Cumulus’s 10-track debut CD features the songs of Alex Niedzialkowski, a DIY singer/songwriter. Comprised almost solely of Alex on guitar and vocals, she takes the singer/songwriter vibe and adds a twist of sweet DIY sound raw, but beautiful, soft and sweet.

“Do You Remember?” was my favorite track, a beautiful and sweet remembrance of times gone by. With the chorus, “do you remember, when young meant, invincible, invincible,” Alex harkens back to a time, at the cusp of high school and into college where you feel the rush of life as it happens. She perfectly captures that feeling, allowing the listener drift back to a time we’ve all experienced.

The drawback of the album lies within the recording itself it’s obviously a home recording and Alex could’ve benefitted from being in a good studio where they could add a depth to the sound of her vocals and guitar.

Overall, though, it’s a wonderful disc from Alex who released it as she was leaving Bellingham for the bright lights and big city of Seattle.

Self-Released
myspace.com/cumulusalex

Ladyfest Bellingham 2010

Ladyfest Bellingham

Ladyfest Bellingham

Ladyfest Bellingham

Ladyfest is a festival of music, art and ideas that aims to empower and celebrate female creativity. This will be the second annual community based Bellingham Ladyfest and is scheduled to take place June 17-20.

Recently, some of the coordinators have dealt with criticism due to misperceptions of the event as being separatist or even anti-male. “That’s the biggest problem we face,” said Katie Rismondo, member of the Ladyfest Bellingham planning committee. “[Ladyfest] is not about men at all, it’s about the women in our community. Some believe it’s about tearing them down somehow, but that’s not what we want to do.”

The festival is an inclusive, all-ages event that encourages women and people who identify as women to share their artistic pursuits in the hopes of partially negating their underrepresentation in the arts. Men are not discouraged from getting involved–but women are the festival’s priority, according to Amy Gibson, member of the Ladyfest Bellingham planning committee. “Ladyfest is not anti-male, Ladyfest is pro-female,” Gibson said.

The first ever Ladyfest began in 2000 when female music acts Sleater-Kinney, Cat Power, Sarah Dougher and Neko Case and author Teresa Carmody founded the event in Olympia, Wash. Since then, the festival has expanded and has been independently structured in urban areas around the world such as Amsterdam, Belgium, Chicago, Dublin, Madrid and Los Angeles.

Gibson believes Ladyfest has been an explosive, global phenomenon because it’s an inspiring, safe space for women to pursue their interests. Until working on Ladyfest, she did not consider herself the event-organizing type. By acting as a volunteer coordinator for Ladyfest, Gibson’s opinion of herself has evolved. “Now I can’t stop thinking about Ladyfest,” she said.

Ladyfest Bellingham became a local fixture after 8 to 10 women came together in 2008 via other outlets to converse about some serious concerns in the local music community, according to Jessyca Murphy, member of the Ladyfest Bellingham planning committee.

These women discussed the community’s deep need for heightened gender-issue consciousness and a means to empower artistic ladies in spite of sexism. Furthermore, the women wanted to drum up allies and a supportive network for several women in Bellingham’s music scene who were sexually assaulted.

“Ladyfest is one of the things that sort of spawned off those conversations,” Murphy said. “It’s a space for women to create and recharge their batteries.”

In addition, the all-female, performance art group “Post Post Fuck Fuck” emerged out of the issue-oriented discourse responsible for Ladyfest Bellingham, Murphy said. The noise outfit formed to promote women being rowdy and abrasive in the wake of the violence.

“It came out of people needing to scream and having the confidence to do so,” Murphy said.”

After last year’s Ladyfest, Gibson said she believes local female bands such as Femme Uke, Party Thighs and Glad Judy were inspired to officially form bands. Murphy and Rismondo are members of Party Thighs.

Ladyfest Bellingham 2010 will include visual art pieces, films, performance projects, skill share workshops, and academic and nonacademic papers. The coordinators have also ensured that novice submissions do not get turned away. “We really like beginning art,” Rismondo said. “We are not about to judge it based on ability. We include whatever we have room for.”

The Ladyfest Bellingham team has also extended an open invite to transfolks, queers, grandmas, gender nonconformists and allies, according to their website.

The planning committee has been meeting at least once a week for the last five or six months to craft the four-day event. The coordinators obtained funding through various means such as bake sales, concerts, poetry readings, a 2009 compilation release, merchandise sales, shared resources and a few donations.

The festival will commence at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 with a potluck dinner and a concert, which will include performances by Cumulus, Mega Bog, Jaen Black and perhaps even Kimya Dawson, Gibson said. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 18-20, the festival will start in the mornings with breakfast events that begin at 11 a.m. each day.

At the breakfast events on June 18 and 19, participants can view music performances and gallery exhibitions and take part in workshops, Glass said. The breakfast location on June 18 will be announced in the near future and breakfast on June 19 will take place at the Hoot House. Breakfast on June 20 will be held at the Opium Den and it will feature an open mic set-up for anyone who wants to share their talents with the group.

In the afternoons on June 18-20, more workshops, presentations and film showings will transpire. In particular– at 1 p.m. on June 19 at Caf Bloom, there will be a film screening and the following day at 1 p.m. there will be a musical performance.

Additionally, at 6 p.m. on June 18 at Maritime Heritage Park, Ladyfest Bellingham will host the bands Rhombus, Milk Party, Night Rain, Council of Lions and the Moandiggers.

But that’s not all in terms of bands performing at Ladyfest so far. At 10 p.m. on June 18 at the Cabin Tavern, Party Thighs, Romanteek, Mini Rex and Redwood Plan will perform followed by Elissa ball, TacocaT and Margy Pepper at 10 p.m. on June 19 at the Cabin Tavern, Glass said. At 6 p.m. on June 20 at the Honeymoon, there will be a Ladyfest debriefing so participants can offer constructive criticism and reflect on the weekend’s topics. The festival will conclude at 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 20 with an erotic show at the Jinx Art Space.

The planning committee is still in the process of confirming performances, locations and other specifics that will be made available in the near future on the festival’s Web site, Gibson said.

For more information about Ladyfest Bellingham, including upcoming schedule information, visit Ladyfestbham.org.

What's Up! Cover - June 2010. Artwork by George Jartos

Well, hello there friends, welcome to le Beat. Lots of happenings this month.

I always like to start each month off with a little bit of magazine news, but this month, I don’t think we’ve got any! We do have our new t-shirts available, so head on down and please buy one from either Merch Bot, Everyday Music or Black Market Boutique we’ve got two different designs and they’ll both make you look sexier. Not just sort of sexier, but “oh my God, yer hot,” kinda sexy. Besides that, we’re just kinda humming along here.

