Friday, September 28, 2007

Lesbian & Gay Film Festival trailers

The 2007 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is still two weeks away, but, if you can't stand the wait, these juicy festival trailers should tide you over...

My name's Dave [Quantic] and I directed these funny shorts to
help promote Seattle's Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

You can see them on the Festival's website:

http://2007.seattlequeerfilm.org/festivalTrailers.php

As well as on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/3DollarBillCinema

The shorts follow Senior Creative Artistic Director of
New Projects, Camile Schwartzbaum, as she allows
documentary cameras film the most intimate, sacred
moments of the creative process with her theatre
ensemble, The King County Society for Stage
Adaptations of Cinematic Masterpieces, during their
intensive search for the next Broadway Smash!

The thirty second "Brainstorm" version is currently
airing nationally on LOGO, the MTV gay and lesbian
cable channel. 35mm prints of the other three
segments (TOP GUN, SHOWBEARS and DRAG QUEENS) will
screen before features in Seattle area multiplexes a
few weeks before the fest and before every screening
at the festival.

Just thought your readers might like to see them!


For the record, the "Top Gun" trailer is my favorite.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

SGN endorses Della, urges vote against Burgess

The Seattle Gay News editorial staff met this week to discuss the Seattle City Council contest between incumbent David Della and challenger Tim Burgess. After a lengthy internal discussion, the staff voted to endorse David Della for Seattle City Council.


SGN Endorsement
Vote for David Della for City Council - Vote against his opponent Tim Burgess


by SGN Editorial Staff

Seattle Gay News has backed the SEAMEC ratings time and time again over the years. Hundreds of requests for endorsement have been declined over the past 30 years in favor of the community based ratings project.

Breaking tradition, SGN's editorial board has voted to immediately and strongly endorse Dave Della for City Council. Della has completed his first four years on the City Council with a good record. His strong can do style when he tackles issues is fine with us, and his down to earth manner is another plus. Della isn't slick, but forthright and to the point.

His record on civil rights goes back decades. He comes from the Filipino political tradition that has always supported the worker in fights with company bosses and has been strongly Gay and Lesbian supportive as well. Dave admires retired City Councilwoman Delores Sibonga, who was among the first wave of leadership on the City Council that fully supported issues of concern to the GLBT community, working with the long defunct Dorian Group. Della continues in that strong proactive role.

Della's endorsement roster is a star list of progressive political leadership throughout the city. Senator Ed Murray, former Washington State Governors Gary Locke and Mike Lowry, King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, Seattle City Councilmember Richard McIver, former Seattle City Councilmember Dolores Sibonga, King County Executive Ron Simms, State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-37), former State Representative Velma Veloria (D-11). These leaders do not lend their names easily. That support has to be earned. (For a complete list of several hundred individual and organizational endorsements, visit www.daviddella.com.)

SGN joins this worthy list. Vote for David Della's second term in the upcoming November general election.

BLOOD MONEY AND HATE MONGERING, NO WAY IN HELL

For the second time in its history, the SGN says deliberately vote against a candidate. Tim Burgess is an expert at public relations. That is his business. In the past three days rumors became fact when media reports confirm by interview with Burgess that for seven years he helped run the hate mail operations of Concerned Women of America, a virulent anti Gay front group for the far right. CWA is run by the infamous Phyllis Shafley. Under her leadership and in league with the hired gun Burgess PR firm, CWA has pumped out fundraising mailers for many years: which are the most horrible anti Gay garbage one could ever read. SGN used to be on their mailing list.

Burgess now admits under pressure that his firm earned $2 million plus from helping to write/prepare the hate monger mailings under the terms of a seven years contract for public relations consulting. That admission should make the skin crawl on any proud GLBT activist/voter.

Shame, shame, shame on you, Mr. Burgess. You, sir, took blood money in the millions from Concerned Women of America.

That is a flaw that should keep Burgess off the elected political stage in this city forever.

There is no room for his lack of integrity in the roster of political leadership. Vote against Burgess. He should not be welcomed at the elected councils of power in our fair Emerald City, Seattle

Monday, September 3, 2007

Bumberblog 2007: The last word

Lorelei here, one last time with one last piece of advice: the next time Mocean Worker comes to town - Jazz Alley, Triple Door, your best friend's bbq, wherever - get yourself there. If you have any love, any at all, for jazz, funk, or wild and crazy improv, you'll love MoWo, also known as Adam Dorn. He really drew them into the Northwest Court, most of the folks dancing and jiving, ignoring the free chairs. His first tune, "Chicka-boom," was familiar to me; since I know him as a DJ, I wondered how he was going to duplicate it. The answer: with a live band, including a sax, a flute, a trumpet, keys, drums and bongos. MoWo himself was on bass. More, I want more!

