Digs (200 W. Holly St.): Although Digs is a home decor store, it feels more like a museum for artifacts from the distant future (or Norway.) This means that Digs shows are always worth attending, because even if you don’t enjoy the art, you’ll probably fall in love with a pencil from 3015. However, their March show, “Fragmented Memories,” did not disappoint. Painter Kei Omotaka, who works in acrylics and oils, constructed an unusually cohesive show themed around the limits of memory and vision.

Her paintings, large-scale portraits which catch their subjects in the midst of activity, embrace a realism that dissolves, here and there, into pixelation. This pixelation serves a number of purposes sometimes, it suggests frenetic movement on the part of its subjects, such as the sculptor at her potter’s wheel in “A Summer’s Day.” In this case, the spinning clay serves as the hub from which the pixel patterns radiate, which conveys both the speed at which the clay is turning and the pinpoint concentration that the potter is focusing on her work. In other paintings, such as “At the Dinner Table,” the pixelation creeps more quietly into the frame, dissolving it in stray edges and corners, so that it is not immediately noticeable. The subjects in these quieter paintings are caught in momentary repose the pause before they eat, or stand up, or speak.

Jinx Art Space (306 Flora St.): Jinx was still featuring last month’s Red and Pink show, a group art show riffing on Valentine’s Day themes; however, this was not problematic, as that show was awesome, including everything from late ’70s-style penciled nudes to jarred hearts carved from beets. Furthermore, music by Zack Zinn, Frozen Cloak, and Gunslingers was featured. According to reliable sources (i.e., onlookers that I interrogated), this was one of the more interesting “musical concerts” to happen in Bellingham in recent memory. Zack Zinn made warm but eerie soundscapes, Frozen Cloak played music as heavy as an actual cloak logged down with frozen water crystals must feel, and Gunslingers were loud, manic, and French.

The Amadeus Project (1209 Cornwall Ave): Music of a very different sort was featured at The Amadeus Project, a music school/gallery where both students and professionals were improvising sonic accompaniments to paintings by Yvette Neumann. For whatever reason, access to free classical music is hard to come by in downtown Bellingham. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of piano tonal work with Neumann’s quiet pastorals, which tend to haze into abstraction. Neumann layers acrylics and pastels in order to achieve compelling textures, at once hard-edged and soothing an affect remarkably similar to that of the staccato sprays that uncurled from the grand piano, each note as firm and distinct as needles on a pine branch but clustered to achieve a soft, blooming whole.

Bay Street Village (301 W. Holly St.): Bay Street Village is home to the Blue Horse Gallery, Studio UFO, and Works on Canvas Studio & Gallery, as well as a plethora of smaller galleries, artist’s studios, and businesses. On March 5, all three floors of Bay Street Village were densely packed with artwork, artists, and onlookers. Those artists who didn’t have spaces of their own were exhibiting in the hallways and stray alcoves. The overall effect was baroque, to say the least like falling through a wormhole into some kind of Farscape Art Narnia.

Blue Horse Gallery presented “4 Women 4 Seasons,” an exhibition of landscape works by Valerie Collymore, Ruthie V, Lisa McShane, and Mary Froderberg. Work by Didy Lutz and other artists was also on display. I really enjoyed “4 Women 4 Seasons.” You can tell a mature painter by the way that he or she handles light. Even in some of the show’s more abstract pieces, you knew exactly where the light was coming from, and it had a distinctly Northwest feel you could almost guess what time of day it was. Ruthie V’s acrylic studies of local landscapes, such as Edison slough, had a looseness and freedom that was deceptive, as these qualities are extremely difficult to achieve without skill and study. Froderberg’s oils were bright, fluid and playful, especially the autumn-themed paintings, with their striking foliage, still pools, and expectant houses (you could tell that somebody was about to come home.) I also enjoyed Collymore’s summery pastorals, wherein the trees were treated as carefully as human subjects, and McShane’s winding paths and mountainous vistas, which had an ominous, shadowy quality that somehow recalled both Giorgio de Chirico and C.S. Lewis.

The featured show at Works on Canvas Studio & Gallery was “Third Person Plural: Variations in Abstract Painting.” Chris Shreve, Sharon Kingston, and Kay D. Little presented three very different takes on abstract art. I was especially struck by Shreve’s acrylic work, which had an eerie cleanliness. Little’s acrylics were also very, very clean, but with a more graphic quality. In contrast, Kingston’s oils looked soft and textural.

One of my favorites of the smaller studios, Ashcan Alley Art featured charcoal and ink drawings by Christine Feltman. After a night of viewing large, bright and aggressive works, Feltman’s small, intimate drawings came as something of a relief. The pieces mostly featured human figures, often in recline. I also enjoyed the watercolor and ink nudes at Francie Allen’s studio, which were saucy and luxurious.

The Ground Floor (1105 N. State St.): The Ground Floor is primarily a space for the healing arts; however, they occasionally house musical events as well. The featured show at the Ground Floor was “Living OUT Loud in Color: Contemporary Queer Women’s Art Show,” and it was followed the next evening by a concert featuring Council of Lions, Sev and the Sins, Rhombus, Femme Uke, Chelsey Weber-Smith, and Cora Glass. This kind of multi-media female artists’ showcase used to be a rarity in Bellingham, and it’s exciting that such events are becoming more commonplace. Much of the featured artwork was by students, and it was great to see such eclectic groups collaborating to present an entire weekend of new and fresh works.

Excellent shows were also in evidence at The Paperdoll, the Waterfront Artists Studio Collective, Honey Salon, and Allied Arts. All in all, Bellingham’s Downtown Art Walk is more alive than ever, even in the depths of March.

–Marie Biondolillo

(This review was edited for length. Read the complete review at whatsup-magazine.com.)

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