play. Which is really the most important part.

Both Sugar Sugar Sugar and Swayze are currently in the midst of recording. I hear that they’re recording a lot of it analog. Mmm….analog.

Tearamanapart posted one song online this past month and I hate them for it. It’s so good and I want to hear all of it ASAP. Like right now. The boys are going to be doing a little traveling for some shows in November. One show is on Nov. 6 at The Shakedown with Rabbits and Sirhan Sirhan. On Nov. 11, they’ll be at The Cabin Tavern with Seattle’s Grenades and Bellingham’s newly adopted Cower. They are then traveling back down with Grenades to play at The Black Lodge in Seattle with Monogamy Party and a few others. Have fun boys!

PRND has a new album coming out. They will have their CD release while playing with Cave on Nov. 18 at The Cabin Tavern.

Also what should be noted is Zach Zinn from PRND is now doing Karaoke at Cap’s. While it’s a very rare occasion that I grab the mic, as long as Sum 41 remains in the binder, anything is possible.

The Daffodils also have their CD release party later this month. Catch them at The Edison on Nov. 26. A little shuffle board and music never hurt anyone, now did it?

David Ney’s new solo CD Blackened will be released soon. The show will be at The Shakedown on Nov. 30… on his birthday! So make sure to mark your calendars for that one.

Queen Anne’s Revenge will be having their CD release at The JINX Art Space with A Cat from Hue and Feather and Bone on Nov. 12. This night is booked solid for an all-ages rock ‘n’ roll party.

Bellingham has always had a little thing for local compilations, and now there’s another one that we can look forward to. Boris Budd has put together an Occupy Bellingham compilation containing local artists such as The Posies, Black Eyes and Neckties, Yogoman Burning Band, Candysound, Kris Orlowski, Dana Lyons, Keaton Collective, Police Teeth, and many more. This stacked release is set to be available on 11/11/11 and will be accessible for anyone to download for free online.

Osa is having their CD release with Little Elephant and The Palisades on Nov. 9 at Glow. Keep an eye out for the poster around town because it’s probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

RAD TIMES

After a long drought, the Bellingham all-ages scene is starting to kick butt. Between the workings in The Old Foundry and WhAAM at The JINX Art Space, there are actually options for all-ages shows! More music means more bands means more shows means more fun. This I’m okay with.

Also speaking of JINX Art Space, both Make.Shift and WhAAM have put up a community bulletin board in the basement. Think of it as a less creepy version of the musician’s section on Craigslist. Need a guitar, amp, PA, or singer? Just post it on the board and then everyone going to the shows and workshops in the space will see it. Resourceful, fun, and sensible.

KARP (and I’m not referring to the Pok mon type) is back, kinda. For over four years, Bill Badgley has been working on this film. Little “did you know game,” WhAAM’s President Amanda Kalkwarf played in a band when she was 15 years old called Team Butt. The band played with KARP and The Cleavers (band before Murder City Devils) as their first show. She’s going to kill me for adding that in but I think it’s awesome. This KARP documentary is something that a lot of Bellingham people have been waiting for and on Nov. 19, the film will be showing at the Pickford Cinema. This is definitely something not to be missed.

Acorn Project are going on tour, and their welcome home show is at the Wild Buffalo on Nov. 11 with Quick and Easy Boys.

Two huge benefits are happening in November at The Shakedown. Boom Boom Thwack returns Nov. 25 after a 10-year hiatus to benefit the Seattle Drum School’s Ben Hills memorial scholarship. Personally, I’ve never been to one of these things so I asked Aaron Ball to help describe it: Imagine four drummers with four kits. Some come with beats/ideas/songs and some improvise. This is not a drum circle. This is a “16-limbed beast chopping up drumsticks like they were toothpicks. You have never heard anything like 8 drumsticks hitting 8 cymbals simultaneously – imagine operating a chainsaw inside a jet engine that is flying through a hurricane and you’ll have an idea of the volume/power/energy BBT delivers.” Personally it sounds like a benefit for the amount of ear plugs that The Shakedown will have to provide, but I’m into it.

Then on Nov. 26, Chachi 7 the Hot Shotz will be playing. This group is what some would call an all-star lineup featuring Charlie McCoy from Whatcom Falls, Sharpie, and Camarojuana, Ryan Roullard from Wastelanders and Camarojuana, Darren Johnson from Sharpie, and Aaron Bell from Sharpie, Enders of Ozone, and Virgin Islands. The benefit is for Charlie’s wife Mandy, who owns Studio Galactica. She recently had a terrible fall and shattered her wrist. The group plans on playing many songs from all the bands, including songs that were recorded but never played live before. They also plan on making some of the songs acoustic, and even selling old Sharpie 7″s. It’s definitely going to be a memorable night and it’s all for a good cause!

Did anyone see Make.Shift member and Cabin Tavern booker Audra Robson’s audition for the Wheel of Fortune? Inspiring doesn’t even begin to describe what I saw in the video online. She talked about Make.Shift, cabin-oke, and of Bellingham with grace and poise as she sang in front of a huge audience showing her karaoke skills by request. Good luck Audra on getting a call back! Bellingham will be rooting for you to buy a vowel.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Olio is done, as a name at least. They are now called The Vonvettas and have been writing new songs. Recordings should be hopefully coming soon and I’m really looking forward to hearing their new stuff.

I don’t know if it was just for the holidays, but Thorny Croft, Bellingham’s own Ramones cover band played twice for Halloween and I hope they’ll continue. The Contra’s own Blake Owens mastered Joey Ramone.

EXTRA EXTRA

The Cole family has a new baby. Brent and Becca’s daughter Autumn was born on Oct. 13, and she is adorable and cute as can be. The whole family is happy and healthy, and excited for their new member of the family.

Start planning ahead! The What’s Up! Awards Show has officially been scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Wild Buffalo. The all-ages pre-awards show will take place Jan. 27 at JINX Art Space. Personally, there are so many venues, bands, art galleries, and individuals working hard in this community, that nominations in itself are going to be a toughy to compile! Keep a look out soon for voting online. You know you want one of those golden beer cans…

What's Up! Magazine - October 2011. Artwork by Madi Nupcharoen

Usually I would say something cutesy here. For example, I was going to tell the story on how I was grounded when I was 10 for requesting Offspring’s “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” instead of Britney Spear’s “Hit Me Baby One More Time” (like I told my mom I would) on a radio station. But there’s too much going on, too much to talk about!

