What's Up! Cover - February 2011. Artwork by Jerry Fowls at Lucky Lady Tattoo

Well, well, well, good day my friends. I hope yer are all surviving the nasty virus going around town. We’re surviving here at the What’s Up! office/Cole family home, but that’s been about it. So, if you’ve been wondering where the hell the paper is over the first week of February that’s the word, bird. Our production guru, my wife Becca, came down with the virus that’s been knocking everyone out and it knocked her out. Which is pretty amazing soul sister never gets sick and this one took her out for a full week.

So, we’re sorry for the delay. Unfortunately, when you run a mom and pop organization and the mom part is very sick, and then everything grinds to a halt. Which, in the grand scheme of things is fine I just hate seeing my beautiful wife sick like that!

Anyhow stay healthy everyone.

I’d like to thank everyone who participated and came out to the What’s Up! Pre-Pre, Pre and “The” Awards shows. It was a great time had by all we showcased some of the best bands this town has to offer while all celebrating this amazing and vibrant music community. I’d like to thank Candysound and Biagio and the Argonauts for playing the Pre Pre Awards Show at the Underground Coffeehouse (titled Pre Pre because it’s the one before the Pre Awards Show), Dog Shredder, Lampost Revival, No-Fi Soul Rebellion and Acorn Project for playing the Pre Awards Show on campus as well Glowbug, Zorbatron, Baltic Cousins, Keaton Collective, The Productionists and Polecat for playing the Awards Show; Poops, DJ Postal and the Dirty Bird Cabaret for between set entertainment, Eli Ziebell and James Gillies for help with the trophies, Sam Eisen-Meyers and Megan Housekeeper for booking the shows on campus; Casey Nolan, Andrew Nickerson, Lupe Flores, Zach Zinn, Sarah Jerns, Jordan Rain, Carey Ross, and Josh Holland for presenting awards as well as Qt Kiwi for handing out the awards. Finally, I’d like to thank Brittany Smith and Hallie Anderson for running the show it was by far the smoothest and most stress free awards show we’ve ever done, Craig Jewel and the Wild Buffalo for letting us host the show there, my wife for guiding me through all the stress of putting the show together and Braden Peterson, for being a badass behind the bar (as well as the rest of the staff at the Wild Buffalo). Congrats to all the winners as well we had approximately 200 more legitimate votes this year over last and I’m continuously amazed at the support this town offers local musicians. Don’t believe me? Try to find a What’s Up!, an awards show, a local all ages venue (which we’ll talk about shortly) and bunch of great venues as well as house shows in any other town with less than 100,000 people in it! This is a special place and I’m damn honored I get to cover what all the great folks around here are doing.

As I just mentioned, Bellingham will soon have its own, legit, all ages venue! WhAAM and Make.Shift had a goal of $8,500 needing to be raised by Jan. 16 and they raised over $12,000! 150 people donated over $12,000 averaging to $80 per person. Again, I’m so, so very proud of this community and the support it’s shown the music scene. A legitimate all ages venue is KEY to the vitality of a music scene it opens up access to music for those under 21, it gets them excited about music! The new spot won’t just be a venue, though, as we talked about last month. There will be classes and a host of things bands can utilize to promote, tour or just get organized. It’ll be a hub for the local scene and it’ll be amazing. There are still a lot of things that are needed for the venue, so please check out www.makeshiftproject.com for more information. The battle isn’t over now that they’ve got some money please continue to help either through donations of money or supplies. Look for a potential spring opening.

So, yeah, that’s cool, right? I mean, seriously, a devoted all ages venue/hub is possibly the coolest thing to happen to the town this year… if this were a typical year. Instead, we get another shot of good news! The Shakedown, located at 1212 North State Street (old home of the Factory, Callaloo and Plan B) should be open sometime in March if all goes as planned. You can expect a 3B inspired vibe there, though without a retro feel to it it’ll be the medium size rock ‘n’ roll club the town needs. It won’t just be rock ‘n’ roll, obviously, but it’ll have a cool edgy vibe to it. I lay awake at nights thinking about the awesomeness of The Shakedown. You will love it.