Oh wait, before I forget, yer gonna love this month’s pin up it’s a first in What’s Up! history. Posing are two contributing writers the lovely and wonderful Haylee Nighbert and Tabitha Englebright get ready for summer games while enjoying some time with What’s Up!. It turned out fantastic thanks you two!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Go Slowpoke and Four Players are both releasing new EPs at their show at Jinx on June 4, then they’re heading out on a tour together which will take down through California (dates are still being confirmed). From what Peter of Go Slowpoke says, he and Anna will then take off for a couple month tour of the U.S. while Four Players will head back this way.

The show, which also includes Girl Group, will include a slideshow of photographs of the late and great Gunther Jose Frank – the show’s date of June 5 marks the year anniversary Gunther and Donnkie went missing in a tragic boating accident. Michelle from Jinx wanted to make it clear, the event isn’t a memorial, but a tribute to a friend we all lost and have mourned over the last year. I miss Gunther, and I barely knew him his loss (as well as well as Donnkie’s, obviously), was beyond tragic and something we’ll never forget.

For anyone who wants a copy of the show, a free download of the memorial slideshow will available soon at jinxartspace.com.

Another band releasing a CD is Rhombus, who should have it out some time this month. You can find out more info about the band on page 6 of this issues, as well as details on how to get the goods. I haven’t had a chance to give it a spin, but if Cat Sieh’s in the band and Chris Vita is behind the board, it’s gotta be damn good and entertaining.

Hey, ya know what’s cool? Bands releasing CDs so we’ve got another one! The Keaton Collective are shooting to release their latest CD in “June-ish,” but no official word yet. From what I’ve heard, though, the album will focus more on the roots side of the band with a special guest appearance by Cara Alboucq. Stay tuned.

Wow check it out, ANOTHER PERSON RELEASING A DISC! I’m in CD heaven! Damon Dmitri Jones is holding his CD release party at Bloom on June 5 at 6 p.m. Bloom is cool, Damon is great, what the hell are you waiting for?

Thought that was it? NOPE! “Mad” Max Keys (ex-Yes We Are) has just released his debut CD. The recording, which was done on his computer, was put together as part of his senior project with the proceeds of the recording going towards relief efforts in Haiti.

I think I mentioned this last month, but Tyler Clarke (ex-Hedonists) has released a new CD which is absolutely fantastic. Look for it in stores near you and a story on Tyler in July. SCOTS UNITE!

Stephen Ray Leslie and the Crooked Mile have begun work on their latest EP. No word on when it’ll be done or released, but getting into the studio is always a good thing.

COMINGS & GOINGS

In previously mentioning Girl Group, there is a new band that features Nora Hughes and Zack Zinn. They’re new, so I don’t know much about ‘em, but I know I love that name.

Cara Alboucq has a new band The A Priori Project I don’t have any details about it, this is brand new news as of press time! So, there ya go the new hot news!

Cozy Kitchen have called it a day. I kinda liked that band and was looking forward to their new record, so their demise kinda sucks.

In a bit of sad news, especially for the fine music fans of Bellingham, Cumulus is leaving at the beginning of July for the big city. I’m not sure the reasoning behind Alex’s departure (I assume they are sound), but as Alex is one of my very favorite people in town, I’m personally bummed out about her leaving and hope that she has a change of heart in June. But, then again, this is a college town and that’s part of the way things work. Alex, you’ve been a wonderful person to work with through the magazine, take care of yourself my friend!

BOOKED & HOOKED

This year’s Urban Music Festival looks to be the best yet! The first show, held on Friday, June 4, will include sets by GEO of the Blue Scholars, James Pants, Vaughn Kreestoe and DJ Booger. The following day, Empty Space Orchestra, The Endorfins, Unami, Polecat and The Tea Seas Quintet as well a members of the Dream Science Circus and Bellingham Circus Guild will be performing in the alley next to the Buffalo from noon to 8 p.m. for FREE. At night, also at the Buffalo, check out Acorn Project, Snug Harbor, Alpaca, Dubble Penetration, as well as the Blessed Coast DJs. This, my friends, is a huge, huge weekend of music. Get there.

One of my favorite non local bands, Dawes, is playing June 26 at the Plan B Saloon. For those who know Dawes, this is great news and for those who don’t, get down there to find out why they are opening up for Elliott Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s and playing Lollapalooza.

If yer in the mood for some hip-hop and heading out to the islands, there will be a festival June 19 on Orcas Island at the Oddfellows Hall. Live performances from Bloodshot, The Productionists, My Dad Bruce, The Knowgooders, 206 Zulu, Johnny Concrete, Designated Hitters, and Western Goodz along with BBQ, breakdancing, and beat-boxing. Seems like a damn good reason to get to Orcas.

GOOD TIMES

In Trailer Wars news, What’s Up! would like to congratulate KMDB Films for their ridiculously hilarious “Shower Guy: Shampooin’, an “awkwardly erotic tale of cleanliness.” You can find the winning video on YouTube and I’ll promise ya, you’ll be entertained and slightly concerned it’s f***in’ hilarious.

Next month’s category (which was picked by KMDB) is Biographies aka Biopic. If you’d like to find out more, you can contact the fine folks at http://myspace.com/trailerwars.

On the art scene, check out Chase Boston’s work over at the Lucia Douglas Gallery in Fairhaven. The show’s opening is on June 4 and the work, titled “An Ocean of Bones,” runs through the 7th.

Last month, we included a story about the Appliance Art Revival show coming up on June 4 at the Chuckanut Brewery. What we failed to mention was possibly the coolest aspect of the whole event the Appliance Races. What is it? Crazy appliances being raced down Holly Street prior to the event. There’s only one word that can describe this: glorious. Get there.

Becca and I would like to thank everyone that braved the cold on May 29 to attend the launch party for our new magazine, Grow Northwest. Those who could make it had a great time and got to listen to some wonderful music from Thimble vs. Needle and the Librarians both bands were incredible (thank you for performing!). You also got to see a glimpse into the future as our son Harrison realized how much he loved being on stage even at times when he wasn’t exactly supposed to be up there. If you haven’t had a chance, grab a copy of Grow Northwest (www.grownorthwest.com), full of info and resources about local food, farming, gardening, cooking, adventures and more. We think you’ll dig it.

