January 2012 Cover by Debbie Leighton

Happy New Year! I hope ya’ll survived the holidays just fine – I’m writing a lot this here le Beat on New Year’s Day and judging by your Facebook posts, you might have done a little celebrating last night. By the time you read this, I hope ya’ll have recovered.

It’s January, which means I get to tell you about how old I am. Well, more specifically, how old the magazine is 14. It was 14 years ago this month I (along with Sean Spain and Amy Marchegiani) started working on What’s Up! (our debut issue came out in March, which is the official birthday). To put it into perspective 9/11 hadn’t happened, George Bush hadn’t happened, Sarah Jerns was 10, a current college freshman would’ve been four and someone just now turning 21 would’ve been in the second grade. Also, we barely used email and the web was just getting really into the swing of things. Seriously. My friends, that was a damn long time ago! Luckily, the mag gets better with age, or so we’d like to believe. I can’t imagine I’ve been able to cover music in an amazing town for 14 years I remember in high school reading The Rocket out of Seattle (old, awesome music mag), thinking about how cool it’d be to do what they do. That, my friends, makes me a lucky, lucky man.

In the third year of working on the magazine, a friend pitched the idea of doing an awards show. Seemed like a good time, so we made up some ballots and spread them around town with jars and boxes at selected locations (yes, seriously, it used to be paper and jars that the ballots were stuffed in). Now, 11 years later, our whole operation is digital and we get about eight times as many votes (over 1,500 so far this year!). The show, the bands, the whole thing has turned bigger and cooler than I could’ve imagined. This year we’re going to hold the pre-awards show at the Jinx space on Friday, Jan. 27 with Rookery, Triceracorn, Learning Team and Bowlcut. They’ll get everyone warmed up for 11th Annual Awards Show on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Wild Buffalo, with sets by So Adult, Falling Up Stairs, Lamppost Revival, No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Sugar Sugar Sugar, The Bad Tenants, and IG88 plus DJ Postal, Poops and the Dirty Bird Cabaret all doing their thing. It’ll be a hell of a night, all for only $6 at the door. The show starts at 9 p.m. Thanks to Mark Heimer (No-Fi Soul Rebellion) for the poster design and Joe Olmstead for the printing. Good, good stuff. See you at the show!

This issue, we have a story on Fanny Alger, a local band that’s been kicking around for a while and includes a couple music scene vets, one of whom is Henry Szankiewicz. Normally I don’t talk in le beat about a story in the following pages, but this one was special and means more to me than most stories. Ya see, Henry, unbeknownst to him, was a huge, HUGE influence on me back in the day – and when I say back in the day, I mean 1992 or so. I didn’t know Henry back then, but I knew of him the dude was doing exactly what I wanted at the time. He was involved in the scene, very involved Henry was in a great band called Medelicious (top five all time Bellingham bands), he booked shows (and if I remember correctly, ran sound) at the Up and Up, plus he also put out records. For me, an awkward kid whose only desire was to be involved in a music scene, Henry was someone I looked up to and respected. I wanted to be involved in the scene as well and do things that mattered. Over the next few years, I became more involved in local music. It took awhile, but eventually I got to where I wanted to be putting on shows, being in bands (not particularly good ones) and starting the magazine. Now, nearly 20 years on, I’m still getting to do what I always wanted to do and, frankly, what I love doing. In some way, I have Henry to thank for it.

ON THE RECORD

Peadar McMahon, Bellingham’s favorite Irish musician, has been recording his latest work, which is tentatively planned for a March release. He’s been in the studio with Paul Turpin a couple of times with more sessions planned. You can check out his releases on his Facebook page.

I’ve been told by Gabe Taylor that the FFA disc is just awaiting artwork. Finally, after a couple of years, it will be UNLEASHED TO THE MASSES! When yer talking about metal, you need to use all caps.

Cower have been recording new songs. No word on a release, but them in the studio sounds damn good to me.

Kit Nelson has also been working on a new album with Andrew Jenkins at the controls. The release date is “sometime in the new year,” but here’s hoping it’s soon. She’s also working on a new band that’ll include Julian McDonough (who is, ya know, awesome) and others.

Do I have a copy of the latest Femme Uke recording? Yes I do. Is it absolutely awesome, just like everything else Femme Uke does? Yes it is. Will you be glad you picked it up when it comes out? Yes you will. Out very soon on Most Gross Records (Jenn Hartman and Sam Parker ex-Bellingham folk).

