The Four Player’s final EP, Songs 4 Players, is a mini folk explosion with every song sounding different, but staying consistent with the bands distinct musical style. “Y Won’t U D8 Me?” sounds like it was an old forgotten ragtime jazz number, while “Hymn of Heavenly Envy” makes one think they’re being serenade to by a traveling gypsy band.

“Beat The Planet” feels like it could have been from the suffragette-era and “A Death” is a number that brings the EP to end with a gradual crescendo that tapers off nicely.

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered locally by Rich 3 and Issac Holden. The production of the album is top notch, and the recording quality is professional. Rich 3 also acts as a studio musician on “Beat the Planet,” by playing a saw (yes, the kind you buy at a hardware store) and as a trumpeter on “A Death.”

While all the band members are quite proficient at their musical instruments, all of them seem to be very comfortable in front of the microphone as individual and group singers. Every member, except drummer/bass player Shea Isely, shine in their own vocal styling individually and at the same time are able to harmonize in backing vocals.

Songs 4 Players is a nice mid follow up from the bands first album and leaves one wishing the band hadn’t broken up over the summer.

Self Released
myspace.com/fourplayersmusic

What's Up! Cover - August 2010. Artwork by Derek Vander Griend

We at What’s Up! thank James Hardesty, owner of the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern, for raffling off an amazingly cool bike this month with all proceeds going to the magazine! Check it out it’s the bike hanging in the bar. Thing looks like a sweet ride and James is cool enough to donate the proceeds to us. Raffle tickets go for $5 a pop or five for $20, and are available at both the Green Frog and the Wild Buffalo. There’s no denying, we could really use the cash to help print the magazine, so if you want to support What’s Up!, this is a fantastic way to do it. The raffle ends on August 12, so get moving on to the Green Frog. And enjoy some fine music and beer while you’re there!

I’d like to remind you all all the readers and fans of the magazine that supporting local music isn’t just about supporting local bands. It’s also about supporting the venues and the bands that are coming through town. We wrote a great story about Chris Riffle in the magazine and talked about him on Facebook, etc. Hell, he’s even an ex-local, but there was such a small audience at the show. Chris is absolutely amazing, an incredible songwriter and ya’ll missed out on him. To be fair, I missed the show as well (I had a family commitment), but I’m pretty sure there are enough of us out there out there to make an audience larger than four people. I know it’s the summer and it’s great outside, but seriously, when someone amazing comes to town, you’ve got to go see them! In the age of the internet, there’s absolutely no excuse for not seeing a good band especially when we tell you about them! The internet is amazing thing you can read about a band, either in our paper or in another paper, then look ‘em up that night to see what they’re about. Chris Riffle is just an example, though one example of many. Another show that James Hardesty was cool enough to book for us last winter was Zoe Muth, another beautiful and wonderful songwriter who had a very small audience.

This isn’t about a couple shows I booked this is happening all over town, though especially at the Green Frog. James Hardesty works his ass off to bring bands that you don’t necessarily know about, but should and especially would enjoy. A lot of great bands that music fans are missing out because you either won’t take the time to seek out a band you might not know about or you simply don’t care.

Either way, it’s not only disappointing, but puts these venues and bars behind, financially. You can’t talk about the sky falling in the local music scene, then not go see bands you might not know about. Supporting music isn’t just seeing your friend’s band, it’s actually giving a shit about bands you might not know about. I’m not saying you should go out to EVERY SINGLE SHOW, that’s obviously not realistic. But, you shouldn’t go outside of just seeing what you know, because the quality of music coming through this town might just be something you enjoy.

And, trust me, ya’ll should go out when you can! I saw over 1,000 sets by the time I was in my early 30 a lot of them bands I had never heard of and I’m thankful I did.

OK, those are my thoughts for now. Now on to the music, which is really the sexy part of this column…

COMINGS & GOINGS

Four Players are splitting up with banjo player Nathan moving to NY for grad school. No word on what the other members will be moving on to, but with Nathan gone, they decided Three Players didn’t have the same ring to it.