Finally, I had an epiphany a month or so ago that I wanted to tell you about. I was on my way down to Seattle listening to the new Holy Tailfeathers record for the umpteenth time, when it hit me in the 12 years since starting the magazine, even 18 years I’ve lived in town and absorbed the local music scene, I’ve never loved a local record as much as I love the Tailfeathers’ offering. From the first track to the last, it’s nothing but rock ‘n’ roll goodness the songs are simple rock bursts and LP’s vocals are ridiculously cool… It’s disappointing to no end that they aren’t the biggest and best band in town I love ‘em like no other and I sincerely hope you, the reader, listen to ‘em too. If you’ve read this magazine for any length of time, you know that I love local music, but I’ve never declared my love for a band over no other that’s how important and how much I love this band.

Ok, ya’ll, have a great June hope the weather turns around for us all, ‘cuz the current weather just sucks.

–Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

Boy do I love me a good comp and this my people is a really good comp. Oh, and it’s FREE via the website or the really cool printed physical copies.

Along with tracks by already-familiar local acts Pan Pan, The Femme Uke, A Cozy Kitchen, and Cumulus, Avocado Sampler features musicians who were totally new to me and offered my favorite bites: The Magician & the Gates of Love; Catcher; Mike Pruess; Guy Law; Cora Anne Glass. Also, how have I not heard BC’s Apollo Ghosts until now? Something’s wrong, I tell ya.

Avacado Family Records
avacadofamilyrecords.blogspot.com

What's Up! Magazine Cover - April 2010 by Jessika Gilbert

As always, we like to talk about a little What’s Up! news before we move onto the big and bad local music scene. This month… we don’t have much to talk about, it’s pretty cool! The big news item is that the shirts are on the way we’ve got ‘em being made by Seatthole and INNATE, with a version of What’s Up! is for Lovers as well as the Play Anything shirt with John Cusack. We also have What’s Up! is for Lovers stickers if you want to grab one they’re sexy.

In “sort of” What’s Up! news, Becca and I are starting up another publication in May! Grow Northwest (which will be our third pub after What’s Up! and the Foothills Gazette) will be a bi-monthly magazine all about local food and farms, as well as DIY projects, cooking, gardening, locavore adventures, crafts, sustainable living, interviews, a photo section and much more. Initially, the general focus will be on Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties, but eventually cover Snohomish, Island and King Counties and lower B.C. (we’re working with the loose idea of a 100-mile range being our coverage area). If it’s grown or made in the Northwest, we’ll be covering it!

Our Grow Northwest launch party will be at Boundary Bay on Saturday, May 29, after the Farmer’s Market and before the Kinski show (also Ski to Sea Weekend). Also, please stop by and check out our Grow Northwest table at the Earth Day Fair at Boundary Bay on Thursday, April 22. In the meantime, you can check out our press release in the Bellingham Business Journal and Bellingham Herald. Those of you wanting to follow us on Facebook, check out our Grow Northwest Magazine fan page. We’re also looking for magazine contributors, so if this is up your alley, please e-mail us at info@grownorthwest.com.

I’d like to welcome and thank a few new advertisers this month Snug Harbor, who recently sold out the Wild Buffalo, have come on board along with the Conway Muse, Cabin Tavern, El Capitan, Vaughn Kreestoe and After Midnight Photography. I’d like to personally thank you all for your support of the paper and it’s our pleasure to tell folks about how awesome you are. The magazine doesn’t run on well wishes, it takes money to keep it going and these folks are all supporting the magazine while also receiving the benefits of advertising. If you’d like to get the benefits and support the mag, please give us a ring at 599-3320 or shoot me an e-mail at brent@whatsup-magazine.com.

And lastly, before, we get into the music end of things, want to congratulate some friends on receiving local awards. I love a lot of folks (ya know me, all love… heh), but wanted to make a quick mention of my love for James Hardesty and the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. James is especially amazing and so is his bar. Hardesty, along with Jinx owners Michelle Schutte and Django Bohren (also of Merch Bot – aka Merch HOT and Seatthole) are respective recipients of the Mayor’s Arts Awards this year for music and art. In addition, Bob Ridgley (and Terri Krantz) won in the film category! Congrats to ya’ll!

BOOKED & HOOKED

DJ Holland (big sexy Josh Holland) is making his triumphant return to the DJ scene every Tuesday in April at the Plan B. All 90′s, every Tuesday.

Vaughn Kreestoe are celebrating their two year anniversary with a show on April *** at the Wild Buffalo. The boys have also finished two songs on their demo and are close to releasing a live DVD. Busy, busy boys!

There’s a new-ish venue in Conway called the Conway Muse that is amazingly cool. Housed in a barn, the venue is all ages, but beer and wine are available and it seats 150 with perfect sight lines. It’s a very organic feeling place and with that, the bands are like those that you’d find at the Acoustic Tavern very cool. They’ll also be hosting all age shows geared towards a younger crowd in the near future. Check it out!

Kristi Nelson and Biagio Biondolillo have secured a steady gig at Archer’s Alehouse, where they’ll be playing every 2nd, 4th and occasional 5th Wednesdays. Kristi, Biagio, Shawnee Kilgore and a few others have been taking over the local singer/songwriter scene with regular shows at Bloom, Archer’s and Honeymoon. I dig it, ‘cuz they’re pretty damn good songwriters!

Adam Bates, Rob Stauffer, Russell Jander and Bobby Morgan have teamed up for a new band, tentatively called Rob Stauffer and his Fine Friends. They’ll be playing on April 21 at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. That, my friends, is a supa-group.

The Urban Music Festival is on again this year, June 4-5 at the Wild Buffalo. There will be two stages, with free all-ages music in the alley in coordination with Downtown Sounds both days, then two stages rolling for 21+ from 9 p.m. on. The details are still being worked out, but I’m sure Acorn Project will be the featured act of the night.

Couple cool shows happening this month that should be checked out… well, there’s a whole ton of great shows, but these are a few we wanted to make sure you knew about… Little Dragon, VV Brown and Cara Alboucq are playing at the Wild Buffalo on April 11. We all known Cara is awesome (read about her on page 6), but VV Brown and Little Dragon are coming a long way to play in town. VV Brown is a soul singer like no other and Little Dragon are just straight fantastic and interesting electronic soul. This is going to be one of the best shows this town has ever, ever seen.

Another show to check out is the Atomic Burlesque, which is happening at the Mount Baker Theater on April 10. Burlesque with a kitschy space 50′s theme it doesn’t get any better than that!

Finally, the Wailin Jennys, who are an amazing trio of singer/songwriters will be playing a show down at the Lincoln Theater in Mount Vernon, also on April 10. The band is ridiculously good and so is the venue.

