Kit Nelson at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree

Jimmy and Tom of Bentgrass at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree

Louis Ledford at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree

Devin Champlin of Gallus Brothers at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree

Robert Sarazin Blake at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree

Photos by Ben Shaevitz

Robert Sarazin Blake: Mr. Jamboree Man

Robert Sarazin Blake: Mr. Jamboree Man

This month’s 11 Questions features one of the true heavy hitters of the local singer-songwriter scene, Robert Sarazin Blake. Founder of the annual Subdued Stringband Jamboree held each August at the Deming Log Show Grounds and author of 10 albums including two new releases, RSB lets it all hang out in an interview that is anything but subdued.

Boris Budd: Tell us a lot about yourself.

Robert Sarazin Blake: I’ve made 10 records that are fairly revealing.

BB: You’ve released two albums within three months. What prompted the creative surge?

RSB: It took two days to record A Long Series of Memorable Nights Forgotten: The Belfast Sessions and two years to get it out. We recorded Put it All Down in a Letter in one 24-hour day and it took a year to get out. What can I say? I need help. Between booking tours, touring, and organizing the Jamboree, the nuts and bolts of releasing the albums slipped though the cracks. This winter I made it my goal to finish them and get the music out to the world.

Both recordings are similar in that they’re collaborations with other musicians, recorded in distant locations. The format was the same: a small amount of rehearsal time followed by some intense, exciting work in the studio. While the recording happens fast, the writing can be very slow. Some songs fall out in minutes, others take their time and linger in the shadows for years.

The Belfast Sessions is a combination of old and new songs. The instrumentation and arrangement are in the folk tradition. Put it All Down in a Letter has mid-60s folk-rock instrumentation with Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Fender Telecaster, drums, and fiddle. The Put it All Down in a Letter songs were all new when recorded. Some I played for the first time in the studio. The two rambles “I didn’t Call You from Philadelphia” and “Magic Hour on Baltimore Avenue” were improvised in the studio.

BB: Define what a folk singer-songwriter should be in your opinion and please cite inspirational examples.

RSB: “Sometimes it’s the song and not the singer, sometimes it’s the singer and not the song, sometimes it’s the way the mandolin player plays, sometimes you have it all.” Jan Peters

I’m searching for moments. Moments captured in the text of the song, moments between the singer and the listener and go beyond the words and melody, moments when we’re in the same place at the same time. We can’t stay in these moments forever and we don’t want to. Hopefully, the performer reminds us of a forgotten part of ourselves and we carry that memory with us long after the performance is over.

Examples: Rachel Ries in a coffee shop in Chicago 2007; Erik Taylor at the Green Frog June 2010; Anais Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer at the 2010 Jamboree; Ani Difranco: at the VU Lounge in 1993 (tix were $3!); and Jim Page at Seattle Folklife Festival in the 90′s.

BB: Talk about your continued travels to Ireland and the very special “A Long Series of Memorable Nights Forgotten: The Belfast Sessions.” What is it about the country that draws you in so strongly?

RSB: I grew up hearing and loving the music of The Dubliners, Planxty, and The Clancy Brothers. There was no small amount of romance to my first few tours of Ireland. Like a fan of Paul Simon or Lou Reed walking around NYC, I was travelling around Ireland seeing the towns that I’d heard sung in songs all my life.

That being said, my love of Irish music has had very little to do with my touring over there. I was lucky to find a booking agent who booked my tours based on the strength of my songs and performance and… I’ve kept going back for 10 years. While learning Irish Ballads is a big part of influence, I don’t play Irish music in Ireland.

The U.S. experienced a second folk revival around 2000 (due to baby-boomers children reaching their 20′s, the release of “Oh Brother” and other various factors) Ireland also experience a second folk revival with Planxty’s reunion concerts in 2004. I was touring Ireland when the concerts were aired on local television. I watched with friends in someone’s parents’ sitting room and we all got swept up in the music. I was blown away by the band. The perfect marriage of song and tunes old and new was inspiring. I knew at that point, I wanted to go further into traditional Irish music.

Two years ago, my dream came true when I combined my songs with Uilleann Pipe melodies. John McSherry has played with all the legends of Irish folk and generally thought of as one of the best Uilleann Pipers. It was a thrill to work on arrangements with him.

BB: What is your favorite song you’ve written?

RSB: There’s no way to answer that. “Up in your Attic Room,” “Zoe,” “White River Junction,” and “In Different Ways Goodbye” show up on the set list and never fail to take me with them. Even if I’m not sure of myself, the room, the audience, or the night, by the time I’ve finished these songs, I’ve been transported to a different place.

BB: As a musician with an extensive touring resume, tell us about that first time you hit the road for more than a week. Did you know you were ready to spend six months a year on the road?

RSB: “When I was a young man I travelled around, I hit every hard bar in every hard town For the whisky, the draft beer, the porter and stout. I sang everywhere until I sang myself out.” Bill Morrissey

“Mother thinks the road is long and lonely, little brother thinks the road is straight and fine, little darling thinks the road is soft and lovely, I’m thankful that old road is a friend of mine.” Townes Van Zandt

The week after I graduated high school, my band Sal Paradise and the Apple Pie Blues Band hit the road to California playing two punk houses, two bars, and a college. We were an 8-piece band playing original blues from the suburbs! There’s a 7-inch somewhere…

In a bar in Half Moon Bay, we played three sets on a ‘stage’ made from two booths with the tables removed. After the first set, some girls invited us to a house party. We responded enthusiastically and they said they’d come back for us. When we finished the last set, the drummer approached the girls and asked where the party was. They looked at each other and said “at our place!” All eight of us piled into this studio apartment and drank cheap canned beer. It took us a few hours to realize they weren’t the same girls we’d met at the start of the night.

The lesson learned: if you treat strangers as though they are your friends, they will become your friends.

In the winter of 1998 I made a six-week tour of the U.S. in a 4 cylinder van. I was 20.

