For many fans this weekend's Bumbershoot Festival will be about catching big-name headliners Bob Dylan, Weezer and Mary J. Blige, but Bumbershoot offers more than just international hitmakers in its line-up.
The festival is also about uncovering and promoting new talent, and this Labor Day weekend Bumbershoot will be playing host to a number of up-and-coming young acts. Some of these may be gracing the Mainstage in a few years, so this is your opportunity to catch them before they hit the big time.
The good news is that Bumbershoot's new ticketing system makes it even cheaper to see the acts on the small stages, so if you're not tempted by the festival's headliners there's no need to pay big bucks. The new Economy Ticket costs only $30 on the door, and allows you access to everything at the festival except the Mainstage.
Here are some of the buzz bands to watch out for at Bumbershoot this weekend...
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The ramshackle Californian collective may already feel like veterans, having scored an international hit with their catchy single 'Home', but remember that their debut album is still barely a year old. Rolling Stone has called the band "indie rock's answer to a revival tent", and their Bumbershoot set is already shaping up to be one of the festival's highlights. Catch them now, before they follow Arcade Fire into the arenas. (Saturday September 4, Broad Street Stage, 7.30pm-8.45pm)
Surfer Blood. Like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, this Florida band have already made such a name for themselves that it's hard to believe they only released their debut album at the start of the year. Mixing bouncy Vampire Weekend-style rhythms with a familiar alt-rock sound, they look set to get even bigger over the coming year. Also watch out for their set at the Hard Rock Cafe After-Party. (Monday September 6, Broad Street Stage, 7.30pm-8.30pm)
Japandroids. Their fans may have known about them for several years, but it took a worldwide re-release of debut album Post-Nothing and a Juno Award nomination to really put this Vancouver duo on the musical map. They've rapidly become Seattle live favorites, and it can't be long before the rest of the country catches on. (Monday September 6, Broad Street Stage, 5.45pm-6.45pm)
Jay Electronica. We've already mentioned him in our round-up of hip-hop acts at Bumbershoot 2010, but Jay Electronica deserves yet another mention. When he finally gets around to releasing an album he's surely destined to shoot to international fame, so this may be your last chance to see him in such an intimate setting. (Sunday September 5, State Farm Stage, 5.45pm-6.45pm)
Fences. One of the many local acts to grace Bumbershoot's stages this weekend, Fences (otherwise known as singer-songwriter Chris Mansfield) may be the one most likely to go global. His debut album was produced by Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara, and its tender blend of heartbreak and musical whimsy seems set to win him plenty of fans. (Sunday September 5, EMP Sky Church, 6.45pm-7.45pm)
We will be covering all three days of this year's Bumbershoot live from the festival itself, so be certain to subscribe to our articles (link at the top of the page) or follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and reviews from the three-day event.
If you're attending Bumbershoot this weekend, you may be interested in reading the following articles...
Beyond Bumbershoot: festival kick off and after show parties this Labor Day weekend
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
You may also be interested in the following articles from Seattle Music Insider Examiner, Greg Roth...
Bumbershoot 2010: Local artists are the backbone
Bumbersoot 2010: Mayor McGinn proclaims this Saturday 'Wheedle's Groove Day'
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