Bloglander

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Laura Johnson

There wasn't a moment people weren't partying at Sasquatch! 2014. Many started everything Thursday afternoon when the campgrounds opened. I, however, rolled in Friday with the other “late” folks. It was my first time experiencing the three-day music festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre and there was nothing that could have prepared me for the event that brings together college kids, Canadians and people who wear PBR cases as hats together in one gorgeous spot.

It only rained once. And for Memorial Day weekend in the state of Washington, that is a miracle. Otherwise, the weather for the Sasquatch! music festival ranged from skin-scorching heat to oppressive winds and icy nighttimes. Still, concertgoers powered through, never letting anything stop the party.

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Laura Johnson

Although there were more shows than it was possible to attend, here are the highlights:

FRIDAY

The biggest and most important show of Friday, and potentially the weekend, was Outkast. I screamed and jumped and danced on repeat with the surrounding crowd. They started with “B.O.B.” (Bombs Over Baghdad), appearing in the middle of the stage in a see-through cube with the Stankonia flag cover as the backdrop. Andre 3000 hopped around the stage with a bright white wig spewing his quick-tongued lyrics. Big Boi played off the energy of the crowd. It just kept going. Hit after hit like “Ms. Jackson” and “Roses.” With each song, junior high and high school memories flooded through our minds. The Atlanta duo has been on hiatus since after the release of its 2006 album Idlewild but thankfully decided to reunite for a 40-date tour this year. Their Coachella debut show was not so well received, but at Sasquatch!, Outkast was prepared, incredible and — even after 20 years as a group — so freaking fresh.

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Laura Johnson

SATURDAY

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Laura Johnson

Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, of First Aid Kit, took on the main Sasquatch! stage (one of the five stages) in the afternoon, offering a bright and breezy folk set that sat perfectly for many of the day drinkers splayed out through the amphitheater lawn. The Dodos, over at the Bigfoot stage, played much of their primal beat-driven songs from 2008’s Visiter. People danced in appreciation. Later, Violent Femmes started with “Blister in the Sun” just to get people less familiar with their work interested — that ploy was semi-successful, but those who cared were there. Best part of the set was whenever the marimba solos happened — many of their songs are peppered with them and that was awesome to see live. M.I.A. wowed the crowd coming out in a shiny gold jumpsuit — her set would eclipse the headliners that night, the National. The British-Sri Lankan artist held the crowd and never let them go. And then Tyler, the Creator, the Odd Future rapper, has to be mentioned. His set was super fun and the masses loved him, but it’s like no one noticed his terrible lyrics. Sample: “Smoke a blunt, f—- a bitch.” Such poetry.

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Laura Johnson

SUNDAY

Sunday, man, Sunday was absolutely unbelievable. Haim was there, proving that females can successfully rock the pants off of a crowd. The trio of sisters made wild faces as their free-flowing locks swirled in the wind. Over in the comedy tent, Hannibal Buress told jokes about the “brilliance” of rappers' lyrics these days and Demetri Martin rattled off his signature one-liners.

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Laura Johnson

Then the hour of genius happened. In order to see it all, I had to run from one stage to the next. There was Rodriguez playing “Sugar Man” and on to the booty-shaking weirdness of Big Freedia (my most exciting discovery of the whole event), and finally the holy experience hearing Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” live as the last rays of the day left the basin sky.

And then, finally, Queens of the Stone Age more than exceeded all expectations closing out the main stage, even playing “No One Knows” as their second song. The deep, bass-driven lines, fiery guitars, real piano and insane drumming and of course, the impeccable vocals of Josh Homme were on full display. There just aren't many American rock bands these days better than them. Period. Major Lazer ended the night with the biggest and wildest EDM bash of the festival. The various tribes of concertgoers with their flags and staffs and Indian headdresses listened to everything the Jamaican producer told them to do. Jump, clap, run. No one cared how cold it was, they threw their shirts high in the air when he demanded it. The bass beat on until nearly 2 am. Fireworks lighting up the sky signaled the night’s end.

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Laura Johnson

MONDAY

The best way to leave Sasquatch! is to hit the road early before the masses arise from a hazy slumber. As I rolled out at 7:30 am, there was at least one party tent/van-top in the distance with strobe lights still turning, the faint whisper of LMFAO’s “Shots” still playing. Some people never want the party to end.

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Laura Johnson

It went back and forth.

“Bow wow wow yippe yo yippie ye!”

Finally making it through the draped-in-pink gate a little later than first planned, it was such a relief to see De La Soul on the main Sasquatch! stage, just pumping the crowd up – exciting the furries, the bros with Macklemore haircuts and the hulahoopers alike, until nearly everyone in the mosh pit had their hands in the air.

The classic New York-based hip-hop act was the perfect group to start my three-day music festival experience. All they wanted to do was throw a party. I raised my hands too and let it all go.

It would be easy to find the process of getting into Sasquatch! and procuring a camping space a huge pain in the ass, but that would be a mistake. It’s all part of the experience. The putting up of a six-person tent in ghastly winds? That’s part of the experience. Same with discovering you may not have brought as much beer as you thought you did. As I hammered some stakes hard into the ground, I heard Kithkin far off in the distance — oh well that I wanted to see them, that’s what Volume is for.

The day is just beginning here, weed is already wafting on the breeze, people are letting loose. Onward to Eugene Mirman followed by Princess on the comedy stage and tonight, Outkast!

This weekend will be unforgettable.

Follow Laura’s weekend-long Sasquatch! coverage @lowesays.

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Laura Johnson

It’s still everything you’d expect out of the Inlander’s music festival — 80 mostly local bands practically taking over downtown Spokane the last weekend in May. But this year we’ve added a few new things to keep you on your toes.

SOUL BRUNCH
After losing the incomparable Isamu “Som” Jordan last fall, we wanted to find a way to pay tribute to the man who brought so much joy to the Spokane music scene. This year, we’re bringing back his soul brunch. Boots Bakery and Lounge hosts the event starting at 11 am next Saturday. DJs Supervillain and Breezy Brown will serenade brunch-goers with soulful tunes. The event is free and open to everyone.

POETRY
The Bartlett will showcase area poets in between live music next Friday night. Mark Anderson, Lauren Gilmore and Kurt Olson will all be there to make you think just a little deeper about the meaning of life and such. Saturday, Neato Burrito hosts poets Isaac Grambo and Danni Oliver. 

WRISTBAND DEALS
Show your Volume wristbands to get special discounts at places like Bistango, River City Brewing, Sublime Vapor, Rock City Grill, Atticus, the Music Corner and De Soleil. Of course, many of the event venues will also offer drink specials. Just ask the nearest bartender.

SPOKANE SCENE PANEL DISCUSSION
Before getting into the music later that night, you should head down to INK Art Space to sit in on the State of the Spokane Scene panel discussion at 2 pm on Saturday. Find out how things in local music scene are and where they’re headed. The event is free and open to all ages.

Panelists include: Shannon Halberstadt with Spokane Arts and Seattle's Vera Project, Patrick Kendrick of Platform Booking, Terrain, Volume, Garland Block Party, etc., Tina Morrison of Professional Musicians of the Inland NW and Local 105 AFM, Marshall Powell with Elkfest, Audrey Connor for house shows/DIY and Leah Sottile with Volume and the Inlander.

A portion of this year’s Volume proceeds will go to INK Art Space.

Also, just in case, know you can still buy two-day passes for the event!

Music lovers hear this: there’s so much music to go and listen to this summer you won’t know what to do with yourself. Enjoy.

For all you festival junkies, the Gorge Amphitheatre is here.

The Gorge
May 23-25 – Sasquatch! feat. Outkast, M.I.A., Queens of the Stone Age, the National and more
June 6-7 – KUBE 93 Summer Jam feat. Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Ice Cube and more
June 27-28 – Paradiso Festival feat. Bassnectar, Above & Beyond, Zedd, Krewella and more
Aug. 1-3 – Watershed Festival feat. Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Eli Young Band, Joe Diffie and more
Aug. 8 – Arcade Fire
Aug. 9 – Bruno Mars
Aug. 16 – Aerosmith & Slash
Aug. 23 – Jack Johnson
Aug. 29-31 – Dave Matthews Band
Sept. 13 – Carnivores Tour: Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to mars, AFI
Sept. 27 – Zac Brown Band

Looking to throw it back to the days when you liked music best? Or, are you gaga for country? Than the Northern Quest summer lineup is where it's at for you.

Northern Quest Resort and Casino
July 9 - New Edition with Tony! Toni! Tone!
July 10 - Happy Together 30th Anniversary Tour feat. the Turtles, Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Gary Lewis & The Playboys and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
July 19 - Disco Quest ’70s Party with KC and The Sunshine Band and The Village People
July 30 - Tim McGraw feat. Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope
Aug. 1 - Train
Aug. 3 – Foreigner, Styx and Loverboy
Aug. 8 - Rascal Flatts
Sept. 12 - Jeff Foxworthy
Sept. 22 - Toby Keith with Joe Nichols

Other upcoming festivals you should be excited about already:

Get out there this weekend! There's so much to go listen to.