But not this weekend. I'm headed over to the Backyard Stage for the end of The Frames set, then I'm going home. I've been slightly vindicated - the skies opened briefly and I got to take out my poncho. Of course, as soon as it was on, the drizzle stopped; I put the poncho away and it started up again. What's up with that? Next year, B'shoot: I'll leave the poncho at home and it will rain all weekend. 'Til next year!

Bumberblog 2007: Stone-cold Legend


Lorelei back with you and, after waiting for a few journalists to log off from the free wi-fi in the Press Room, I’m live once again. Joss Stone and John Legend are clearly Seattle faves – the mainstage was packed to the rafters, and not just on the shady side of the stadium. Monday afternoon is mellower than on other days: folks stayed quietly seated on the floor until a mere five minutes before showtime. Then, of course, it was pandemonium as usual.

Joss Stone’s choreographed back-up singers and crew were color-coordinated in vibrant reds; the singer followed suit in jeans, a red tank and double-breasted skin-tight black vest. Her purple- and blue-streaked dark hair were also nods to her new punkier image, while her bare feet and the purple scarf tied to her mic were throwbacks to her earthier, hippy-like start in the soul scene.

She pulled out all of the stops, playing a broad sample of her albums, noticeably heavy on her latest (Introducing Joss Stone). It was a solid, tight set, including "Baby Baby Baby," "You Had Me," "Bruised But Not Broken," and "Girl They Won't Believe It." Her “final” song, “Tell Me ‘Bout It,” gave a nice spotlight to her band’s musicians and back-up singers. She returned for an encore of "Right to Be Wrong," throwing purple roses out to her audience and throwing in a bit of “No Woman, No Cry.”

There was no rest for the crowd that stayed for John Legend: we pushed closer to the stage, hoping, as it got hotter, to catch a little of the warm water splattering from the hoses. (Personally, I was hoping not to get hit in the head by a giant inflatable ball. No such luck.) Legend came to the stage dressed in white pants and a gray short-sleeved button-down shirt, which was quickly drenched. He seemed delighted and a little surprised to see the huge afternoon crowd as he encouraged Seattle several times to make some noise. Oh, we did.

The water cannons were cruelly absent during Legend’s set, which included hits like "Heaven," "Ordinary People," "Stereo" and "Lifted." He called up a young woman to the stage to rub up against ... er, I mean dance with him on "Slow Dance," and he confused a lot of teenagers when he wove one of his tunes into the Beatles’ “I Want You.” Inevitably, and much to the delight of the audience, Legend removed his shirt before beginning "We Just Don't Care," otherwise known as "The PDA song." Sorry, boys: he had a white tank underneath, which he left on. Sigh.

Must dash - want to try to catch Steve Earle's mini-performance. I'll be back one last time with a wrap-up of Labor Day's B'shootage. TTFN.

Bumberblog 2007: Another hot Labor Day at B'shoot

Lorelei here. I may not have needed my poncho yesterday, but in my defense it did sprinkle the teeniest bit at around 10:30. Besides, wouldn't you rather have it and not need it than the reverse? (I know: nice try, Lorelei.) Today, however, has the highest chance of rain for the three days, and the highest humidity. I'm already schvitzing. So reapply that SPF!

I've been meaning to mention that if you do find yourself short of cash, in addition to secret stages and secret performances there is also a secret ATM! The Bank of America machine between the Pacific Science Center and Mural Amphitheatre is wedged between some fencing. It's still accessible but since no one can see it there's never a line. I should know, I've been to it twice.

Today I'm following m'colleague Albert's advice and bringing in my own food. I'm a little fed up with dinky $7 pita sandwiches and schtick on a stick - I'll save my moolah for the overpriced ice cream. Speaking of ice cream: how whacked is it that there's no ice cream stand on the 100-degree Memorial Stadium Floor?

And speaking of Memorial Stadium: Albert asked me to remind you that tonight's 9:30 pm mainstage show is Wu-Tang Clan, opened by Lupe Fiasco at 8:00 pm. It's sure to be crazy, and it's also sure to be packed, so pick up your passes early!

