Moandingers delivered an excellent heart-felt mellow acoustic set to start off a wonderful outdoor show at sunny Maritime Heritage Park as Ladyfest organizers served ice cream to an enthusiastic crowd. Guitar, accordion, ukulele were all utilized throughout set by Kayla Brogden and Elizabeth Talbot. The Moandingers’ old time folk feel was spiced up with Bill Lohse playing cello, both bowed and pizzicato style lent well to the Moandingers’ aesthetic.

NightraiN moved up the tempo with their brand of ass shaking rock. Imagine Bootsy Collins playing bass for the Stooges. Much of the crowd started up a dance floor to this bass heavy power group. NightraiN was able to liven the crowd belting out sexy raw lyrics that were reminiscent of The Gossip.

Council of Lions was next and kept the crowd pumped up with stellar guitar riffs that made heads bob and bodies sway. It’s always nice to see band members switch instruments, which Council of Lions’ drummer and bassist did.

The show was powered from the pedal project’s bike-generator provided by Makeshift. Kimya Dawson commented that she wanted all her shows to be powered this way, and she wanted to do a tour where she traveled on a train and just could setup at different train stops along the way with someone powering her from pedaling. Right at this moment a train whistle happened to sound which caused the audience to laugh. Dawson joked you don’t know how much I had to pay to make that happen. This was a magical moment that really exemplified how everything really seemed to come together that night thanks to the wonderful volunteers of Ladyfest.

Dawson played poignant a superb set with a whole range of emotions from starting off funny and whimsical, and then went into a somber, solemn, and mournful song about a transgender friend who died of cancer. She finally ended with an uplifting and sober song about understanding, as the sunset gave way to the night.

The rhythm section of Rhombu$ really gave a hard pounding punch. After breaking the low E bass string while tuning up at the start of the show, Rhombu$ wasn’t slowed down a bit as Meg Coultertron tuned down the rest of her strings to make her A the new E etc. The first songs were played on this makeshift bass until both NightraiN and Council of Lions lent their basses to Rhombu$. They were tight knit with strong energy and ruled with keyboardist Audra Robson freshly back from Europe. Most of the crowd sang along with the lyrics as a mosh-pit erupted from a stoked crowd. Cat Sieh has true charismatic stage presence, and is really able to connect with the crowd. Nicole Zapel gave a stunning operatic about a conspiracy theory that has aliens sending their deviants to Earth to spawn the human race. Rhombu$ had their set complimented by some excellent fire poi being spun behind them which added to their already fever pitched intensity.

March 2010 Cover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOKED & HOOKED

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMINGS & GOINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECORDS & RELEASES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINAL THOUGHTS

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

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

–Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

Outfitted in a wedding dress, a hodge-podge of jewelry, and a hair-do full of sticks, Nicole Zapel prepared to play her keyboard. She lit two bedazzled candles sitting on each end of her instrument. Next, she told the crowd she was nervous but ready. Adjusting the fluff of her garment and making eye contact with the eager Bellinghamsters sitting on the carpet before her, she methodically played the first note.

Originally from Vashon Island, the singer-songwriter proceeded to give a performance that was quirky and fun. Most songs were fairly slow, but like any good musician, she anticipated when the crowd was ready for something more up-beat. At one point she asked if the audience would like to hear a song about a devil child or something political, to which the concert-goers replied– devil child.

To give the performance additional spice, she told the crowd to sing-along if they felt compelled. She said the words would become obvious during some parts. So, a few people started to sing quietly. By the middle of her set, about 15 people at the house show were humming or singing with Zapel. The supportive audience seemed to bring her comfort. She smiled throughout the concert with ruby red lips and an almost child-like glow.

To conclude the show, Zapel performed a duet with Chloe Frieda, another Bellingham resident who lives at the house that put on the concert. The two were well-rehearsed and cute together– Zapel in her wedding garb and Frieda in a vintage, sparkly cocktail dress. The crowd clapped for an abnormally long time after the song was finished.

While Zapel carried away her instrument, the concert-goers shuffled into the living room for a spirited, electronic dance party to celebrate a not-so-eerie Friday the 13th.

Zapel is a tasteful storyteller and her local fan-base will probably grow if she continues to give intimate performances. She is un-signed and has not released a record. But with soulful tunes and an intriguing, underlying darkness, Zapel definitely has a solid place in the Bellingham scene.