Handsome Rob of Love Lights fame has teamed up with Amy Gibson and Russel Jander for a new band called Handsome Rob and the Robbettes. Actually, in all seriousness, they’re called Bright Weapons and by the time you’ve read this, they’ll have had their first show at the Cabin Tavern. I was hoping they’d name themselves The Value Village Idiots, but no dice. Took guts to ask for a band name on Facebook.

Karl Freske, co-owner of Film is Truth, once had a great band called Drowsy, a really cool pop band. Well, the band has been “asleep” for the better part of a decade (you get it, right?), but Karl claims he’s working on a new album. No time line on when it’ll be released, but it made me happy just knowing Karl was working on something new.

Fountain Coffee and Bistro are starting to do some shows with the first one starring the Teas Seas Trio featuring ex-Shorecrest graduate Tyler Clarke on guitar, Kevin Chryst on drums and Aaron Harmonson on bass. The show is on August 10, check it out.

Candysound are heading back out on tour at the end of August heading down the West Coast and back for another good little tour. Dates are still being worked out, but ya’ll know how much I love it when a band hits the road.

The mighty Go Slowpoke will be back in town on Aug. 6, on home soil for the first time in a couple months. They’ve been all over the U.S. and should have some damn, damn good stories about their travels. Hopefully they’ll even write about it.

Former Bellingham queenpin, Farrah Halsey, will be heading back to town for an epic blowout weekend with her new band The Gams. Check out the band either on Friday, the 27th at the Green Frog, the next night at Jinx or Sunday for a mid-morning brunch show. Being a huge fan of Farrah’s, I’d suggest all three.

The Rooftops are heading out on a couple week jaunt this month roughly down the coast and back. They’ll be hitting all the hot spots, LA, Vegas, San Diego as well as a couple smaller places like Scottsdale and even Kennewick. I like the idea of the Rooftops playing in Kennewick ‘cuz some kid is gonna see them, have his or her mind totally blown and realize they should be playing music. Always love it when bands play small towns ‘cuz that’s where a lot of the kids are who will end up making awesome music.

Speaking of bands playing small towns (well, this time, a very small town) Cracker is playing at Graham’s Restaurant in Glacier on Aug.18. Yeah, THAT Cracker, the band David Lowery started after Camper Van Beethoven. The band that had the “Low” video that band is playing Graham’s in Glacier! If you haven’t been to Graham’s, it’s a cool little restaurant in Glacier, about 34 miles out on Mount Baker Highway. They do live music there a couple times a week (the Lumpkins just played), but nobody this big has ever graced the floor (not stage, there isn’t one). If you want to see Cracker in what would essentially feel like your living room, complete with a wood stove and beer, try to get tickets for this show. There’s no presale, so it’ll only be at the door. For more info, call Graham’s at 599-1964.

Former Bellinghamite (you like that?!) Kris Orlowski will be playing a fundraiser for Olivia from Ferndale on Aug. 12 at the Green Frog. Olivia suffers from a rare kidney disease and her family and friends are raising much-needed funds for her care. Please come to the show and show your support for this great little girl!

Sheana Sisselman has begun working on a local artists database, which will eventually be posted on our website. She’s working on making the database as inclusive as possible, so if you are an artist, please contact her at art1jinx@gmail.com

One of our favorite What’s Up! writers, Jenn Hartman, is splitting town at the end of the month. Apparently my “stay in Bellingham and make the scene here” blurb in the last issue didn’t have any impact and she’s moving off to Oakland (which, if you’ve gotta split to a big city, Oakland is great choice). So, her band, Council of Lions will be playing a few shows in August (still being worked out) and hopefully releasing a final recording before they officially call it a day. I’m really sad to see Jenn go, but this is the way it goes sometimes. Having been in town for 18 years, I’ve seen wave after wave of great people coming and going. Life in a college town.