In Albuquerque I showed the doorman my fake ID and then got on stage and introduced myself with a completely different name. I played with Rainer Maria, Operation Cliff Claven (where I first met Frankie Chan who moved to Bellingham and ran the ShowOff Gallery around 2000), The Murder City Devils, Sweep the Leg Johnny!!!, Archer Prewitt (the Sea & Cake) and many others.

Lesson learned: If you put yourself out there, someone will catch you.

Second lesson learned: Things happen on tour that simply don’t happen at home. When you’re out touring and playing every night, your part of THE GREAT CONVERSATION in a very real and exciting way.

The tour was paid for by one college gig at UC Bakersfield.

Lesson learned: Always get at least one good paying college gig per tour.

In 2003, when the U.S. invaded Iraq , I was touring the Midwest and opened up every show with a song critiquing the Bush administration and the War on Terror

After a show in Missouri , a very large, clean cut man came up to me and said, “I’d like to talk to you about that song.” (I knew which one.) “I was in the first Iraq war and lost a few friends, thank you for singing it.”

Lesson learned: Don’t judge your audience. You never know who’s going to connect with your music. Get on stage and be as honest to yourself and the audience as you can be.

BB: While you’ve travelled all over the world, what is it about Bellingham that brings you back? Why is it your home?

RSB: I moved to Philadelphia in 2000. I came back because I missed the music community. I wanted to write and record with musicians in Bellingham. At the time, it was members of NYJimmy & The Jive Five, The BarbedWire Cutters and The Monday Night Project. More recently it’s been members of Yogoman Burning Band, the Naked Hearts and Giants Causeway. The rotating faces of the Bellingham music scene have continued to inspire and be a joy to collaborate with. I also missed walking from my front door and into the woods of Sehome Hill.

BB: Describe the itinerary for your perfect day at home in Bellingham.

RSB: I have a morning walk by myself and my mind wanders blissfully. I get to the office and receive a variety of show offers and show confirmations via email. After I respond, I find out my song will be used in the next Cohen Brothers film. (I can dream right?) I take a walk downtown, have a cup of coffee and spend the afternoon rehearsing and writing.

In the evening I meet up with friends and go to a show.

BB: What is your favorite record of all time and why?

RSB: Bob Dylan’s Blond on Blond, Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks, Tom Waits’ Small Change.

There’s a sense of wild abandon within the songs and the performance that is transfixing. You hear the musicians at the edge of their capabilities artistically and emotionally. There’s a sense that no one knows what’s going to happen next.

BB: Any favorite moments from past Subdued Stringband Jamborees, and why?

RSB: Memories of the 10 years are starting to blur. I always appreciate that it actually happens. If I stop and think of all that needs to happen to make it go, it’s overwhelming. I try not to do that.

I enjoy being on the side of the stage watching the bands. I enjoy stepping back from the scene and watching the stage from a distance after the sun goes down and the stage lights are up. I like the feeling Friday afternoon when it’s clear that enough people are going to arrive to reach the critical mass. I love talking with people throughout the year and hearing what they enjoy about the festival. Since the first festival, I’ve loved watching curious combinations of Bellingham musicians sharing a meal and jam session.

BB: Does it bother you when people reference/connect you with Robert “Beretta” Blake, a star of 70′s TV?

RSB: When I lay out my records at a show it can be confusing and amusing. Some say Robert Blake, some Robert Sarazin Blake and others say, Sarazin Blake. If I had better business mind when I was young I might have taken a different stage name, whoops.

BB: What are your dreams and goals as a person outside of music?

RSB: “Dreams, you’ve got to have dreams, I’ve heard about what happens on the other extremes.” Dan Bern

BB: What do you like doing the day after the Jamboree is over? Do you have a post-Jamboree ritual?

RSB: The Jamboree is never over for me… AAAAAAHHHHH.

Some years it’s swimming in the Nooksack, some years it’s meeting at Boundary to swap stories, some years it crawling into bed very early in the evening. On the good years, we’re all packed up by 5pm on Sunday. Other years I’m out at the site until Wednesday. It used to be more stressful for me. Either I’ve made a peace with the process of putting on the event or I’m used to a higher stress level and I forget what life was like without it.

For more information about the 2011 Subdued Stringband Jamboree, held Aug. 12-13 at the Deming Log Show Grounds east of Bellingham, visit stringbandjamboree.com. For more about the music of Robert Sarazin Blake and upcoming performances, check out sarazinblake.com, myspace.com/robertsarazinblake, or his Facebook page.

Robert Sarazin Blake’s new record Put it all Down in a Letter is a somber 10-song album that shows the non-stop evolution of this artist into a vital, thought provoking composer/entertainer. He is more than capable of arranging and leading a full group of accompaniment while staying pure to his folk music roots and adding his subtle bent on geo-social/political concepts.

The record starts off with the 16-minute, “I didn’t Call from Philadelphia,” in which Blake does this jazzy spoken word thing about his disdain for telecommunications. The tune got a bit long at about the 9-minute mark, as I got the point. Still, it was clever and new ground for Blake.

He goes electric on “Hangin On” and the provocative “Little Disappointments We Swallow,” complete with cool feedback and some angst. I then was blown away as Blake went back to his folky ways with the powerful “Planned Parenthood Waiting Room.” The lyric “No man will ever have an abortion” sums up the tune as the protagonist of the song seems to be getting treatment for an STD.

The production of this album was top notch, and Blake once again shows attention to detail that separates a lot of music. “Mike & Ruthy” is an example of the tightness of the mix, with the band bringing it home in a terrific instrumental piece.

Blake then brings “Magic Hour on Baltimore Avenue” which features wicked percussion and psychedelic organ that had me wondering if Blake was on acid during the session (and I mean that lovingly).

Pick up this record. This is, in my opinion, Blake’s best stuff to date.

Released on Same Room Records
For more, visit www.sarazinblake.com

Robert Sarazin Blake - CD Review April 2011. Artwork by Zach Wise

Robert Sarazin Blake’s latest release, A Long Series of Memorable Nights Forgotten: The Belfast Sessions, is a journey into his travels in Ireland recorded with Irish musicians in an Irish studio while capturing the Irish sound, as Robert sings it.