3 six 0 Music will be opening their doors in February (that’s the plan, at least). The new music shop – which will feature primarily used gear with some new as well as music lessons – will be housed in the old Video Extreme building on Holly Street (kind of by the Lighthouse Mission).

To recap new all ages venue, new medium size club and a used gear shop all happening this spring. HOT DAMN!

Ok, now to the bands.

BELLINGHAM POWER

Last year, we were graced with Chris Otepka (The Heligoats) moving TO town (as opposed to the normal exodus of talented people moving out) and this year Louis Ledford has decided to make Bellingham home. Louis moved up from New Orleans and while I haven’t had a chance to find out exactly what prompted the move (I assume sexy sexy Robert Blake had something to do with his relocation), I’m thrilled he’s here. You might’ve caught Louis at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree the dude is a talented songwriter and musician and you can start catching him more often around town.

Speaking of The Heligoats, they’ve just released a new split 10″ with Sam Humans from Portland, which I assume will be amazing (but haven’t heard it yet). Chris also spent some time back east in December when NPR flew him out to do a Tiny Desk Concert for the web. That, my friends, is really, REALLY cool. Seriously, a local was flown to Washington D.C. to play on NPR. Stunning, absolutely stunning. The Heligoats also landed on NPR’s All Songs Considered top 10 for 2010 list. Congrats, Chris!

Daniel Anderson is about to head out on tour with Hyro Da Hero that’ll take him to the UK in March and April. Where’s that leave his latest project, Glowbug? Not playing enough live shows, I’ll tell you that much. Band was amazing at the awards show.

There was a time when people could say Bellingham was a fun town, but a dead end for musicians if you really wanted to do something on a more professional level. Louis, Chris and Daniel (and bands like Acorn Project who tour often) have proved that isn’t the case anymore.

GOOD TIMES

The Cabin Tavern continues to book some great bands, including the Mumlers on March 2 (this one courtesy of Zach Zinn and his new company Orgoner Productions). The band has a pretty weird, but mellow sound that really blows me away (hence why we’re sponsoring the show). The chance to see the band in such a cool intimate setting is gonna be amazing.

On March 28, we’ll be having our What’s Up! magazine 13th birthday party, also at the Cabin. Why a Monday night? ‘Cuz that’s when the Strange Boys can play! Out of Austin, these guys are one of my favorite, favorite bands they play a mid-60s garage rock reminiscent of the 13th Floor Elevators or early Rolling Stones.

Ex-pat Chris Riffle, one of the best voices you’ll ever hear, is making his way back to Bellingham once again playing the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern on Feb. 24. This will be the third time in under a year that Chris has been in the area and I suggest everyone that reads this paper should make it down to the show. In all the years of doing this magazine, Chris is one of my favorite songwriters with an incredible voice. Don’t miss this show! He lives in NY, so who knows when he’ll be back!

We had planned on running a story on the Mud Jugglers at the Bellingham Circus Guild this month, but with the delay, we couldn’t… which sucks the Circus Guild is doing some great events each month and we wanted to help shine a spotlight on ‘em. Please check out their website, BellinghamCircusGuild.com, for a full calendar.

Good to see the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern still alive. As it is with all clubs locally, if you don’t go to shows, don’t drink, they can’t survive. So, please, support these venues so Bellingham can remain amazing. Tons of great shows there this month.

Bellingham Nite Life is hosting a new electronic music night at the Fairhaven Pub on Feb. 17 and March 3 with DJ Lithium, Erin Bersch, Neural Net, and JGuyver, as well as rotating local DJs. Check it out if that’s yer scene!

The Shadies, which have taken over part time residency at the Cabin Tavern on Wednesday nights, are playin’ some old time country music. As of this writing, their last show included them playing at a table with no PA, which they dug a lot. Oh yeah, the band includes Andy Rick, Lucas Hicks, and Reeb Williams, plus guest musicians. Good times!

