Back to it! I got to Bumbershoot on its closing day later than I planned (which is exactly how my plans always seem to go), just missing the last song at the KEXP Music Lounge from Charles Bradley. D'oh, I said, but knew I'd be able to catch him later in the day on a different stage. I made an executive decision to just hang at the Music Lounge until L.A.'s Fitz & the Tantrums were on because I knew from the general buzz that it would be packed with very enthusiastic fans. I hadn't heard of them at all until recently, but everyone who I had talked to who'd seen them was so glowing in their praise that I felt this was a must-see set.
I spent the wait time relaxing in the shade with friend and local music scribe Chris Burlingame of Another Rainy Saturday, always so enjoyable to talk with. He had remarked that the Music Lounge was run so well this year, and my experience with it was nothing but positive. Everyone involved clearly and quickly gave me all the info I needed,were extremely polite, friendly, and enthusiastic, the tiny venue had great sightlines for everyone, and being a little part of a live broadcast was just really fun. I have often praised KEXP on Popthomology, but it could never be enough. They do so much for our community, and so joyfully. (And remember, you can listen to KEXP via the interhoot anytime, non-Seattlites!)
Finally, we were ushered in to the cool, dark studio/stage and I took a front row seat and said hi to the rest of the photogs filing in as well. A tall dude in a white t-shirt and red skinny pants who looked really familiar sat down next to me.
"Hi," he said to me.
"Hi, I replied.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Great! How about you?" I inquired.
"Oh, great!" he exclaimed.
Now that it was firmly established that We Were Doing Great, the band could start. Singer Michael Fitzpatrick came onstage with a cup o' Starbucks, fueling up. KEXP DJ Kevin Cole was happy to see this.
The first song began and my new friend, Skinny Red Pants, jumped up immediately and began dancing like a madman. Fitz and pals went straight in to an extremely tight and wicked set of blue-eyed soul that instantly had everyone else on their feet and clapping along as well. They've only been together as a band for just shy of three years, and already have people acting like they are at the wildest gospel church revival ever. This is good. Fitz's voice strongly reminded me of Daryl Hall's with a little more husk to it, and gorgeous co-singer (I just cannot call her a "backup singer") Noelle Skaggs is an absolute dynamo, channelling the '60s era Tina Turner with perhaps even more energy. Whoa. Also, there is no guitarist in Fitz & the Tantrums. Who knew you could do that?
After I was done shooting, I stood along with the rest of the crowd and clapped and sang, particularly enjoying a whip-smart cover of the Raconteurs' "Steady As She Goes." It was fun to watch the KEXP folks on the side enjoy the show just as much; lots of smiles and head-bobbing.
After such excitement, back to the Starbucks Lounge for another FREE DRINK.Aaaahhhhhh, yes.
As I was waiting for my drink to come up, something caught my eye. Ladies and gentleman, Spiderman is in the house!
It's been awhile since that first movie, huh?
Now sipping mah drank and sitting on a Comfy Starbucks Chair, I see a band prepping to go on the adjacent sun-drenched Starbucks Stage, Ian Moore and the Lossy Coils. Yeah? OK, let's go! I was treated to a cool set of classic pop-styled songs from Mr. Moore and his two compadres, featuring a strong rock/blues guitar; a nice mix that added depth and grit to the sweet melodies.
Three more bands to go -- later!
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman