Raves: Sept. 2009 (Bumbershoot edition)

I spent most of my Labor Day weekend in Seattle at Bumbershoot, a music, comedy and art festival. Even though I had to leave early, causing me to miss some of the biggest and best bands, I still had a wonderful time, and want to share with you some of the things I enjoyed the most, so that you might in turn enjoy them as well. Onward!

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head: The band with the most bizarre (idiotic?) name ended up being one of my favs of the festival. The members look like they’re about 17 years old, and their music was best described by my friend Ben as “thrift store glam.” They put on a very energetic show that involved throwing blowup pool toys into the audience. Worth checking out fo sho.

Elvis Perkins in Dearland: The polar opposite of NPSH, Elvis Perkins and his band play a kind of freaky gypsy folk that took me a few songs to get into, but once I did … good times.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company: The name is pretty self explanatory – these dudes get up, take a suggestion for a name of a play from the audience, and act it out in Shakespearean language and themes, all improv. Could be really bad, but it wasn’t. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. (Of course, anything with a reoccurring line like, “I am riddled with syphilis” is bound to make me smile. Its just the kind of girl I am). These guys are based in Chicago, but apparently travel. Try and see them if you ever can.

My Rain Boots: The weather ended up holding up fairly well. It was supposed to downpour all weekend, and instead we saw scattered showers. But that didn’t stop me from wearing my kickass new rain boots that going to Seattle finally gave me an excuse to buy! I must say, I looked pretty hot in them.

Katy Perry: I know! “I Kissed a Girl” is still a fame-grab gimmick, and most of her other songs are generic power pop, but Katy Perry is still a hell of an entertainer. When she covered Queen’s “Don’t Stop me Now,” during her set, I had to tip my cap and acknowledge I was having a surprisingly good time. Plus, great gams.

There was tons of other cool stuff at Bumbershoot as well. Like I said, most of the bands I really wanted to see played late Sunday or Monday, after I left, but it was still an awesome time. I’m going to try to go back next year, so if you’ve ever wanted to go to Seattle and meet me, think about it!