Bumbershoot 2010: Local artists are the backbone

By Greg Roth / SMI

The national touring acts are certainly an attractive component to the three-day Bumbershoot festival this year. You have the legendary Bob Dylan, soul sensation, Mary J. Blige, the provocative Hole, the irreverent Weezer, the hardcore alternative sounds of Rise Against and a host of other national acts from the past and present.

One notable act in particular may owe its’ comeback to the big stages throughout the U.S. to a wonderfully written and produced documentary entitled, “The Story of Anvil.”  For those of you that are not familar with the group, Anvil is a speed medal band that influenced such groups as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Megadeath, Anthrax and many more. The movie launched the comeback for this group who rose from obscurity to finally receive the recognition and accolades that were denied to them when they played festivals with groups, like Scorpions and Bon Jovi back in the glory days of metal. For Anvil, the glory days have finally arrived.

Certainly the said artists could be called the “big ticket items” on the bill, if you will but at it’s core, Bumbershoot has always been about some of the great local talent that comes out of The Emerald City and Northwest region as a whole.

This year is no exception. Many of the artists that will appear on the various stages throughout Labor Day weekend are signed bands and indie darlings. A lot of musical performers are appearing on the Bumbershoot stages for the first time this year, along with other local bands and artists that have played the festival in the past.

Here are just a few of the groups that we recommend you trying to catch this year…

We previously mentioned “The Story of Anvil.” Another documentary released earlier this year, entitled “Wheedle’s Groove” gave recognition to many of the great funk and soul artists that worked the circuit back in the 70’s. We wrote about this group of artists yesterday and are looking forward to seeing them do their thing this Saturday at 3:45 on the Fisher Green Stage. To see the movie head to Northwest Film Forum from the 3rd to 9th of Sept with special performances and Q&As after every showing.

Bumbersoot 2010: Mayor McGinn proclaims this Saturday 'Wheedle's Groove Day'

Power pop / rock group and Seattle favorite Visqueen returns to Bumbershoot this year. Last year the group released “Message to Garcia” The band’s sound is somewhat of a throwback to the decade that brought us skinny ties, styling mousse and movies like “Fast Time at Ridgemont High.” Their high energy and infectious sound is a must see and hear at Sky Church, Saturday night September 4th.

One of the bands that we are excited about is a band that we have covered here before and that is Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme. These cats are one of the tightest, funkiest bands east of the Mississippi. This band does not don't ship hop beats or loops; they build their grooves organically from scratch - from the ground up. They will be appearing on The State Farm Stage at 12:30, Sunday, September 5th.

Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme... funkin' it up in Seattle (SMI Radio Podcast Interview)

Hey Marseilles is one of the more interesting bands in the region. They are gaining a lot of momentum and recognition thanks to their powerful live shows and newest release, To Travels & Trunks. Their eclectic influences range from Debussy and Chopin to Russian and Latin American folk music. The will play the Broad Street Stage on Sunday, September 5th at 2:15pm.

People Eating People may not sound like an appetizing choice but this group fronted by pianist / keyboardist and vocalist, Nouela Johnston, perform melodic, dark and catchy little tunes that will have you humming along and tapping the steering wheel of your car as you drive through the city on a dark and rainy night. This group plays 12:00pm at Sky Church, Monday, September 6th.

Of course there are many more great local bands not mentioned here that will be playing all throughout this weekend. Bumbershoot 2010 has something for everyone and anyone with discriminating tastes. The amount of local talent that the region produces is simply staggering. Folks attending this year’s festivities at the Seattle Center are going to get an eclectic sample of some of the best local talent in the Northwest.

For the full three-day lineup, please visit, http://sched.bumbershoot.org/type/music.

You may also be interested in reading…

Bumbersoot 2010: Mayor McGinn proclaims this Saturday 'Wheedle's Groove Day'

Bumbershoot 2010 just a few weeks away

One Reel offers less expensive 'economy size' version of Bumbershoot

You may also be interested in reading the following articles from Seattle Live Music Examiner, Dan Coxon...

Bumbershoot's rap and hip-hop acts prove the festival's not just for guitar heroes

Bob Dylan, Weezer and Mary J. Blige headline Bumbershoot 2010 this weekend

Bumbershoot announces 2010 festival line-up

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