Robert’s frame of reference for The Belfast Sessions comes from his soul. Most years he spends weeks to months touring in Ireland, a country where he has built not only a loyal following, but a solid network of friends. In short, Robert has found a home away from home in Ireland.

In some regards, it’s surprising how long it’s taken Robert to record an Irish record; many of his songs, even if unintentionally, have an Irish flair to them. One can sit and listen to many songs within his catalog and imagine him singing in an old Irish pub, just himself and a guitar, engaging the crowd with his honest and heartfelt words and music.

The Belfast Sessions were recorded in February of 2009 while Robert was in Ireland for a six-week stay. He arrived in January, seven years after his first trip to the country, with a few gigs booked and a desire to record with local musicians and little else. A friend put him in touch with John McSherry (Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistles) and after an evening jam, John called his sister Tina and asked if she would help out with vocals. John’s wife Francis McIdluff was brought in to play bodhran and the quartet went into the studio the next day.

The recording kicks off with “Waiting,” an upbeat and quintessential Irish song, full of energy and joy by far the most danceable song on the album. “Storms of November” follows, another upbeat song, though one can feel the album start to move towards a more melancholy sound. After the dark “Stayed,” are the two most beautiful songs on the recording “City Covered in Snow” and “Bergen, Belfast, Aberdeen.” Both showcase the unique charm and beautiful tone Robert has become known for, the ability to right soulful and emotionally intimate songs without sounding contrite. The latter of the two is about life on the road, and the emotion of going from town to town while being away from home. “In a Poem” follows in the trend while “Farm in New Hampshire” picks up the beat and falls back into a more traditional Irish sound. An accapela song, “Lord Saltan & Auchanachie” closes out the album, the darkness of the song playing off the upbeat nature of the opener. A fantastic balance.

With The Belfast Sessions, Robert sounds less like the folk-punk who dropped out of college to tour and more like a man wise with years and travel, comfortable in who he is as a musician and songwriter; less apt to try and stretch the musical boundaries, and maybe that comes with his other recording which will be released this. Instead, Robert sounds comfortable, happy and even content. None of those descriptions should be seen as negative in any way. Instead, he’s mature and focused, and he uses the strength that comes with those qualities to weave a rich tapestry of Irish sounds along with his own spirit.

Released on Same Room Records
For more, visit www.sarazinblake.com

Every Monday of December, Robert Sarazin Blake has performed two sets with the Silver Shirts at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern. He plays a seven o’ clock and ten o’ clock set with an opening band. This night I caught the ten o’ clock set with openers Heligoats.

The Heligoats are Chris Otepka and Carly “Jim Jo Bob” James, always fantastic to see. Their songs are instrumentally simple; Chris usually lightly strums his acoustic guitar while Carly lightly plays the snare drum. The lyrics that Chris sings are what you need to pay attention to. His songs usually have unusual, but true stories behind them that he found on the internet. For instance, the song, “It’s Never to Late,” is about a gentleman that was an adult film star for 25 years and gets disgusted with his life, so he decided to kill himself during his last movie. The movie is supposed to involve a gun fight, but instead of performing the gun fight, the man decided to kill himself. Except, when he came to pull the trigger, he realized the gun was only a prop, and now the gentleman is a professional surfer in California.

In the hands of Chris, the strange story turns into an inspiring song about it never being to late to change your life. It’s just his utterly clever way of taking these interesting stories and romanticizing them, and he’s fantastic at it, which makes him so interesting to see, because you never know what he’ll be singing about next.

After nine songs, the Heligoats finished playing and Robert Sarazin Blake and the Silver Shirts took the stage. The Silver Shirts are a five-man all star band with Jordan Rain on drums, Aaron Harmonson on stand up bass, Mars Lundgren on trombone, Thomas Deakin on saxophone and Jans Peters on the piano. It was exciting to see what they would play since the bands these five men play in range from ska, funk, reggae to folk and jazz. Tonight, they seemed to have more of a bluesy jazz sound, mainly because of the songs, “Stop Your Cryin’ Pretty Baby,” and “Notes From Marti Gras,” where the brass instruments notes made you feel as if you were in some seedy part of town from a movie in New Orleans. Then, with the addition of the piano, bass and drum solos, it definitely had the feeling of dancing in the streets of Louisiana.

Now that’s just the Silver Shirts. While listening to them and Robert Sarazin Blake, I came to a problem, how do you describe Robert when he performs? I have always been a fan of Robert, he was one of my favorites to watch when he was with the Yogoman Burning Band, but seriously, how do you describe how he performs?!

Robert Sarazin Blake plays Americana folk music on his guitar, he likes to tell stories through his songs. His songs are about love and his personal life, or he sometimes sings of political messages. He obviously likes to include the audience in his songs. He is stoic, confident and most of all, Robert Sarazin Blake is a showman.

That’s all that I can think to say about him, other than he is definitely worth seeing for yourself.

Robert Sarazin Blake - Tales from the Road

Friday, Nov. 5: Bergen

I meet Mark and the bus station and we make our way to the Victoria Bar. We arrive a few hours early for sound check and an Indian dinner. When the soundman found out I didn’t have a pickup in my guitar, he offered – and then insisted – I use a clip-on pickup. I told him I play shows all the time with a mic on the guitar and it’s fine. He said he also does this all the time and it’s not fine. Stand off! He’s frustrated but gives in. It’s fine.

Annlaug is studied in both Norwegian folk music and modern American songwriting. Her CD shelf is packed with Joni Mitchell, Sleater Kinney, Ani Difranco and a wide variety of others. Unlike most Norwegian artists, who sing in English, she sings in Norwegian. Her voice is beautiful without only being beautiful. She accompanies herself on DADGAD guitar and Hardingfele (9 string fiddle), the national instrument of Norway. Joined by Rannvieg Djonne on accordion, her music is a beautiful, effortless mix of tradition and modern sensibilities. It is a joy to have a few glasses of Hansa-Borg beer and listen to her sing.

