What's Up! Cover - June 2010. Artwork by George Jartos

Well, hello there friends, welcome to le Beat. Lots of happenings this month.

I always like to start each month off with a little bit of magazine news, but this month, I don’t think we’ve got any! We do have our new t-shirts available, so head on down and please buy one from either Merch Bot, Everyday Music or Black Market Boutique we’ve got two different designs and they’ll both make you look sexier. Not just sort of sexier, but “oh my God, yer hot,” kinda sexy. Besides that, we’re just kinda humming along here.

Oh wait, before I forget, yer gonna love this month’s pin up it’s a first in What’s Up! history. Posing are two contributing writers the lovely and wonderful Haylee Nighbert and Tabitha Englebright get ready for summer games while enjoying some time with What’s Up!. It turned out fantastic thanks you two!

RECORDS & RELEASES

Go Slowpoke and Four Players are both releasing new EPs at their show at Jinx on June 4, then they’re heading out on a tour together which will take down through California (dates are still being confirmed). From what Peter of Go Slowpoke says, he and Anna will then take off for a couple month tour of the U.S. while Four Players will head back this way.

The show, which also includes Girl Group, will include a slideshow of photographs of the late and great Gunther Jose Frank – the show’s date of June 5 marks the year anniversary Gunther and Donnkie went missing in a tragic boating accident. Michelle from Jinx wanted to make it clear, the event isn’t a memorial, but a tribute to a friend we all lost and have mourned over the last year. I miss Gunther, and I barely knew him his loss (as well as well as Donnkie’s, obviously), was beyond tragic and something we’ll never forget.

For anyone who wants a copy of the show, a free download of the memorial slideshow will available soon at jinxartspace.com.

Another band releasing a CD is Rhombus, who should have it out some time this month. You can find out more info about the band on page 6 of this issues, as well as details on how to get the goods. I haven’t had a chance to give it a spin, but if Cat Sieh’s in the band and Chris Vita is behind the board, it’s gotta be damn good and entertaining.

Hey, ya know what’s cool? Bands releasing CDs so we’ve got another one! The Keaton Collective are shooting to release their latest CD in “June-ish,” but no official word yet. From what I’ve heard, though, the album will focus more on the roots side of the band with a special guest appearance by Cara Alboucq. Stay tuned.

Wow check it out, ANOTHER PERSON RELEASING A DISC! I’m in CD heaven! Damon Dmitri Jones is holding his CD release party at Bloom on June 5 at 6 p.m. Bloom is cool, Damon is great, what the hell are you waiting for?

Thought that was it? NOPE! “Mad” Max Keys (ex-Yes We Are) has just released his debut CD. The recording, which was done on his computer, was put together as part of his senior project with the proceeds of the recording going towards relief efforts in Haiti.

I think I mentioned this last month, but Tyler Clarke (ex-Hedonists) has released a new CD which is absolutely fantastic. Look for it in stores near you and a story on Tyler in July. SCOTS UNITE!

Stephen Ray Leslie and the Crooked Mile have begun work on their latest EP. No word on when it’ll be done or released, but getting into the studio is always a good thing.

COMINGS & GOINGS

In previously mentioning Girl Group, there is a new band that features Nora Hughes and Zack Zinn. They’re new, so I don’t know much about ‘em, but I know I love that name.

Cara Alboucq has a new band The A Priori Project I don’t have any details about it, this is brand new news as of press time! So, there ya go the new hot news!

Cozy Kitchen have called it a day. I kinda liked that band and was looking forward to their new record, so their demise kinda sucks.

In a bit of sad news, especially for the fine music fans of Bellingham, Cumulus is leaving at the beginning of July for the big city. I’m not sure the reasoning behind Alex’s departure (I assume they are sound), but as Alex is one of my very favorite people in town, I’m personally bummed out about her leaving and hope that she has a change of heart in June. But, then again, this is a college town and that’s part of the way things work. Alex, you’ve been a wonderful person to work with through the magazine, take care of yourself my friend!

BOOKED & HOOKED

This year’s Urban Music Festival looks to be the best yet! The first show, held on Friday, June 4, will include sets by GEO of the Blue Scholars, James Pants, Vaughn Kreestoe and DJ Booger. The following day, Empty Space Orchestra, The Endorfins, Unami, Polecat and The Tea Seas Quintet as well a members of the Dream Science Circus and Bellingham Circus Guild will be performing in the alley next to the Buffalo from noon to 8 p.m. for FREE. At night, also at the Buffalo, check out Acorn Project, Snug Harbor, Alpaca, Dubble Penetration, as well as the Blessed Coast DJs. This, my friends, is a huge, huge weekend of music. Get there.

One of my favorite non local bands, Dawes, is playing June 26 at the Plan B Saloon. For those who know Dawes, this is great news and for those who don’t, get down there to find out why they are opening up for Elliott Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s and playing Lollapalooza.

If yer in the mood for some hip-hop and heading out to the islands, there will be a festival June 19 on Orcas Island at the Oddfellows Hall. Live performances from Bloodshot, The Productionists, My Dad Bruce, The Knowgooders, 206 Zulu, Johnny Concrete, Designated Hitters, and Western Goodz along with BBQ, breakdancing, and beat-boxing. Seems like a damn good reason to get to Orcas.

GOOD TIMES

In Trailer Wars news, What’s Up! would like to congratulate KMDB Films for their ridiculously hilarious “Shower Guy: Shampooin’, an “awkwardly erotic tale of cleanliness.” You can find the winning video on YouTube and I’ll promise ya, you’ll be entertained and slightly concerned it’s f***in’ hilarious.

Next month’s category (which was picked by KMDB) is Biographies aka Biopic. If you’d like to find out more, you can contact the fine folks at http://myspace.com/trailerwars.

On the art scene, check out Chase Boston’s work over at the Lucia Douglas Gallery in Fairhaven. The show’s opening is on June 4 and the work, titled “An Ocean of Bones,” runs through the 7th.

Last month, we included a story about the Appliance Art Revival show coming up on June 4 at the Chuckanut Brewery. What we failed to mention was possibly the coolest aspect of the whole event the Appliance Races. What is it? Crazy appliances being raced down Holly Street prior to the event. There’s only one word that can describe this: glorious. Get there.

Becca and I would like to thank everyone that braved the cold on May 29 to attend the launch party for our new magazine, Grow Northwest. Those who could make it had a great time and got to listen to some wonderful music from Thimble vs. Needle and the Librarians both bands were incredible (thank you for performing!). You also got to see a glimpse into the future as our son Harrison realized how much he loved being on stage even at times when he wasn’t exactly supposed to be up there. If you haven’t had a chance, grab a copy of Grow Northwest (www.grownorthwest.com), full of info and resources about local food, farming, gardening, cooking, adventures and more. We think you’ll dig it.

Finally, I had an epiphany a month or so ago that I wanted to tell you about. I was on my way down to Seattle listening to the new Holy Tailfeathers record for the umpteenth time, when it hit me in the 12 years since starting the magazine, even 18 years I’ve lived in town and absorbed the local music scene, I’ve never loved a local record as much as I love the Tailfeathers’ offering. From the first track to the last, it’s nothing but rock ‘n’ roll goodness the songs are simple rock bursts and LP’s vocals are ridiculously cool… It’s disappointing to no end that they aren’t the biggest and best band in town I love ‘em like no other and I sincerely hope you, the reader, listen to ‘em too. If you’ve read this magazine for any length of time, you know that I love local music, but I’ve never declared my love for a band over no other that’s how important and how much I love this band.

Ok, ya’ll, have a great June hope the weather turns around for us all, ‘cuz the current weather just sucks.

–Brent Cole

editor@whatsup-magazine.com

The Librarians

The Librarians is the most down-to-earth band in the City of Subdued Excitement.

The group doesn’t use social networking skills and doesn’t plan on becoming a world-famous act. The Librarians are all about cooking dinner, playing songs, taking breaks, and bringing their dog on stage.

“We’re friends trying to create beautiful sounds together,” band member Carly James said. “We load up our shit, we play our hearts out, we pack it up and have a late night meal at the `Shoe.”

Currently comprised of James, her husband Kevin Nelson, Bruce Shaw, Allegra Ziffle, Kevin Wharton, Joel Ricci and Chris Opteka– the band started performing when local musician Robert Blake offered some key advice.

“It’s about time you start playing live,” Blake said, according to James.

The band’s intimate performances have shaped the group and its fan base. Most of their listeners are located within Whatcom County, but their appeal seems to have a wider-reaching potential. What’s more, the Librarians have a laid-back grace during their shows that is undeniable.

“Our favorite moments on stage are when it’s feeling so easy and natural,” James said. “Bruce is in the zone– we can do no wrong.”

The Librarians are known for a soft, folky sound–but they do mix it up from time to time. Some of their musical influences include Supertramp and Vic Johnson. Recently, the band received the “Best Highway Americana” award at the 9th annual What’s Up! Awards show.

The band’s EP Biazzaro Suite (which was the top seller at last year’s Stringband Jamboree Festival) includes six original songs, with “A Guide to the Outdoors” being one of the band’s most beloved tracks. The song was written by Chris Opteka and recorded live at the Honey Moon. Opteka is also in the band The Heligoats.

“It was our first time performing with Chris [when we recorded "A Guide to the Outdoors"], so it has that nervous, excited energy to it,” James said.

James met Opteka in their hometown of Chicago when she was 10 years old; he began working with the band when he moved to Bellingham a year ago.

Ultimately, however, the group resulted from late-night, jam-sessions at the old Bison Bookbinding and Letterpress shop– James’ and Nelson’s business. The couple has been playing music together for 10 years and the Librarians’ presence reflects this closeness shared by the band members.

James and Nelson are so dedicated to their business and music that they once sold all of their possessions to sustain their way of life. All they had left was10 tons of machinery and their guitars.

Today, James and Nelson are busy working and playing music most of the time.

“We’ve let go of most past times, hobbies, even friendships at times, to completely immerse ourselves in our work,” James said.

But something else gives the Librarians a remarkable edge–the band is notorious for making ultra-miniature performance spaces work.

“We’ve gotten quite good at fitting a f#!k-load of people onto a tiny stage,” James said. “We could probably play a show inside your car.”

James sings and plays guitar and guitjo while Nelson is responsible for being tall, hairy and playing bass. Shaw brings in the banjo, mandolin, guitjo, dulcimer and the occasional fiddle, and Ziffle operates a violin. Wharton brushes snares and cymbals and drinks beer and Ricci plays the trumpet, sings and writes music. Last but not least, Opteka assists the band in performing a few tracks he’s written.

In addition to the current line-up, some other folks have had a notable impact on the Librarians. Stell Newsome was their lead guitarist for a while, but he left the band when he moved to Seattle. Ivy Ross, Ricci’s partner, often treks up from Portland with Ricci to sing with the group.

“[Ivy] adds a haunting third harmony to our singing,” James said.

The Librarians hope to release an EP this spring and and continue recreating a living-room sound in small, noisy bars around Bellingham, with some touring and performances in Portland and Alaska.

For more information about the Librarians, catch the band live at the Honey Moon on Tuesdays, March 16 and March 30. Their EP Bizarro Suite is available for $6 at shows.

THE WINNERS:

Best Silver Platter: Rooftops A Forest of Polarity
Best Up Close and Personal: Dirty Bird Cabaret
Best Heavier Than Heaven: Dog Shredder
Best Booty Shakin’ Music: Yogoman Burning Band
Best Twilight Zone Soundtrack: Pan Pan
Best Highway Americana: The Librarians
Best Moniker: The Ghost and the Grace
Best Axes of Folk: Biagio Biondolillo
Best Spinner: Yogoman
Best Rhyme and Beats: The Productionists
Best Newby: Pan Pan
Best Rock ‘N’ Roll Explosion: Sugar Sugar Sugar
Best Pop Will Rock Itself: The Love Lights
Best Skin in What’s Up!: Femme Uke
What’s Up! Appreciation Award: Bucketz
What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Sarazin Blake
What’s Up! Lifetime Achievement Award: Gunther Frank (RIP)

Poops was the host and he started the night off proper by singing a country song about drinking at the 3B, and accompanied by Sarah on the guitar. After a few awards were presented, we were introduced to the Dirty Bird Cabaret, who danced in between bands.

The first musical act of the night was Femme Uke. Promoting their new EP In the Key of G-spot, Laine and Ashley took the stage armed with two ukuleles and a ton of hilarious songs, these ladies were a pleasure to watch. In my opinion they saved the best song for last, “Big Fatty.” This was the only song they harmonized on and a clever bridge showed that this was the best structured song of their short performance.

Next up was Pan Pan. A large buzz has been circulating about this group, and I was excited to hear them. Layers of sound with fabulous structure and dynamics showed me that Sarah Jerns is much more than an artist; she’s a genius composer. Even though Sarah writes all the parts, don’t discount her band, they’re incredibly tight and professional.

To this point there had not been a rock band. The crowd was ready for something heavy. Dog Shredder had just won the “Heavier than Heaven” award and got on stage to prove it. Guitar player Josh Holland’s stage presence was like if Iggy Pop strapped on a guitar. The overall sound is mind numbing and hypnotic. They can go from beautiful stripped down melodies to brutal unabashed metal in the drop of a dime. The rest of the band is very talented as well drummer Noah Burns lost a stick in the middle of a song and never missed a beat.

We’ve had funny music, intelligent music, face melting rock, and with Acorn Project, the fourth group to play, we finally had some dance music. These guys have been around the scene for a long time and had a great 2009 promoting their new album We’ll be Fine. The first song they played was an epic new wave song. Showing their versatility they dropped into a straight ahead funk set. These guys are one of Bellingham’s best jam bands a strong tenor on vocals and great guitar tones might even turn out the most devout metal-heads.

With all the awards given out there was only one thing left to do, party hard to the sounds of The All Nighters. Introduced by Brent Cole as “One of Bellingham’s best bands,” they played and we loved it. Halfway through their set Andy Piper joined them onstage and sang a Charlie Feathers cover. Andy killed it and the crowd went nuts. The Wild Buffalo was a time bomb, Poops lit the fuse, excitement grew, and ‘The All Nighters’ provided the explosion.

Dirty Bird Cabaret and the All Nighters - Photo by Django

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

What’s Up! Appreciation Award: Bucketz

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

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

Best Silver Platter: Rooftops – A Forest of Polarity

Best Up Close and Personal: Dirty Bird Cabaret

Best Heavier Than Heaven: Dog Shredder

Best Booty Shakin’ Music: Yogoman Burning Band

Best Twilight Zone Soundtrack: Pan Pan

Best Highway Americana: The Librarians

Best Moniker: The Ghost and the Grace

Best Axes of Folk: Biagio Biondolillo

Best Spinner: Yogoman

Best Rhyme and Beats: The Productionists

Best Newby: Pan Pan

Best Rock ‘N’ Roll Explosion: Sugar Sugar Sugar

Best Pop Will Rock Itself: The Love Lights

Best Skin in What’s Up!: Femme Uke

December 2009 Cover by “Mighty” Mitch Vega

Download the What’s Up! December Compilation here

The Ghost and the Grace – The Mall

Rooftops – Raft Easily

Biagio Biondolillo – Dirty Blue

Librarians – Sunday

So Adult – Scarstruck

Candysound – Million

Connecticut Four – Once Electric

Eruptagain – Ins and Outs

Nick Duncan – Hollow Town

Samuel Warner Cornish – Lucky Man

Six Feet Deep – Can You See Me Now

The album starts strong with the haunting “Gone” which made me feel like I was in a surreal black and white film in the south that had the Devil involved somehow. Real strong stuff, total pro. After the instrumental “Sweet Lucy” the band strikes it up with “A Guide to the Outdoors” live from The Honeymoon which is a real treat if you are in to that kind of hippie, aura, folk, tree hugger, soft, introspective, emo rock. I also thought the horn was very neat in this song. Another tasty instrumental, “Western Spaghetti” is followed by the pleasant “Sunday” with neat 3-part runs that were intoxicating and the best vocal harmonies of the CD. This was my favorite song. It’s like a great classic 50’s song that could live forever.

Self Released
www.bisonbookbinding.com
Things wind down with “Steamboat Slough,” another foot tapping instrumental that made me recall my days as a young boy on the Mississippi with my friends Tom Sawyer and African American Jim.

All in all, a very enjoyable collection from the Librarians that will have you checking out this book time and time again.