The Endorfins (not Endorphins we apologize for the misspelling in the last issue) have a CD release party on Friday, Jan. 6 at the Old Foundry with Kithkin and Osa. In addition, they are also back in the studio, recording new music with Will “I’m friends with Rob Gronkowski” Glazier.

Yogoman Burning Band is releasing a live recording in February the only recording of YBB as a four-piece. Caught on tape (wow, that’s an old term) at a summer Boundary show, the recording catches the dynamic of YBB’s most interesting set up as a four piece without guitar or keys, the band really got to move around and explore in their space. Look for the debut YBB’s latest line up in February.

Triceracorn is already working on their second album (with the first just being released). I really, really love this band IG88 doing the beats gives it an absurd depth and Beige’s rhymes are ridiculous.

E-clec-ti-ci-ty are also working on their second album. No word yet on when it will be done, think they’re all students, but you should expect pretty good stuff from these guys on the local funk scene. They’ve been known to get people’s asses shaking.

COMING & GOING

Bands seem to be forming daily, including Astronauts and Airballoons, which is comprised of Barrett Lizza, Preston Whitman (Pirate Pirate Motorhome) and Chad from Drogados. According to Barrett, they play a bunch of different, weird instruments, including a theramin, which makes me a little giddy inside. Watch for shows.

Rhombu$ is back! Armed with Jordan Rain on guitar, what started out as a few reunion shows has turned into a week-long tour down to northern California and back. Sounds funny, but I feel like Bellingham’s music scene is better with Rhombu$ playing music again. Hopefully this isn’t just a one shot deal. Check out their Bellingham shows at Jinx on Jan. 18 and later that night down at the Cabin.

Scum Eating have gone through some personnel changes with Jessyca Murphy replacing Robert Lashey on vocals and Henry Miller replacing Bill Anker on drums. Henry spent some time playing drums with Sisturn Moth, so we’re stoked to see him playing again.

Casey Nolan has stepped down as the booking coordinator at WhAAM and has been replaced by Emily Manke. Kate McCracken is the new volunteer coordinator. You are now up to date on the who’s who of WhAAM. Now go to a show.

Bright Weapons are going on a nearly half year hiatus while singer Amy Gibson heads to China for a while. Not sure what “Handsome” Rob is going to do during the break, but he’s gotten pretty good at playing bass through a fuzz pedal, then posting it on youtube. So, there’s that. In the mean time, catch ‘em at Shakedown on Jan. 7 with Shit Machine and Sunshine.

Havilah Rand is back in town for a few months. She recently played a great show down at the Blue Horse, hopefully you’ll see more of her shows before she heads back to Austin. Ms. Rand also has a new disc out, which I hope to pick up very, very soon. Havilah is old school, used to see her play before the magazine even started. Love it when folks keep on keeping on.

GOOD TIMES

Checkmate Music has opened up over on Northwest, by the old Manna Music (if you know where that was, then you are damn old) and, coincidentally, next to Checkmate Pawn. David Payne, aka, The Guitar Doctor, is managing the shop with the help of Zach and Eron from Black Beast Revival. Unlike other music shops, Checkmate gets their items like a pawn shop, so you’ll find different stuff there (I got a trumpet for $25!). Check it out.

Speaking of sounding damn good, I didn’t make it to the Sloths show in December (had the date wrong), but I heard they killed it. There’s something about this band, they almost remind me of Truman’s Water, an old band from San Diego it’s like they’re constantly on the cusp of utter destruction. Always right there, pushed to the limit both sonically and emotionally God I love it. Some of the coolest music I’ve heard in awhile.

IG88 just signed to Portland based Nueva Forma and will be releasing his debut album on Feb. 20. You can check out IG88 special guest set at the What’s Up! Awards show on January 28. If you haven’t checked out IG88, do, you’ll be blown away. What’s inside Branden’s head is very, very interesting.

A band that I absolutely love, The Heligoats, look to be headed out on tour this spring and summer. Which means a new album is probably on the way. Which means I’m happy very, very happy. Chris (The Heligoats) has a unique way of staying under the radar locally, while gaining a loyal following nationally not sure most people realize what a badass he is and that he’s even here.

The 23rd Trailer Wars will be held at the Pickford Film Center on Jan. 11. The theme is Buddy Cop Movies. Let the hilarity commence. That is all.

Bellingham has a new podcast called Project Bellingcast, done by the brilliant minds of Chris Patton and Ross Brackett. The debut podcast includes a roundtable discussion of local restaurants, an interview with the City of Lost Children and an interview with yours truly to kick things off. Chris came by the house, we chatted, he met my wife and kids we had a good time. It was an honor to be on the debut. Check it out, think you’ll enjoy it. You can find the podcast online and on itunes.