The crowd is modest but receptive. As Mark and I set up, 6 of my new friends from the hostel show up shifting the turnout from desperately small to almost acceptable. I play songs and tell stories. Most Norwegians speak English and, most importantly, they have a great sense of humor. We have a wonderful night. Unfortunately, we didn’t get enough people in the door to pay the sound man. Annlaug had to reach into her pocket to cover expense. Ahhh fckk!!!

It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.

Saturday, Nov. 6: Aurland

Mark, Annlaug, Rannvieg, and I packed into Rannvieg’s tiny red car and head east to Aurland. Annlaug and Rannvieg had stayed up until 7 a.m. drinking so I took the wheel. After two weeks driving on the left side of the road in Ireland, It was awkward to be on the right. Roundabout…ahhh…deep breath in ….ok….exhale. We had a lot of laughs on the 3-hour drive. The road got smaller as we crawled through tunnels and climbed further into the fjords. Snow started to appear on the surrounding hills.

Our gig that evening was organized by the students of Sogn Jord og Hagebrukss. Sogn is a small agricultural school and home to about 40 students. Just down the road from the school is the tourist village of Flam. In the summer the massive cruise ships stop and fill the town with foreign currency. In the winter it’s empty. Our concert was held in a modern brewpub in a building that can only be described as a Viking lodge. A massive fireplace and indoor chimney is the center of the 3-floor structure. The first sunken floor is about the size of a boxing ring and that could have caged a Viking duel. Wooden chairs and benches with pillows outline the perimeter.

Guests on the second floor sit on the wooden chairs and benches (on ?) the perimeter. Should a battle ensue, they’d have a great view. A winding staircase leads up to the third floor where the concert is to be held. The whole place is full of one-of-a-kind hand carved chairs, massive wood tables and candles. Lots and Lots of Candles. The beer is served in glasses so large and tall I feel like I’m drinking a magic potion in a child’s fantasy film. When we arrive the stunts have loaded in the PA and are having a security meeting. Two will work the door, two will put up the decorations, and two will be roaming security. As it turned out, the only security risks came from the magic potion-beer-glass slipping off the heavily lacquered hand carved wood table where one of the ‘security guards’ sat.

A wonderful crowd of students, teachers and randoms filled the room sipping tall glasses of local ale and coffee in small cups on saucers.

Annlaug and Rannvieg played another beautiful set in the candle lit room as I tried not to drink too much Malty Juleol (Christmas Beer).

After 12 years of playing gigs with Mark Huber around Bellingham it was a dream come true to be able to tour together internationally, if only for a few shows. Mark’s harmonica playing has a way of crawling inside a song and lifting it to the birds. We play our set and have Annlaug and Rannvieg join us for an encore. Together we play a Norwegian fiddle tune, the title of which translates roughly into ‘Endless Intoxication.’

After the concert the chairs, table, and PA system where pushed out of the way and a folk dance began. Two additional fiddles and an accordion joined mark, Annlaug and Rannvieg. A round of drink was brought to the ands and dance was on. I clumsily learned the basic steps crashed around the room with a grin. I was flattered when a farm student told me in her darling accent: “That was the best waltz I’ve ever had.”

After a two hour concert and three hours of dancing, the night bar kicked us out at 3 a.m. We piled into cars and drove the 10 miles back to the farm. Some of us gathered in the kitchen for leftovers and tea to keep the party going just a little longer. I crashed on a mattress in Mark’s dorm room.

You can’t stay 22 forever but you can live like you’re 22 as long as you want.

Sunday, Nov. 7

By the time I return to Bergenon Sunday, the network has been activated and I’m put up as a friend of a friend. Torbjorn and I sit in his kitchen drinking tea talking about his grandfather’s role in the Norwegian Resistance.

In the morning I catch a flight to Paris.

What's Up Cover - December 2010. Artwork by Mandy Cramer

Oooooooh, striped socks. I love it. With candy canes even.

Hi everybody, how are ya’ll doing this fine fall? Enjoying the snow and the cold, I hope. Welcome to this edition of le Beat the Taylor Momsen of the music scene (yeah, wrap your mind around that one).

As per usual, a little housekeeping before I move on to what really matters you, the bands, and the fans.

First off, I’d like to thank everyone who came out for my 40th birthday party. It was, without a doubt, one of the best nights I’ve ever had. I knew the music would be unreal, but I was floored by the incredible kind gestures and words from many of you very cool and very touching. I was also floored by how amazing the vibe of the night was I don’t know if it was because we brought back Federation X and Sharpie and that brought out some old school folks who were REALLY excited to part with their kids for the night and see some rock. Or, if the energy of the night was great because it was such a great line up… or because it was a big birthday party and it’s hard not to have a good time at a drunken birthday party whatever it was, the night was special, not just for me but for many who came out. Reminded me of some shows I saw years ago and it was great to capture that feeling again.

Speaking of the bands, want to send a very special thank you to the great people on stage. Bill and Ben from Federation X flew over from NY to play the show, while Aaron Ball from Sharpie and Stell Newsome from Sugar Sugar Sugar had to travel up for practices just to play the show. It was an honor that people took time out of their lives, especially to reunite, just for the show. And of course, Mike Mitchell with the Holy Tailfeathers, which was incredibly cool. It was an epic night. Everyone played incredibly well, I was blown away by how good Sharpie and Federation X sounded better than I remember ‘em. And many thanks to the Wild Buffalo for hosting, thanks to Hollie Huthman, Matt Curtis and Paul Turpin for sharing their photos, thanks to Squirrel Girl for that epic stage dive, and to those who helped with equipment.

Finally, I’d like to thank my dear wife Becca and friend Carey Ross for organizing my “happy birthday” song and to Scott K Seitz for getting the whole bar to sing together… then showing his ass. Somehow it wouldn’t have been the same if Scott didn’t show his back parts.

The night was a great experience that’ll be etched in my brain for life. The music and the friends, just amazing. You’re all awesome.

OK, enough about that.