RECORDS & RELEASES

The brutal boys of FFA are just about done with their most recent and most likely final CD, Conquerer. I’ve been told by the boys that it’ll be done in September and if they do a release show, it’ll most likely be the only show they do. The boys, it sounds like, will be putting an end to their brutal metal and moving on. That’s just effing crazy.

Vaughn Kreestoe have recently released a live CD and DVD for your entertainment pleasure. When they get them to me, I’ll tell you how they are I’ve seen clips of the DVD on YouTube, though and it was pretty amazing. Michael’s vocals are especially epic.

David Ney, fresh off a mini-tour with the Lumpkins which you can read about in these fine pages, has released a book of his poetry. Aggravated Kitsch Disc Jockey F***mobile is now out and should be grabbed up. I know it’s corny, but David is a perfect example of what I love about Bellingham folks just doing stuff and being creative. Not doing stuff to “be something,” but doing art and creativity for the sake of art and creativity.

The mighty Rhombus have released their debut cassette. So, if you’ve got a cassette player, you should buy it. Eric Holl does and he loved it you can see his review in the review section. Oh yeah, if you don’t have a cassette player, you can also listen to it on the bandcamp page.

While I’m obviously a huge proponent of using local studios for recording, a few bands have opted to head south and record with ex-Bellinghamamster Jackson Long either at Two Sticks (the studio he works out which is owned by Jason McGerr) or at his place. So Adult, They Hibernate and the Love Lights have all been down recently (or are going early this month) as did a younger band called Traces who came down for a day.

The Fresh Pair have released their debut CD, aptly titled The Fresh Pair. They’re another band creating hip hop in Bellingham, which has been struggling a bit as of late. You can grab their disc off their bandcamp page and watch for a review in the next issue.

To bands either coming through or bands heading out, please always make sure to get some sleep and wear a seat belt. The singer of Early Graves, who played Jinx on July 31, died in a car crash on the morning of Aug. 2. The band was out on tour with Funeral Pyre when the driver of the van (carrying the two bands) fell asleep and crashed. Makh Daniels wasn’t wearing his seat belt. So, please, get some damn rest and wear a seat belt.

As many of you know, the music scene lost a friend on July 30. John Powers, owner of Chuckanut Ridge Winery passed away after battling a massive head injury he suffered almost two weeks prior. While folks who are more in the underground scene might not have known John, he was a good friend to local jazz musicians, giving them one of the few places to play and flourish in town. The community is extremely saddened, as we think of his girlfriend, children and all of those that knew and loved him.

As to what will happen with the winery that is still up in the air, from what I understand. More details to follow as they are released.

Have a safe, happy and hot August. Hugs and kisses, Brent.

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

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

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

I know it is dangerous to judge a book by its cover, but the professional layout of this CD indicated that Four Players’ debut album Four Score would be something special. Each of the band’s four members help write songs and most play multiple instruments to create 15 tracks of what has been dubbed a “freaky folk opera.”

With musicianship that stretches the definition of folk, the group uses an eclectic mix of banjo, mandolin, harmonica and acoustic guitar throughout. Singer Karen Kunkel’s operatic vocals are a pleasant surprise, together with off kilter drums and contrasting nasally male vocals bring this group to a level of epic folk rock. The stringed instrumentals also help.

The same nasally vocals that add energy to the first few tracks begin to get annoying and cheeky as the record wears on. Especially on “Check Out Our Melody,” with clipped diction and breathy choruses. Kunkel recovers perfectly on the next track “Hey Little Filmmaker,” which is poppy and fun with tempo changes throughout, only for the record to digress once again on the equally irritating “I Wish My Friend Were a Girl: Party Bros’ Hell” and “Lullaby: Party Bros’ Heaven.” Serving as a farce of ‘bro-culture’, complete with clicking lighters, cans opening, and talks of keg stands, these satirical songs fall short of the humor they aim.