Well, think that’s about it for this month, my friends. As always, thanks for reading and supporting the magazine. I look forward to seeing you at the Awards Show!

Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

The Underground Coffeehouse served as a reminder of how tight-knit the Bellingham music scene can be. This particular show truly was not advertised enough since the line-up consisted of two wonderful bands and a small, scattered crowd. However, the performances were impressive and the crowd grew as the night went on, comprised mostly of friends of the bands. This gave the rest of the show a sense of closeness, as if it wasn’t really meant for a large crowd.

Femme Uke (Ashley Thomas and Laine Kensington) possess a charming quality which appeared throughout their entire set. This began with their giggly soundcheck and continued to show up between songs when the duo would crack jokes to one another. The songs they played were inherently hilarious since they ranged in topics like summertime pubic hair, the strange enticement of Bellingham, and how much they loved one another. With such simple lyrics surrounding lighthearted subjects, they reminded me of Kimya Dawson or Daniel Johnston in the way that their words are impactful.

They mentioned how little they perform together which was surprising considering how well they played. In fact, they seemed totally engrossed playing together again, which materialized when they would break out into laughter out of sheer giddiness. Thomas kept saying how happy she was to be back in Bellingham and cautiously announcing their next song, while Kensington swayed back-and-forth in anticipation.

They were smiling the whole time. Their chemistry on-stage was incredible. At one point, mid-song, they yelled “Whistle solo!” at which point they began to whistle together, much to the delight of the audience. They then yelled “Goat solo!” and started to imitate goat noises which actually sounded pretty spot-on. One crowd member suggested a “Han Solo.” Kensington laughed and said, “Oh, man. I haven’t been playing enough Lego Star Wars on GameCube to get into that right now.” The crowd was enamored by this until Thomas chimed in, saying she doesn’t really like Star Wars. They finished their set with some covers and thanked the crowd.

Cora Glass, a local singer-songwriter, makes up Chestnut Collection. Her performance was well-placed next to Femme Uke since she also played songs with wonderful lyrics. She alternated between her ukulele and guitar, showing proficiency with both instruments. Her voice was extremely clear and professional, often leaning towards folk-based influence without totally committing to that genre. Glass sat on a stool, closing her eyes as she sang, which really allowed the audience to focus on her lyrics. The crowd in the Underground Coffeehouse typically generates a light din but she was able to captivate everyone, keeping the room silent while she sang. Her songs seemed to be mostly reflective and about her friends.

Interestingly, Glass kept referring back to a few years ago when she and Femme Uke performed together more frequently, which was poignantly illustrated by both members of Femme Uke sitting as close to the stage as possible, taking in every word of her songs. About halfway through her set, Glass introduced a song and forgot the words just as she started strumming. She laughed it off and eventually remembered how the song went but she kept her cool the whole time. Her ability to play a relaxed set spoke to her strong experience as a musician.

Both bands were awesome to watch and I highly recommend seeing them perform live.

I was very excited the first time I heard rumors concerning the formation of an all-female R&B group a couple months back. It got me thinking that although Bellingham has tons of great bands and very talented female musicians, our fair town is lacking in groups of the all-female variety, and The Shrapnelles would be a step in the right direction.

The eight-member band boasts some familiar names like Valerie Brogden on drums, who you may know from Connecticut Four, and lead singer Laine Kensington, who was one-half of the naughty but nice duo, Femme Uke. The band also features a keyboard player, a saxophone player, a guitarist, a bassist and a couple of horns to round out the sound. When Keniston (in all her hairy-pitted and high-heeled glory) and company took the stage, the crowd was all a-buzz and ready to dance.

Considering it was their first show, I was surprised how together they were. It was pretty obvious they spent some hours in the wood shed for this project. The band stuck to a pretty typical set list, mostly covers of classic R&B/ Soul songs from the 70′s that you hear on the radio all the time. I was somewhat disappointed that they didn’t delve deeper into the genre, as there are many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Highlights of the night included a cover of “Shout,” which featured the “little bit softer now” breakdown where everyone knelt down as the music got quieter and then stood up as the music got louder, until the climatic ending which sent everyone into a feverish dance frenzy. They did stray somewhat from the classic set list with a version of Cee-Lo Green’s hit “F*ck You,” which had the entire audience singing along word-for-word.

In the end, it was easily one of the most energetic shows I have witnessed in a while, and every single member of the band knew what they were doing. The Shrapnelles’ first show was a great introduction, not only to a new band, but also to a newer venue. I look forward to seeing if The Shrapnelles progress beyond the covers and perhaps start playing some originals too, and if anyone is looking to book a band for a house party, The Shrapnelles should be at the top of the list.