What’s Up! will be holding its 10th Annual Awards Show on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Wild Buffalo and it’s shaking out to be the best yet. Musical performances include Zorbatron, Keaton Collective, The Productionists, Polecat, and Baltic Cousins, along with the live show debut of Glowbug the latest project by Daniel Anderson (of Idiot Pilot fame). I’ve been told Glowbug will have an extra special set. There will also be music in the foray, with DJ Postal spinning between sets, dancing by the Dirty Bird Cabaret and the whole event will be hosted by Poops. That, my friends, is an unbelievable evening.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, we’ll be hosting a couple all-ages shows the day before. The “pre” Pre-Awards Show at the Underground Coffeehouse will have Candysound and Biagio Biondillilo, while the Pre-Awards Show will take place at the Viking Union, with performances by Dog Shredder, No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Acorn Project and Vaughn Kreestoe another fantastic line up.

As for ballots, voting will begin around Dec. 10. Check the website to cast your vote for categories. Remember, do not stuff the virtual ballot box! We will know when you do and we’ll toss em. So vote responsibly please.

We have some new things in store this year, including a category for Best Music Video. We’ve seen a lot, but we want to see more? Did your band make a video? Share it with us via e-mail by sending to editor@whatsup-magazine.com.

So, keep the Awards Show weekend open, we look forward to seeing ya, and it’s going to be a blast. We throw awesome parties, you should be there!

Now to the music.

The big, big, BIG news of the month is the new spot for WhAAM and Make.Shift. It’s over on Unity Street (by Griggs) and looks to be the absolutely perfect spot for the two organizations. They’ve been looking for eight months and have finally, finally found “their place.” But, they can’t open it without some serious donations the two groups are looking to raise at least $8,500 via kickstarter by Jan. 16. Ya know how you always see folks talking about “support your scene” or “support local music?” Supporting doesn’t just mean seeing your friend’s bands and having some drinks (which, on its own, is just fine), it also means ponying up when it’s time to do so and this is one of those times. Both WhAAM and Make.Shift are working hard to make the community a better place. I mean, seriously think about it, Bellingham with its own Vera Project (or 924 Gillman Street Project) a place for people of all ages to get into music. In my estimations, there are few greater causes in the music scene than this one. As of press time, they were nearing $1,000, but they need a bunch more. If everyone reading this paper gave a dollar, they’d have nearly three times enough money to open. SO, donate. Now. Please. Here’s the website: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makeshift/the-makeshift-music-project

Federation X are now a band again, though obviously limited by the constraints of geography. After having so much fun playing music for the big 40th birthday party, they’ve decided to rock again playing a series of dates in the Northeast with none other than Monotonix!!! Absolutely awesome. Fed X rocks our world and we wish them the best.

Corduroy called it a day a few months ago, but Tim Leighton has a new band happening with Jenni Potts which he describes as “really heavy.” Stay tuned.

Peter MacLean Woiwood (Go Slowpoke) and Drew Fitchette (ex-Rooftops) have joined Mary Mary making the band a five piece. I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this before, but I think Zach Zinn it a total badass in the music scene. If you wanna know more about good music, go into his record collection.

Caparza recorded their new 7″ recently, though there is no official word on the release as of press time. The band is also working on doing a split LP with Random Orbits out of Seattle as well as writing more and more material. Think 2011 will be a good year for the boys of Caparza.

PRND is a new band featuring Jason Sands (Frozen Cloak, ex-Reeks and the Wrecks) as well as Bradley Leckron. They play spacey electronic music a Jason Sands special. You can find them on Facebook where they’ve got two songs listed both recorded at Jinx.

“Squirrel Girl” has a new band feature an amazing line up Nick Duncan, Aaron Apple and Toby Reif (who, I’ve been told, is amazing on guitar). Expect shows to happen sooner than later and expect their sound to be poppy-punk rock. Oh yeah, they’re called Downfall and have already done a little recording.

The Cat From Hue have released a new single, “One by One,” on Pink Hotel Music a collective that features Ambulance, Candysound, The Cat From Hue, Caulfield & His Magical Violin, Great Waves, The Masques, Kids and Animals, The Ronz, SEACATS, Teo Crider and Us on Roofs bands from Seattle to Bellingham and in between. The collective should be watched over the next year I see an Elephant Six reincarnated vibe happening. (That’s not too much pressure, is it Teo?).

The mighty Half Bees have been recording their full length album, though there is no official word on when the funk soul brothers will be releasing their debut album. Butts are shakin’ in anticipation. Especially Austin’s.

The Knapp Brothers (check them out on page 15), just finished a video for Jenni Potts (which had been months in the making) and are already moving forward with a new Lumpkins video that was initially filmed in the recent snow storm. For some reason, I’ve got a bunch of naked jokes, but nothing seems appropriate.

Dog Shredder will be hitting the road at the end of March with Tacoma’s Lozen for a short tour down the West Coast. Hopefully soon the boys will be releasing their epic new recording… boys? What’s the word?

There’s rumor of a new project between Clint Westwood and Knucklehead an amazing MC in town. No word on if the project is even out of the planning stages, but it should be absolutely amazing if and when it happens.

James Hardesty has decided to keep the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern open for now. Watch for changes in the future that will hopefully make the bar more profitable or at least able to keep the doors open a little easier. During the month of December, he’ll have the mighty Robert Sarazin Blake and the Silver Shirts every Monday for shows at 7:30 and 10 p.m. The Silver Shirts includes Jordan Rain on drums, Aaron Harmonson on bass, Jan Peters on piano and Mars Lindgren on horn. That, my friends, is an all star line up.

Plant Party have added two new players Lisa Feiertag on fiddle and Bobby Morgan on bass and will be heading into the studio in December to record their debut EP. Oh Adam Bates, you sly boots.

Acorn Project continue to make major waves on the national scene. They’re getting very positive reviews for Generation Debt all over the country and the album is currently ranked #1 on the Relix Magazine/Jambands.com national radio index chart ahead of a bunch of big names. AWESOME!

Scott Greene has just released a new EP, which is on store shelves as I type this. Looking forward to picking up my copy.

