When Shakespeare wrote "Now is the winter of our discontent," it's likely that he was thinking of Seattle's live music scene. While the Emerald City boasts some of the most vibrant bands and venues in the country, it often seems to close down for the winter months. With the exception of a couple of overpriced, overhyped Christmas revues, Seattle likes spending its winter in hibernation.
Luckily for music lovers, however, it looks as if we'll have an early Spring this year. Seattle's Showbox owns two of the best venues in town, and their Spring calendar looks like one of the best we've seen in years. For once Seattle doesn't have to wait until April or May for its music fix - in 2013 the bands are in town before the snows have even melted.
If that sounds like grandiose hyperbole, check out their online calendar. At the start of February the Showbox at the Market plays host to the original BFF: Ben Folds Five, reformed and touring with a new album. Folds has put on a fantastic live show in recent years, but his fans will already be excited about seeing the-five-who-are-three back on stage together again. At an intimate venue like the Showbox at the Market it promises to be a memorable treat (February 4, show currently Sold Out but check showboxonline.com for updates).
Then, a couple of weeks later, we get to rock'n'stomp with Eels, also at the Market. Their tunes have been used for everything from True Blood to Shrek, but their live show is a unique experience in itself. Frontman E has always seemed larger than life, and their last visit to Seattle provided one of that year's highlights. For sheer indie rock awesomeness this one will be hard to beat. (February 19, tickets available here).
And if those aren't enough, consider the rest of the lineup this Spring. From local favorites like Ivan & Alyosha and Hey Marseilles to touring giants Marilyn Manson and Coheed and Cambria, this is a Spring that we won't forget in a hurry. There are even critical favorites like Frightened Rabbit and George Clinton coming in March. Maybe there's no need for discontent after all.
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