What's Up! Cover - July 2010. Artwork by Jacob Covey.

Hiya, how are ya all doing? I hope everyone is having a nice summer, no matter how dreary it is outside.

Ya know, July is a real special month for me. First off, both my kids were born in July. Ruby turns 1 on July 4th and Harrison turns 4 on the 26th. My wife’s birthday is also the 26th. Yep, Harrison was born on Becca’s birthday, and Ruby on the 4th we don’t screw around with our birthdays, huh?

Besides the family birthdays, I also get to celebrate an anniversary of sorts each July, my coming to Bellingham. On July 2, 1992, I moved to Bellingham with the hopes of attending Western (which I eventually did). So, as of this year, I’ve spent 18 years living in Whatcom County, most of those years in Bellingham, making it officially my longest place of residence. When I moved here, I never could have envisioned staying permanently but I did and I could never imagine living anywhere else. Bellingham has changed dramatically over the last 18 years (when school was out in the summer, things slowed WAY down in town, which drove me nuts) and, obviously, I have changed as well. In truth, the town and the county as a whole helped shape who I am it’s given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had in a big city and while driven me crazy at times, it’s turned into my paradise.

Why do I bring this up, other than my seemingly compulsive desire to talk about myself? I guess it’s just to ask those of you who have come to a crossroads in their life and are considering moving out of Bellingham, to not rush it. When you’re in your early 20′s, there’s often a feeling like you need to rush to get moving in your career and “real life.” This town can begin to feel small and lacking in opportunities, especially if you haven’t had the experiences of a big city. What’s amazing about Bellingham, though, is opportunities abound, they just aren’t as obvious. If you want to just land straight into a career where you work for someone else, this probably isn’t the town for you. But, if you want to do something different, something interesting and something for yourself, Bellingham is perfect. Bellingham makes you work your ass off to make it here, and when you do, it’s more rewarding than you can imagine.

I’m not a brilliant guy, hell, if you knew me before the magazine, you’d be surprised I could dress myself in the morning. But, I did something. And, if I did something, I’m guessing a lot of you can too.

Jordan Rain (Yogoman) and I were talking about this the other day. He’s been all over the world and there’s no place he’d rather be. A working musician, one who tours constantly, Jordan not only survives here, he thrives here. It’s like someone said: The grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side of the fence, sometimes you just need to water your side a little more.

Instead of moving to Seattle or Portland or someplace like that to fall into a scene, make your scene right here. HERE where you can make a real difference more than you ever could in a big city. HERE where you can touch the lives of people with more intensity and with less anonymity. If you ever wonder if it’s possible just look at me. I graduated college with no publishing experiences and started a music mag because I thought it’d be cool. Every month thousands of eyeballs read this magazine! I get to have direct impact on my community, and that’s amazing. I get to see how my work impacts where I live and it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll never get rich in Whatcom County, but, really, is money gonna make you happy?

So in short, it’s magic here, stick around and enjoy it. Now on to the music.

RECORDS & RELEASES

Yogoman Burning Band have finished recording their album it’s all ready to go, but the band is hanging tight, waiting to find some good distribution. Smart, smart move for them the band feels like it’s on the cusp of something really special. Between their amazing songs, work ethic and phenomenal skills, this is a band ready and deserving of something really special.

Though Femme Uke is now living in separate cities, the duo is working on a new album and have shows coming up, including a set at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree in August at the Deming Log Show Grounds. According to Laine, the two actually have had some great songwriting sessions via Skype, which is really pretty genius. It’s a brave new world, my friends.

So Adult have been some busy, busy boys. First off, the four-piece have been back in Two Sticks working on their new album no idea when it’ll be released, much less finished. In the meantime, though, they’ll be heading out on a bit of a tour through July. It’s just a couple week jaunt down the West Coast, but a trip to California right now seems like a great idea.

Envision have finished mastering their LP, but no word on when that will be done. The cool thing is, it will, indeed, actually be a “long player.” Ya know what I love even more than local CDs? Local records.

Full Frontal Assault are BACK! They boys, who have been primarily playing as the All Nighters as of late, are looking at releasing their new disc in August. Conqueror looks to continue the band’s patented “crush you skull” metal. Bellingham has a pretty cool metal scene and a lot of it is owed to FFA they formed much of the foundation for what’s happening. It’ll be good to see them playing a lot of shows and melting faces this fall.