A special mention goes out to Sam Chue who contacted the magazine to let us know what he’s up to which is making pretty damn good songs. Don’t know much about the guy, but his songs on reverbnation fit into the singer/songwriter mold you should check him out.

Finally, before I close up shop this month, I’d like to again thank everyone for coming out to my birthday party, the kind words and the support of the magazine. Thank you’s don’t pay the bills here, but they are always greatly appreciated. And, let me tell you, they go a long way and we don’t forget when people are kind in their appreciation of the magazine, or even just being cool and letting us know what’s going on with their music.

We are not a rich publication, we are not backed by any big money like other publications out here, but we are rich in passion for the local scene and appreciate all the good folks out here. We have all kinds of amazing talent and people in our northwest corner, and no matter what genre you fuflill, you all love what you do (or at least should!) and feel it is important. But please remember that what is most important is maintaining good communication and respect for one another. It’s frustrating when people have to deal with certain, arrogant musicians who feel they are owed. Don’t be an ass, get off your high horse, and take it from someone who knows. Enjoy it, have a good time, work hard.

Thank you to the many local and independent businesses who proudly advertise in What’s Up! We cannot print without you and appreciate every single one of you.

We wish you and yours the happiest of holidays and an extremely awesome new year. I’m feeling good, are you?! See you in January.

Brent

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

Subdued Stringband Jamboree 2010

Subdued Stringband Jamboree 2010

Subdued Stringband Jamboree 2010

Two of the area’s most popular festivals are the Flowmotion Meltdown and the Subdued Stringband Jamboree, both celebrating 10 years of providing good and diverse music to the Pacific Northwest.

Both festivals take place in August and feature vastly different styles and concept the Subdued Stringband Jamboree is more of a down-home type festival in which all the music has a heartfelt and honest vibe to it, and the Flowmotion Meltdown is more reminiscent of a larger festival, like a Lollapalooza for jam bands.

Subdued Stringband Jamboree

The Jamboree got its start a decade ago when Robert Sarazin Blake, Bruce Shaw and Mike Davis were hanging out at the Grand Alehouse. “We thought it would be fun to have a festival. The next day I went to Korby Lenker’s house and we found the one Saturday in August that we didn’t have gigs. I started making phone calls.”

Initially slated to be held at a riverfront site in Maple Falls, the jamboree was moved at the last minute to a friend’s place in the foothills boasting a huge yard. The next year, the festival settled in at its current home, the Deming Logging Show grounds.

When the jamboree began, Robert saw it as a musicians cooperative, but after a couple years realized it works more efficiently overseen by one person with a supporting crew. It’s now Robert’s baby.

According to Robert, he’s “always” thinking about next year’s line up, but usually gets it all dialed in three or so munch beforehand. “I go through a process, every spring when I get home (from touring), of looking around town and seeing what’s happening in the clubs. This gets me excited to do all mundane tasks required,” he stated with a laugh, adding, “Members of the staff and community would be happy if it got started earlier. But one of the nice things about calling the event subdued is we get to act that way.”

Two-thirds of the bands playing the Jamboree are local folks. Overall, half of the performers are new to the festival and the other half are returning acts. “Putting together a lineup is like cooking. You need just the right amount of certain ingredients, and a willingness to disregard the recipe.”

As to the next 10 years, Robert says, “I’m feeling the circular nature of life more than ever lately. The next 10 years will look a lot like the last 10 years. Deep, huh!” He added, “A few years ago, I embraced the jamboree as my summer work. It was clear to me the Jamboree was important to enough people to take seriously I occasionally wonder what my life would be like without it, but I act on intuition and intuition has kept me going. We could use a little growth but growth and exposure can be fatal. I want to keep going. I want to maintain the subdued vibe.”

While Robert is the key ingredient to the Jamboree, he cites Bison Bookbinding’s Kevin and Carly James, as well as Justin Smith, Julia Spencer and Mary Berchard as all-important components to making things work. In June, the staff increases to 10 and in August, 100-plus volunteers help prepare the grounds for the festival.

Robert notes it’s not just the music that draws folks in. “There are some people who come for reasons that have little to do with the stage music. They enjoy jamming, hanging, camping, cooking, and experiencing the alternative reality of a festival.”

In the end, while the festival can be sometimes difficult to put together, Robert loves it. “There are moments I’ve had at the end of the festival, on stage with all the bands and volunteers that is the purest joy I’ve ever felt.”

In this year’s line-up, Robert notes some of the acts people should check out include Anais Mitchell, Jefferson Hamer, Louis Ledford, CR Avery, The Heligoats, and Rachel Ries. “It just might be Timmy Sunshine or Lovage who steal the show,” he added. “A local band playing for their identity has something professional musicians can’t touch.”

The Jamboree takes place Friday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Deming Log Show Grounds. Camping, including a subdued family section, is available, as well as a number of vendors. For information and ticket prices, visit stringbandjamboree.com.

Summer Meltdown 2010

Summer Meltdown 2010

Summer Meltdown 2010

Summer Meltdown 2010

Summer Meltdown

Like the Jamboree, the Summer Meltdown also began as a party featuring a few bands in a friend’s yard this time at a location on the San Juan Islands.

Over the decade, the festival has grown, making its way through four different locations, including two in the San Juan’s, one on Camano Island, two in Sedro-Woolley and the last five in Darrington.

“We love it in Darrington, but in many ways are still emotionally attached to the Sedro-Woolley site. We put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into that site – hacking campsites out of blackberry brambles with machetes, hand painting all of our signs, building the stages from salvaged wood,” said festival director Andrea Wood.

While the group loved Sedro-Woolley, Darrington has afforded them the size to allow for the festival’s growth and where they can work through the permit process.

For Andrea, her favorite moment occurred in 2004 when the northern lights played across the sky and Flowmotion had one of their best sets. “I think the two must be related.”

While Andrea has a favorite memory, she’s most excited about the festival as a whole. “But my real favorite thing about Meltdown isn’t a particular moment, it’s the way it has evolved overall and watching it serve as a platform for so many people to discover talents and skills they didn’t necessarily know they had, and meeting so many people that I can’t imagine not sharing this life with. Those two things have been the greatest rewards of doing this.”

