For My Grandma

January 2, 2021 — Leave a comment

My Grandma passed away this past Christmas. I felt bad. I immediately thought of my Grandpa, I thought of my Mom and her siblings, I thought of my brother and my cousins, and in particular I thought of my nieces and nephews. My nephew Weston was 5 years old when my Grandma passed. I thought what would Weston remember about my Grandma, his Great Grandma?

I was 5 years old when my Grandpa on my dad’s side passed away. I don’t remember too much about my Grandpa Tino. I kind of remember his voice. I remember a game we used to play. He would hide coins under the couch cushions. When I would come over, I would look under the couch cushions and find free change. When he got sick, I remember the coins being there less and less. Then when he passed, they just weren’t there anymore.

Those memories made think, what would my nephew remember about my Grandma?

I remember family parties. My Grandpa and Grandma would go to every family party they could. We would walk up and give them a hug. She would find a spot to sit and was content to catch up with folks around her.

I remember summers. My Grandma babysat us every summer until we were able to stay home alone. I remember how she cooked for us. Like a lot of Grandmas, she showed her love to her family through food. No one can top my Grandma’s adobo, or her rice. If we didn’t want what she had made she would encourage us to try to cook. If you ever wanted to find out what spices don’t mix well with Top Ramen, I can tell you. I remember my aunts and uncles coming over throughout the day to get a quick meal between work shifts. I remember hours spent with cousins. I can’t tell you how many times my Grandma would tell us to stop playing so rough with each other, or to leave someone alone. It still impresses me to this day that that lady was able to keep between 2 to 8 of us in line, each day, every summer.

I remember how she was in the Philippines. My grandparents moved back to the Philippines almost 10 years ago. They would travel back and forth throughout the year. The way my Grandma was in the Philippines was the way she was in a casino, she knew what she wanted to do and had the innate confidence and wisdom to do it. I think a lot of us cousins were a little worried how she would be in the Philippines because how much time she had spent with us, her family, around her. Moving to the Philippines would mean we wouldn’t be able to see her each week. Then she got Facebook. For a person who I’ve never seen have a desire to learn new technology, this lady took to Facebook like a duck in water. With Facebook she could see and interact with the family, and we had an opportunity to interact and see her garden. She could see how we were doing and we could get her messages expressing love, how much she missed us, and how we should “be careful”.

A big part about visiting the Philippines was being able to see her and how she was in her element. I didn’t have too much concern about my Grandpa, but going to the family farm, seeing her be energetic and smiling took a lot of that initial worry away. Having the opportunity to see my Grandma shop at a Philippine market, interact with her friends at a small party, lounge with us while she sat in her rocking chair, or just be excited to show us her plants, it felt good. I can’t picture how it will be to go there without her.

That’s what I’ll remember about my Grandma, but I wonder what Weston will remember?

I think he’ll remember her smile when she grabbed his hands to play. I think he’ll remember how soft her skin felt. Like a lot of us in the family, she had really dry skin, so she always had lotion and ointments at the ready. Her skin always felt soft. I think he’ll remember her hugs. She always gave good hugs.

If there’s anything I’m sure he’ll remember it’s how much she loved her family. We will love you always Grandma Fe, or like her family knows her Grandma Ping.

I turned 32 this past month.

August 30, 2020 — Leave a comment

This past month I turned 32. I was trying to think of some cool lesson or piece of advice I picked up this past year but when I looked back I realized between my last birthday to now, 6 months were spent pre-pandemic and 6 months were spent (where we are currently) experiencing a global pandemic, so I tried to think of any underlying piece of advice that loomed over both those periods.

If there was any one lesson I picked up at 31 it would be: The world can be overwhelming, take time to stop, get away from the norm, and indulge in your personal interests. I don’t know how many times 2020 got the better of me, and I just had to stop, step away, and for a period of time just focus on something I love. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to maintain a day job, remind folks that Black Lives Matter, support local businesses, and attempt to maintain any friendships that I had before the pandemic froze the world, if I didn’t have those side interests.