FRIDAY

Dept of Martyrs (a punk three-piece outfit coming in from Ephrata, Wash.), Gorilla Rabbit Chicken and DJ Smickage take on the Baby Bar/Neato Burrito tonight.

Summer in Siberia (lovers of the keyboard) plays its first show after a winter hiatus. They open for Wild Ones at the Bartlett tonight. Get your tickets for $12. The show starts at 8 pm.

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He isn’t some rapper who grew up in the suburbs only pretending to have had a hard life in his lyrics; he’s a true comeback kid. Mickey Avalon (born Yeshe Perl) grew up selling pot alongside his mother; his dad was a heroin addict. Soon, Avalon struggled with a smack addiction of his own that would lead to prostitution. After meeting Simon Rex, aka Dirt Nasty (who recently performed at the Red Room), it was music that helped the Los Angeles-based Avalon stay clean. The shock rapper’s dirty music reflects much of his turbulent experiences — he’s also fairly misogynistic. He often channels glam rock in his shows, going topless with smudged-on black eye makeup. Nearly naked women are also a mainstay at his wild stage performances. Experience this tonight at the Knitting Factory for $20. Daethstar and Lou open.

And of course, Flying Spiders return to the stage tonight. See our preview for the show here; Real life Rockaz and Smiles Davis open. The Paper Cutout Crew will bring some sweet breakdancing.

SATURDAY

Saturday, the Rocket Market Summer Music Series kicks off with the help of Sidhe, Karrie O'Neill and Lyle Morse. The show starts at 7:30 pm and is free. Drink some wine and pretend summer is already here.

The Big Dipper is officially opening with its Grand opening show Saturday! The event will feature Wooden Indian Burial Ground, 66beat and Normal Babies. Check out our event preview here. 

Portland's Black Pussy (terrible name, I’m sorry) and Gypsyhawk are infiltrating Jones Radiator Saturday. Blackwater Prophet will also be there to open. Expect the $10 show to get, sweaty, loud and absolutely wild. It's $10 to get in and starts at 7 pm.

Getting folk-rocky at the Lantern Tap House are Hey! is for Horses, the Rustics and Jordan Heights. The show starts at 9 pm.

SUNDAY

Everyone Dies in Utah is not a statement, it's a band name. Said hardcore band comes to the Hop! Sunday playing after Kingdom of Giants, Ashylus, InDirections, What Wings Once Held and Deaf To. The all-ages show starts at 6:30 pm and is $12 at the door.

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Year after year, the Festival at Sandpoint pulls in exceptional talent to the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at Memorial Field. Now in its 32nd season, the festival has managed to schedule some top national and regional talent once more for eight concerts from August 7 through 17.

The 2014 summer concert lineup is:

Aug. 7 - The Head & the Heart with Mikey and Matty

Aug. 8 - Huey Lewis & the News with Miah Kohal Band

Aug. 9 - Nickel Creek with Head for the Hills and Pear

Aug. 10 - Family Concert

Aug. 14 - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Galactic

Aug. 15 - Ray LaMontagne with the Belle Brigade

Aug. 16 - Montgomery Gentry with Wade Bowen and Chris Webster & Nina Gerber

Aug. 17 - Spokane Symphony Orchestra Grand Finale with wine tasting

Tickets range from $6 to $65 depending on the concert. Learn more at festivalatsandpoint.com.

Summer is almost here!

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Allen Duffy

Once again, it didn’t rain on Bloomsday this year. And no one was more thankful for that than the 30-or-so on-course musicians who hauled their instruments outdoors lining the 12K concrete track to perform for the thousands of Bloomsday participants. (Read our music preview for this event here.) After the athletes voted on their favorite musical acts, the results for the 11th Annual Best Bloomsday Entertainer contest are as follows:

First Place, Tori Whitten — A country/pop singer winning the award for the second year in a row. She takes home $500.

Second Place, The Nixon Rodeo — The hard rock band, placed at the bottom of Doomsday Hill, took second once more. They win $300.

Third Place, Angela Marie Project — The rock/pop act earned $200 for their contribution to the event.

All of the Top 3 finalists were situated toward the middle of the course. Be sure to pick up your copy of the 2014 Bloomsday results booklet on Inlander stands for one more week.

It’s the weekend all over again. Go see live music!

FRIDAY

The Nixon Rodeo, who participated as on-course entertainment at Bloomsday, is releasing a brand new music video tonight going along with the new single, “Now You Got My Attention.” The Knitting Factory show features Witchburn, Invasive, Project Kings and Light Up the Sky. The show starts at 7:30 and is $5 for those under 21 and free for everyone else.