Although some songs got on my nerves, the record is peppered with musical talent that is hard to deny and is worth the attention the group is receiving. These boys and girl know how to put together a well-done compilation and will hopefully continue to do so.

Self-Released
myspace.com/fourplayersmusic

The band is comprised of lead singer Karen, guitarist/back-up singer Jon, drummer Shea and Nathan on banjo/harmonica/back-up vocals. Photo by Cameron Jennings

The band is comprised of lead singer Karen, guitarist/back-up singer Jon, drummer Shea and Nathan on banjo/harmonica/back-up vocals. Photo by Cameron Jennings

The band is comprised of lead singer Karen, guitarist/back-up singer Jon, drummer Shea and Nathan on banjo/harmonica/back-up vocals. Photo by Cameron Jennings

Four Players formed mostly out of the blue. Lead singer Karen and guitarist/back-up vocalist John both met at Western through the Theater program, and then drummer Shea (Sweaty Sweaters) and Nathan (banjo/harmonica/back-up vox) joined up for some friendly jam sessions. Not expecting it to be a major preoccupation of their time when they started playing together last December, one year later there’s a set album release date. Along with the drive to further their band.

They went from playing together twice a week, and then the jam sessions transformed into show rehearsals. “It’s like when you don’t know if you’re in a relationship with someone or not,” explained John, “we just kept testing those waters and figuring it out.”

“John told me, ‘this thing is becoming this thing with a capital T,’” Karen laughed.

4-P found refuge at Jinx Art Space on Flora Street to record Four Score; a decision they’re happy with. “It’s an effective and super affordable thing,” John divulged about the fledgling studio, dubbed Hi-Jinx Audio. The band claims Isaac Holden was a huge part of the recording and production of the album. “Every minute the band has spent in the studio, Isaac has been there,” John said about Holden. Four Score is currently being mastered by Rich Canut III.

The band has an unorthodox style as far as songwriting goes. Each member is separated by their own arrangement style, which is fused into the final product.

“It’s a co-op kind of thing, I don’t know if that’s the ultimate way to put it, but everybody in a way has space to function as an independent songwriter,” said John of the band’s creative process.

Added Nathan, “They don’t sound like normal songs just for that reason. And Karen’s songs are just like… a journey.”

The band’s eclectic style, spanning from show-tunes to celtic music, stuck out to me the first time I listened to Four Score. With Karen’s theatrical, constantly evolving vocal melodies, John and Nathan’s hip hop background (case in point: The Roaming Moanies), and Shea’s draw from the Sweaty Sweaters; it all made for a unique combination. I think, most definitely, the band benefits from its approach.

My favorite aspect of the album is its dramatic take on something folky and rootsy at heart. It’s produced like the soundtrack to a Broadway play…but with extra harmonica and Western-style strings. I definitely laughed out loud at some of the lyrics. For example, the song Party Bros’ Heaven: “you’re my bro, you’ve always been my bro/we believe we never sleep, because in sleep the party dies.”

Thematically, the group is admittedly tongue-and-cheek. The band teases (lovingly) and their lyrics create and mold humorously realistic characters, something Nathan calls “a sincere adoption of roles.” Of course, this is mostly to do with half the band being involved in theater. On the song’s dramatic structure, said Karen, “there’s such a strong element of truth that it’s beautiful.”

January 2010 Cover by Bradley Lockhart

"Painted Backs" by Shelly Browder for "supporting artistry through community"

Well hello, there, boys and girls. Happy New Year! How are you this year? I’ve gotta say, aside from the birth of my darling Ruby, 2009 was a challenging one. So we’re looking forward to a new year and welcome 2010.

And to start the year off we launched a new look to What’s Up! Magazine. Not many folks know this, but my initial idea for the magazine (during its conception) was to publish in a tabloid format. At the time, though, it didn’t work out, so we went with something different. Almost 12 years later, I’m very, very excited to have the new look, it’s what it was supposed to be in the first place.