Another band in the studio is the wonderful and mighty Pan Pan! Sarah is working on her latest piece of brilliance, which, I assume, will be released on Clickpop Records (another example of the awesome that can happen when you stay here). The work has literally just begun, so who knows when the album will be wrapped up and out, but if it’s Sarah Jerns playing and Paul Turpin recording, you know it’s going to be insanely good. Epically good. Like “all time” type of good. (That’s not too much pressure, is it Sarah?)

The Productionists are dangerously close to finishing up their CD. They’ve been working on it for months and months, three hours at a time at a studio in Seattle. The latest from DJ Clint Westwood is August is the month it’s finally going to happen. Look for lots of love from us next month.

The mighty Acorn Project will be releasing their latest album in the fall. Not more solid details than that as of now, but ya know it’s gonna be good.

Jenni Potts is working on her new album, this time with Dave Richards turning the nobs. The new recording should be less folky with more electronic elements to it. No word on when it’ll be released, but she states it won’t take nearly as long to get out as the last one. She’s also wrapping up the video for her song “Stay,” which was filmed by the mighty Micah Knapp.

Caulfield and his Magical Violin are releasing their debut CD at the beginning of July, which is pretty cool. Haven’t heard of them? Just wait the band is some youngin’ out of Anacortes who are making some damn, damn fine indie pop. I love it when people make great music and aren’t old enough to legally drink.

Speaking of long players, the Lumpkins’ new music is out on album again making me damn happy. Even happier? David Ney gave it to me as a gift. Thanks, man, I appreciate it!

The Ghost and the Grace have released a new song for your listening pleasure, you can purchase it on their bandcamp site. It’s only a dollar and includes not only Daniel Anderson, but Christopher Newton on drums and Jenni Potts on vocals.

Vaughn Kreestoe’s DVD just “dropped,” according to their facebook page. I’d love to say I know what’s going on with it, but I don’t. If you see Mr. Stache, find out the skinny and tell me.

COMINGS & GOINGS

The one, the only, the MIGHTY, guitarist (and What’s Up! writer) Adam Bates, has a band called Plant Party that are starting to play. With Adam is Matt Omdal on drums, Mike Perara on accordian/mandolin/harmonica/guitar/vocals and Dave Wheeler on piano. I figure, anything Adam touches turns to gold, so the band is gonna be good.

Another new band to watch out for is Corduroy, which features Kevin Lee and Mara Fields from the Lumpkins and Tim Leighton, formerly of All the Filthy Animals).

BOOKED & HOOKED

The Productionists and Vaughn Kreestoe are working on a West Coast tour for the fall. It’s still in the early stages, but looks like Bellingham will be bringing some hip hop and funk down to the masses.

Pirates R Us will be making their triumphant return on July 9 at a house show. David stressed that it’s a one0time only thing, but it’s got the makings for a pretty amazing show. Along with Pirates R Us, you’ll find musical comedy by Jimes, Nigel and Jeremy as well as stand up from Elissa Ball, Brandon Ivey, Jessica Sele, Solomon Georgio, Travis Vogt and Neill McLaughlin. That is CRAZY. If you’d like to know more, find David!

GOOD STUFF

The non-profit Make.Shift is a group that exemplifies what I mentioned earlier about making an impact on your community. This all-volunteer group has been working their asses off for the local scene and they are proud to announce The Magic Van! It’s a 1986 former Bellingham PD SWAT van which has been converted run on biodiesel and is here for Bellingham bands needing a vehicle to tour. Make.Shift has the application on their website and all applicants will be looked at by a committee. “The committee will initially approve a small pool of bands, which will be in charge of booking their own tours. Make.Shift will serve each band (at no cost) as tours are booked, on a first-come first-served basis. Make.Shift staff will drive the van during all tours,” the press release stated. (In the interest of full public disclosure, I am on the committee.)

OK, one last item here. I’m going to be a guest bartender at the Wild Buffalo on July 15 from 8-10 p.m. (a Belebrity bartender, as it’s being called). The fun happens every Thursday and each week, it’s a different Belebrity. Come down and order a whiskey on the rocks, ‘cuz I can’t make anything else!

Hugs and kisses, and happy July.

–Brent

(editor@whatsup-magazine.com

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.

The sheer range of work on display at the more than 20 venues that participated in March’s Downtown Art Walk would have been impressive enough, but there was a special manic energy to last month’s offerings. In case you missed it, here are a few highlights:

Digs (200 W. Holly St.): Although Digs is a home decor store, it feels more like a museum for artifacts from the distant future (or Norway.) This means that Digs shows are always worth attending, because even if you don’t enjoy the art, you’ll probably fall in love with a pencil from 3015. However, their March show, “Fragmented Memories,” did not disappoint. Painter Kei Omotaka, who works in acrylics and oils, constructed an unusually cohesive show themed around the limits of memory and vision.

