Swingin' Utters
The Swingin' Utters show coming up this Friday would have totally slipped under my radar had it not been for my friend Ian. Ian is like a magical encyclopedia of music information, always ready to pop out of the shadows and share amusing first-hand anecdotes about bands and rock shows. Everyone should have a friend like Ian. If you don't, that's ok because I do and you're reading this blog so I'll just relay Ian's knowledge to you. The Swingin' Utters are playing this Friday with Naked Raygun, Shot Baker, Dreadful Children, and The Blanx and this is a show not to be missed.The Swingin' Utters are good. That's all you need to know, but I'll still give you a little more information.
I first saw the Swingin' Utters on the scene in the mid 1990s in San Francisco, and they quickly signed with Fat Wreck Cords in 1996. They toured nationally, never reaching mainstream popularity, but they built a loyal fan base along the way. I was a college radio deejay in the Bay Area in the 1990s and I was thrilled to play their albums on my show instead of the lame-o pop-punk bands which played the popular alternative sound of the time. Swingin' Utters have an abrasive and meaty style lacking in a lot of "punk" bands. Just like you can't sing the blues without soul, you can't play punk without grit. Swingin' Utters have grit to spare, with every guitar strum fierce and purposeful with short bursts of vivacious vocals. Find out for yourself if you like them by listening to a few of their songs on their myspace page.
Ian, the music encyclopedia, told me the lead singer of the Swingin' Utters has another project called Filthy Thieving Bastards, described on their myspace page as "Billy Bragg as a crusty old punk on a bender." I'll be keeping an eye out for these guys when they go on tour.
When: Friday, November 30, doors at 7pm, show starts at 8pm
Where: El Corazon
Cost: $12 ADV, $15 DOS
Where to Buy the Best Christmas Tree
I'm back! Back from Cancun with a golden tan that people around here must think I bought at a tanning salon. My week long stay in a tropical paradise was fantastic, but I have to admit that I am very happy to be home. It is great to once again breathe the crisp clean air of the northwest, and drink cool, non-toxic water from the faucet.
This year I have been bitten by the holiday bug. I am normally apathetic to the holidays, but seeing a man dressed in a Santa suit in Mexico sweating his brains out made me appreciate the traditions in Seattle that make a little more sense in Seattle's colder weather. This year I'm getting a Christmas tree. I haven't had a Christmas tree in over 10 years, and this year I'm doing it. I'm going to get a northwest native tree, probably a noble fir, and put in in my living room.
There is a buzz on the streets about where to get the best deal and the best Christmas trees in Seattle. I heard they have great deals on trees at Top Foods in Bellevue, but who wants to drive all the way to the east side? I live and work in Seattle proper, and I appreciate convenience, so I will get a tree in Seattle. The Capitol Hill Seattle blog suggests Dunshee House, and, I have to agree that is a great place to get a tree. I saw a woman holding one of their fine trees last Sunday and I was impressed. It looked like a healthy 5 footer for $30. I think that's a great deal, plus the Dunshee House is a group that provides support for people living with HIV and AIDS so you can feel good giving them your money.
My best friend warned me that if I want to get a small tree I should get one of those sooner than later because those sell-out early everywhere.
In the spirit of the holidays, here are a couple of links to silly e-cards and silly interpretations of vintage Christmas cards:
This year I have been bitten by the holiday bug. I am normally apathetic to the holidays, but seeing a man dressed in a Santa suit in Mexico sweating his brains out made me appreciate the traditions in Seattle that make a little more sense in Seattle's colder weather. This year I'm getting a Christmas tree. I haven't had a Christmas tree in over 10 years, and this year I'm doing it. I'm going to get a northwest native tree, probably a noble fir, and put in in my living room.
There is a buzz on the streets about where to get the best deal and the best Christmas trees in Seattle. I heard they have great deals on trees at Top Foods in Bellevue, but who wants to drive all the way to the east side? I live and work in Seattle proper, and I appreciate convenience, so I will get a tree in Seattle. The Capitol Hill Seattle blog suggests Dunshee House, and, I have to agree that is a great place to get a tree. I saw a woman holding one of their fine trees last Sunday and I was impressed. It looked like a healthy 5 footer for $30. I think that's a great deal, plus the Dunshee House is a group that provides support for people living with HIV and AIDS so you can feel good giving them your money.
My best friend warned me that if I want to get a small tree I should get one of those sooner than later because those sell-out early everywhere.