We are not doing a massive overhaul of the mag’s feel we love the magazine, just needed to implement it into a tabloid feel. This change is more affordable for us (which helps keep us in business!) and allows us to publish more content! This issue, for example, we added the feature “Off Beat,” which looks at a news story that may be of interest to music lovers, as well as “What We’re Listening to,” a rundown of some of the great music (from all over the globe) that local folks are listening to.

With this issue, we had some things pop up after the holidays that kept us from being able to include everything we’d have liked to (or allow us to get out on time – we apologize for the delay). But stay tuned over the next few months, as we’ll be adding and expanding our music content, including more columns and special features, diversifying and providing you with lots more local goodies to read. I would tell ya about them, but then it wouldn’t be a surprise.

In other What’s Up! news, it’s that time again! The 9th Annual What’s Up! Awards Show is being held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Wild Buffalo and will feature Femme Uke, Pan Pan, Dog Shredder, Acorn Project and the All Nighters along with sets by the Dirty Bird Cabaret. Poops will again MC the night, while DJ Postal will be spinning at the breaks. Plus, all the glorious awards, which will be amazing. there are some incredible surprises this year. Cost is five bucks. FIVE BUCKS! Ya know, I really can’t believe the show is in its ninth year blows my mind.

And don’t forget, on the night before the awards show we’re going to host the 2nd Annual Pre-Awards Show at the Viking Union and Underground Coffeehouse. Things will kick off at the UCH with Council of Lions and Bellingham Free Choir, then followed at the Viking Union by Rooftops, Sugar Sugar Sugar, Yogoman Burning Band and Idiot Pilot. The UCH show will be free, however the Viking Union show will cost $7 for general admission and $6 for students with a WWU ID.

Over the two nights, you’ve got 11 of the best bands in town, all playing music for your listening pleasure. Come check it out, should be a hell of a weekend! Thanks to everyone involved and supporting the show.

We’d like to welcome aboard the contributions of photographer Matthew Curtis. He’s begun taking photos for the magazine, including this month’s Pan Pan and Jessica Lohafer are courtesy of Matt.

Finally, before we get to the music, we have one last bit of news… What’s Up! is again working to update the local band database. Yeah, I know I’ve said this before, but this time around we have someone specifically working on it. And this someone is not just an overworked dad (me) trying to fit in the time. So, if yer in a band, send over your information (band name, members, contacts, etc.) to editor@whatsup-magazine or send us a message via MySpace or Facebook.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

The big news, of course, is the opening of the Plan B Saloon in the old Factory space. Opened up by Bucketz and crew, they kicked things off with epic show on New Year’s Eve with the Cheeps, Sugar Sugar Sugar, The All Nighters and Boss Rhino. They are working hard to get the month booked up, and one thing that is for sure (if early reports are accurate) is that Wednesday evening open mic is damn good. You can look for the club to be similar to the Rogue, but better, because it’ll also mix some of the Factory vibe (R.I.P). I expect this to be an incredible addition to the local music scene. Go and down and support them. We wish you the best you guys!

Speaking of the Cheeps, they are a band again. As Lupe from Sugar Sugar Sugar said to me, “thank f@#!ng God.” Agreed.

Chris Gusta (aka Deer Seeking Headlight) has teamed up with Bill Anker from the Whiskey Wailers as well as Jess Manley and AJ formerly of Octagon Control to make Scum Eating. They played their first show in early December and will hopefully be playing live more in the upcoming months. And hopefully changing their name, because Scum Eating freaks me out.

I’ve really been digging Dylan Morrison lately. He’s another guy that’s been a bit under the radar, but is very cool. Good folky stuff, check him out if you’ve got the chance. He left town for awhile, but is back in the fold.

Queen Amena are either on a long hiatus or have called it a day. I got the impression it was just a long hiatus, but ya never know with these things.

Another band that’s flying under the radar a bit is Hoot Hoot, featuring Alex Niedzialkowski from Cumulus as well as Sonja Prins and Cora Glass. They haven’t played a whole bunch, but I really love the couple songs on their MySpace site.