ON THE ROAD

Yogoman Burning Band is heading out on tour AGAIN seems like a recurring theme. I should probably stop writing about it and just talk about the band when they aren’t on the road. The tour kicks off with a funky show at Bloom on April 3 which features not only sets by the band, Half Bees and the Endorphins, but speaking engagement by Joshua Ploeg who was the former frontman of Behead the Prophet No Lord Shall Live (Yogoman/Jordan Rain was the drummer). Ploeg is a vegan chef and he’ll be discussing his first cookbook, “Microcosm’s: Post-Punk Extravaganza West Coast Tour.” Yogoman Family Fun Band plays from 3-5 p.m., then Ploeg speaks from 5:30-8 p.m. and Yogoman Burning Band, The Endorphins and Half Bees close out the night (18+). The cost is $3 per child, $10 general, and $20 per family.

Four Players and Go Slowpoke are heading out on tour in June. It’s still early in the works, but should be cool for the bands to get out and go on a little working vacation.

Femme Uke just returned from a nice little jaunt down the West Coast with the Hot Mess Shit Show, read about it in Tales from the Road. Ya know how much I love this band, so I’m excited to see they hit the road.

For next month’s Tales, one of the two bands will be the Heligoats (which we’ll also have a CD review of). Great, great local band that just got back from a tour that had them playing 34 shows in 38 days while driving over 10,000 miles. THAT, my friends, is a tour!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Sons of the Widow James spent some quality time at Binary this month, finally putting the goods to tape (or computer). No word yet on the release, but I figure any time these guys aren’t on the streets, Jay Irwin isn’t terrorizing the fine, fine community of Bellingham. Aaaah, Jay Irwin, damn I love that dude one of my very, very favorite musicians and people in Bellingham. I love to joke about Jay, but he’s truly a great person and someone I’m glad I’ve known all these years.

Acorn Project is releasing a live CD on May 1 from their set at the Flowmotion Meltdown last year. After that, they’ll head out on tour, hitting the West Coast as well as Colorado and Montana (and I’m guessing spots in between as the tour schedule gets filled out).

Hailing from Camano Island, Cat From Hue has been making some waves from Island County (actually, one of the members lives in town, and the band plans on moving up soon). The local paper has been great to ‘em, deservedly so as they just put out a great EP and the band is picking up cool shows all over the Northwest. Hopefully, they’ll be playing more in Bellingham in the upcoming months.

Ex-local and current Seattlite, Chris Orlowski is having a release party for his latest CD on April 10 at Plan B. The first single “Your Move,” is actually about Bellingham and features Chris’s sister who still lives in town. Cool!

Polecat have been playing regularly on Monday at Boundary Bay playing their Appalachian stomp to bigger and bigger crowds. Featuring Aaron Guest (Vantage), Jeremy Elliot (Vaughn Kreestoe), Cayley Schmid (Giant’s Causeway), Carl Olson (Umami), and Richard Reeves. The quartet will be releasing an EP “soon” and heading out on a short tour this June.

Tyler Clarke, formerly of the Heodonists, is releasing his debut solo album in June, titled Tyler Clarke and the Tea Seas Big Band. Kat Bula, Joel Ricci, Keith Judelman, Mars, Wes Davis, Evan Bridges, Thomas Deakin, David Ney, John Meloy, Dave Payne, and Jake Evans have all pitched in on the recording, which was done at Sleng Teng Studios by Pat Gaye and mastered at Bayside by Paul Turpin. Tyler (who went to the same high school as myself, Jordan Rain and Sam Top) was cool enough to send me a few tracks and it’s very, very good. Good, “rollin’ country,” stuff to put on when you hit the road… or something to go see in a bar. Love the country scene making a comeback in Bellingham.

Kosh, one of Bellingham’s newer hip hop acts, is working on his debut release, which would be out in either May or June. In the mean time, you can check out his video, which was filmed in the mighty streets of Bellingham. Check it out, on YouTube, just type in Kosh and Bellingham.

Cumulus is FINALLY releasing their (her) debut CD. Me being a huge fan of Alex’s, this makes me happy. When you pick it up, you will be too.

The Keaton Collective have been working on their latest release, which features a move away from the rock-oriented songs and more towards the acoustic side of things. Cara Alboucq spent some time with the boys during the recording process, which just raises the level of awesome.

No-Fi Soul Rebellion had a piece of their song “Brother Lupine,” played on “The Real World” last month. Though it wasn’t nearly loud enough, the song was played while one guy was hitting on another’s mom. About as cool as it gets, really.

Idiot Pilot has a new song out, which you can find on their website. “The Tail of a Jet Black Swan” is what you’d expect from the boys really, really effin’ good. Check it out! They just got back from a little tour down to Austin and back, which you can read about in this month’s Tales From the Road.

REGRETTABLY

Last month we made a few errors and we’d like to apologize to Bandito’s Burritos owner Kristi Christianson for not including her name under the photo and Juice it for not including their ad. Plus Brian Fannin is not the frontman of Monkeywrench, Bryan Steiner is. Brian is the bass player.

In sad business news, Bijoux is closing on May 31. I love these folks and wish they were sticking around but it’s time to move on. Please go visit the shop, buy some goods and say goodbye to Shelly. Thanks for all the support with the mag and good luck with your next adventure!

With le Beat coming to a close, I wanted to mention a passing that I just found out about this month. Erik from Rumors passed way last winter after battling serious health problems for several months. Erik was a supporter of the magazine early on and just an all around amazing Bellingham nightlife kingpin. I didn’t get to see Erik as often as I used to when I was always out, but every time I got to talk to him, it was a treat. He was a good, good man and will be missed. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family at Rumors, and Erik’s friends and family.

I hate ending on a sad note, so I’ll just tell you the exciting news on the Cole family homefront… we’re buying our son, Harrison, a drum kit this month! He got to play a real drum kit (not a baby one!) at a friend’s BBQ last month and went nuts for it. Incidentally, Harrison’s new favorite band is Sugar Sugar Sugar he just loves the song “Something Like U.” We’re hoping Lupe will teach him how to rock the way she does!

Go have some fun, kiddos! Lots of good stuff this month. Viva la Bellingham!

–Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

March 2010 Cover

Well, it’s never dull in little Bellingham, is it?

Before I get to the best and the worst of this month, I’d like to proudly announce that it’s our 12th birthday! What’s Up! has turned 12 one more year and we’ll be a teenager. We’re ready to rock. As I’ve stated many, many times, we didn’t start the magazine with any type of business plan or long range ideas my friends and I just wanted to be able to talk about the great bands playing in town and those coming through town. It was as simple as that. Never in a million years could I have imagined working on the magazine 12 years later.