In the spirit of the holidays, here are a couple of links to silly e-cards and silly interpretations of vintage Christmas cards:
Tonight At the Movies: Holy Modal Rounders
Who can pass up an opportunity to watch a documentary about crazy white FOLK musicians who still have an ounce of rebellious spirit left in them in this day in age of apathy? Rounders Films contacted me to let you know about their new independent film The Holy Modal Rounders...Bound To Lose, which premiers in Seattle tonight and will be playing for one week at Northwest Film Forum. The movie is about a folk duo that has been together since the 1960s and, somehow, has survived insane times and still has a loyal following:
Holy Modal Trailer
When: Nov. 16 - 24, 7:00pm & 9:15pm
Where: Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave. @ Pike St. - Capitol Hill)
Co-Director Sam Douglas in attendance opening weekend
From their origins in New York Greenwich Village folk scene and their involvement in the Easy Rider soundtrack, to the lost years of constant drugging, endless touring and a final shot at redemption, Holy Modal Rounders...Bound To Lose recounts the unique forty-year history of these true American originals. With startling intimacy, the film also documents the band's arduous, amusing, and sometimes heartbreaking struggle to capitalize on their recent resurgence in popularity, culminating in an unpredictable 40th anniversary concert in Portland, Oregon. More than just a chronicle of an obscure band, Holy Modal Rounders...Bound To Lose is a raucous celebration of a lost American outlaw subculture as it draws its final rebellious breaths.
Holy Modal Trailer
When: Nov. 16 - 24, 7:00pm & 9:15pm
Where: Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave. @ Pike St. - Capitol Hill)
Co-Director Sam Douglas in attendance opening weekend
Where to Buy the Best Natural, Organic, and Dolphin-Safe Products
My radar is set to low for fun activities in Seattle this week because I am getting ready to spend a week in Mexico beginning on Saturday. Seattle en la Franja va a México! I will enjoy many activities in Mexico including visiting Mayan ruins, deep sea fishing, and swimming with dolphins. Oh yes, it is going to be amazing. Speaking of swimming with dolphins, I have to make sure I bring biodegradable sunblock on my trip. Non-biodegradable sunblock makes dolphins sick. Apparently, people can buy the appropriate sunblock at dolphin-swim registration on site, but it is overpriced. It makes sense that it is overpriced. There you are all set to swim with dolphins with your pasty gringo skin sizzling in the sun, and they tell you you can't go unless you wear sunblock that won't kill off the dolphin population. What choice do you have? Thankfully, I know enough to get my biodegradable sunblock in advance and save a few dollars.
Where can a person get biodegradable sunblock in Seattle?
- My first instinct is Trader Joe's because it usually has the best prices for natural and organic food and products. However, I'm not totally secure in my knowledge of which sunblocks are biodegradable. The sunblock I need has to be paraben-free in order to be biodegradable, but I do not think all natural sunblock brands found at Trader Joe's are paraben-free, and I want to be absolutely sure I buy the right product.
- I will mostly likely go to Rainbow Natural Remedies and take advantage of their expertise and let them guide me to what I need. Rainbow Natural Remedies was recommended to me by a naturopath because of their large selection of quality natural and organic products. Not all natural remedies are equal and it's important to me to get the best product. The folks at this place know their stuff and they have never sent me down the wrong path.
- Another option is Whole Foods, but this grocery store is more expensive than Trader Joe's and it is not a locally owned small business like Rainbow Natural Remedies.
SeaCompressionSix
SeaCompression is a party for Burning Man enthusiasts and people interested in getting a glimpse of what happens at the fire festival in Nevada. At this event on Saturday night, Burning Man camps will display art and art cars, deejays and live musicians play music, and there is a big slideshow of photos from past Burning Mans. And fire! There is always fire at this party, usually in the form of fire dancers.From the description of the event at Brown Paper Bag tickets:
It is called SeaCompression because it is in Seattle and it rhymes with Decompression, which is a similar event held in San Francisco every year. The idea behind the party is that people have a hard time adjusting to real life after attending Burning Man, and this party revisits the euphoric party atmosphere of the festival. See pictures of some of the people who attended last year's Seacompression here. More pictures here. This is a fun event if you like dancing and techno. I like punk rock, but I have attended this event and I had a great time despite the techno. The crowd is generally liberal professionals and artists in their 20s - 40s. Wearing "burning man attire" is encouraged, so you will see a lot of neon fake fur and skimpy outfits.Come decompress from the great dust storms of '07 with over 25,000 square feet of performance, fire, music, and art! We expect major theme installations from Flight 2 Mars, Black Rock City Animal Control, Dead Letter Camp, just to name a few; dozen of DJs and live musicians on three sound stages; an expanded art gallery; chill spaces galore; a video festival; and more!