GOOD TIMES

Micah Knapp, one of the many badass movie guys in town, has a couple projects in the works. First off is a little movie called Fantastic Stan Goes to Hell, which includes none other than David Stray Ney playing the devil (don’t say anything), as well as a cool documentary on the Cliff House, which he’s been working on for a couple of years. There’s also rumors of a video for Jenni Potts. Gotta love a busy movie man.

I rarely, rarely ever talk about shows happening in Seattle, but there’s a fantastic band playing on Jan. 24 called White Denim. They’re from Austin and one of the best bands I’ve heard in the last decade. They’ve got nothing to do with Bellingham (other than we hope they’ll swing through our neck of the woods on their next tour), but thought I should give ya’ll a heads up anyhow.

RECORDS AND RELEASES

Four Players are releasing their debut CD, Four Score, with a pair of CD release shows on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Cap’s with guests Go Slowpoke, and also on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. at Everyday Music. The band includes members of the Roaming Moanies as well as Shea from the Sweaty Sweaters. Very cool music from a band that’s floated under the radar a bit.

Months ago, I mentioned in le Beat how much I love the Holy Tailfeathers. Well, the four-piece have finally released their debut CD (which I’ve had a version of for a while) and I’m ready for the town to fall in love with it as well. I’ve heard from more people that think they are, by far, the most underappreciated band in town, and I couldn’t agree more. They are absolutely fantastic, an incredible band with a fantastic vocalist in Leatherpants. It’s time you all discovered them.

The boys in Caparza have a new demo out and some shows coming up, so check ‘em out. Lance and the boys like to rock… err… RAWK (wow, I went old school on that one).

The Low Country Thieves have finished up their latest, The Nickajack EP. The bands been working on the album off and on for six months, so they’re excited it’s finally all wrapped up. You can buy the disc at CD Baby or at one of their local shows.

Vantage have just returned from a sweet little tour down to San Diego and back up to Bellingham, hitting some good hot spots in between. You can read more about how it went in this month’s Tales From the Road (page 33). This month, they’ll be at Two Sticks, the studio owned by Jason McGerr of Death Cab for Cutie fame (who, incidentally, has moved back to town) recording with Jackson Long. Looking forward to hearing the boys after they’ve been Jacksoned.

Another band at Two Sticks is the Love Lights, who are taking their first real break from playing live shows while they record their new album. No idea on when the disc will be released, but they’ll also be Jacksoned, so we’re sure it’ll sound good.

The Lumpkins, one of Bellingham’s gifts to country music, is just about done with their debut recording, Another Wasted Day. I’ve been told by head Lumpkin, David Stray Ney, that the band is incredibly excited how the recordings turned out. Initially the disc will be released on digital format only, then followed by 12″ vinyl. Good stuff. Also look for a story on them in the February issue of What’s Up!

Even though he’s got an album just out, Daniel Anderson is already working again on the new Ghost and the Grace CD… while he’s also working on the new Idiot Pilot CD. Both of which, from what he’s said to me, are above and beyond anything he’s ever done. Resident genius? Possibly. Hell, I’d give it a damn, damn good chance.

Yogoman Burning Band are working on a February tour, with details to be out soon. Jordan has also been down in Killion Sound in LA working on finishing up the new album. Fantastic.

Baltic Cousins have recently been in the studio, recording with John Brooks from Brunette Sweat. You can look for a story on the band next month in this very magazine. Ya know why? ‘Cuz they are GOOOOOOOOODDDD.

ON THE ROAD

Hitting the road in the spring is Sugar Sugar Sugar, who are playing a huge tour across much of the country. Obviously, ya know how much I absolutely love this band, they are the real deal and incredibly special. I’m looking forward to them spreading the Sugar gospel all over the U.S.!

Looks like Candysound will be hitting the road again this spring, down to California and back. No word on exact dates, but any time these guys hit the road, good things happen. They also recently went into the studio, though no official word from the band as to what happened with those recordings.