Her paintings, large-scale portraits which catch their subjects in the midst of activity, embrace a realism that dissolves, here and there, into pixelation. This pixelation serves a number of purposes sometimes, it suggests frenetic movement on the part of its subjects, such as the sculptor at her potter’s wheel in “A Summer’s Day.” In this case, the spinning clay serves as the hub from which the pixel patterns radiate, which conveys both the speed at which the clay is turning and the pinpoint concentration that the potter is focusing on her work. In other paintings, such as “At the Dinner Table,” the pixelation creeps more quietly into the frame, dissolving it in stray edges and corners, so that it is not immediately noticeable. The subjects in these quieter paintings are caught in momentary repose the pause before they eat, or stand up, or speak.

Jinx Art Space (306 Flora St.): Jinx was still featuring last month’s Red and Pink show, a group art show riffing on Valentine’s Day themes; however, this was not problematic, as that show was awesome, including everything from late ’70s-style penciled nudes to jarred hearts carved from beets. Furthermore, music by Zack Zinn, Frozen Cloak, and Gunslingers was featured. According to reliable sources (i.e., onlookers that I interrogated), this was one of the more interesting “musical concerts” to happen in Bellingham in recent memory. Zack Zinn made warm but eerie soundscapes, Frozen Cloak played music as heavy as an actual cloak logged down with frozen water crystals must feel, and Gunslingers were loud, manic, and French.

The Amadeus Project (1209 Cornwall Ave): Music of a very different sort was featured at The Amadeus Project, a music school/gallery where both students and professionals were improvising sonic accompaniments to paintings by Yvette Neumann. For whatever reason, access to free classical music is hard to come by in downtown Bellingham. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of piano tonal work with Neumann’s quiet pastorals, which tend to haze into abstraction. Neumann layers acrylics and pastels in order to achieve compelling textures, at once hard-edged and soothing an affect remarkably similar to that of the staccato sprays that uncurled from the grand piano, each note as firm and distinct as needles on a pine branch but clustered to achieve a soft, blooming whole.

Bay Street Village (301 W. Holly St.): Bay Street Village is home to the Blue Horse Gallery, Studio UFO, and Works on Canvas Studio & Gallery, as well as a plethora of smaller galleries, artist’s studios, and businesses. On March 5, all three floors of Bay Street Village were densely packed with artwork, artists, and onlookers. Those artists who didn’t have spaces of their own were exhibiting in the hallways and stray alcoves. The overall effect was baroque, to say the least like falling through a wormhole into some kind of Farscape Art Narnia.

Blue Horse Gallery presented “4 Women 4 Seasons,” an exhibition of landscape works by Valerie Collymore, Ruthie V, Lisa McShane, and Mary Froderberg. Work by Didy Lutz and other artists was also on display. I really enjoyed “4 Women 4 Seasons.” You can tell a mature painter by the way that he or she handles light. Even in some of the show’s more abstract pieces, you knew exactly where the light was coming from, and it had a distinctly Northwest feel you could almost guess what time of day it was. Ruthie V’s acrylic studies of local landscapes, such as Edison slough, had a looseness and freedom that was deceptive, as these qualities are extremely difficult to achieve without skill and study. Froderberg’s oils were bright, fluid and playful, especially the autumn-themed paintings, with their striking foliage, still pools, and expectant houses (you could tell that somebody was about to come home.) I also enjoyed Collymore’s summery pastorals, wherein the trees were treated as carefully as human subjects, and McShane’s winding paths and mountainous vistas, which had an ominous, shadowy quality that somehow recalled both Giorgio de Chirico and C.S. Lewis.

The featured show at Works on Canvas Studio & Gallery was “Third Person Plural: Variations in Abstract Painting.” Chris Shreve, Sharon Kingston, and Kay D. Little presented three very different takes on abstract art. I was especially struck by Shreve’s acrylic work, which had an eerie cleanliness. Little’s acrylics were also very, very clean, but with a more graphic quality. In contrast, Kingston’s oils looked soft and textural.

One of my favorites of the smaller studios, Ashcan Alley Art featured charcoal and ink drawings by Christine Feltman. After a night of viewing large, bright and aggressive works, Feltman’s small, intimate drawings came as something of a relief. The pieces mostly featured human figures, often in recline. I also enjoyed the watercolor and ink nudes at Francie Allen’s studio, which were saucy and luxurious.