The planning for the Meltdown is a year-long process, according to Andrea. “So much of what we work on, both as Flowmotion and Terra Roots, ties back into the Meltdown. It’s the culmination of many projects throughout the year.”

Two-thirds of this year’s Meltdown bands are from Washington and all but a handful are from outside the Northwest. “We’re focused on providing a platform for all the great music we have here. I think our talent buyer has the toughest job of the fest. She is bombarded with suggestions and requests year round, not just from musicians and agents, but from all of us on the staff as well… putting in plugs for our favorites. There is some method to our madness, though, and it’s mostly about fitting the pieces.”

As for the next 10 years, Andrea simply states, she hopes for “A little bigger and a little better each year.”

The festival is organized by Flowmotion and Terra Roots Foundation (the non-profit behind the Meltdown and other projects), but Andrea states it takes literally a “thousand willing participants that make it what it is.” Not just the performers, but the attendees, volunteers, vendors and sponsors all working on every level, a huge community effort. “Community has a lot of different definitions, and I think we see many aspects of it at the Meltdown.”

As is the case every year, the highlight is Flowmotion’s set, but Andrea is also looking forward to Mother Hips, Department of Energy and Acorn Project. She added, “I think the crowd favorites this year will be Manooghi Hi, Delhi 2 Dublin and The Mutaytor. They all have really unique things going on. We’re also bringing back Five Alarm Funk, who was hands down the favorite act of 2009.”

The Meltdown takes place Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Whitehorse Mtn. Ampitheatre in Darrington. For tickets and other information, check out summermeltdown.com.

Carly James is the vocals for local band Librarians, and co-owner (with her husband Kevin) of Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress. Courtesy photo

Carly James has made an impact on the music scene via her work as co-owner of the local Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, and with her voice as the singer for the local group the Librarians. Carly was kind enough to answer our questions this month…

Brent Cole: What’s your story?

Carly James: I came to Bellingham back in ’01 via Iowa City, IA. I was 20 years old and wanted to get as far away from mosquitoes and GMO cornfields as possible. Bellingham was somewhat of a random choice–I’d never been here, I didn’t know anyone, but I thought surely there would be good pot to smoke. And I was right. I was here for a while, then spent a couple years in Portland studying book arts at Oregon College of Art & Craft. When I was ready to start Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, I knew Bellingham was the place to be–with its creative, art-loving, locally-conscious community. Oh, and I happened to be in love with a Bellinghamster so that had an impact on my decision to come back.

BC: How long have you and Kevin been married? How does working and playing with your husband impact your relationship?

CJ: I’ve been married to Kevin for six years now. We’re together all the time. What can I say? I can’t get enough of him. Of course every relationship requires effort but overall, I’m so lucky to share my work, art, music, and love with good ol’ Kevsy.

BC: What’s your favorite Librarians song? What was the inspiration behind it?

CJ: It changes. Some songs blow me away when we first play them; others reveal their depth over time. I’ve always loved playing Joel’s song, “Gone,” which contemplates the impermanence of life. The song evolves to accentuate different instruments–bass, trumpet, violin, and ultimately, the lone apocalyptic banjo.

BC: How does the songwriting process work for the band?

CJ: Mostly Joel and Bruce write the material for the band, and four of us–Joel, Bruce, Kev and I–work out the arrangements. With a Joel tune, he’ll show me the chords and lyrics, I’ll interpret the melody in my Carly way, and voila, Librarians song. The Bruce tunes are completely orchestrated by Bruce himself. He’ll show us all exactly what we should play and when. Then there’s Chris. Chris is a self-contained, one-man-band who shares his material for The Librarians to interpret. We’ve only really scratched the surface of possibilities of working with Chris.

BC: The Librarians seem to have a flow of different musicians who play in the band? Do you like the changeover and how does it affect the bands music?

CJ: I don’t dislike it. It is what it is. The Librarians are a busy group of individuals. Joel is living in Portland and touring with MarchFourth Marching Band; Chris is touring in Spain with Clem Snide; Kevin W., Bruce and Allegra play in multiple Bellingham bands. It’s awesome when we can all be together–I do love that. But every version of the band has its charms. When it’s just Kev, Bruce and me playing, we have to work a lot harder to fill the sonic space, but our repertoire is different and that’s a fun variation. When we have eight people on stage, which we’ve managed to do a couple of times this past year, it can sound pretty majestic, almost orchestral.

BC: Do you have any desire to play in multiple bands?

CJ: Maybe so, but I’m really satisfied with my one musical situation. Besides, I’m too busy with work these days to entertain such thoughts.

BC: Can you give some background on Bison (when it started, etc)? How does the company fit into the music scene?

CJ: Bison’s been around for about six years. We’re a small, eco-friendly print shop, design studio, and bookbindery. Being artists and musicians, we’ve been involved in the music scene from the start. Back in the early days, we hosted small acoustic shows at our shop. Nowadays, we design and print music packaging and posters for many local musicians. We have some of the lowest prices in town for digital posters and handbills, and some of the highest prices around for letterpress CD packaging. But our work is awesome, and it’s worth it. We’ve done the design work for Robert Sarazin Blake’s last three albums, we’ve printed CD cases for Acorn Project, Polecat, Matt Novak, and currently are designing and printing the package for the upcoming solo Josh Clauson CD. We also play an integral role in the Subdued Stringband Jamboree, designing and printing all of the promotional materials.

BC: What’s your favorite moment from your time in the Librarians?

CJ: My favorite moments are cooking a rad lasagna or enchiladas with fresh-cut salsa to eat before practice. As you may know, The Librarians have a long tradition of eating a delicious meal, then playing music or writing a song about the meal. Like “Western Spaghetti,” was inspired by an amazing sauce I made.

BC: Who would be your dream band to open for?

CJ: If it were an awesome, coherent dream, it would be Neil Young, or Greg Brown before he became seemingly lazy and cantankerous. If it were one of those strange dreams where I can’t play the chords right and the words come out all backwards, it would be Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66.