The 3rd annual Winter Commission will be held at the American Museum of Radio and Electricity on Feb. 26. This year’s theme is Storytelling and will include film, amazing music, 30 artists as well as tons of other artistic goodies. The folks who do the Winter Commission like Music for Moderns, have always blown me away; it’s an incredible way to highlight the creativity of the town.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Caulfield and his Magical Violin have changed their name to The Violins and will be releasing Before You Die. I REALLY like the new name less distracting than old the name and I really dig this band, so should you (at least I think you will too).

Mary Mary have changed their name to Marriage, I assume to avoid any conflict or confusion with the gospel band Mary Mary. It’s also a different band to an extent with the addition of Drew Fitchette and Peter Woiwood. New name, same awesomeness.

Idiot Pilot are on “indefinite hiatus,” which I think is code for “broken up” in 2011 speak. Singer Michael Harris is moving to NY in the beginning of February and Daniel Anderson is working on Glowbug, Ghost and the Grace as well as touring with Hyro Da Hero. The boys had a great run and I’m sorry to see it go, but it sounds like they’re both moving onto bigger and better things. Good luck, guys!

I’ve heard from a couple different folks that The Slacks are their new favorite local band, which is amazing, ‘cuz I think they’ve only played a couple shows. The trio features LP from the Holy Tailfeathers, Andy Piper from Sugar Sugar Sugar and Jonathan Sampson from Bar Tabac. That, my friends, is an all-star line up.

Bayside Recording is changing their name to Champion St. Sound Studios. I was going to make up an elaborate story as to why, but I’m pretty tapped at this point. Baltic Cousins, Pan Pan and Marriage have all either been in or are in the studio right now.

RECORDS & RELEASES

Beam Me Up! by the Yogoman Burning Band will be out on vinyl in late February or early March. According to Yogoman himself, they’ve been getting some great airplay on KUGS as well as on KHUM in Arcada CA, which is, ya know, damn cool.

Robert Blake is releasing his latest recording, A Short Series of Long Nights Remembered-The Belfast Sessions on Feb. 25 at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. The album was is a collection of Irish folk songs recorded with Irish musicians (in Ireland, I assume that’s how Robert rolls). Opening is Giants Causeway, who are an amazing band as well.

The Baltic Cousins are releasing their debut CD in February. Though they’ll probably have it in time for the Lucero show at the Wild Buffalo on Feb. 12, their CD release party is at the Contra House on Feb. 25 with Ship to Ship, Monogamy Party and Blood Orange Paradise. In other Baltic Cousins news, Rabia Magnusson has joined on keys she made her live debut at the awards show. I REALLY love this band and Rabia added a cool element to their sound. Watch for a story on ‘em in the March issue.

Well, I’m out of room, so I’ve gotta stop. Please have a happy and safe February and remember when we reconvene for the next issue, baseball will have started back up we’ll have survived another winter, spring is on the way. Watch for updates on our facebook page and online at www.whatsup-magazine.com.

Hugs and kisses.

-Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

Dirty Bird Cabaret and the All Nighters - Photo by Django

Here are the winners of the 2010 What’s Up! Awards.

What’s Up! Appreciation Award: Bucketz

What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Sarazin Blake

What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Gunther Frank (RIP)

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

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

What's Up! Magazine October 2009 cover

Wow. I mean… WOW! You are all absolutely amazing. Last month we put a call out to readers, fans of the magazine, letting everyone know our financial situation, which is not very good. We had hoped that by telling fans of the magazine what was going on, some of you would come forward and help us get through these lean times. We want to keep going and we hoped you wanted us too.