The Ground Floor (1105 N. State St.): The Ground Floor is primarily a space for the healing arts; however, they occasionally house musical events as well. The featured show at the Ground Floor was “Living OUT Loud in Color: Contemporary Queer Women’s Art Show,” and it was followed the next evening by a concert featuring Council of Lions, Sev and the Sins, Rhombus, Femme Uke, Chelsey Weber-Smith, and Cora Glass. This kind of multi-media female artists’ showcase used to be a rarity in Bellingham, and it’s exciting that such events are becoming more commonplace. Much of the featured artwork was by students, and it was great to see such eclectic groups collaborating to present an entire weekend of new and fresh works.

Excellent shows were also in evidence at The Paperdoll, the Waterfront Artists Studio Collective, Honey Salon, and Allied Arts. All in all, Bellingham’s Downtown Art Walk is more alive than ever, even in the depths of March.

–Marie Biondolillo

(This review was edited for length. Read the complete review at whatsup-magazine.com.)

The Hot Mess Shit Show takes a break in California. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show. Courtesy photo

The Hot Mess Shit Show (HMSS) is a variety show made up of lady performers from Bellingham, WA who recently completed a Pacific Coast tour. Consisting of Jessica Sele (comedian), Team Valerie (tap and ukulele act), Janette (aka Ari, ribbon-dancing extraordinaire), and Femme Uke (Ashley and Laine, ukulele smut strummers), the HMSS spread good vibrations, self-love and self-empowerment to girlfriends everywhere who need a good old-fashioned revolution. Here are some of the tidbits they picked up while on tour.

Portland, Pt. One: Oh, to live in the 503. Portland is beautiful and full of people who look like they love to have fun. We played a house show on Division St., organized by our friend Alley who knew Laine in middle school. Alley is busy organizing shows in warehouses and parking garages (check out winteristhenewsummer.com) but made space for us in her little house on top of the Detour Cafe.

The HMSS stuck out in this crowd: we are the only ones who are face-painting, having fun, or smiling. This sampling of PDX singer-songwriters is full of angst, but also some seriously great lyrics! All of the dudes in the living room left when we started our set (we noticed this throughout our travels), and we conclude that maybe Portland is more into the house party than the house show scene we see so often here in the B’Ham. Most interesting part of this night: we had two girls crying at the end of our show: these girls need the Girlfriend Revolution. One of them even jumped into the backseat of our car before we left, totally Beatles-mania style.

Val brought along her GPS with us. We named her ‘Girlfriend’ and affectionately decided to make her an honorary member of the HMSS. She deserves a little WU! shout-out.

HMSS loves us some Grandmas! The lovely Sele and Campsano families not only fed us, but put us up for a couple of nights, and sent us on our way with love and groceries. In order to Grandma-proof ourselves, we changed our name to either a) Hot Mess Shoot Show, b) Girlfriend Revolution Revue, or c) Silly-Willy Girl Group.

Before we drove down the winding and treacherous 101, we stopped to say goodbye to the Pacific Ocean and sing it some songs. This goofy guy named Butch volunteered to take some pictures of us, share some tasty treats, and send us his screenplay. We’re still waiting to see Square Fishing on the big screen, Butch!

Our best HMSS, by far, was when we played in San Francisco at this spot called Blue Six, in the Mission District. We met another group of road-trippers from Albuquerque while we cruised the Haight-Ashbury district during the day, and convinced them to come to our show. Thank goodness we did, because they were the only three people that weren’t the owners at our show. But we performed the hell out of our set for them, and got everyone in the room to ribbon dance! It was, quite possibly, our favorite night.

Oakland/Smokeland: We got to play at this great house show in Oakland, where we were a part of the Au Grrl Variety Show! This one gal, Rizzy, played the banjolele and sang songs about jumping trains and drinking, she’s a part of a traveling crew called The Music Box. After HMSS played, we had this coolest skill-share. A lovely dom named Jennie G gave this awesome spanking demonstration, and taught everyone about consent and how to give a sensational strike. Then, we got to sing along to Songs for Moms songs in the living room, WITH Songs for Moms! This is a beautiful life we lead.

Travel broadens the mind. We have seen so many rolling hills and beautiful, smiling faces… seeing these new landscapes set our brains to a different plane. Get your friends together and hit the open road! Everything in California is green and great, John Steinbeck got it right.