Folk favorites Terrible Buttons take on the Bartlett tonight. Planes on Paper will open for the show that starts at 8 pm and costs $12.

Moral Crux, who has been playing punk-pop for 20-plus years, shows at Mootsy’s tonight along with the Blowouts and Hard Time. The show starts around 9 pm.

SATURDAY

The local electronic duo Sea Giant are releasing their first EP Saturday at the Bartlett. Openers include Water Monster and the Finns. Show begins at 8 pm and is $8 admission.

The Checkerboard Bar (which has been open since 1933) is getting crazy with the Flying Mammals Saturday evening for an EWU benefit. The show starts at 9 pm and is free to get in.

SUNDAY

Eternal Summers have mastered the art of the musical bait-and-switch, Azaria Podplesky says. First, the Roanoke, Virginia-based trio draws listeners into their third album, March’s The Drop Beneath, with sun-soaked, distortion-friendly indie rock. Then lead vocalist/guitarist Nicole Yun’s dreamy voice breaks in with the lyric “Prove yourself if you want to die just 100 times a day” on album opener “100.” The rest of the album features the same unexpected blend of dark lyrics — especially the opening lines of lead single “Gouge” — with summery guitar riffs and a satisfying amount of fuzz. The band plays the Hop! Sunday at 7:30 pm. It’s $12 to get in the day of.

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The influentual alt-rock band Pixies is playing the INB Performing Arts Center October 3, it was recently announced. The tour coincides with the band’s fifth studio album Indie Cindy, which was released last month.

Unfortunately, bassist Kim Deal still will not be touring with the band. Since leaving officially last year, Deal has been touring heavily with her band the Breeders — which performed at Bumbershoot last Labor Day weekend. But Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering are carrying the torch along with touring bassist, Paz Lenchantin. Formed in the mid-'80s, the Boston band's psychedelic/punk/surf rock sound heavily influenced bands that would become a whole lot more famous in the next decade (Pearl Jam, Nirvana). After breaking up in 1993, the group reformed in 2004 and haven't stopped since.

British rock duo Royal Blood will open the show. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9 and start at $40.

TONIGHT, TONIGHT

Before the Lonely Island boys made silly, filthy white-boy rap, there was Dirt Nasty. His real name is Simon Rex, and you may remember him from his years as an MTV VJ or when he acted in Scary Movie 3 through 5 — there were a couple of solo porn releases as well. Comedy rap interested him too; he formed the group Dyslexic Speedreaders with Mickey Avalon, Andre Legacy and Beardo in the mid-aughts. Now the San Francisco-based musician with the fake douchebag persona is focusing on his rap career, recently releasing the album The White Boys with Legacy and Beardo. The rapper shows tonight at the Red Room along with Pink Bead and KNE. Showtime is 9 pm and is $15.

Halftone is back at the Luxe Ballroom tonight. The second annual local art and music event aims to be bigger and better than last year’s debut, hosting 22 up-and-coming local artists and graphic designers alongside musical acts Water Monster, BIAS, Blackwater Prophet, Mirror Mirror and H. Hershler. The show starts at 7 pm and is $5. Proceeds go to the newly established INK Art Space, a youth arts education nonprofit that hosts its first workshops later this month.

Come find out who is playing MarmotFest at the Big Dipper tonight, when the lineup for KYRS's 2014 music festival  in Glover Field is revealed. The MarmotFest Launch Party features live music from psychedelic act Bodhi Drip and starts at 7 pm.

SATURDAY

Slaughter Daughters calls what they do “gothgrass.” Listen for one minute to the haunting noise that Bend, Oregon-based Ariana Celestine, Cecilia Raheb and Sterling Dorrell produce, and that label becomes astonishingly accurate. There’s banjo and scrubby fiddle searing through the instrumentation, powerful alto vocals and lyrics longing to make you contemplate the human condition; everything the term “gothgrass” should be. Slaughter Daughters sound hungry to make music louder, faster and more explosive as each measure passes in their music. Here, angsty female singer-songwriter merges with Tex-Mex country and ghostly bluegrass. They play Saturday at Mootsy’s along with Mama Doll and Ian L. Miles. The show begins at 10 pm and is $5.

It’s singer-songwriter night at Jones Radiator Saturday. Everett, Wash., based artist Jacob Cummings headlines with Scotty Feider and Tyler Aker opening. The show starts around 9 pm.

Keb’ Mo’ is a three-time Grammy winner in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category. He brings his mad skills to the Beasley Coliseum in Pullman Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $19.

SUNDAY

Get to Bloomsday! Even if you’re not running, check out the spectacle and try to listen to any of these on-course bands.