Well, so far so good! I was blown away by the response, primarily from bands and people directly related to the music scene (though not exclusively thanks Greg!). Bands I’ve known for years and bands I barely know have offered to help out, either by taking out advertising or playing at one of the two benefits we have scheduled for October (I’ll get to that later). In one month, we went from being in the tank to being about where we need to be for this month.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet not by a long shot. While the short-term income has help stabilized the ship, we haven’t picked up the long-term contracts from businesses that we need to survive. Until we have more businesses commit to advertising over long periods of time, the ship will be wobbly. So, as I said last month, if you know of a business or own a business, let us know or at least give us a chance to talk to you about advertising. We know you’ll like what you hear.

One of the keys to getting more bands in this month was an advertising special we decided to run in mid-September 25 percent off for local bands or local shows. The magazine is for the bands and fans, we felt cutting bands a break seemed like a good idea. So, we’re going to continue the special for the November issue. If you’re in a band, not only will you get the base rate (between $40 and $300, depening on sizes), we’re going to give you an extra 25 percent off. Think about it. For example, if you take out a quarter page ad, that’ll only be $60 an incredible deal if you want to promote a show. On a three-band bill, each band would only pay $20. Seriously, $20! With a $5 cover, all the ad has to do is bring in 12 people and its paid for itself… 13 and you’re making money. Plus, you get to support the magazine. It’s win, win!

As for the magazine benefits, the first one is at the Wild Buffalo on Oct. 19. It’s a special Monday show will Snug Harbor, Vaughn Kreestoe, Sugar Sugar Sugar (hopefully), Dog Shredder and at least one more band, all along with DJ Triple Crown. The suggested donation is $5, but we obviously would love it if you gave a little more. The second will be at the Nightlight on Oct. 24 with Ghost and the Grace, Rooftops, “hopefully” So Adult (as of press time waiting back to hear from Mr. Awesome Joe Olmstead) as well as acoustic sets by Boris Budd with Shawnee Kilgore and the mighty Femme Ukes (a band that has won me over. If you haven’t seen ‘em, you’re missing out!). Again, the show will be a donation of $5 per person, and again, we’d love it if you threw down a little more. Look for more benefits to be booked in November one at the Rogue and another location to be announced.

Before I wrap up the What’s Up! news, I’d really like to thank you all for your support. It was beyond tough asking for help, but the kind words and support vindicated our announcement. As I said before, I love my job and I love this magazine and more than anything, I love this area. I’ve been active in the music scene since 1995 when I first started booking shows. Working with local musicians brings me an unbelievable amount of joy. It can obviously be frustrating sometimes, but there isn’t a place on earth that’s like Bellingham so much talent, so much good music in a town and county of this size. It’s simply amazing.

Wow, okay, enough gushing let’s get to the music! There’s A LOT going on this month, more than we can post here. The calendar is full of good times.

COMINGS & GOINGS

A couple bands have decided to call it a day (continuing on from last month’s unfortunate theme). Megatron played their final show at the end of September to a packed house at the Wild Buffalo. The boys decided to focus on family, travel and other things in life. As one of Bellingham’s longest standing and incredible funk bands, they’ll be greatly missed.

Another band closing up shop is Serious Black. I have fewer details concerning their break up, but I assume it’s because Logan is focusing his energies on becoming a contestant on “America’s Got Talent.” You laugh, but the dude shreds like Yngwie Malmsteen think there’s a big future for this kid.

Plus, as everyone and their mother knows, Black Eyes and Neckties will call it a day at the end of the month. Before they’re done, they’ve got a show in Seattle opening up for Bad Brains as well as their infamous Halloween show at the Nightlight. They’ll play their final all-ages show on Oct. 30 at the Old Foundry with the likes of Horror Business and Scary Monster and the Super Creeps, a great David Bowie cover band. Wow. I’m sorry to see the band go, but at least they’re doing it in style!

Yogoman Burning Band are out on one hell of a tour! Beginning on Oct. 7 at Boundary Bay, they’ll be heading down the West Coast, hitting spots like Monterey, California, San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Coos Bay, Oregon. While in LA, they’ll spend three days recording their next album at Killon Sound, the studio of Sergio from Orgone. Look for Burning Band to be back home around Oct. 26. And for those uber fans, they’ve got two songs you can download off their myspace site at myspace.comyogomanburningband.