When: Saturday, November 10, 7pm - 2am
Cost: $20
Where: Sand Point Magnuson Park, Hangar 30
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
CARS, BOOZE, ART, ROCK & ROLL, JERKS
Sounds like a good time to me! The Seattle car club Rat Patrol is celebrating their one year anniversary this Saturday night. I heard about this event through friends, and I haven't been able to find anything online about this car club. But, I found a post on craigslist, posted by Neil:
I can't say that I know any of these folks personally, but I did meet one of them briefly in Home Depot a few months ago, and I dug his punk/rockabilly style. The rockabillies are OK in my book.
When: Saturday, November 10, 8pm
Cost: $5
Booze: Cheap
Location: Ouch My Eye 1021 Occidental Ave S (by Qwest Field)
A little more than a year has passed since AJ, Nick, Deuce, Kim, Aaron and I started the RAT PATROL car club. To celebrate this momentous occasion and to help earn money for a larger shop space, we’ve organized a benefit on November 10th. The event should be a rocking good time featuring awesome cars, great music, tremendous art and cheap booze. Invite your friends! Come support your favorite jerks and have a great time!I love a party with jerks. And then the post goes on to mention, again, that there will be cheap booze. I'm not really sure what the rest of the bulletin means:
Featuring: Muscle Cars and Hot Rods Live Music: Cyanide Destruct, Oi Control, Shit Gets Smashed Hot Rod and Tattoo Art Cheap BoozeIs Shit Gets Smashed a band or will stuff actually get smashed? I will throw a hammer in my handbag, just in case, because a girl should always be prepared to smash stuff. And I cannot wait to find out what tattoo-art-cheap-booze entails.
I can't say that I know any of these folks personally, but I did meet one of them briefly in Home Depot a few months ago, and I dug his punk/rockabilly style. The rockabillies are OK in my book.
When: Saturday, November 10, 8pm
Cost: $5
Booze: Cheap
Location: Ouch My Eye 1021 Occidental Ave S (by Qwest Field)
Pinewood Derby
Yet another cool event is happening in Georgetown: The 2nd Annual Pinewood Derby at 9lb Hammer. What is a pinewood derby? Is it like a demolition derby, or roller derby? I had to do some research to find out what it is, exactly. Now I know why I didn't know what is was; it's a Cub Scouts thing. I'm female, hence I could not be a Cub Scout, hence a pinewood derby was never an option for me.
Until now, thanks to the 9lb Hammer which has taken back the pinewood derby and given it back to the people. To boot, now I can participate AND I can drink beer while doing it. Take that, Boy Scouts of America! Anyone can enter the competition for the Pinewood Derby in Georgetown:
Until now, thanks to the 9lb Hammer which has taken back the pinewood derby and given it back to the people. To boot, now I can participate AND I can drink beer while doing it. Take that, Boy Scouts of America! Anyone can enter the competition for the Pinewood Derby in Georgetown:
The 2nd Annual Pinewood Derby Saturday, November 17th, 2007 9lb Hammer 6009 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98108 (206) 762-3373 Car kits now available for $30 at the 9lb Hammer Includes car, entry into the race, t-shirt and more! Rules are included in your car kit. Weigh in starts at Noon on November 17th, race times will be assigned when you check in. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for both the fastest cars, and the most artistic!So, go get your piece of wood from the 9lb Hammer and turn it into a hotrod you can show off on November 17.
Cineoke
After coming back from my weekend in Venice, CA, an area where people are horribly sensitive about how they are perceived by others, I'm so happy to be back in Seattle where we all occasionally sacrifice our cool facade for the pure enjoyment of our fellow Seattlites.
Next Monday, share in the silliness of Cineoke: a hybrid of karaoke and film that combines your voice and stage presence with your favorite musical. From the reviews I have read, this is nothing short of totally entertaining. Here is how it works: You can either bring your own DVD or select something from the Cineoke library, then wait for your turn, then get on stage and act out/sing out your favorite scene from your favorite musical while it plays on a screen behind you. You can skip performing and attend as a spectator, but these things are always so much more fun when you participate.
