CityArts Festival Returns This Weekend
Seattle’s ascending acts, along with some notable national acts, will be taking over the city this weekend as CityArts Fest returns again. For those who didn’t shell out the $69 for a wristbands, individual shows can be attended for standard ticket prices. Here are the top 5 shows to try and catch at CityArts Fest 2011.
- Ryan Adams with Rebecca Gates (Friday at 7 pm)
Adams has been a staple in the alternative-country world since his debut solo record Heartbreaker and even before that with his work in the band Whiskeytown. His latest album Ashes & Fire taps into these early roots. Oh, and he’ll be playing at Benaroya Hall. Adams’ voice is sure to resonate beautifully with the acoustics of the room. Word is that he will be playing a completely stripped down set, alternating between guitar and piano.
- The Long Winters with Campfire Ok, Cobirds Unite, and Cataldo (Thursday at 7 pm)
This will surely be an evening of obscure, funky folk at the Showbox at the Market. The Long Winters have been constantly upheld in the Seattle as one of the best, little known indie acts in the scene right now. Pair that with Campfire Ok’s banjo-filled, sometimes dark and sometimes bright, folk balls and Cataldo’s wonderfully introspective lyrics and the result is a wonderful evening of Seattle’s finest.
- Shabazz Palaces with Metal Chocolates, DJ Riz (Friday at 6 pm)
Not only is this one of the few times a hip-hop group can be seen at TheTriple Door, but it just so happens to be one of the most interesting hip-hop groups to come out of Seattle. The Sub Pop artists Shabazz Palaces have been getting a lot of buzz from the likes of Pitchfork and KEXP, and with good reason. Their odd, dark, and sometimes disturbing beats are way off kilter from what has been coming out in mainstream rap. This is music for driving in your car at three in the morning but the dim lighting of the Triple Door might suffice for this evening.
- Mudhoney with Hot Bodies in Motion, Thee Emergency, and Lovesick Empire (Saturday at 7 pm)
For those who have been following Seattle music since the grunge explosion of the 90s, Mudhoney should be a familiar name. The grungey sound of Mudhoney was inspirational to Nirvana and continues to influence rock bands still today. Hot Bodies in Motion will make an excellent side dish to Mudhoney’s entrée, with their bluesy feel. Catch the show at Neumos.
- Thao With The Get Down Stay Down, Grand Hallway, Lemolo, and Kris Orlowski (Saturday at 7 pm)
Thao has gotten a lot of exposure lately between touring with the likes of The Avett Brothers and her side project Thao & Mira. But what might be more appealing is the experimental indie duo Lemolo and the orchestral rock group Grand Hallway. Rounded out by singer songwriter Kris Orlowski, this night at The Crocodile will probably be one of the most diverse shows of the weekend.