Before we dive head first into all the music news you can use (hmmmm), I’d like to clarify something and apologize for something else.

First the clarification. People have often asked what we consider a “local band.” For our magazine’s coverage, a local band is one in which the members reside in the area, or at least have one band member living here. So, in short, you are a local band as long as one member lives here. With that, bands such as Death Cab for Cuties, Hell’s Belles and Black Breath are all considered local bands. But, once ya’ll are out of town, then that’s it no more le Beat love or CD reviews. Of course, if you are coming through town, that’s a different story but if you are gone, you are gone and if one of you is here, then you’re are here.

And with that, Hell’s Belles is our pin up this month. So cool.

Next, I’d like to apologize for something that was written in the Leatherhorn article that was published last month. The line “people make music, men make movements” offended some who took it that we thought women don’t make movements. Of course women make movements! In hindsight, we can see how it could be construed as such. When we originally read the article, we didn’t take it that way. We apologize if we offended anyone.

We’d also like to apologize to Julia Clifford, who is working with Bob Ridgley on the “Faces of Change” documentary. We misspelled her last name. Sorry Julia!

We’ve been threatening to do weekly le beat updates and there is a better than average chance it’ll happen this month. Check the website early in the week to see if it happens. Also, we’ll be bringing back the compilation this month it’s free and there will be a ton of local music! Check it out. Look for more shirts from us in the upcoming month as well we’ll update Facebook when they officially hit the streets.

We’re also adding bands to the band database, so if you’d like to be included, e-mail Hallie Anderson at hallie@whatsup-magazine.com. She’s getting it all dialed in!

Finally, in related news, my wife Becca and I will be launching another publication this spring called Grow Northwest. The first issue will be out in May, and it will focus on local food, farms, DIY projects, healthy and sustainable living, cooking and much more all in the Northwest. We’ll be serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties, and beyond. Will be good, good stuff! Our website at GrowNorthwest.com is in the works, and we have our Facebook fan page up for those interested in becoming a fan and following our progress.

As most of you already know, the Nightlight has shut its doors. I’m not going to get into behind the scenes details, but they were shut down due to unpaid taxes. A lot of blame is going to go around, but I feel for the people who have lost their jobs folks who worked their asses off to bring great bands to town. Hunter Motto worked tirelessly to bring incredible, incredible bands to Bellingham he’s now out of work and shouldn’t be. He should know his work is appreciated. I know there are a few groups already vying for the Nightlight space and if one of those groups doesn’t work out, I wouldn’t be surprised if another venue actually opens up. Hunter, Gavin the bar manager, Aaron Roeder, Flann and many of the other folks who worked there are now out of a job, so if you see ‘em, go buy ‘em a drink or a sandwich, and give ‘em a hug.

Now is usually the time when all the panic sets in: “Oh no! The music scene is crumbling!” or “The Bellingham music scene is falling apart.” Calm down, friends, all is going to be OK. The scene does this and unfortunately, this has happened more often lately than we’d like but things always bounce back. The scene ALWAYS bounces back. And, for some of you, it doesn’t matter, ‘cuz you’ll be moving out of town in a couple years anyhow. That’s always my favorite people freaking out about the music scene, then a year out of college, they’ve moved to either Seattle or Portland. Those who’ve been here awhile, like I have, know that these things happen but live music and the love of local music is alive and well in town. The venues come and go, but not the love of local music.

For all of those who believe the music scene is going downhill… Currently, we have several places offering music, a few of them being full-time music venues: Plan B, Wild Buffalo and Acoustic Tavern. In March of 2005, there were three operating full-time: the 3B Tavern and the Nightlight, as well as the Wild Buffalo, which was at the time geared more towards an older crowd. In March of 2000, there were two full-time venues: the 3B Tavern and Papa John’s Pub. Even with the Nightlight closing, it’s better than it usually is in town. We have folks working very hard to make this a great town the owners of these local clubs, as well as establishments like Boundary Bay, the Cabin Tavern, Temple Bar, Jinx, WhAAM, Honeymoon and many others. If you think the town’s live music scene is going downhill, you’re just plain not paying attention. Venues come and go. But what’s always here? What’s Up! Magazine! And, as long as we’re here, as long as we’re surviving, things can’t be too bad, right? So stop panicking folks, because when one door closes another one usually opens. Now onto the music.

BOOKED & HOOKED

On Saturday, March 6, Candysound will be in the finals of Sound Off!, down at EMP. According to Teo, it’s the biggest venue the band has ever played by far. I’m guessing if they play anything like they did in the semi-finals, they’ll kill it. You can find some of their semi-finals set on YouTube and it’s pretty amazing. Candysound just gets better and better – good going boys. Good luck!

The Wild Buffalo will be hosting a benefit on March 7 with Austin Jenkes and Seattle band Bekker for a benefit to support cancer research. Midlake will be up at the Plan B, but be sure to pop down for some good music at the Wild Buffalo as well.

Kevin and Spencer, both of Quaaluude County Country Band are making their country return, playing every Tuesday starting March 16 at the Plan B. Starting to feel like home again on State Street.

Cabin Tavern is slowly turning into the town’s smaller version of the 3B. And, if you know me, you know that makes me giddy inside. Check out this month’s calendar for all their shows at least one a weekend but a couple have two.

One of my very, very favorite artists, Michael Costello, has two shows happening this month. The first, at Tivoloi, is The Dylan Suite, which will run March through June. The collection was inspired by photographs of Bob Dylan’s hands taken in the 1960′s. Opening reception is on Monday, March 8 from 6-9 p.m. The second, at Casa Que Pasa, is Irish Music and Mythology, which will also run March through June. Michael is a world-class artist, check out the works!

Whatcom Community College’s art club is having a student art show on March 5 and 6 in room Syre 107-108 on campus. The event is being held by the Whatcom Art Awareness Community check it out!

COMINGS & GOINGS

Mike Preuss of the Growers left town several months ago and, frankly, I wasn’t sure we were gonna see the ole boy again. Well, Mike took off to California and recorded an album, using only solar powered gear in his van just him, his thoughts and some cool instruments. The album, Big Sur, is pretty remarkable very interesting, yet strong. He’ll be officially back in April and have his CD release party at the Wild Buffalo. Look for a story next month.

Steve Leslie, the man behind the voice of Chuckanut Drive has decided to go it alone, leaving the band to form his own solo project, Steve Leslie and the Crooked Mile. The sound will be similar to Chuckanut Drive, though more of a focus on Leslie. He’s already started playing, check out his show this month at the Acoustic Tavern on March 13. The big news, though, is Leslie and crew will be playing the Birds on a Wire folk festival at Pullman this summer. Other notable acts include Justin Townes Earle, Damien Jurado, Joe Pug, and Rocky Votolato.