My musical dorkiness comes in the form of a movie called Grease. I know every word to every scene and every song of that movie. I can't help myself because I have no power over the woo of John Travolta's pants. I have generally kept my Grease musical outbursts to myself in an effort to spare those around me who do not share my enthusiasm, but now I have a place to go and sing along to my favorite musical... in public! I have to say that I'm so excited about this that I've got chills, and they're multiplyin'.
Where: Rendezvous (in Belltown)
When: Monday, November 12, 7pm - 10pm (that's one week from today, so you have time to prepare)
Cost: $5
Next Monday, share in the silliness of Cineoke: a hybrid of karaoke and film that combines your voice and stage presence with your favorite musical. From the reviews I have read, this is nothing short of totally entertaining. Here is how it works: You can either bring your own DVD or select something from the Cineoke library, then wait for your turn, then get on stage and act out/sing out your favorite scene from your favorite musical while it plays on a screen behind you. You can skip performing and attend as a spectator, but these things are always so much more fun when you participate.
My musical dorkiness comes in the form of a movie called Grease. I know every word to every scene and every song of that movie. I can't help myself because I have no power over the woo of John Travolta's pants. I have generally kept my Grease musical outbursts to myself in an effort to spare those around me who do not share my enthusiasm, but now I have a place to go and sing along to my favorite musical... in public! I have to say that I'm so excited about this that I've got chills, and they're multiplyin'.
Where: Rendezvous (in Belltown)
When: Monday, November 12, 7pm - 10pm (that's one week from today, so you have time to prepare)
Cost: $5
I Heart Rummage: Locally Made Crafts That Aren't Lame
I'm headed to warm and sunny (and smokey) Venice, CA, this weekend, which will be lovely trip, but I will be missing some fun happenings in Seattle. This Sunday is I Heart Rummage, a monthly urban craft show of cool local independent artists. Generally the first Sunday of every month from 12pm - 4pm at the Crocodile Cafe, people of all ages can browse, buy, and socialize with other crafters and craft connoisseurs. Also, anyone can apply to be a part of the event and showcase their own DIY treasures (advanced notice required). IHR continues its commitment to provide a platform for all up-and-coming craftsters that want to show new, edgy, and dynamic work. Every month you’ll find 45 hardworking designers and crafters presenting the latest in style and hip crafts - some seasoned vendors, as well as new work that has never been shown. Relevant local charitable and indie businesses are also spotlighted each month as IHR’s "special guest of the month".What makes this craft show different from other craft shows? This show is less likely to have macrame pot holders made by your grandmother. Not to say your grandma doesn't make great pot holders, but, come on, we're hip urbanites, and we crave art with a bite. Cassandra Lanning, the director of the event, said in an interview:
IHR is an event that showcases handcrafted works with an indie/urban/edgy appeal. Irony and balls (not literally) definitely have an edge on getting in. For all the vendors that apply that do not make the cut, I do try to refer them to and encourage them to sell with some of the "suburban" craft shows which have their own following.This Sunday is IHR's 6th Birthday Show, with special guests Nova School, and music by DJ Huggy. Go prepared to find lots of treasures, and even grab some brunch at the Croc while you're at it. I'm going to have to catch the next one on Dec. 16.
SAM: Free Admission Today
Ever since I moved to Seattle, I have passively wondered whether Seattle has a "free day." When I lived in San Francisco, I took advantage of how the first Wednesday of every month many museums, the SF zoo, and other SF attractions were free and open to the public. Being the frugal gal that I am, I have wondered whether Seattle offers such a thing. Today I found out on the magical internet that, in fact, Seattle does.
The first Thursday of every month marks neighborhood art walks all over the Seattle area from Ballard, to Downtown, to Bainbridge Island. Galleries and shops stay open in the evening and showcase local artists and offer snacks. As a part of the art walk, two major museums are free all day today. Here is the scoop from Exploit Seattle:
The first Thursday of every month marks neighborhood art walks all over the Seattle area from Ballard, to Downtown, to Bainbridge Island. Galleries and shops stay open in the evening and showcase local artists and offer snacks. As a part of the art walk, two major museums are free all day today. Here is the scoop from Exploit Seattle:
The Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum offer free admission all day on these days. Starting January 3rd, EMP/Science Fiction Museum will also be offering free admission, which includes live music.I am really excited about EMP and the Science Fiction Museum hopping on the free admission bandwagon on January 3. Today, I believe I'll stroll over to SAM during my lunch break.