THINGS ARE A BREWIN’

First, something that everyone’s been waiting to officially hear, JINX Art Space will be re-opening its doors under new ownership! Make.Shift took over the lease and purchased the business from Michelle Schutte and Django Bohren late spring. After many pizza work parties involving dry walling, painting, sweeping, and many other “slight modifications,” the space is done. On Oct. 7, the doors will officially open for Art Walk and the theme is “The Black Forest: Fear and Nature.” Along with the many artists showing off their work, the Bellingham Circus Guild will be there along with Bar Tabac. I hope anyone that has been to an Art Walk at JINX or to a show happens to take some time on Oct. 7 and go check out the work that community members have put many hours of their summer into.

And then (drum roll please!), Whatcom All Ages Arts and Music (WhAAM) will also be part of JINX Art Space! WhAAM will be hosting all of the shows, as JINX will continue to be an all ages venue in Bellingham. The organization has taken the time off it needed to regroup and reorganize itself. It’s looking for new staff members and volunteers so if anyone is interested in doing anything then just head over to whaam.org. The first show is on Oct. 13 with Oakland’s Big Kids, Seattle’s Jason Clackley and the Exquisites, along with Bellingham’s own So Adult and Livingston Seagull. The official grand opening will happen on Saturday Oct. 22 with No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Candysound, and Bright Weapons. Halloween’s my favorite though. I love me some cover bands! The Misfits, Black Sabbath, and The Ramones will grace the stage on Saturday, Oct. 29. I love it!

Another new development is the purchase of The Nightlight space. For those newbies of Bellingham let me do a naive attempt at explaining The Nightlight to you. The Nightlight was this really cool bar/ club that is huge inside. There were two pool tables, a ping pong table, an amazing sound system, a personal short/wide stage, and the sweetest lay out. But it is big. Amazing shows have happened there. Right before I turned 21, I missed my roommate open up for Shonen Knife (I was five days short of being 21). There were problems with ownership, problems with money, etc. the story can go on but it doesn’t matter. The fact is that the Nightlight had become, after a while, just another empty building. Every time you walked by the space, your soul would just cry for its loss. Well, Brian Tines (owner of The Royal, Bellingham Bar and Grill, and Big Fat Fish Co, and the former Fairhaven, which recently closed) purchased the lease. You might have heard from Cascadia Weekly’s beautiful Carey Ross, but he has no plan of opening as a music venue and will call the club space The Underground, opening Oct. 5. Personally, I have no problem with this. As much as it saddens me to see the potential of a venue turn into something else, I have no power over it and I’m sure he’ll do something great that serves a niche in Bellingham’s business community that’s missing. The only thing that I’m not looking forward to is confusing the Underground Coffeehouse on Western’s campus with this Underground.

Moving along the alleyway and on to Cap Hansen’s Tavern, Sept. 30 was the last day of ownership for John and Liz Krusenstiern. Aaron Roeder will be the new owner and word is that he plans on having music more often in the bar. I love this idea. I’m excited. I don’t remember a single time disliking a show that I saw there. I say bring on more sweaty, overcrowded, seat standing show nights at Cap’s any time!

Now let’s move up the street and take a right heading towards the location of the new Green Frog Acoustic Tavern, opening soon. Not only will they be serving different forms of liquids than before, but they also plan on continuing their legacy of having fantastic shows! Stay tuned for their official opening. Something I’m looking forward to personally: their rooftop deck.

ON THE RECORD

New subject, new topic: FULL FRONTAL ASSAULT! If anyone has seen their DVD, it’s awesome, and let it be known that I want a copy. Their full length disc is coming out soon according to Bobby Savage. Both Chris Nelson and New Regard Media are going to put it out. I can’t believe that those boys have time for this. Next to Devilry, Phreddie and the Nightmares, Ball Bereth, and Leatherhorn, and you thought Brent Cole was busy.

Odd Ones Out are making their way through Washington. They recently played at a Mojo Music showcase at Boundary Bay and will also be part of the SurfRider Benefit at Boundary Bay on Oct. 8. The band is also going to be recording an EP at Binary Recordings before the end of the year! These are some busy guys for all being younger than 14 years old.

Dog Shredder is currently working on getting their second EP out this year. Originally, the band was going to have a full length, but now they plan on releasing two EPs. They’re recording with Adam Pike at the Toadhouse in Portland and supposedly it is “brutal.” I don’t know Josh, prove it. I can’t wait till they start recording a full length next year!

David Ney is also working on releasing his solo record that’s going to be titled Blackened. The release will come with a 7-inch and a 12-inch packaged together with a 100 limited run pressed. Look out in October for a kickstarter for the funds for this Will Smith Bad Boy.

Speaking of Bad Boys, the dudes in Keaton Collective are getting ready for their third album release! They will be releasing a single on Oct. 30 at The Shakedown, which is just so 2011 of them. The full length will be presented to the world on Jan. 1, 2012.

COMINGS & GOINGS

A somewhat sad ending has happened in Bellingham, or maybe perhaps just a new chapter. Yogoman Burning Band are going on a break. You don’t even have to be a native of Bellingham to know and understand what Yogoman means for Bellingham. They played a forgotten cancelled show at the Bellingham Bay Marathon Finish Line Festival towards the end of September. The band will be looking for bass guitar, keyboard, trombone, trumpet, sousaphone or saxophone members to add to the crew. If interested you can contact Jordan Rain. But one thing’s for sure; it’s not New Years Eve in Bellingham with out Yogoman Burning Band. That’s one thing that we can depend on in this ever-changing town.

Zorbatron is also supposedly done for the time being. According to Josh Holland, the band is currently not practicing or has anything booked. Maybe we’ll see them again in another six years? I hope it’s much sooner than that…

I feel like it’s not a le beat write up with out the mention of Teo Crider somewhere. That boy is always up to something! He is now playing solo around town under the moniker of Porch Party. Look out for him in a caf near you!

A group of local musicians have been putting together a compilation series called Your Songs Here. Each compilation has a theme. The first one was Space and Volume. Volume Two, which was just released, is about hometowns. All of these songs are available through BandCamp and any artist is allowed to send in songs and be part of the comp! The holiday volume should be really fun to hear!

Johnny V has officially left Bellingham, and when someone leaves for Russia for two years, comes the handling of certain belongings. The classic and Bellingham known “Mount Vernon Church of Nazarene” van (formerly possessed by Clickpop/ The Trucks/ Rooftops) now belongs to the former Bellingham-ite Clyde Peterson of Your Heart Break/Boating with Clyde/ and Cold Lake. Things that stay with the family are always good in my book.

