What's Up! Magazine

Sugar Sugar Sugar brought their infectious music and spirit to the stage.

The What’s Up! Awards weekend started out at the Underground Coffeehouse, kicked off by the Bellingham Free Choir and Council of Lions. I got to the show a little late and found the BFC singing there were around eight members along with the audience singing along. The band had the lyrics for the songs projected up the screen so everyone could participate if they wanted. It was pretty cool, really, ‘cuz folks really got into singing and being part of the band. Alex from Cumulus was the leader, singing through a small megaphone and orchestrating the music.

Next up was Council of Lions who had a surprisingly large crowd for the Underground Coffeehouse. Most everyone was standing up, right in front of the stage to absorb everything that is the Council. The band played a great set of PJ Harvey-esque sounds, but more raw and inspired and got the already interactive audience dancing and having a good time.

With the Underground Coffeehouse show over, it was time to head upstairs to the Viking Union for the main course of the night. There was a line at the door, which would prove to be a large portion of the evening’s audience. Sugar Sugar Sugar opened up and proved they are Bellingham’s sexiest band. It’s not just that the band looks sexy, but they play sexy a sexified rock ‘n’ roll that pulls from the 60s, 70s and better part of the 80s.

Next up was Rooftops, who are simply an amazing band. To call them math rock would be to only tell part of the story they’re beautiful and dynamic with some of the sweetest sounds around. Tonight’s show was typical Rooftops fantastic.

Yogoman Burning Band was third throwing the indie crowd for a little loop. But, as they played, the audience got more and more into Yogoman and their groove.

Idiot Pilot closed out the show and proved why their one of the best, if not THE, best band in town. Louder than I’ve ever heard them before the band went through their the “greatest hits,” songs the crowd knew by heart. Near the end of the show, lead singer Michael Harris jumped on the speakers, thrilling the crowd but terrifying the staff as two securities guys grabbed hold of the speakers to make sure they and Michael didn’t fall down.

It was a great night for all ages in Bellingham.

Photos by Hollie Huthman, Paul Turpin, and Paul Israel.