Me, I'll be avoiding those evening crowds. I'm getting too old for this. Last night I found myself wanting to smack a couple of teenagers who didn't know how to cross the street (sirens mean stop!), not to mention the idiots who think it's cool to slam dance getting into the mosh pits. Who's teaching these tykes manners? No, instead I'll be hitting the afternoon acts at Memorial: I can't wait to get me some Joss Stone and John Legend (1:15 pm and 3:00 pm respectively).

I thought I might try to sneak over to the Literary Arts Stage between the R&B sets to hear Wesley Stace (aka the hot John Wesley Harding) read from his new novel, by George. I thought I might, but decided I probably won't, since I don't want him to think I'm stalking him. Or anything. (Call me.) Perhaps I'll catch the end of Kultur Shock's gypsy punk set at Fisher Green (3:45 pm). I hope to have a chance to blog before even more shows take over my time ... there's Mocean Worker and Steve Earle's mini-performances at the KEXP Bumbershoot Music Lounge, and I want to see Irish rockers The Frames before heading off to bed. Actually, I want to see Frames' lead singer Glen Hansard so I can dream sweet dreams... but that's another story. I'll blog ya' later!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Bumber-blog 2007: Fergie mini-review / first-half


Fergie, taking her very sweet time, finally appeared onstage to the roar - or screeches - of teenage girls and expected herds of gay boys at around 10ish.

The half-time Pea went for a glittery opening, tiara on her permed head and sparkles on her face, not to mention a skimpy mini-skirt and bra-top. She performed "London Bridge" in the first half of her set, complete with dancing lookalike English guardsmen.

I admit to mildly liking one Fergie tune, the it-grows-on-you "Glamorous", although the semi-packed house would have to wait until the second half, much later than I agreed to stay.

She did add a Black Eyed Peas medley, including "Where is the Love" and "Don't Phunk With My Heart".

I was most surprised at how dirty her stage performance was - no wonder they made an announcement for small kids to be removed from the front of the stage. This chick is one naughty mama.

Fergie did say that she enjoyed saying the word "Bumbershoot". I bet.

Well, time for me to fly. From the Alki Room at Bumbershoot 2007 - adios!

Bumber-blog 2007: Army of Me mini-review


Army of Me was just added to the Bumbershoot lineup last week when another band canceled. And in short time, fans of this DC-based trio got word of their appearance and flocked to their evening show tonight at the Exhibition Center.

Lead singer Vince Scheuerman, who interviewed with Seattle Gay News a few months ago, sounded amazing. This was a more confident, more vocally-consistent, and more comfortable Sheuerman than I saw at Chop Suey back in June. He looked pretty hot too, dressed in skin-hugging jeans (let's just say my imagination got the night off), a dark-colored waist-length coat, and a T-shirt. Midway through the group's set, he tossed the jacket - much to the delight of adoring female cheers.

Guitarist Brad Tursi cut his hair from the last time I saw Army of Me, and went for a non-rock star image tonight in orange'ish V-neck T-shirt and charcoal casual pants. He looked great too. Dennis Manuel pounded away on drums, and a temporary fourth member helped out on bass.

The band played a great set that included "Rise", "Going Through Changes" (currently getting airplay nationally), and a dandier version of "Perfect" from the previous live rendition at Chop Suey. They also threw in older favorites and a cover tune by Oasis, who Scheuerman credited for making him want to form a band.

I'm quite impressed by how tighter Army of Me sounded tonight. I enjoyed this performance far more than their last one. They also seemed to be more upbeat, smiling and interacting more with the audience.

Army of Me will begin touring with The Used, but the tour isn't passing through Seattle. After the show, I spoke briefly with Tursi outside and he was excited by tonight's turnout and how many Seattleites have become AOM fans. The group flies out tomorrow to Florida, very early in the morning.

Bumberbog 2007:

Lorelei here again. Okay, so I lied: I didn't make it over to Rose Hill Drive. The trek over to the Backyard Stage, through the dinner-seeking crowds, was too daunting. Instead I hung out in the vicinity of the Key Arena, near the Press Room.

What's here, you ask? Well, there's the Literary Arts Stage, where you can enjoy performance art and readings; the Visual Arts Exhibits in the Northwest Rooms; and the Comedy Stage West located in the Vera Project.

Then there's the festival's real secret stage: my beloved Northwest Court, where Origins Music sponsored a Northwest Jazz Showcase today. The Sam Yahel Trio grooved for a good hour! Yahel, an organist who lives in New York and works with artists like Norah Jones, Joshua Redman and Madeleine Peyroux, jammed with Seattleites, drummer Matt Jorgensen and Mark Taylor on alto sax. The set included material from Yahel's latest release, Truth and Beauty.

Of course, I had to stick around for John Wesley Harding, who brought with him San Francisco guitarist Chris von Sneidem, Kurt Bloch and other members of his Seattle-based band, Minstrel in the Galleries (I know I should recognize them all, but JWH didn't introduce them properly so why should I? I'm feeling guilty). His 13-song set included solo acoustic, both new and old, as well as some rocking folk. I'm not kidding: with Minstrel JWH really rocks out on old tunes like "Canadee-I-O," "Do Not Fear the Dark" and "The Humpback Whale." Complete with air kicks.

The beginning of the set closely resembled his July show at the Triple Door, including a joke about Japanese audiences not wanting to make requests but still being disappointed when they don't hear their favorite songs. Songs included "Here Comes the Groom," "Top of the Bottom," "Congratulations," "The People's Drug," "Humble Bee" and Jake Thackray's "The Bull." Harding also performed the lovely "Sleeper Awake," "Some Day Son" and "Kiss Me, Miss Liberty," and wrapped the show with a rousing rendition of "Three-Legged Man."

You don't need to guess what three-letter word I think best describes JWH, do you? No, you don't, because I'll tell you again: h-o-t.

Tomorrow I'm ready to be wowed by R&B artists Joss Stone and John Legend. Plus I'm planning to catch DJ Mocean Worker, and maybe another secret session with Steve Earle. I hope to end my day with Irish rockers The Frames. So I'll be workin' hard, not hardly workin', at Monday's B'shoot. Come spend your Labor Day with me! (And 10,000 other maniacs.)

Bumberblog 2007: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - intimate show mini-review


I was privileged to be five feet away from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club when they gave an intimate mini-performance this evening at the Eve Alvord Theatre. The six-song set was part of KEXP's on-air broadcast from the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival here at Seattle Center.

Peter Lind Hayes, in greased-back hair and side chops, opened with a solo acoustic performance of a song from their latest album, Baby 81, which I believe is called "Fault Line". He was then joined by Nick Jago, who played tambourine on "Ain't No Easy Way". On the third song, guitarist Robert Levon Been joined in on acoustic guitar and also took over lead vocals. The trio, true to their name, was decked out in all-black attire, including "cheap-o" boots as described by Hayes when I spoke to him briefly afterwards.

The roughly 100 guests, both fans and press-media, enjoyed a few more songs including "Weapon of Choice" before the band had to leave. Well, not quite.

Hayes greeted diehard fans afterwards, and he and I spoke for about five minutes. He said, "I'm a little interested in Fergie". Hmmm...he actually did sound interested. At first, I thought he was joking - and I laughed.

Anywho, BRMC kicked some royal ass tonight at this intimate little shindig, following their hour-and-fifteen minute set at Memorial Stadium. I'll have more to say about BRMC and lead singer Hayes in "The Music Lounge" on September 7.

Okay, I gotta skidaddle to catch the opening of Miss Fergie. The gay boys are out there, I saw them earlier when I popped in to get a glimpse of Sean Paul's set.

I'll let Lorelei take it from here, while I get Fergie-fied.

Bumberblog 2007: More Sunday

Lorelei again, back from wandering the Center grounds. Breaking news: if you were coming strictly to see Ryan Shaw (Fisher Green, 7:45 pm), then don't bother. He's canceled, to be replaced by locals Blues Scholars. Also canceled: The Horrorpops (Exhibition Hall, 4:15 pm).

I did manage to check out The Watson Twins' secret show at the KEXP Bumbershoot Music Lounge, where they previewed a few songs from their upcoming album due out in January. The two songs I heard were very different from the country-gospel on Southern Manners; the pop-py "Fadeout" has a '60' girl-group feeling.

From there (secret location) I trotted over to the Backyard Stage for the punk girl quartet The Trucks. Quite a contrast! Their lyrics were fun, but I couldn't take much of the tunes. On my way over to Memorial Stadium for the afternoon mainstage event I heard North Twin at the Mural Amphitheatre - bluesy goodness!

At the mainstage, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club blew out an amp connection early in their set and had to switch gears; they managed to plug in with their next song, but could've been a bit more nimble. The smoke machines and syncopated lights were a bit over the top for a daytime show, but it still wasn't enough to hold my interest. The set was dreary - I almost fell asleep despite the volume. The gloomy bassline was relentless and depressing. I was glad they finished a little early.

Kings of Leon
, on the other hand, were full of energy, despite lead singer Caleb Followill's announcement that they were under the weather and almost had to cancel. KOL's opening notes had folks flocking to the floor and stands. My complaint: none of the Followills (three brothers and a cousin) cracked a smile! Maybe it's those skinny, tight black jeans and rock and roll posturing that makes them grumpy. Or maybe it's that sumer cold. Bleh. Early in their set they invited the crowd to sing along, then launched into "Molly's Chamber," but it seemed like they weren't having nearly as much fun as the audience.

Most welcome mainstage addition: the super fan that blasts the water from the fire hoses across the pit crowd! One Reel should install these at other outdoor stages. Except, of course, when it's raining. I anticipate needing my poncho before the B'shoot day is over - clouds are encroaching, and it's very muggy.

But right now I'm going to try to check out rock and blues trio Rose Hill Drive (Mural Amphitheatre, literally right now!) If there's time to blog between that and the hot, hot, hot John Wesley Harding - if I don't go see Sam Yahel or someone else equally intriguing - I'll let you know what I thought very soon. Otherwise I'll check in with y'all before I leave the grounds with a wrap on the day. Laterz!

Bumber-blog: Kings of Leon mini-review

Believe me, Lorelei and I are indeed "working" this weekend at the festival, even though at the moment we're eating free ice cream that's been given to us in the press-media room. And having our own, frequently-stocked Pepsi fridge isn't too shabby either.

Now, onto Kings of Leon.

Honestly, I've never really warmed up to this group before. And I can't say that I'm a new convert either, after seeing and hearing them slap Memorial Stadium with a whopper of a performance. But I can say that I have more respect for them, as they commanded a lively show - even as rumor swirled that the Southern-based unit with biblical names to match was a tad under the weather.

Lead singer Caleb Followill, dresed in a tank top and vest and jeans with enough room to barely slide a piece of dental floss through, has a raw and powerful voice that draws you in. The huge crowd that gathered at Memorial Stadium were treated to songs from the band's albums, Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because of the Times. Like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, who opened the afternoon double-bill, Kings of Leon appeared to race through their set. Um, did they have Seahawks tickets or early din-din reservations?

Regardless of pace, Kings of Leon were on fire. Their sound was tight, a mix of fierce guitars, rockabilly drums, and toe-tapping bass lines, plus Caleb F's impressive vocals. These guys are real-life brothers (and a cousin to boot) - so I expect their phone bill on Mother's Day is expensive if they're on the road.

btw - Near KOL's finale, Caleb F asked the audience if they were waiting for Fergie, scheduled on the same stage at 9ish tonight. Almost everyone booed.

I also caught part of BRMC's set - and it was fine. The crowd was really into them - but they zipped from one song to the next.

Well, on my way to get a massage, eat some shitty and expensive food, then catch Apples in Stereo, The Cody Rivers Show (comedy), Army of Me, Art Brut, and Sean Paul w/ Fergie.

Bumber-blog: Sunday, early PM

Hey, it's Albert and we're live at Bumbershoot 2007!

Heading out in just a bit to catch the remainder of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Memorial Stadium. I could hear them play as I entered the press-media gate. I might catch part of Janeane Garafalo's act as well.

Also today, Army of Me, Art Brut, and the show many gay boys are looking forward to --- Fergie w/ opener Sean Paul. Make sure you get a free wristband when you get into the festival, you'll need it to get access into Memorial Stadium this evening.

The good news is my ears have stopped ringing (kind of) from last night's Head Automatica show. I can therefore enjoy today's performances. It's a tad cooler than yesterday, so bring a light sweater or coat to brave tonight's mild chill.

Lorelei and I will be posting updates throughout the day. Until then, signing off from the Alki Room at Bumbershoot 2007!

Bumberblog 2007: Sorry for the bumber delay...

Lorelei here. You surely noticed a dearth in blogging yesterday. I'll splain: a miscommunication about computer availability led to no Saturday on-line time. But the nice folks in the Bumbershoot press room wanted to make sure you got the scoops! (Thanks, Court!) So while I'm not sure how often either I or m'colleague Albert will be able to blog, here's what happened yesterday and what's new for today and tomorrow:

It's extra crowded. Either there are more people at B'shoot this year, or the folks at One
Reel haver put up more fencing to herd us together, because it seems like we're even more cheek to asscheek than usual. If you leave a mainstage performance between opening act and headliner, you'll find it claustrophobic south of the Fountain. I recommend peeling off down the vendor ave, even if it takes you out of your way.

Speaking of Crowded. If you missed Crowded House yesterday you also missed a classic B'shoot surprise moment: Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. Vedder shared lead vocals with Neil Finn on "The World Where You Live" and played guitar on "Something So Strong."

+44 cancelled as opener for Gym Class Heroes and Panic! At the Disco - Seattle's Schoolyard Heroes graciously - and happily - stepped in.

It doesn't matter because it seems like everyone was at Gogol Bordello's show at Fisher Green. I'd guess there were close to 2,000 folks bobbing up and down on that lawn - and that was just at the beer garden. Kidding. A shirtless Eugene Hutz screamed lyrics in Ukranian, Russian and English, and the masses loved it. GB's cult following just got, uh, cultier.

Secret shows. Like SIFF, B'shoot has a Secret Festival: KEXP's Bumbershoot Music Lounge. You can pick up a pass at the KEXP booth on-site. These are very intimate performances - the theater seats about 100. I'm now a fan of American roots rockers The Gourds. In fact, I'm headed over there now to catch The Watson Twins. Later I'll be catching up with Kings of Leon, Rose Hill Drive and my man, the hot John Wesley Harding. See you around the Fountain!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Bumber-blog 2007: Head Automatica mini-review


Seattle Gay News is without web access at Seattle Center. The on-loan computer station we were supposed to be using this weekend is mysteriously not up and running. Even so, the Internet was down considerably for those journalists filing on-premise, making it a bit frustrating for some members of the press corps today.

Anywho, the good news is that Head Automatica gave a super knockout performance this evening at Exhibition Hall. I was front and center (um, first row) for the show, and my ears are still ringing very, very bad as a result. At times, lead singer Daryl Palumbo was directly in front of me - and his pants were so tight that I could make out the loose change in his pockets. He worked that stage like a young Mick Jagger, sexy and confident and full of incredible energy. Undeniably, Palumbo owns one of the nicest derrieres in the biz. And he's one of the most entertaining frontman I've seen with my own rock star-gazing eyes.

The band played songs from their two albums, Decadence and Popaganda, including "Brooklyn is Burning", "Beating Heart Baby" and "Laughing at You". The best cuts of the concert were "Nowhere Fast" and "Lying Through Your Teeth", which activated a busy mosh pit near the stage. I was pinned against the rail the entire time - but I didn't mind because I was being treated to a very impressive performance. These guys truly rock!

Bassist Jarvis Morgan Holden (I think that's his name) looked boyishly hot in a quasi-Mormon missionary ensemble: white button-down shirt, buzz cut, dressy slip-on shoes, and black pants that were skin-tight and high-watered. I saw the loose change in his pockets too. And he can recruit me to his religion any day of the week.

Head Automatica, due to the time crunch of the festival, gave no encore - even though the audience cheered "one more song!!!". But they'll return to Seattle, I'm sure. Probably not until they finish their next album, which they're currently working on.

Other Bumbershoot buzz --- today was a much busier day than expected. The crowds were huge, everywhere. The weather was really hot, so people definitely came out in full force today. I missed The Shins and Crowded House, but I'm pretty sure Lorelei (Quenzer) caught the latter because she's a big fan. Also, Rosie Thomas canceled her scheduled performance at the last minute. I bumped into a friend who told me that I definitely had to check out Rodrigo y Gabriela, but me no likes Rodrigo y Gabriela - to their credit, I hear they kick ass. Just not my ass.

Tomorrow (Sunday), I'm really excited to see a new band whose music I love considerably called Army of Me. Lead singer Vince Scheuerman interviewed with Seattle Gay News about two months ago. He's a sweetheart, and coincidentally enjoys his pants on the tight side as well. And I'm not complaining. Hopefully, I can catch up to the band before or after they jam at the Exhibition Hall at 7:45pm. I'm also looking forward to Sean Paul, opening for girlie Pea Fergie, and Art Brut - who start banging at the Sound Transit Stage at 7:30pm

If attending Bumbershoot tomorrow or Monday, use the ATM machine before entering Seattle Center. Lines are very long at times, and you'll have to cough up an annoying service fee (aside from your own bank fee) just for using it. Also, if commuting from Capitol Hill - take the #8 bus. It drops you off at 1st and Republican, two blocks away from the entrance by the Intiman Theatre.


Okay, it's almost time for Panic! At The Disco to go onstage and it's actually time for me to log off this borrowed computer. From the Alki Room at Bumbershoot 2007, have an awesome night and hope to see you tomorrow!

Photo of Head Automatica, courtesy of Warner Bros. Records.