People who know me personally know that I’m a big fan pro wrestling, music, comic books, podcasts, and the Disney company. Three other more specific things I’m a huge fan of but I rarely ever talk about that this year have become my mental refuge are:

Retro Sci Fi – I’m a fan of sci fi and fantasy stories not only from the modern era, but also from as far back as the 20’s. Frank Reade! Amazing Stories! Astounding Stories! Wonder Stories! I love the art, the writing styles, and the eventual radio plays these stories were turned into. If you told me you had an old sci fi radio play adapted from an Asimov story originally released in a December issue of Amazing Stories Quarterly, that kind of thing gets me excited. There’s something about old sci fi that just seems hopeful, and I like to have that mindset. As long as you’re alive, you’re heading towards the future. It would be terrible if you weren’t excited about it.

Deathmatch Pro Wrestling – I’ve been a fan of Deathmatch Pro Wrestling since my sophomore year of high school. I remember being a fan of the hardcore matches at Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and when I would go to video stores I would collect ECW DVDs (and a VHS or two). One day I found a copy of “Unscarred: The Sick Nick Mondo story”. I bought it and was blown away by the violence. Light tubes! Weed Whackers! Salt and Lemons! That DVD motivated me to find Combat Zone Wrestling DVDs, which led me to IWA Mid South DVDs, and eventually I was just into Deathmatch Pro Wrestling. I recently downloaded both the “King of the Deathmatches 2020” and “Tournament of Death 2019”. It was just the best nostalgia.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Comic) – The greatest comic book series of all time is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I rarely ever talk about this because the immediate follow up is someone fan person-ing over the movie adaption. The comic book is a massive art piece that has a huge internal lore and intriguing history. I enjoy the movie but it barely scratches the surface of the source material. The series concluded last year, and I still spend time re reading all the issues trying to figure out the thousands of references spread throughout. I’ve spent hours just browsing “The Black Dossier”, or trying to decipher the “The New Travelers’ Almanac”. There’s no easier way to impress me than to demonstrate some knowledge about this massive series.

Looking forward to what 32 has in store!

Photos of My Hometown: Seattle March to June 2020

July 13, 2020 — Leave a comment

I stopped writing when COVID-19 hit. I just didn’t feel the drive to write.

The concert scene had dried up around the country. I got 3 shows in, in the first week of March. I was in attendance at the last show at Neumos. The headliners Brent Amaker Deathsquad knew how big of a deal this event could have been so in front of a 50% capacity crowd they put on one last send off before the order to shelter in place was put in place by Governor Inslee the following day.

When it became more and more apparent that not only were any plans folks had made for concerts, festivals, or conventions going to be put on hold indefinitely, but also the world would forever be changed by the virus spreading across the globe affecting the most vulnerable in our communities, I got nervous. I feel like everyone was a little optimistic in the beginning. We always wanted “time”, “time” to pursue hobbies, to exercise, to develop a skill, and now we had “time”. The world is having a mini “Oldboy” moment.

It’s been 3 months, and I’m just tired. COVID-19. Racial Tensions. Protests. BLACK LIVES MATTER! The world is different.

I think I circled back and I’m optimistic again, but who can tell what else 2020 will have in store for us?

Here’s a photo recap of Seattle from March to June 2020:

(Bands in the first 4 images: Leone, Summer Cannibals, and Brent Amaker Deathsquad)

CakeInTheRain206’s 15 Best Photos of 2019

December 27, 2019 — Leave a comment

This blog is an offshoot of my Instagram: Cakeintherain206. I wanted to practice my writing skills alongside my photography skills. Instagram is a great platform to practice both writing and photography skills, but long form writing should be done on a blog. All the photos on my posts, except for some of the promo images provided by the artists were taken by me with my cell phone. To check out more of my photos and videos, check out my Instagram: Cakeintherain206. Here are 15 of my favorite shots from the year:

Greta Van Fleet – 1/10/19 – The Paramount

Amyl and The Sniffers – 3/18/19 – Barboza

Tacocat – 6/8/19 – The Showbox

The Comet is Coming – 6/20/19 – Barboza

Mitski – 7/20/19 – Capitol Hill Block Party 2019

Bear Axe – 7/20/19 – Capitol Hill Block Party 2019

Fucked and Bound – 8/24/19 – Linda’s Fest 2019

Sol – 8/31/19 – Bumbershoot 2019

Kolars – 8/31/19 – Bumbershoot 2019

Starcrawler – 10/9/19 – The Crocodile

Banners – 10/13/19 – Chop Suey

Grizz – 10/17/19 – The Paramount

Maiah Manser – 10/30/19 – Barboza

The Paranoyds – 11/6/19 – Barboza

Crushed PBR – 11/22/19 – Lost Lake Cafe

CakeInTheRain206: 10 Favorite Albums of 2019

December 15, 2019 — Leave a comment

10 – [USA] by Anamanaguchi
I heard about this album from an Instagram post by one of my favorite artists, Porter Robinson. I gave it a listen and fell in love. It’s dance music. It’s chiptune. It’s music in the same vein as Kero Kero Bonito, Porter Robinison and Madeon. I’m excited to see them when they come to the Crocodile in March.

9 – WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO by Billie Eilish
It’s hard to describe what makes this album so interesting. It’s like a combination of the best versions of the music tropes of 2019. At times it’s like listening to ASMR, while other times it feels like mumble rap, and then out of no where she’s sampling “The Scarn”. The quality I enjoy most about Billie Eilish is that she credits her brother, Finneas, for co -writing the bulk of her songs. It’s admirable that she lets people know about his contribution.

8 – Four of Arrows by Great Grandpa
When my brother told me that Great Grandpa put out one of the best albums of the year, I was pretty skeptical. I like Great Grandpa (pictured above), I’ve seen them perform at least 4 separate times, but a contender for album of the year? I sat down, listened to the album and was pleasantly surprised. Four of Arrows comes out of no where and can easily contend with the best albums of 2019. It’s a little cliché, but this album sounds like a band coming into their own, and finding their own sound.

7 – Bandana by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
When it comes to hip hop, I’m not a fan of mumble rap or a lot of modern non lyric/flow driven artists. I like artists that can spit, have a somewhat cohesive message, and have a back beat that folks can get down to. This album is smooth. The beats, samples, and production of Madlib back the great lyrical style of Freddie Gibbs. Bandana stands as one of the best rap albums in recent memory. I highly suggest checking out their NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

6 – On the Line by Jenny Lewis
This album feels personal. It’s as if Jenny Lewis wanted to indirectly send messages to loved ones in relatable songs that feel like a friend reminiscing. The song structures, although fairly simplistic, are generally sweet. The album is really just easy going music that doesn’t feel overwhelmed by production. The lyrics and Lewis’ voice are the showcase here.

5 – Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood
I’ve always been a fan singer songwriters. This album sounds like a 70’s singer songwriter reminiscent of Karen Carpenter or Janis Ian decided to write an album describing being a young adult today and also the direness some of the “crisis” our generation has seemingly grown up with. There are so many songs folks from my generation can relate to while listening to this album. As time goes by, this will be an album folks will point to as a snapshot of what life was like for young adults right now, a mix of burnout and hopefulness.

4 – Champion by Bishop Briggs
I don’t think there is any other way to describe this album than a quote from National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Songs Considered podcast. In a review of the album, the host said “This is a breakup record and there’s kind of two directions you can go with a breakup record – you can go very, very inward or you can go very, very outward. I think she finds a way to do both. She’s able to tap into feelings of hurt and loss and pain, but channel them into these big, very empowerment-focused anthems that just shout from the rafters. She manages to make a very rousing statement out of personal pain.”

3 – Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekend
This album feels like a Vampire Weekend reboot 6 years in the making. The album has a lot of nature references, which I don’t recall being as prevalent in their previous albums. The album also feels very future centric, and looking towards what’s next. It serves as an aspirational and a hopeful vision of tomorrow.

2 – Lux Prima by Karen O & Danger Mouse
This album sounds as if Danger Mouse heard there was a new James Bond film coming down the pike, and decided I would love to score that new movie, Karen O can provide vocals, here’s a demo of what we can offer. The production on this album is astounding. It really does sound like high budget film score. This is an album you put on when you want to relax with a cocktail.

1 – Cuz I Love You by Lizzo
You can’t deny how big of a star Lizzo has become in 2019 and this album proves it. The one word I would use to describe this album, positivity. This album is empowering and just brimming with feminist laced positive energy. Lizzo took her life experiences and laid out for listeners how she uses those to drive her forward. It’s a feel good album that has so many danceable hits that I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard songs from this album used commercially in ads and in regular rotation in nightclub mixes for years to come.

Honorable Mentions:
– Devour You by Starcrawler – This album feels like a sample of what it’s like seeing Starcrawler perform live, just youthful controlled sexy rock chaos.
– This Mess is a Place by TacocaT – Only TacocaT can make pointed criticisms seem so danceable and fun. This album feels like a hopeful yet fully aware snapshot of the time we currently live in.
– There Existed an Addiction to Blood by clipping. – You have to show love to clipping. and this audio vampire story released around the Halloween season.
– Dedicated by Carly Rae Jepsen – If you would have told me in 2012 that in 2019, Carly Rae Jepsen would release a better pop album than Taylor Swift, I would have thought you were crazy, but between the two releases, Jepsen’s Dedicated is a better album than Swift’s Lover.
– Of the Deep Mystery by The Comet is Coming – You have to see these guys live. It’s Jazz. It’s Dance Music. It’s rhythm that just doesn’t stop. My favorite track Summon the Fire sounds like if Jazz and Techno had a child in an afro futuristic space station.

(Spotify Playlist with 10 songs from my 10 favorite albums)

5 Shows and Movies on My Disney+ Watchlist

November 13, 2019 — Leave a comment

“Disney+” launched today. For as long as I can remember the Disney company has been a presence in my life. Be it through film or Disneyland, I can’t remember a time when there wasn’t Disney in my world. When I heard there was going to be a streaming service that would have the largest collection of streamable Disney owned content all on one source, I was elated. The list of initial shows and movies had numerous offerings for every type of fan. After running through the service at launch, 12:01 AM November 12, 2019, here are 5 programs that I immediately added to My Disney+ Watchlist:

1.) The Imagineering Story (2019) – Disneyland has always been a passion of mine. I’ve always had an eagerness to learn about the park’s history and hear stories from the people who developed it’s attractions. Admittedly, one of the small letdowns I had about Disney+ was that we wouldn’t get any of the original “Walt Disney Presents…” programs (either “World of Color” or “Disneyland” (the TV program)). Disney+ does offer recut shortened episodes of “Walt Disney Presents…” namely “Disneyland Around the Seasons”, and “The Plausible Impossible”. Those old archived “Walt Disney Presents” shows are treasures and if we can’t get the full uncut episodes, “The Imagineering Story” more than makes up for these recut episodes. You get the story of Disneyland right from the source.

2.) Heavyweights (1995) – I have 20 first cousins on my mom’s side of the family. When we all get together there are 3 films we can all agree to watch as a group. Those films are “Elf”, “Mean Girls”, and “Heavyweights”. This film is quintessential mid 90’s live action Disney. “Heavyweights” comes from that era of Disney film where the 2nd Disney Animation Renaissance was happening, the company was expanding their collection of direct to Disney Channel films, and through this period the company was still releasing a number of theatrical live action films like “Jungle 2 Jungle” and “Cool Runnings”. “Heavyweights” always stood out as a great subtle comedy with a plot that was instantly quotable.

3.) The Legend of the Three Caballeros (2018) – In 2016, I remember seeing posts on Tumblr of a rumored new Three Caballeros project in development at Disney Animation. The posts normally had leaked art, episode names and descriptions, but no solid dates for when they would be released. There were rumors that Disney was planning on releasing a new show in the Summer of 2017. Then mid 2017, it was announced “The Legend of the Three Caballeros” would be an exclusive release for the “Disney Life App”, which was only available for download in the Philippines, beginning June 2018. The series that did end up debuting in the Summer of 2017 was the “Ducktales” reboot (August 2017). After the “Ducktales” reboot was met with a great critical reception, it became clear that outside of the “Disney Life App” we might never be able to see episodes of “The Legend of the Three Caballeros”. The fact that we have the opportunity to see it on Disney+ is a very pleasant surprise.

