For singer-songwriters whose music requires you to pay any attention to the lyrics, it can be difficult to find venues with the right kind of atmosphere. Sure, there are open mics — but if you want to play a longer set than that, most bars and coffee shops will be too noisy.
In an effort to showcase local songwriters in a setting where audiences can really hear what’s going on, Stones Throw Brewery hosts a monthly series called the Neighborhood Songwriters Showcase.
Taking place on the third Friday of every month, the event brings talented songwriters together with audiences of dedicated music fans who pay close attention to the nuances of each performer’s work. Friday, July 19 marks the one-year anniversary of this series.
Each evening typically features three to four songwriters, playing sets of around 30 minutes each. It’s an ideal length — enough to give a good sense of what each performer has to offer without dragging on for too long. Organizers Andy Bunn and Colleen Freeman do their best to make sure each evening has a good variety in the styles, ages and genders of the performers. The events are also benefits, with a different local nonprofit each month receiving audience donations.
The July 19 installment includes four excellent acts.
The duo Meinhardt Merry includes two long-time veterans of the local scene, Robin Wallbridge and Kent Rogers. “East Coast” Dave Maguire will contribute slide guitar-based songs that draw from his roots in blues, folk, Celtic and even punk. Paige Woods, also known for her work with The White Ducks and Acrylic Angel, represents the younger generation of songwriters. She strums a ukulele to accompany her powerful vocals. Finally, Louis Ledford will be doing a set of his sublime music, ranging from literary ballads to earthy blues.
Regardless of who’s playing, the series has a special atmosphere that just isn’t matched elsewhere. So even if you can’t make it this month, you can always mark your calendar for the third Friday of each month to see the best of what the Bellingham songwriting community has to offer.
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Not only has Downtown Sounds announced its openers, but both the Wild Buffalo and Boundary Bay Brewery have announced their post-Downtown Sounds plans for Wednesday nights, so you can really make a night of it.
Coming up at the main event, it’ll be Whalien opening for Acorn Project for a night of jam-oriented rock on July 17, followed by the promising new ska/reggae outfit Ska Island opening for Daniel Pak on July 24. CHRVNS and Friends will open for the Soul Rebels on July 31, and Cuttlefish will warm it up for the Pimps of Joytime on Aug. 7.
Later on Wednesday evenings, the After Sounds series is back at Boundary Bay, featuring rappers and DJs affiliated with Black Noise Records, while the Wild Buffalo hosts free music starting at 9 p.m. each Wednesday. They’ve got two shows from Miles, Ebony, and the Deep Cuts (July 24 and Aug. 7), plus Willdabeast on July 17 and Snug Harbor on July 31.
Kulshan has announced that the Acid Ball Music Festival will be back this year on Saturday, Aug. 3. They don’t have a lineup yet but they’ve had pretty consistently strong ones in the past, so if you’re looking for a night of wild, noisy psychedelica, you will want to mark their calendars for that one.
I was very disappointed to hear that CERAS are breaking up, as they’ve been one of my favorite live shows around here over the last few years. On the bright side, they do have an album complete (or close to it) that will see the light of day at some point — and their singer is already promising new material under the name Shieldmaiden.
Finally, by the time you are reading this, The Unknowns will be off touring Europe! How cool is that?
Jesse Stanton's music column, The Beat Goes On, appears weekly. Reach him at jsbhammusic@gmail.com; @JSBhamMusic. Check with individual venues to make sure events are still taking place as scheduled. Live music events in Whatcom County: http://www.cascadiadaily.com/category/living/arts-and-entertainment/music/music-calendar