RAD TIEMES

If October doesn’t get you thrilled with the beautiful fallen leaves then maybe dancing does. Every Halloween, Bellingham puts on their dead zombie-like apparel and Michael Jacksons their way down the streets for Thrillingham. This year the performances will be held in Fairhaven (7:30 p.m.) and at Maritime Heritage Park (9 p.m.). Check out the Facebook page for details.

Trailer Wars is coming to the end of another year. It is time once again for the 2nd annual Trailer aWARds. On Oct. 5 at the Pickford, you can expect the town getting in its finest and awarding those writers with the best lines, the best costumes, best romantic scene, and of course, the trailer of the year. Good luck to all of those nominated and let the best trailer win!

Also in the upcoming days is the first (of hopefully many) Ham Country Revival Fest. From Oct. 6-8, country music will be taking over downtown Bellingham spreading over many venues. From the Honey Moon to the Blue Horse Gallery, from McKay’s to Cap’s. The festival includes all ages venues and bars (no complaining here you young-yons!) More information about performances and dates can be found online.

AS POP and Underground Coffeehouse are off to a strong start this year. Over 1,200 people attended the free Ra Ra Riot and The Globes show. Then on Oct. 11, Young The Giant will be on campus along with Kithkin! Then at the Underground Coffeehouse, Nick Drummond (former member of The Senate) and Tyler Carson will be perfoming along with Jenna Freeman on Oct. 5.

THANKS & CONTGRATS

Thanks to young artist and local resident Madi Nupcharoen for contributing this month’s cover art. She’s been painting for two years, and also did the artwork for Studio Galactica’s ad. Way to go kid!

Congratulations go to Paul Turpin and Krissa Woiwood for having their first daughter, Harriett Kay Woiwod Von Turpin. The baby came into the world on time, healthy, and looking awesome. Krissa and Paul, congratulations again, Harriet is beautiful and has a great Bellingham family to help raise her.

A soon congratulations to Brent and Becca! The Cole family is expecting a new baby in the family any day. Knowing their other two kids, this one will definitely be metal. Not only that but the family adopted a puppy named Roxy; a new baby and a puppy, why not? Let it be known that I’m down to baby sit anytime… the puppy at least.

That’s it for the Le Beat for October, my favorite time of the year in Bellingham. Wearing two light jackets and kicking the fallen bright colored leaves, there’s seriously nothing like it. I’m fortunate to have grown up and lived her here for nearly 10 years. But after job-hunting since I graduated in spring, and the current job market, I am fortunate enough to have been offered a job in Seattle and will be making my voyage down south. I’ll still be up here for the music, friends, and the parents nearly every weekend. I’ll never have a “last weekend in Bellingham” party. Thank you to everyone who has helped me out when in need, fed me, given me jobs, taught me a lesson, or told me that waking up at 5 a.m. to run Taylor Stairs is a “healthy thing to do.”

Thanks Bellingham, I’ll see you at the shows!

- Casey Nolan

This four-song album, The Amadeus EP, captures the travels and experiences of modern day Bellingham rock stars during an August road tour.

The aptly named first track, “August”, is a free-floating road trip friendly song you can almost see the asphalt roads streaming by as you listen.

Stick around for the second track, “Turned In”, which starts out like a psychedelic Steve Miller Band song, and then moves into a catchy melodic chorus. With hooks as addicting as top-forty pop, yet dusted with a raw, raspy quality, Candysound offers the perfect blend of chill-out music infused with manic guitar excellence.

Track three, “We Don’t Try”, is what I can only describe as a love child between the ambience of Washed Out meets The Black Keys. The vocals sound distant, almost like you’re hearing a concert from across the bay. It’s the kind of music that takes you to the brink of a zombie state, and then startles you out of your daydream.

The album finishes strong with the complicated song “Summary”, which is a compilation of chaotic guitar, persistent percussion, and faded-out vocals.

Overall, The Amadeus EP is inspired, and takes the listener along the highways of the glittering west coast in a dreamy, yet raw state. Candysound has indeed traveled both physically and musically for this album, and it definitely shows.

Self Released
For more, visit candysound.bandcamp.com

What's Up! September 2011 - Painting by Andrea Heimer, text by Austin Santiago

Hey guys and gals! So The Cole family is busy adding an additional member to their family so Brent asked for some help with the Le Beat. And like last time, I promise to do my best!

First of all, since it is September, I want to give a big welcome to all the new residents of Bellingham and the returnees that are back for school. Also, hello to all of the parents or siblings that might have picked up the magazine trying to figure out where you just dropped off a member of your family to “grow up and mature as adults.” Bellingham is a great city and Whatcom County is a fantastic place to explore and participate in. There are many small local businesses (Bellingham really gets stoked on them) as well as a great art and music scene. This is one of the many great resources to find when and where everything is happening. Coming from a person that just graduated Western this past Spring, there’s a piece of wisdom I want to give: participate in everything you can manage time for. Go to the Underground Coffeehouse and see a group/artist that you have never heard before. Go to shows and support your local all ages music scene. Bellingham also has fantastic art walks downtown that happen every first Friday of the month. Basically what I’m trying to say is the walk from campus to downtown isn’t that far… so GET OFF THE HILL. You’ll be happy that you did. Trust me.

Now for the beginning rants of the le beat… where we find out what’s going on and who’s to blame for everything.

ON THE ROAD

Since it is still summer, there are plenty of bands that just got back or are just leaving for tour.

Lamppost Revival went on the road for a bit in the Make.Shift van this past month. Based on the pictures that I saw on the ol’ Facebook looks like they had a great time. Also on the road was Palisades, who spent half a month down the coast and back. On Aug. 30 they ended up having a quadruple welcome-back home show joined with Cat From Hue, Candysound and So Adult for an all ages event at The Old Foundry. The Cat From Hue and Candysound tour sounded like it was something else. Their van ended up dying on the 1,100-mile trek up to Portland from Santa Cruz, which made the bands miss their Portland show. Boys, I’ve been there. And I can say it sucks. But look at it this way: the van only cost you $11 to get it going again. Could have been way worse!

Devotion, a band that is part Vancouver/Bellingham/Seattle, is currently on a full US and Canadian tour. The crew should be back in Bellingham Oct. 1 at The Old Foundry for an all ages show with GIVE, and Livingston Seagull.

PRND is going on tour this September too. Party van down the coast!

Also worth mentioning is the tour currently being planned by the great Tearamanapart. Those boys are thinking big and different. They plan on heading east in the beginning of November. Hope the Farmer’s Almanac is in favor with you guys when it comes to crossing those mountain passes!

No-Fi Soul Rebellion is coming up on their 10th anniversary (wowa-weez-a)! The duo will be playing a few dates in Washington before heading to Missoula and then eventually ending their travel stint on Sept. 9th at The Shakedown. I can’t believe that both Mark and Andrea Heimer have been going at it for this long. Congratulations you two! I know one thing for sure; I definitely never want to see that infamous green #10 jersey under a black light…

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Plant Party’s drummer Matt Omdal is moving to Seattle. Their last show with Mat was with Cara Alboucq and Jenni Potts at The Shakedown on Aug. 31.

Rookery is taking a break. Ryan Greer is going on a road trip for a bit. Fortunately, I was FINALLY able to catch them during the Wastelanders’ show and hot damn I can’t wait to hear those recordings that Rich Canut did with them. Not only did they sound great, but also they were just entertaining to watch.

Another show that was great was the eminent Johnny McIntyre farewell fest featuring Johnny McIntyre as himself, Moons and Goochers, and Rooftops. I’m so glad that this show happened on a Sunday. On Sundays at the Shakedown they play local music before sets, so when Narrows was playing, well, the atmosphere just couldn’t have been any better.

Now, I did hear some people say that they didn’t believe that this would be Rooftops’ last show (they’ve had nearly three of them now). But I have strong feelings that this past show had a little more significance. Why you might ask? Well, Russia is a lot farther than Chicago.

Also in August was Savage Henry’s last show. They played at Glow along with Lumpkins and Pattern Language on Aug. 22. Talk about a band that’s lasted a while. I remember Savage Henry playing at the first What’s Up! All-Ages Award Show at The Old Foundry along with Connecticut Four, The Russians, and Idiot Pilot. The band will surely be missed.

Last but not least, the Nathan Cox (of Bellingham State of Mind song fame) is moving to Seattle in October. He’s decided to make the great and daring trek down south to create and start new adventures. Good luck Nathan!

ON THE RECORD

As mentioned last le beat, Todos Somos Lee’s official full-length release is happening Sept. 14 at The Shakedown. I’m excited, as you should be too. Peter Hilleary did a great job on the production of the album. Peter’s work can also be heard on the Devilry recordings, slightly released this past month. Three songs are up for sale from the boys and are a preview of the full-length that is due any time now. If you want to know more about this delectable metal treat, you can find a song online.

Also online are new songs from Palisades. It’s really cool to see a band grow and develop so much in a very short amount of time. I can’t recommend enough of these guys. If you find your listening habits a little stagnant lately–look them up.

Ship to Ship also has music online which is perfect listening to as well. They’ll be playing with Todos Somos Lee and Falling Upstairs (who is also in the studio recording with Pat Gay) on Sept. 14 at The Shakedown.

And last but not least everyone can look forward to a Heligoats record coming out soon! Word on the street is that recording will start in September.

END OF SUMMER-ISH

One thing about living in a college town is that during the summer, a majority of things are pretty relaxed. But the first weekend back, everyone wants a good party. This year’s opening weekend of school being back in session is not any different. Where should the fun start this year? Well, the always-favorite Blue Scholars are coming back in town for the weekend I like to call “school’s back in session so let’s have a bunch of great shows happen all at the same time!” The group will be doing a two-night party at The Wild Buffalo on the 23rd and the 24th.

Murder By Death is playing Sept. 21 at The Shakedown. The openers and support have yet to be announced, but does it really matter?

Also on the 24th are The Cute Lepers (used to be The Briefs) along with Something Fierce and So Adult.

On campus, ASPOP will be having an outdoor show with Ra Ra Riot and The Globes on the Communications Lawn (formerly known as the big green space to play frisbee) on Sept. 22.

Also confirmed recently was Young the Giant happening on Oct. 11. Last but not least, Eclecticity and the Learning Team will be playing a free, all-ages, back to school show at The Old Foundry on Sept. 24. Staying in side, ordering delivery pizza (which I just did for the first time! Amazing!) is not an option for this weekend.

VENUES

Some of our local music venues are in the midst of a transition period. Green Frog Acoustic Tavern is in the midst of a move and remodel, and opening soon at the new location at 1015 N. State St. The Ridge Winery, which is next door to the future Green Frog Acoustic Tavern, will be adjusting their live music routine this month details to be announced. The Fairhaven, after 10 years, unfortunately has closed, and Stuart’s Coffeehouse will also be closing later this month.

If you are a parent, there is a cool new place to take your kids, opening up on Sept. 17 with a grand opening on Oct. 1. The Time and Play Cafe will be located on Holly, just up from State Street in the old YMCA building. There will be local art, a cool cafe for those who don’t have kids and an amazing (and HUGE) play area for those with kids. It’s a much needed space for this town and families are looking forward to it.

GOOD TIMES

The Lookout’s 4th Annual Off-Road Soap Box Derby Shbang! Vaudevillingham will be happening on Sept. 15. Personally, I didn’t know off-road derby existed, but the vision of what I think this event looks like, makes me definitely put this on my events calendar.

School of Rock Portland announced that they will be performing Dog Shredder’s “Boss Rhino” at their modern prog-rock showcase on Sept. 3. You know you’ve made it when teenagers spend hours alone in their room studying your tabs. I hope someone records this performance; it would be great to see if the kids make the same Holland-style thrash moves.

Another show worth noting is Marcy Playground, playing at The Wild Buffalo again on Sept. 2 with Black Beast Revival and Olio.

Local hip hop group The Bad Tenants recently worked with Darkheart Visions to create a music video for their song “When I’m Back.” I haven’t seen the video, but supposedly it is a story about four hitchhikers going through Whatcom County. If you want the chance to see the video on the big screen, the Pickford Film Center will feature a viewing of the video on Sept. 11 at 8:30 p.m.

Also don’t forget about the annual “Best Of Bellingham” in the Cascadia Weekly these upcoming few weeks. The categories are a plenty and there’s no excuse why you shouldn’t give credit to those individuals and businesses that help you make it through the year!

Last but not least, I need to talk about a fine young man. He’s a great guy. Really. His name is Kevin Lee. On Oct. 6-8, Kevin is planning a country music festival in downtown Bellingham. Shows will be happening in a variety of venues and so far there are 16 bands booked! I’m not sure what this festival is called yet, but what I do know is that I’m okay with the image of me eating a vegan pumpkin pie on a barrel of hay watching some country music in downtown Bellingham. The leaves will be turning color; a light jacket can be worn comfortably… That’s right fall… bring it on!

August 2011 Cover. Awesomeness by Mark Heimer

Hey! My name’s Casey Nolan and Brent Cole has graciously/ senselessly asked me to write Le Beat for the month of August. He specifically wrote to me, “approximately 15,000 people read the mag each month so don’t just tailor stuff to your group of friends… And don’t be snarky about music that you’re not into.” Come on, when have I ever been snarky?

To start things off, I can’t help but remember what it was like reading Le Beat in What’s Up! Magazine for the first time. I had just moved to Bellingham and was attending Fairhaven Middle School where come 3:02, school was out and I had some time before my Mom came to pick me up (sorry I’m writing this and not applying to jobs right now Mom). I remember walking to a coffee shop and grabbing the mag, which was a booklet at the time, finding a spot next to Dirty Dan in the Village Green (before the make-over), and discovering a whole new world of this town that I just moved to. Years past, shows and bands have come and gone, and here I sit on my post-college futon writing to all of you. I’ll do my best.

ON THE ROAD

It is August, the month of touring, so let’s just start here:

Candysound, Palisades, and Cat From Hue are going on tour in August, which is basically the definition of a party bus. The kick-off show is Aug. 19 at Boundary Bay with the notorious No-Fi Soul Rebellion and Rookery. When the boys are back in town, Thin Lizzy style on Aug. 30, So Adult will join the trio for an all-ages show at The Old Foundry. Have fun guys! And wear your seat belts! You’ll be crazy if you don’t.

Speaking of crazy, Teo Crider is having an intense 2011 summer with working on a farm, recording a new EP with Candysound, and going on a 13-show tour to California. He has also created a site for himself that has all of his solo songs, which he never plays in Candysound. I can’t say this enough, this guy is ridiculous. Seriously, I remember meeting him at Western’s Summerstart in 2007 while wearing my “Support Local Music” shirt (thanks Typical Ace).

Speaking of Typical Ace, Derek Rickard, pro-father and gear nerd, is now the bassist of So Adult with Bo Stewart officially back at the drums. So Adult is currently on tour with Jason Clackley and the Exquisities down to California and back. They made a split together courtesy of Andrew Nickerson, currently available online (expect another split featuring So Adult soon). Their tour kick off was at the JINX Art Space with Trees & Stars and EllenOprah.

Falling Upstairs has an album coming out in September and are currently finishing up plans for a tour with Todos Somos Lee and Ship to Ship. I hear they are trying to fit all three bands’ worth of gear into one van. Let the force be with you guys on that one.Falling Upstairs is also playing a show on Aug. 6 at The Shakedown with JILL BRAZIL(!). Should be an amazing show, one not to miss for all those instrumental-math rock nerds out there. I also have to agree with the talented and studdly Toby Riff-ster in that Ship to Ship is amazing and needs to put their real adult lives to the side and play more often.

Now onto things a little bit more serious: SCUMEATING! Good band. Good people. Backed hard. They have a new album coming out in August ON VINYL and they’re also going on tour. Their Aug. 9 show at Glow kicks off the tour and they will be joined by Chambers and Thimble vs. Needle. There’s also a little show coming up Aug. 23 with Broken Water and Grass Widow at The Shakedown…

Let’s talk about Rookery. They’re currently finishing recording an EP and just finished a show with Le Butcherettes at The Shakedown on July 30. I wasn’t able to go because I was in Seattle seeing The Divorce do a reunion show (which by the way was AMAZING), but from what I have been hearing/seeing about this Shakedown show, was that it definitely was “one of those shows.” What I mean by that is this one of those particular shows that you will hear about five years from now and see pictures of downtown and you either wonder “why wasn’t I there?” or my favorite and most common thought when going to The Shakedown’s bathroom, “I wish I was old enough to go to that show.”

SUMMER FLINGS

The ever-popular grassroots music festival Summer Meltdown is coming up. This lineup looks pretty rad thanks to Flowmotion and Terra Roots. Four stages worth of music, onsite camping, river floating, and music workshops– it seems impossible to even imagine being bored at an event like this. Summer Meltdown’s lineup this year features Everyone Orchestra, Orgone, Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band, Acorn Project, Polecat, The Endorphins, Keaton Collective, and so many more!

Then there is the Subdued Stringband Jamboree! I look forward to this every year not even for the festival, but to see the amazing poster that Bison Bookbinding prints for it. Even the tickets look beautiful! This year’s fun times are courtesy of Robert Blake, The Librarians, Yogoman Burning Band, Rattletrap Ruckus, The Crying Shame, Bent Grass, The Gallus Brothers, Naked Hearts, and seriously, so many more bands.

This year’s lineup for the amazing thing that is Total Fest (in Missoula, MT) is simply amazing. But since I just had to destroy my heart and cancel the year-long plan I had of going to my first Total Fest, I will keep this short as to minimize the amount of tears rolling down my cheek: Hammerhead, Big Business, Helms Alee, Japanther, Thrones…I can’t take it any more…

COMINGS & GOINGS

Now on to something that will cheer anyone up: Sarah Jerns. Where do I start with this one? Well, she has a new project. And it’s awesome. The band is called Chambers with Matt Curtis and Ryan Wapnowski. They had their first show at AMP Fest and I must say it’s nice to see Sarah playing guitar. She does a fantastic job and you can tell that she is stoked.

Big ups to new band on the scene Olio. They won Whatcom Community College’s battle of the bands a few months ago and recently finished their album over at Crestview Recording. New bands that are good always rule. You have the opportunity to see them live Aug. 6 at The Old Foundry with Keaton Collective and Trees & Stars.

Another new band that I can’t wait to hear all the time is Totalizer. It is comrpised of Ryan Greer (Black Eyes and Neckties/Rookery) and Ryan Clapper (Tearamanapart/Leatherhorn/Torero) on guitars, Chis Howard on bass, Kyle Roe (Tearamanapart) on the drums, and Nick Dillon on vocals. Their first gig is house show on Aug. 3, but I know that you will be able to catch them all over town soon. There are also some recordings coming out as well…yay!

On a serious note, two of my favorite Bellingham ladies are leaving. Anjali Kusler (EllenOprah/LOA/WhAAM/Ladyfest/Food Not Bombs) is heading off to Seattle. She is one of those people in this town that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition for the amount that she does. I hope wherever she goes has numerous neighborhood cats for her. Valerie Brogden (Mechanical Dolls/Connecticut Four/ Shrapnelles/Burn Out) is going off to Peru to teach for a year! I’ll never forget seeing her play for the first time at the Viking Union for Localpalooza when she was drumming for Mechanical Dolls–I still think she is one of the coolest girls in the world. Bellingham will miss you both!

Bye-Bye Bunker Haus. Yet another house has fallen victim of a noise citation. The Bunker will no longer be having shows at the house. This falls in question as to where will all of these underground touring bands play? To all those who live at The Bunker, I know I’m not alone in saying thank you for your hospitality, your indoor half-pipe, and the chill times that you provided.

Pirate Pirate Motorhome had their last show on July 29 at The Fairhaven Pub. That band has definitely been going for a while in town and around the Northwest region. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of them.

We’d like to welcome Joel Ricci of Lucky Brown and The Librarians fame back to Bellingham. Recently married, he and is wife Ivy have decided to move from Portland and make Bellingham home. Welcome back!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Because of the weather this summer, it appears that all these musicians and bands have been okay with being inside writing and recording. There are so many new releases!

The Bad Tenants is releasing Our Neighborhood at the end of this summer. The Carnelian Agency helped out the Endorphin boys put out their latest CD called Union of Opposites. Bellingham’s hardcore band Envision has a new record, which is joyous to anyone’s ears. Todos Somos Lee also has a new album coming out in August. I was able to hear some of it, and it sounds flawless! Fanny Alger also is coming out with a new record. IG88 currently has a new album available online called Blackberry Light, and just in case you forgot, the band features Jenni Potts, Mike Harris and Ricky Wilson. Vantage has a second full album coming out. Librarians also have a new album coming out called Lorem Ipsum. Additionally, the band just returned from a trip to Woodstock, NY to record their first full-lenth record which will be at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree.

RAD TIMES

Snug Harbor recently took down the newly painted and beautifully styled Make.Shift van down south for a show. That’s right folks, the van is ready to hit the road! If you’re in a band and need transportation to a show, you can go to Make.Shift’s website and find more information there. It’s pretty easy. The van is parked outside of Make.Shift’s new spot at The JINX space if you would like to go to check it out. Personally, I would love to see this van become part of Bellingham’s one of many visual staples. You know what I mean, those sights where all the Western freshman take pictures by and title the group of photos “Bellingham Adventures: Part 1.”

Speaking of good things, need to say a happy 21st to Carlton Eide. He turned 21 this past month and is now able to join the big kids at shows. Congrats man, you’ve earned it. Carlton is doing a nice job over at The Old Foundry and managing local Western band Lamppost Revival who have a new live album out for all of our ears to listen to. The dude does many things in this town and in Seattle. I’m glad to hear that he had a good birthday.

The Pickford Film Center is having their Official Grand Opening starting on Aug. 12 and going all weekend long. Look out for some local musicians playing their lobby while volunteers and staff give tours and some buskers play before each showing on Friday! More information can be found on the Pickford’s website.

Attention kids who went to Yellingham: remember all of those cameras that you saw everywhere? No, they weren’t undercover police interns BUT friends of Jake Waluconis, a student at Evergreen College who has made a documentary on Yellingham for his schoolwork. The class required him to make a 15-minute film, but he still has all of the footage (he had to buy a new hard drive) and plans to make a full-length film including “special features” showing a song of each band playing. Hopefully we can look forward to a viewing at The Pickford’s new center?

In the ultimate grudge match, two of Bellingham best DJ crews, Wishbone and Blessed Coast will square off on August 18 at Glow in a head to head, winner take all battle where the winner… Well, frankly, I don’t what’s at stake, but this should be a hell of a fun night for fans of Wishbone or Blessed Coast.

Well, I hope you enjoy this issue of What’s Up! Magazine. Thanks Brent for giving me the chance to write this issue’s Le Beat, and thanks to Mark Heimer for creating this month’s cover. Genius. Hi Mom and Dad!

Casey Nolan

EDITORS NOTE

I’d like to thank everyone who came out to the What’s Up! benefit at Glow on July 27. Special thanks go out to DJ Einstein, who organized the whole event and Evan Cooper, the owner of Glow who kept me laughing all night. Many thanks go out to Boris Budd, Luke Warm and the Moderates, Jenni Potts with IG88, Bloodshot with Raw Jawz, Keaton Collective and Polecat for their great performances. We made a nice chunk of money that helped tremendously with our printing bill. AND, thanks to all who came down!

We’d like to also bid fond farewell to Boris Budd, who will be moving on to other projects. Boris has put in some serious time with the magazine and we’re forever grateful. Thanks man!

Brent Cole

Monday nights for music should go one of two ways: be chill and relaxing, or all out energy and hype. The bill for the evening was a combination of both and the few who made it out to the Buffalo were well rewarded with more than just a warm spring evening.

J. Wong has a very classic voice–deep, with a range, and articulate. The Seattle singer/songwriter was backed on Monday night by a collection of musicians from Terrible Buttons. This added a dynamic flow to the otherwise incredibly chill set with new members entering and leaving the stage between songs. J. Wong’s, “In the Orchard,” clearly stood out in the set. His “Forget About Love,” is a classic break-up song, but with a bittersweet moment of universality in the line, “You can have the records, if I can have the couch.”

Bellingham’s own Candysound took the stage next, with their heavy-on-the-reverb pop-punk. The trio have a great stage presence, high energy but personable with the audience. Singer Teo Crider plugged the other bands on the bill, thanked the sound-tech, and provided context to certain songs. The set highlights were “Story,” which showcases Crider’s love for reverb, and the folk-esque “Million,” on which the musicianship of these three shines through. The set ended with more energy and rock than could have been expected for a Monday night.

Terrible Buttons, of Spokane, made it on stage just short of midnight. There were nearly as many people on stage as there were watching. Made up of seven musicians, and a multitude of instruments, their sound is difficult to pin down. After everyone was situated and each instrument sound-checked, the band began their set with a full band harmony. I was reminded slightly of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros–the folkly blend of so many musical voices on stage at once. Vocalists Sarah Berentson’s and Kent Ueland’s voices work well together in a haunting way. Ueland’s bluesy rasp and the jazzy trumpet created a vaudeville-minus-costumes sound on songs such as “Smoke around the Lamps.”

Unfortunately, I felt that the set opened on an uneven note. The sound-check was lengthy not only because of the sheer number of instruments, but because adjustments continued well into the two opening songs. Yes, the goal is to present the audience with your best sound–but when doing so distracts from your music, is a minor adjustment really worth it? Terrible Buttons have an intriguing sound, when they’re not so caught up with exactly what is coming out of their monitors.

Candysound. Photos by Ryan Ohlemeier

My research for this article was listening to all of the Candysound I could get my little hands on. Oh my, to put it the way my Grandma would, what a complete joy that was. Seriously, I mean, what a difficult job! To be forced to sit around listening to some awesome, local, subtle-yet-powerful, and completely easy to listen to indie music? Man, I’ve got a hard life, mhm.

Not only that, but I had the opportunity to speak with the group. Speak! Words! With some totally cool, local, not-at-all-douchey, and totally hilarious guys.

The group has been making music in Bellingham for about five years, two of those in its current form with Jesse Cohen from Anacortes, Tom Fitzgibbon of Sedro-Woolley, and Teo Crider hailing from Burlington. As each member was added to the group, more influences found their way into the band including indie, pop, punk, and folk.

When I sat down with Teo and Tom at the Copper Hog I was almost immediately offered some Hubba Bubba bubblegum tape which told me two things: 1) the name Candysound? totally appropriate, and 2) these guys are probably going to be a pleasant surprise, which, surprise, they were. Down to earth and taking everything in stride, Tom and Teo are genuine and about as fun to talk to as their music is to listen to. They love to joke and smile and were some of the more enthusiastic interview participants I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with.

Everyone in the band is from Washington, but they like Bellingham specifically because it has “such a wide [musical] community; not just to play with but to draw influence from,” Tom said. Teo agreed, nodding, adding, “Some of my best friends make some of my favorite music.”

Tom, Teo and Jesse originally played in three very different bands, which all played the same show at one point. And even though, like all bands, Candysound may not always have a good night–i.e., bad sound guy, under-enthusiastic crowd, bad night musically–they agree that “the good totally outweighs the bad” and that performing in Candysound is their fun “second life” they live on the weekends, along with being a stress reducer.

Candysound has also received some interesting reactions to their name, and not always positive ones, but they just laugh off the stories of muscular men in flannel shirts and Carharts in seedy bars making light of their name. Teo says he was listening to a lot of Jesus and Mary Chain during the naming process, particularly the song “Psychocandy,” which influenced the name. The group was almost Happy Noise, but Candysound was ultimately chosen.

And apparently they have a bit of a hard time naming things, including remembering what the name of their upcoming EP is (they eventually landed on The Amadeus EP). The EP will be available this month, and Tom assured me that Amadeus “isn’t like this self-important, virtuoso thing.” The name actually comes from when the band lived together in a house called the Amadeus house, so named because Tom only had one song with him when they moved in: “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco.

I’m told they all sat around drinking, laughing and listening to the song on repeat their first night in the house, which brings up something important: these guys are friends. They live together, they play together–they’re in that difficult to quantify band relationship (they joke about their upcoming “anniversary” in July) that comes through in their music by way of cohesion and unity. Simply put, they’ve got a good sound and band unity is a big part of being successful in music.

“KUGS has been really good to us,” Teo said of the radio station playing their music and giving live interviews with them. The Amadeus EP will be available at upcoming shows by donation and online with their other three EPs on Facebook, Myspace and Bandcamp. (All of their recorded music is available online, for free.) You can also get your hands on their music by sending them a letter requesting a CD with a self-addressed stamped envelope, an e-mail for the MP3s, smoke signals, telegraphs, Morse code and carrier pigeons. Anyone attempting any of the last four suggestions also gets the candy Tom most associates with Candysound: grape flavored edible underwear, “Because it’s pretty good but it also kind of stinks.” I’m kidding about that last part… or am I? You’ll just have to try it and see for yourself!

But seriously, this group is making genuine, down-to-earth, indie inspired music. Candysound isn’t asking for much, “We just want to play you songs and crash on your floor, and possibly use your stove.”

Catch Candysound June 24 at 8 p.m. at the Cabin Tavern. For more information about the band, visit myspace.com/candysoundmusic/.

What's Up! Magazine Cover - May 2011. Artwork by Jess Hara

Good morning, good morning, hello hello. Welcome to the month of May. I hope everyone is doing well this month and you’re ready to read a little bit on the Bellingham music scene, sliced and diced right into these very pages.

Each month, I like to begin this column with a little on what’s happening on the What’s Up! front.

The What’s Up! Presents at the Pickford Film Center (which is NOT called the Pickford Dream Space, as we stated last month, our apologies) is continuing this month with two very cool films. The first, which runs May 20-21 at 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) is about Jesse Bernstein, in I Am Secretly an Important Man. Having grown up in Seattle during Bernstein’s heyday the 70s and 80s I was well versed in the eccentric ways of the city’s best known beat poet. He played shows with bands like Soundgarden and Nirvana that were manic, disturbing and often brilliant gaining him the attention of such luminaries as Oliver Stone. In October of 1991, Berstein stabbed himself in the throat, ending his life and furthering his legend. The film examines the life and work of fascinating and troubled Bernstein. Next, on May 24, we’ll be presenting a single showing of Howl at 8 p.m.. Staring James Franco, the movie is about Allen Ginsburg and his seminal poem, Howl – another cool film if yer a fan of poetry. Then, June 3-4 at 9 p.m., we’ll be presenting The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry. If yer a fan of reggae, this is a must see but even if you aren’t, it’s a damn good film. Directors Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough delve into the music industry and Lee Scratch Perry’s life within that context. Three great films over a two-week span at the Pickford, you should check ‘em out.

Now onto the music.

BOOKED & HOOKED

Minus the rough start, Yellingham 2011 was a huge success. The police shut down the Contra show (the house address was listed in a different publication), but let all the other ones go off without a hitch. So, next time you want to be a jerk to the police, remember they actually let Yellingham happen when they could’ve worked to shut the whole thing down. Not sure how the Yellingham organizers will top this year’s, it was so big, so cool, it’ll be tough to do while still keeping it underground. Good to see lots of folks out for all-ages shows, as well, hopefully a lot of young people were introduced to new bands. Then they’ll start bands and the scene continues and so on and so forth. It’s how it works.