4.) Recess (1997 – 2001) – Up until recent years, Saturday morning cartoons was an American standard. Saturday mornings were designated cartoon/kid programming times on most major networks. My favorite go-to Saturday morning cartoon was “Recess”. As a kid, I loved the adventures of the 3rd street crew and amount of imagination put into each storyline shaped how I viewed my world. As an adult, I admire the amount of character diversity and also how certain characters differences which would be brought to the forefront in other programs were pretty much secondary in this show. The show stressed a celebration of our differences and that’s why I loved it so much.

5.) The Reluctant Dragon (1941) – Another rarity from the Disney vault. In short, “The Reluctant Dragon” is a stylized, exaggerated journey of an idea pitch brought to the old Walt Disney animation studio. The full length feature was released in 1941 amidst a major artists strike at the Disney studio. Upon initial release, the film was met with a low audience response. Audiences had expected another full length animated feature in the same vein of “Pinocchio” or “Dumbo”, but instead were met with a film that combined live action sequences with animated sequences. The film would only be released in it’s entirety 3 other times as a DVD special feature accompanying more mainstream releases. What makes this Disney+ release special, aside from being an uncut feature, if you look closely you can see a number of now classic Disney films in their earliest stages of development (for example, in the sequence where the characters are reviewing concept figurines, you can see models for Peter Pan which wouldn’t be released for another 12 years).

Honorable Mentions:
– The Simpsons – Seasons 2 through 12 – Of the show’s 31 seasons, 2 through 12 are the best.
– Ducktales (2017) – I can’t recommend the Ducktales reboot enough.
– The Mandalorian (2019) – This was probably the main selling point for a lot of early adaptors.
– John Carter (2012) – Probably my favorite Disney flop, that was a crazy exciting movie, more than likely killed by a boring name.
– Frank and Ollie (1995), The Pixar Story (2007), Waking Sleeping Beauty (2009), and The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story (2009) – Essential Imagineering documentaries

Have Fun Streaming!

5 Modern Comic Books I Always Recommend

October 25, 2019 — Leave a comment

This week Emerald City Comic Con 2020 tickets went on sale.

I’m a comic book fan. I can’t even remember the first time I started reading comics. I remember just always being a fan of Batman and the X-Men, and as I got older the comic book industry as a whole. I have memories of collecting comics. I remember reading Wizard Magazine.

A question I’m asked often, “What are some series you would recommend?” Here are “5 Modern Comic Books I Always Recommend “:

5.) Shade the Changing Girl Vol 1 – DC Comics – When the announcement that Gerard Way was spearheading DC’s Young Animal line of comics, I was pretty excited. In the glut of comic book reboots happening in the past decade, hearing that a guy known more for his work as a musician (My Chemical Romance) and his handful of comic book successes outside of comic book giants, DC and Marvel, was refreshing. You can’t go wrong selecting any series from DC’s Young Animal line of comics. From compelling art to abstract storytelling, I’m a big proponent of DC’s Young Animal. Shade the Changing Girl stands out for it’s beautiful art direction, and story which reads more like a modern sitcom than a comic book.
Who would I recommend this to?: People who are comic book fans, who don’t consider themselves comic book fans (hipsters).

4.) Hip Hop Family Tree by Ed Piskor – Fantagraphics Books – The Hip Hop Family Tree series traces the origins of hip hop as a cultural force in society. As of now there are 4 volumes filled with unique art and a volume specific discography so fans can research the tracks of the artists discussed.
Who would I recommend this to?: Music Fans, Hip Hop Historians

3.) The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill – America’s Best Comics/DC Comics/Vertigo/Top Shelf Comics – The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen tracks an idealized history where all of literature and various pop culture from “1984” to “Pollyanna” to “Harry Potter” exist in a shared reality. The first Volume sets the stage for one of the most ambitious projects in comic book history. The series recently ended after 6 collections/volumes. If there was a single volume of the 6 I would point someone to, it would be Volume 1 where every character, setting, and major object, is a reference to another intellectual property.
Who would I recommend this to?: Victorian Era Literature fans, Folks who enjoy bar quiz nights

2.) