Bloglander

Our annual tribute to the vibrant music scene of the Inland Northwest, the Local Music Issue covers the bands, artists and fans that make our neck of the woods unique. This year kicks off the first year of a new feature: Bands to Watch. A committee of eight educated and diverse die-hard music fans will choose five local acts that are really upping the ante. Musicians pushing the envelope with their performances and unique style.

Those bands will all perform at our first ever "Volume: The Inlander's Local Music Extravaganza" on Thursday, May 27 at the Knitting Factory. And we're not just saying "extravaganza" because it sounds cool: it's a variety show with music, dancers, burlesque performings, marching bands and, if we're lucky, hula hoopers. And it's FREE — but you gotta have a ticket. Just come down to the Inlander offices (1020 W. Riverside Ave.) to get one.

We'll announce the bands playing on May 20 in our Local Music Issue — but trust us, they're damn good ones.