A couple new bands to watch for are Vantage, which includes the mighty Chris Vita, John Garrett, Ryan Farrow and Aaron Guest kind of an all-star line up. The other is Baltic Cousins, which features Brad from Black Eyes and Neckties on guitar and vocals, Shawn from the Russians on drums and Nika from Cheetah Speed on violin. Brad says it’s in the Wooden Wings vibe, but with new material. As bands break up, new bands come around good stuff.

The Ground Floor is no longer doing “loud” shows, so I’m not sure what the future holds for the venue.

And, you’ve been going to McKay’s on Thursdays for music? You should.

RECORDS & RELEASES

The Boss, Biagio Biondolillo, will be releasing his latest efforts on Oct. 2 with a special show at Everyday Music. From there, he’ll be heading out on a tour, taking him down to San Francisco and back, finishing up with a show at the Temple Bar.

Amber Darland will be heading down to North Carolina at the end of October to perform at the North Carolina’s Songwriter’s Competition in Carrboro, NC. Though she’ll be south at the end of the month, Amber has a few shows this month, including Oct. 2 at the Underground Coffeehouse. The wonderful folk artist also has a new CD out which will be reviewed in the next issue, so watch for it!

Snug Harbor had a phenomenal CD release party at the Wild Buffalo in mid-September. The boys have continued to build a strong following, bringing in more and more fans each time they hit the stage. Hopefully, if they’re not too chicken, they’ll be giving the magazine their CD for review.

Another band looking to release more music is Bluebird, one of the fantastic bands in the Que Viva Collective. If you haven’t checked the band out (they haven’t played an abundance of bar shows), you should as soon as possible. They’re interesting, ya know… not in the “interesting but lame” way, more in the catch-you-off-guard type of interesting. I love ‘em, think you will too.

One of my very, very favorite bands, So Adult, are working on a new EP. Their CD release show will be held at the Old Foundry on Nov. 21 with No-Fi Soul Rebellion confirmed on the bill. The EP will be released on cassette (I’m hoping on old copies of Billy Joel recordings) as well as by download. If you liked the late 80′s Soul Asylum, Replacements, Husker Du sound, you’ll love So Adult. Plus Joe Olmstead is in the band and he’s, ya know, a great dude.

GOOD TIMES

On a completely different note WWU’s Community Coalition and Hospitality Resource Alliance is launching an educational campaign called “Bellingham Nightlife… Advice on Tap.” According to their press release, “The campaign is a local effort to reduce disruptive alcohol-induced behaviors among 21- to 25-year-old bar patrons in downtown Bellingham.” To paraphrase, the effort is on to make some of you drunk assholes less drunk and less assholeish. You’ve been warned.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate my good friend, James Gillies on receiving the 2009 Howard Harris Lifetime Peacemaker Award from the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. He shared the honor with Bill Distler. Having gone through the horrors of Vietnam, James has spent his life advocating and fighting for peace. To know James is to love him and I am proud to say that he is a close friend and one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. He is an inspiration to those around him and selfless to a fault; he’d give the shirt off his back to a total stranger in a blizzard if they needed it. It’s an honor to be your friend, James, and I’m so proud you received the award. I love you, brother, yer a good man.

Also, I’d like to send out a special thanks to Django Bohren, owner of Merch Bot and friend. He bailed us out on a last minute problem and we really appreciate it. Speaking of Merch Bot, they’ll be celebrating their anniversary this month by having a sale from Oct. 23-25, with 20 percent off everything in the store as well as free special edition Merch Bot anniversary t-shirts for anyone who spends $20 or more (while supplies last). They’re open from 10-7 every day.

Well, that’s about it from here. Thanks again for all the support and please keep it coming! We need you all to stay around!