BC: If you could live anywhere in the world (aside from Bellingham), where would it be and why?

CJ: If it were feasible for me to crate ten tons of letterpress equipment and throw it on a boat, I’d be in Amsterdam before this issue goes to print. You know, the whole cultural-diversity-quality-of-life-legalized-pot-best-health-care-in-the-world-public-transportation-political-economic-stability thing is quite alluring.

BC: Any final words of awesomeness?

CJ: Yes! Support our local music festivals this summer! Go to the Meltdown! Go to the Jamboree!

What's Up! May 2010 Cover. Art by Kelly Bjork

What’s Up! and Black Market Boutique have teamed up for a monthly focus on artwork in Bellingham, called Supporting Artistry Through Community. This month’s submission is Moon Art by Eli Anderson, an artist living in Bellingham. Interested in having your art displayed here? Bring your submission to Black Market Boutique at 2010 N. State St., or call 756-9440 for submission details.

Congratulations to Laura and Erik Moore (the folks behind Boogie Universal) on the birth of their daughter, Eden Magnolia Moore, on April 3. She is just beautiful! Laura and Erik are doing great and enjoying every second of parenthood. Congrats you three!

As always, before we head to the meat and potatoes of the music scene, we’ve got a little magazine news you can use. The big news? We’ve got more shirts! And they’re sexy! Fans of the magazine, or people who just like good shirts, can either pick up a What’s Up! is for Lovers or a Play Anything (the one with John Cusack holding the What’s Up! logo) shirt at either Merch Bot, Black Market Boutique or Everyday Music. We’ve also run out of the What’s Up! is for Lovers stickers, watch for new ones coming later this month.

We’ve added a new feature to our website called Meet the Advertisers. It’s a listing of our advertisers,with a copy of their ad also posted online.

Oh yeah, just a little reminder, please drop off your CDs for review at Merch Bot. We love reviewing CDs and hearing local music, so have some guts and go for the glory!

So, seemingly for the first time in awhile, we don’t have any epic news for the magazine kinda feels good.

We do have epic news about Grow Northwest, our new publication, hitting the stands this month! For those of you who didn’t catch it last time we’re launching this new mag about local food and farms, as well as cooking, DIY projects, gardening, locavore adventures and more. We’ll be covering Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties as well as other neighboring counties. Our launch party will be held at Boundary Bay on May 29 (Sea to Ski weekend), starting at 3 p.m. (following the Farmers Market). Thimble vs. Needle will be performing as well as another band (to be named). The launch party is free and family friendly, and we’ll have t-shirts and prizes. Becca and I are incredibly excited about this new mag and we think if you dig local foods, and getting back to basics, you’ll like it too.

For more information, you can follow us on facebook or contact us.

Ok, now on to the music.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Trailer Wars have continued to provide the town with an amazing night of amusement selling out their monthly shows wherever they’re held. Each month, we’re going to highlight the winner of the wars the winner of the battle royal, if you will. April’s winner was first time participant Carmella Bauman, who, according to one Sean Meyer (one of the primary organizers of Trailer Wars), “blew the audience away.” Her trailer, “Law-retta,” is the story of a “lone gunslinger who “wont rest until she gets her noose around a neck called Justice.” Carmella, who plays the titular character, performed a live harmonica score alongside her trailer. According to Sean, in a Trailer Wars first, the trailer and performance “caused a minute-straight eruption of applause from the audience.” Congrats to Carmella and congrats to the Trailer Wars folks I can guarantee you don’t find cool stuff like Trailer Wars in most towns. I’m constantly amazed at the uniqueness and spirit of the local scene.

Robert Sarazin Blake, “Mr. Awesome,” as I like to call him, is heading down to California and parts in between in June. Not an epically long tour, just a little, “hello, how are ya,” type of thing.

Yogoman Burning Band just got home from another big tour this one for almost the entire month of April, playing from California, over to Colorado, Utah and parts in between. According to their facebook updates, the tour has been amazing and the final show in North Bend of all places, was the best yet. If I’ve got it right, YBB have spent more time on the road over the last few months, than at home. Ya know how much I love that!

In a sad goodbye, one of my favorite artists and Bellingham mainstay, Michael Costello, is moving to Portland with his wife and family. Melissa got a great job with the city, so it was time for a change. While it’s a huge loss for the town Michael’s work has been some of the best done in the city we’re excited for Michael and Melissa and their new opportunities. The town won’t be the same without you two! Take care!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Barnum Jack is recording at Actual Air in Deming with Tim Brown at the helm. There’s no official word on the release date for the recording, from what I understand, the band is taking their time in getting everything dialed in.

The Rooftops are already working on album number two, having just returned from an epic six-week tour that took them across the states. As with their debut, the album is being recorded at Bayside by Paul Turpin and will be out on Clickpop Records. When? No idea.

Ex Patriot, Kristin Allen-Zito will be releasing her latest album on September 21 on Clickpop. According to Paul, they’re in the midst of the final mixes as we speak.

Mission Orange have finished the bulk of the work on their latest album, with overdubs and “guest musicians” all that’s left before the work is complete. No word on the release date with that one either.

They Hibernate have just finished recording at Two Sticks the place of choice for band wanting to record out of town where they can work with the epically awesome Jackson Long. The new EP should be on the shelves in June, fingers crossed.

Polecat have released a new EP in early May, which isn’t bad for a band that seemingly hasn’t been around that long. They’ve been playing regularly at Boundary Bay on Monday nights and building up a strong following as they go Mondays at Boundary tend to be one of the weirdest and coolest scenes around. You wouldn’t think it’d be happening, but it always is. Has for years, too Boundary has a knack for putting great new bands in that slot and having ‘em work out.

Kosh, a local hip hop artist, has released his debut CD, In the Beginning. He’s joined a good group of young hip hop acts coming up through the ranks in town.

As we close out this month’s le beat, I’d like to apologize for an error with had in last month’s issue. The Sons of the Widow James’s CD was recorded by Christian, the old bartender at the 3B, not Bob at Binary.

Have a great May. See you next issue.

-Brent Cole