Idiot Pilot is heading to SxSW, glad those guys are getting things moving again. (Kristin Allen-Zito and Pan Pan are on the standby list.) Would be cool if there was a nice representation of local folks at “south by,” which is what the hipsters like to call it.

One of my very, very favorite bands, Femme Uke, is heading out on tour this month. It’s kind of like a spring break of awesomeness. Their tour kick off is at the Cabin Tavern on March 17 with Council of Lions, Cumulus and Team Val. You’ll be able to find out all the good times in the next issue’s Tales From the Road.

(Speaking of Tales we’ll be having two Tales From the Road the next couple of months because so many folks are out on tour. It’s amazing and makes me very, very happy.)

There are a few new bands in the works who we’ve gotta mention. The first is Rhombus, who has already gained a nice following. The band features Cat Sieh, Audra Robson, Meg Coulter, Nicole Zapel and Tyson Mink and has a pretty wild live show.

Other bands of note include: Locker Beef, which includes Chris Mak and Brannden Francisco of 10 Killing Hands. (Chris just got an internship at KEXP.) Celebra includes Andrew Nickerson and Tim Tucker of Crossfox, and My Dad Bruce features Julian Friedman and Chris Willis from Somebody Cares along with the help of Kevin Kreestoe and Michael Harris. There’s also rumors of an all male Riot Grrrrl cover band watch for that.

Michael Harris has been officially added to the mighty Vaughn Kreestoe line up and with that, the band is about to release a live DVD that was filmed by Nate Ward of AnchorLight Productions. I’ve seen clips and it’s amazing Michael’s vocals add an extraordinary element to the music.

Rock Box Studios, a practice space for bands, is in its final stages and will hopefully be up and running in the next couple of months. For more information, check ‘em out on Facebook they’re looking for bands to fill out the space!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Acorn Project is in the studio working on a new disc that will hopefully be hitting the streets this fall. Will Glazier from Snug Harbor lent a hand on some tracks and came out of the studio blown away by the band’s recording, claiming they’ll win the best album this year. That’s saying something.

Black Breath’s new album, out on Southern Lord, will be officially released on March 30. Me, being a hipster industry ass, got an advanced copy and it is EPIC. Totally brutal (in a good way) and by far the best they’ve ever sounded. Simply amazing.

No-Fi Soul Rebellion have started giving some of their music away for free get it while the gettins’ good at http://nofisoulrebellion.bandcamp.com.

I wish I had the new Sugar album and was listening to it right now. Hope they’re having fun on the road!

Sisturn Moth has been in the studio, laying doing preliminary tracks for their latest recording. It’ll be the first with Henry Miller on drums (me being a fan of Henry’s, I’m stoked).

After a slower 2009, Double Crown Records is gearing up for a busy 2010. Sean, the owner and a long time local, is especially excited about adding the Barwires to the label’s roster they’re out of Sweden and a personal favorite of Sean’s. Watch for a potential Bellingham date this summer. Plus new releases from the label.

If you are in a local band, send a disc to KUGS, so they can play it on the radio. Sam Parker has a locals’ show, Around the Corner, which airs Wednesdays from 8-10 p.m. You can send discs to: 700 Viking Union MS 9106, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 9225.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This month, we’ve added a few new advertisers we’re really excited about: Bandito’s Burritos, who are now open late for your hunger needs; Noisy Neighbors, a music shop in Lynden where my buddy Eli Zeibell got his first guitar with great service from Henry of Sisturn Moth; The Wailin’ Jennys, who’ve got a show next month at the Lincoln Theater in Mount Vernon; Black Drop, who we are thrilled to have back in and are now employee-owned and have new hours; and Boots, a great organic skin care and cosmetic company. I’ve gotta make a special plug for Boots, who sent us a great box of goodies along as well as taking out advertising. They have a great line and are supporting the local scene by supporting us you can find their products at Target.

Well, that’s about it this month. Thanks SO MUCH for all the support the last 12 years, here’s to 12 more! Many thanks to all of the contributing writers and photographers, and to the great advertisers who help keep this beast going. Without your advertising support, we would not be able to publish! And, of course, thanks to my wife Becca whose guiding hand made the magazine into what it is today. She doesn’t like to take any of the credit, but she deserves a huge amount. Without her, I’d hate to think of what this paper would look like. We’ve come a long way in 12 years. See you next issue!

–Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

Sugar Sugar Sugar brought their infectious music and spirit to the stage.

The What’s Up! Awards weekend started out at the Underground Coffeehouse, kicked off by the Bellingham Free Choir and Council of Lions. I got to the show a little late and found the BFC singing there were around eight members along with the audience singing along. The band had the lyrics for the songs projected up the screen so everyone could participate if they wanted. It was pretty cool, really, ‘cuz folks really got into singing and being part of the band. Alex from Cumulus was the leader, singing through a small megaphone and orchestrating the music.

Next up was Council of Lions who had a surprisingly large crowd for the Underground Coffeehouse. Most everyone was standing up, right in front of the stage to absorb everything that is the Council. The band played a great set of PJ Harvey-esque sounds, but more raw and inspired and got the already interactive audience dancing and having a good time.

With the Underground Coffeehouse show over, it was time to head upstairs to the Viking Union for the main course of the night. There was a line at the door, which would prove to be a large portion of the evening’s audience. Sugar Sugar Sugar opened up and proved they are Bellingham’s sexiest band. It’s not just that the band looks sexy, but they play sexy a sexified rock ‘n’ roll that pulls from the 60s, 70s and better part of the 80s.

Next up was Rooftops, who are simply an amazing band. To call them math rock would be to only tell part of the story they’re beautiful and dynamic with some of the sweetest sounds around. Tonight’s show was typical Rooftops fantastic.

Yogoman Burning Band was third throwing the indie crowd for a little loop. But, as they played, the audience got more and more into Yogoman and their groove.

Idiot Pilot closed out the show and proved why their one of the best, if not THE, best band in town. Louder than I’ve ever heard them before the band went through their the “greatest hits,” songs the crowd knew by heart. Near the end of the show, lead singer Michael Harris jumped on the speakers, thrilling the crowd but terrifying the staff as two securities guys grabbed hold of the speakers to make sure they and Michael didn’t fall down.

It was a great night for all ages in Bellingham.

Photos by Hollie Huthman, Paul Turpin, and Paul Israel.

RHOMBUS will perform during the Girls' Music Workshop

RHOMBUS will perform during the Girls' Music Workshop

Whaam (Whatcom All-Ages Music) is hosting a Girls Music Workshop on Feb. 13, for females of all ages to learn, discover and play music, according to organizers Katie Rismondo and Jenn Hartman.

The idea behind the workshop is for girls to understand what’s involved in making music, and that it’s actually much easier than many girls realize. “So many girls think that making music and being in bands is much harder than it actually is,” Katie said. “We hope that this event will show girls what’s actually involved in making music that they can do it and it’s worth the effort.”

Jenn added, “We want this to be an opportunity for girls who are interested in playing music and being in bands to meet other like-minded folks, share ideas, maybe form bands and ask questions of women who have been doing this.”

According to Jenn it doesn’t matter the age – there are always less girls playing music than boys, making it more difficult for girls to meet other girls who play music. Both women cite their past experiences as a motivation for the workshop Jenn played guitar in her bedroom, alone, while Katie never felt good enough to play with other people, much less be in front of an audience. “Showing the things you create to other people can be intimidating for anyone,” she said.

While the duo hope to provide information and understanding, they are also looking to encourage girls to play music. “It takes a lot of encouragement and positive peer pressure to get over these barriers. Learning to play music (and learning to do anything, for that matter) is a messy process,” said Katie.

“We want to give girls a space to be messy and to discover, to make things that aren’t perfect- to have fun! We want things to be better for the next generation of girls and for ladies, women, and girls of all ages,” Jenn added.

The organizers also hope to help girls learn more about looking at and buying equipment how to avoid and deal with the typical stereotypes. “When we walk into music stories, we encounter dudes who try to sell us pink guitars,” said Jenn.

“If we go up to those same guys and ask them, ‘so, what does this knob do?,’ that would just confirm stereotypes about girl musicians. We want to make a space where girls can ask those questions without being self-conscious,” Katie added.

The event kicks off at 3 p.m. when participants will hang out and get to know each other, followed by a question and answer session with a panel of local female musicians and women involved with the music scene. “They’ll be there to share their experiences and create a dialogue about how to get involved with music,” stated Katie.

There will also be a resource list of female music instructors in Whatcom County, as well as a workshop on what to expect when you play a show, including stage set-up, microphones, amplifiers and sound engineers. At 8 p.m. Thimble vs. Needle, Party Thighs, RHOMBUS and Chamber Maids will begin the show portion of the workshop.

This isn’t the first time Jenn and Katie have been involved with local women and music both were on the planning committee for the first Ladyfest Bellingham. “The creative female energy around us was a huge catalyst,” Katie says of last year’s Ladyfest. “Once we started playing music, we realized how easy it was to play music and how much fun it is and everything else just kind of fell into place. Both of us feel like being in bands has been the best decision we have made in a long time.”

Jenn chimed in, “We really want other girls to discover that joy too and not feel intimidated.”

According to Jenn and Katie, they’re seeing an explosion in girls making music locally. “Oh my god, there are so many good bands it’s AWESOME! There are ladies who have been making music for a while who are trying new things, there are gals who have never played instruments before who are learning them,” Jenn said. She noted Femme Uke, Hoot Hoot, Cumulus, Rhombus, Party Thighs, Cora Anne Glass, Council of Lions, Chelsey Weber-Smith, Allison Vincler, Golden Hair, Chamber Maids as just some of the bands making music in town.

For Jenn and Katie, they have a simple hope for the workshop. “We want to help them (girls) get to the business of making music sooner than we were able to – because it took both of us years and years to get over our hang-ups.”

The free Girls’ Music Workshop takes place on Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Old Foundry. Female bands perform at 8 p.m. for $5 per ticket. All ages welcome. The day-long event encourages girls to make and learn about music an effort to get girls involved with music who might not, under normal circumstances and through typical avenues, play music. You don’t have to play music or be in a band to attend!

What's Up! Cover - February 2010

Hello, welcome to the world of local music, may I please take your coat?

We held the What’s Up! Awards Show at the end of January and from all accounts, everyone had a good time judging by the money the Buffalo brought it, a very good time! In my estimations, it was probably top two awards shows of all time. I’d like to thank everyone involved Femme Uke, Pan Pan, Dog Shredder, Acorn Project, The All Nighters, Poops, DJ Postal, Dirty Bird Cabaret, Hallie Anderson, Brittany Smith, James Gillies, Sarah Holmes and my wonderful wife Becca who helped keep me going when I was ready to slide off the rails. I’d also like to thank the Wild Buffalo, especially Craig Jewel, for all the wonderful support working with them is part of what made the event so much fun. Finally, the presenters were the best yet and I’d like to thank them Carey Ross, Josh Holland, Austin Santiago, Cara Alboucq, Jenni Potts, Daniel Anderson, Ian Imhof and Sara Jerns. All told, everyone involved did a hell of a job. Thanks to everyone!

While all those people deserve a lot of credit, I’d like to single out Hallie and Brittany who managed the show that evening and made it so I had more fun and the show went better than ever before.

The key for the show, though, was how incredible the music was. Our host Poops together with Sarah started off with a great ditty, Femme Uke got things rolling by playing a set that would make my mom blush, Pan Pan was ridiculously amazing as well, Dog Shredder made my skull collapse, Acorn Project got everyone dancing and really rolling then the All Nighters capped it all off they were unbelievably good. Adding in DJ Postal, Poops and fantastic dancing by the Dirty Bird Cabaret (who added a special bit of love for the show)… well, hell, it was just a special, special night.

The night before the awards show, we held the 2nd annual Pre Awards up on campus. The Bellingham Free Choir and Council of Lions played at the Underground Coffeehouse with Sugar Sugar Sugar, Rooftops, Yogoman Burning Band and Idiot Pilot at the Viking Union. Wow, all six bands were unbelievable Bellingham Free Choir was straight fun with Council of Lions getting the crowd dancing, Sugar Sugar Sugar brought the rock back to campus, Rooftops are flat amazing, Yogoman got everyone dancing and Idiot Pilot blew the doors off the place they were one of the loudest bands I’ve ever seen. (We even received emails from folks who attended saying the same thing!) A whole bunch of underagers got to see what Bellingham has to offer and soaked up every bit of it.

RECORDS & RELEASES

Dog Shredder spent a week in Portland recording their debut long player. There’s no official word on when a disc will be released or on what label, but I’m looking forward to it with baited breath. Also, I want to make a special mention that Dog Shredder didn’t just go for two days and tried to record an album, they took (in indie terms) a lot of time and put a lot of effort into the recording each day (I’ve heard 14-hour days). Instead of rushing and sweating money, they did it right as they always seem to do.

Sugar Sugar Sugar are releasing a new disc and heading out on tour at the end of the month heading down the West Coast, the circling up the Midwest in Missouri and Nebraska before heading back through Montana. The CD release is being held on Feb. 25 at the Plan B Saloon with the discs hitting the streets the same day. (You can find more about the band on page 22 of this issue.)

The Productionists are inching closer and closer to wrapping up their new album. Rumor has it that it’ll be done in early spring most likely by the end of March. Having heard parts of it, you’ll be blown away by how good it sounds.

Another band who was recently in the studio is Vaughn Kreestoe who spent a little time at the end of January. No word on what came of the sessions, but I’m sure it’s some good funk.

The Dt’s have a new single out on Pure Vinyl, a label out of Austria, with another single slated for Ghost Highway Records out of Spain to be released this summer. The band has been working on new tracks and hope to wrap up this summer, according to Dave Crider.

She’s on Fire have just released their first record and it is pretty fantastic. Full of the mighty rock, check it out they’re selling ‘em at shows.

I have a cat compilation record in the office. It’s about cats, but with great Bellingham bands (and some not so great). Seriously… cats. First we had David Ney’s cat band, now the cat compilation which features 25 songs about cats. I’m not sure why Bellingham is going through a cat fetish right now, but… well… I’m just not sure. Either way, pick it up, it’s damn interesting most of it at least (Ian, I’m looking in your direction).

ON THE ROAD

Another band heading out is Rooftops, who are going on a gigantic tour beginning in mid-March. The boys will be heading to New York and back with stops in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and lands in between. Rooftops were also featured as CMJ’s Band of the Week at the end of January a very cool honor for a very cool band.

Yogoman Burning Band just got back from a wild tour, you can read about it in this month’s Tales From the Road (page 35). They’re going on another short tour in February, after which Robert Sarazin Blake will be leaving the band (they’ll remain a four-piece for the time being). Look for a new record out this spring.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Bluebird has called it a day, which is pretty disappointing. Patrick Everman has split off to form Don Juan, which I like. He also plays in Catcher with his girlfriend Alexandra, and will be heading out on tour in March, down to Los Angeles and back.

One more band that’s headed out this spring is Candysound, who will be heading south for a week or so. Their show in Salem will be with the aformentioned Catcher. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Teo Crider’s voice is amazing, one of the coolest I’ve ever heard. That’s no exaggeration – he’s unbelievably good.

A band that’s been in the scene off and on for awhile is Sisturn Moth featuring Chris Hipskin. Well, they’ve added Henry Miller on guitar and appear ready to take on the world. I dig the band quite a bit, so watch for shows and hopefully a new disc soon.

A new band to be on the lookout for is the mighty Frontbutt (unless they’re called Rose Hips now). It features Alex from Cumulus/Bellingham Free Choir and Luke from Palisades and is pretty punk rock (as told by their early recordings).

I’ve also been told that They Hibernate is a new band on the scene as well as Ruby Parasols (who have a myspace and just released an EP). Each day, new bands start up it’s part of what makes this town so cool.

A very informed source says that Game for Vultures are working on a reunion show. Who the hell is Game for Vultures, you might ask? It’s Mort’s band before the Mono Men Bellingham circa 1988 (I think). For the geezers in town and anyone who digs good music this is gonna be a hell of a thrill.

The Lonely Forest have signed to Atlantic Records. Seriously. Wow.

BOOKED & HOOKED

Joel Ricci will be making his return to Bellingham this month with a special show at the Green Frog on Feb. 8 (Joel moved to Portland last year). His band, Magic Worm, features Ricci and Ivy Ross playing with a weird worm that that connects their heads. Not much else you can say about that.

Blessed Coast are taking their scene to another venue spinning at Plan B on Thursday nights. They’ll be joined after 11 p.m. by DJ Clint Westwood (who will be up at Poppe’s from 9-11). Gotta love the Blessed Coast cats, they’re not effin’ around.

This month, WhAAM is hosting a Girl’s Music Workshop on Feb. 13. (You can read about it on page 19.) I love that there are more women playing music in town and those women are trying to get even more women going. Can be kind of a dude fest in the music scene, so it’s great to see some balance.

Incidentally, WhAAM has a new PA that’s got some volume. Each year, it just gets better and better.

Visqueen and So Adult played a fantastic show at Boundary Bay in January. I can’t say enough great things about that place they always support local music and local organizations. I’ve been told that the shows previous to Visqueen haven’t been well attended and are in danger of stopping so, please, go to the late night shows whenever they’re around. The next one is on Feb. 19th and features none other than the wonderful Pan Pan as well as Portland’s Talkdemonic. All proceeds go to the Haiti relief effort.

One of my very favorite events, Winter Commission, is taking place Feb. 20 at the American Museum of Radio and Electricity. While everything is still coming together, I can tell you the list of artists is staggering, simply staggering.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bucketz reminded me that it’s been five years since Reece passed away suddenly. I can’t believe it’s been five years already, just seems like it was yesterday. So, on Feb. 5, if you can’t make it down for a special show at Plan B, just take a second and say a little prayer or send a good thought his way. We’ve lost too many people in the last five years, here’s hoping to less of that over the next five years.

Wanted to make a plug for our friend Hollie Huthman who has her photographs hanging up at the Nightlight! Hollie is a wonderful photographer who captures the Bellingham music scene with great skill so be sure to check out the goods!

Finally, Bob Ridgley (also known as Binary Bob) is going to be honored in a very special way during the Olympics. Back in 1989, Bob and a bunch of snowboarder friends filmed Mount Baker Hardcore (MBHC) one of the first independent snowboarding films ever produced. The movie shined a new light on snowboarding, taking it from a fringe sport and beginning its revolution into the mainstream all the while spawning countless independent snowboard videos. (Mount Baker was the center of the universe for snowboarders). During the Olympics, the movie will be part of a snowboard timeline display at the Boardshop in Vancouver (the hub of Vancouver’s snowboarding) put together by world-renowned photographer Trevor Graves. This is an incredible accolade for Bob, who deserves a lot of credit for not only highlighting early snowboard culture, but consistently being a fantastic audio engineer and filmmaker (he’s currently working on a project called “Faces of Change,” A Civil Rights-era project that will be released this spring). Bob, thanks for all you’ve done, congrats! (You can read more about Bob and MBHC on page 38).

Well, that’s about it for now, see you next month, when we celebrate What’s Up!’s 12th birthday! Thanks for all your support!

-Brent Cole