SHOWS

A couple of local bands are playing this year’s Sound Off! 2010 at the EMP Skychurch on Feb. 13. Candysound along with Pan Pan and Cozy Kitchen will be playing this huge show. Good luck!

On Jan. 21, Boogie Universal will make their triumphant return with a show at the Wild Buffalo. The Official Pre-Party and Fundraiser will include sets by Michael Manahan and Rob Noble as well as special guests. The show is a precursor to the big event, which will happen on Feb. 27 at the Majestic Hall and include Super Geek League, March Fourth Marching Band and over 100 performers. This will be one of the most incredible shows this town has ever scene!

The Winter Commission is getting organized for another event in the second week of February. Honestly, I don’t know much more than that but the news of another Winter Commission is really exciting.

Finally, as many of you know, a terrible tragedy stemming from domestic violence took place in the Kendall area. If you are in a domestic violence situation, please seek help. There are many, many different organizations that are out there to help including Womencare Shelter and Domestic Violence Services (734-3438) and Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (715-1563). For help with alcohol abuse, seek out your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous for resources and help. Sadly, since 2003, I have known someone who has passed because of a situation stemming from alcohol or drugs. I’m not trying to end the column on a somber note, I just want to urge you to stay safe. Life, no matter how painful it may sometimes get, is absolutely worth living. If you need help, please seek it out, tell someone you love.

Thanks for all of your support in 2009, and we wish you a happy, healthy 2010 full of good times. See you next issue.

-Brent Cole
editor@whatsup-magazine.com

December 2009 Cover by “Mighty” Mitch Vega

Aaaah, December, my favorite month of the year. It’s cold as hell outside, we all get to celebrate the holidays and vote on the What’s Up! Awards nothing but good stuff.

As always, we’ll touch on a little What’s Up! before the music scene goods. The big news of the month is the What’s Up! awards ballots are ready to go! Visit our online ballot and vote for your favorite album, live band, new band as well as 11 other categories. (Remember, we can tell if you are ballot stuffing.) It’s a new system this year, and many thanks go to Django, owner of Seatthole and Merch Bot, who created the site and has been extremely patient with this process. He’s a great asset to the community and I’m just damn glad he’s on my side. Check him out for your shirts and stickers needs and if you want to give a damn good Christmas gift, go to Merch Bot!

This year, there will be not one, but two pre-awards shows, both on Friday, Jan. 29 the first at the Underground Coffeehouse with Council of Lions and the Bellingham Free Choir followed by a huge show at the Viking Union. Four of the best local bands… who, you might ask? Well… that’d ruin the surprise! Keep checking to the What’s Up! website, facebook and myspace pages for the big announcement.

Then, the next night, Saturday, Jan. 30, we’ll hold the 9th Annual What’s Up! Awards Show at the Wild Buffalo. Performing bands include Femme Uke, Pan Pan, The All Nighters, Dog Shredder, Acorn Project, GNS and the Reparations, The Dirty Bird Cabaret, DJ Postal and more! And once again, the night will be hosted by the beautiful and infinitely sexy Poops. It’s looking like the night will be the biggest and most extravagant awards show to date. Get there early, because things will be wild right from the get go gotta trust me on this one.

As if that wasn’t enough, the poster for the 9th Annual What’s Up! Awards Show will be created by Nat Damm, drummer of Akimbo and designer extraordinaire, who has done posters for bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and KISS, and events like Missoula’s TotalFest, just to name two. Nat has been gracious enough to lend his talents to What’s Up! It will be epic.