Portland, Pt. Two: We woke up in Weed, CA and drove straight to Portland in one morning, beating Girlfriends’ estimated arrival time (this became a favorite driving pastime, the ‘Minute Game’). We realized we were playing in the same bookshop, In Other Words, where Thunderant filmed some of their feminist bookstore skits. This side of the 503, on Killingsworth St., is our kind of Portland scene. We ate and played an impromptu show at this INCREDIBLE place called The Deli, you can check it out at facebook.com/thedeli.pdx and see that we got a little name-droppin’ connection with this crew. The great thing about The Deli & In Other Words is that they are run mostly by volunteers, which means that these cool folks are all working hard to keep things that they love alive in Portland.

Please, dear readers, please: do what you love. Figure out what it is that you love to do more than anything, do it when you can, and create a space for it in your community. Let’s start creating our own scenes and building spaces and places for girlfriends, grunge rock, or whatever goodness you think your local spaces need. We have seen so many people who are making it happen in the most expensive and quirky spaces, so you can too!

Driving up the 405 on Day 10, so close and yet so far, the Hot Mess Mobile finally broke down. Back in the good ol’ Washington weather and deep into stop-and-go traffic, she just stalled and DIED. We’re talking center lane, hazard light failure, can’t-shift-it-into-neutral DIED.

Two fire trucks, sirens wailing, were honking at us because we were absolutely stuck in the middle of everyone’s way. Eventually, a nice officer helped us push the car (with the use of his patrol car) off to the shoulder so that an even nicer tow-truck driver could pick us up.

Thoughts: thank goodness for AAA and smart, strong, ladies in the car! We made it through with all of our wits in tact, and more life in us than ever before. What a joy it is to be alive.

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

THE WINNERS:

Best Silver Platter: Rooftops A Forest of Polarity
Best Up Close and Personal: Dirty Bird Cabaret
Best Heavier Than Heaven: Dog Shredder
Best Booty Shakin’ Music: Yogoman Burning Band
Best Twilight Zone Soundtrack: Pan Pan
Best Highway Americana: The Librarians
Best Moniker: The Ghost and the Grace
Best Axes of Folk: Biagio Biondolillo
Best Spinner: Yogoman
Best Rhyme and Beats: The Productionists
Best Newby: Pan Pan
Best Rock ‘N’ Roll Explosion: Sugar Sugar Sugar
Best Pop Will Rock Itself: The Love Lights
Best Skin in What’s Up!: Femme Uke
What’s Up! Appreciation Award: Bucketz
What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Sarazin Blake
What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Gunther Frank (RIP)

Poops was the host and he started the night off proper by singing a country song about drinking at the 3B, and accompanied by Sarah on the guitar. After a few awards were presented, we were introduced to the Dirty Bird Cabaret, who danced in between bands.

The first musical act of the night was Femme Uke. Promoting their new EP In the Key of G-spot, Laine and Ashley took the stage armed with two ukuleles and a ton of hilarious songs, these ladies were a pleasure to watch. In my opinion they saved the best song for last, “Big Fatty.” This was the only song they harmonized on and a clever bridge showed that this was the best structured song of their short performance.

Next up was Pan Pan. A large buzz has been circulating about this group, and I was excited to hear them. Layers of sound with fabulous structure and dynamics showed me that Sarah Jerns is much more than an artist; she’s a genius composer. Even though Sarah writes all the parts, don’t discount her band, they’re incredibly tight and professional.

To this point there had not been a rock band. The crowd was ready for something heavy. Dog Shredder had just won the “Heavier than Heaven” award and got on stage to prove it. Guitar player Josh Holland’s stage presence was like if Iggy Pop strapped on a guitar. The overall sound is mind numbing and hypnotic. They can go from beautiful stripped down melodies to brutal unabashed metal in the drop of a dime. The rest of the band is very talented as well drummer Noah Burns lost a stick in the middle of a song and never missed a beat.

We’ve had funny music, intelligent music, face melting rock, and with Acorn Project, the fourth group to play, we finally had some dance music. These guys have been around the scene for a long time and had a great 2009 promoting their new album We’ll be Fine. The first song they played was an epic new wave song. Showing their versatility they dropped into a straight ahead funk set. These guys are one of Bellingham’s best jam bands a strong tenor on vocals and great guitar tones might even turn out the most devout metal-heads.

With all the awards given out there was only one thing left to do, party hard to the sounds of The All Nighters. Introduced by Brent Cole as “One of Bellingham’s best bands,” they played and we loved it. Halfway through their set Andy Piper joined them onstage and sang a Charlie Feathers cover. Andy killed it and the crowd went nuts. The Wild Buffalo was a time bomb, Poops lit the fuse, excitement grew, and ‘The All Nighters’ provided the explosion.