The Underground Coffeehouse on campus will be hosting a Battle of the Bands on May 11 that’s gonna be interesting. On top of the battle part, which is always interesting, I’ll also be a judge, which makes it REALLY interesting. Winner will be playing a very, very special show at the PAC on May 25, before The Head and the Heart. I believe the deadline for submissions might have passed, but the UCH could very well let a few more folks in for the sake of a good competition.

The UCH also has a Spring CD sampler that ya’ll should check out. It features all the best bands playing at the UCH over the spring quarter and is available at the coffeehouse. Free local music, how can ya beat that?

BEAF (Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival) is making its triumphant return over the first weekend of May. The festival begins on May 5 at 4 p.m. in the American Museum of Radio and Electricity where there will be a lecture and demonstration as well as a Theremin clinic (A THERIMIN CLINIC). If I remember correctly from last year, there were a ton of amazing vintage synthesizers and other electronic equipment for folks to check out on this first afternoon really amazing old stuff. Music is scheduled to begin later that evening at the Western Viking Union open gala and the weekend just takes off from there. Each day and night features a ton of great music as well as lectures about electronic music. Please check out beaf.org if you, ya know, like music.

Blue Horse Gallery continues to be a good place for some local jazz there’s never enough jazz in town, so it’s good they’re around. It’s an all-ages venue so you can bring yer kids if you want introduce them to jazz, they’ll turn out like Sarah Jerns!

DJ Short-wave is putting on an epic Dub Step extravaganza on May 29 at the Majestic on Forest. Ben Samples, Short-Wave, Postal and Dubble Penetration will be spinnin’ while artists as well as live visuals will be shown throughout. If the bass scene is yer thing, this will be a huge, huge show to hit at the end of Memorial Day weekend.

ON THE ROAD

As is the case each month, tons of stuff happening in the Yogoman Burning Band camp. First off, YBB is hitting the West Coast from May 27 through June 6 including a headlining slot at the 35th Annual Summer Arts and Music Festival in Gaberville, California. They’ll also be playing a show on May 6 at Vaudvillingham which is a benefit for Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood and in support of The Bellingham High School Gay-Straight Alliance.

In addition, Jordan Rain and his wife Tina North are performing at the Book Fare Caf , located above Village Books on May 19, and also as Memes on May 2 at the Ridge. OK, so, yeah, that’s cool, right?

THERE’S MORE! Yogoman (and Zach Zinn, aka DJ Platonic) are hosting Drink, Dance, and Domino to domestic and international Soul on Tuesday nights at The Shakedown, and May will bring the return of Yogoman to Boundary Bay. This isn’t just May, anymore, it’s YogoMay (yeah, I said that, I’m awesome).

COMING & GOING

Drummer Andrew Jenkins has a new studio out in Ferndale called Crestview Recording. He’s currently working on a Bears Everywhere EP with Jeff Den Adle, which should be very, very cool.

Teo Crider (Candysound) has teamed up with “Omar” and Katie Rismondo (Party Thighs) for a little pop punk band called Jaguarz. They’re just startin’ up, so WATCH OUT!

Wounded Age have begun working on their debut EP which is slated for release this summer, with their full length to follow in the fall. METAL! YES!

Bobby (bass) and Jeff (guitar) from Full Frontal Assault and the All Nighters and Sean (drums) from The Baltic Cousins, The Russians and Tearamanapart have joined forces to form Devilry. Do I need to say more? Not really, the awesomeness is already there.

Aaron Apple, Casey Nolan, Nick Duncan and Toby Reif have formed Bowl Cut, a band inspired by the hair style. Actually, they’re more inspired by pop punk, but when I think of pop punk, I think of children’s hair styles, so it really works. On a side note, this band has four of the coolest, most genuine people in the music scene today, which makes them one of my favorites without hearing a note.

RECORDS & RELEASES

Anacortes’s own Spoonshine has released a new EP, their first in three years, which was produced by Adam Kasper (who has also produced The Foo Fighters, Seaweed, Cat Power). The band has been playing around the Northwest for years and seems poised to really get some notoriety for their work. Could be a good year for the ol’ Shine.

Hambone Wilson has been a busy, busy dude with two CDs and a DVD coming out this month. The first is a set of railroad inspired songs that he recorded with the legendary Evan Johns (some of which I heard and is really cool) while the second is his own material (but produced by Evan Johns) called Sumthin’ Cookin’. The DVD was filmed at his performance at the Sunbanks R & B festival in 2010. Lots of goods from Wilson, who has been hangin’ tight as of late it’s good to see him out playing a ton of music again. Watch for shows at McKay’s and the Cabin Tavern this month as well as a CD release at the Roadside Tavern in Deming on May 13.

Barnum Jack have changed their name to Pretty Little Feet and will be releasing their release on June 3 at Boundary Bay with The Librarians, Squirrel Butter and guests. The album was recorded by Tim Brown at Actual Air Studio.

Candysound is very, very close to finishing up their latest EP and will be playing some shows (including one at KUGS at the end of the month). Ya know I’m a huge fan of Candysound, have been for years now, so I’m really excited for the new goods. Great band.

After tons of hard work and labor, the new Snug Harbor album is finally ready to hit the streets with their CD release being held at the Wild Buffalo on May 5. I sincerely hope the band takes their new goods and hits the road for a few weeks, comes home, then hits the road again (ala Yogoman Burning Band). In the mean time, check ‘em out in town. See the feature on them on page 20.

Continental Records has geared up for a busy 2011 with new releases by The Beechwoods and The Volcanics as well as a new magazine (#18) with a CD full of surf/rock goodies. Sean Berry, owner of Continental Records, has been putting out surf/rock goods for years, usually under the radar in Bellingham, but he’s well known in the surf community around the world. I dig that about this area, you can be a sneaky superstar.

Shit Machines’s CD release party is slated for May 13 at The Shakedown and will also include Zorbatron and the Party Thighs. I’ve listened to some of the Shit Machine disc and I really dig it, so come and buy a copy at the show!

That’s about it for this month. As always, check us out on Facebook for regular updates and show picks, and our website for web-only stories.

Have a happy month of May, enjoy all the happenings. And Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful moms out there!

Hugs and kisses, Brent

editor@whatsup-magazine.com