While we look forward to bringing you the Award Show weekend, it’s not the only big news for the magazine. Next month, we’re going to make a major, major format change one that has been in the works for awhile, something we are unbelievably excited about. What’s Up! Magazine will move away from the smaller format to what’s known as a “tabloid” format, like The Stranger, for example, and Seattle’s old music publication The Rocket. There are several reasons we’ve decided to make this format change. First and foremost, it’s a style of publication that I love and have flirted with doing for many years (since the mag’s inception, really), and will make it possible for us to include more content. We’ll bring you all the current music content and more, as well as other entertainment features. This move also makes more economic sense in the long run. It’s kinda of a win-win-win situation. Look for the new issue to hit the stands the first week of January, as well as new shirts and stickers.

Finally, What’s Up! has teamed up with Black Market Boutique for a cool series we’re calling Supporting Artistry Through Community. Each month, we’ll publish a piece of original art from a local artist in an effort to showcase some of the incredible talent in town. For more information, check out page 35 for guidelines and submissions. We look forward to seeing what ya’ll create!

COMINGS AND GOINGS

The Rogue, a venue that has been the breeding ground for the local music scene for several years, will no longer be putting on live music. Due to changes to laws about sprinkler systems in establishments, Rogue decided to stop the music because the cost to fix or replace the system was far more than the bar could endure. The owner of the Rogue, Steve Duthie, has been a great asset to the music scene and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. The booker and soundman, Bucketz, also deserves an unbelievable amount of credit for his devotion to the music scene.

And now for some good news. Bucketz, along with four partners, will be opening the Plan B Saloon at the old Factory space on State Street. There are still several hoops they need to jump through before everything is official, but look for a potential opening in early 2010.

Doug Krebs, an old friend of mine and others, has made his way back to town after stops in Cincinnati, Portland and New Orleans. Doug was the old sound guy at the 3B, had a great studio and played in the Lago Volunteers (along with Eli from Black Breath). He’s back in town, doing some mastering, filling in at the Nightlight and playing music again this time in a new band called Antenna Eleven with members of the Sugar High Mustangs.

While it’s great Doug is back in town, a couple long time Bellingham residents are moving on. DJ Velveteen and Paul Chandler will be moving to the Bay Area. We’ll miss you guys you’ve been incredible contributors to the scene.

The Cheeps are a band again! One of the most epic bands to ever reside in Bellingham were so inspired by their Halloween show that they’ve decided to reform. That’s the good news. Bad news is half the band still lives in Leavenworth so don’t expect a ton of shows.

A band to watch in 2010 is Four Players, which features Shea from Sweaty Sweaters and Karate Kitchen. He’s joined by John Everett Allis, Karen Kunkel and Nathan Oglseby in what they call “freaky folk opera.” I just call it damn, damn good.

RECORDS AND RELEASES

Candysound has just released a new EP. Singer Teo Crider (in my estimations) is one of the coolest singers in the scene right now. Something about his vocals just blows me away.

The Love Lights will be recording with Jackson Long at Two Sticks in January. It’ll be the first badass studio time for the band, so expect the quality to jump from an already amazing level. No word on when the new album will be out, but hopefully they’ll get it to me, and the last one. (Rob… I’m looking in your direction).

Sexy Sexy Robert Blake is back in town this month playing a weekly Monday night gig at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. Ya know how much I respect Robert and I’m not going to lie I’m glad he’s in town instead of being out on the road. The quality of music in this town goes up a notch when he’s playing live in town.

WELL WISHES

Once again, I’d like to plug Carnelian Agency, a huge supporter of the magazine and a great resource for this town. Their posters are top notch and the best prices around (they are the only place we go to for posters including those for the benefits last month) and they’re the best deal you’ll find for short run CDs. Their services are affordable, and it’s easy to work with this good, local company. So, bands, do the best thing for you and a cool company, go through Carnelian. All you have to do is e-mail them your poster and they’ll turn it around that day! For more info, e-mail Teri Cruzan at tericruzan@carnelianagency.com.

Congrats to Steeb Russell and Libby Chenault on the arrival of beautiful little Franklin Sparrow, who entered the world on Dec. 2 at 3:20 a.m. We’re so happy for you guys. Can’t wait to meet you little man!

Happy holidays!

–Brent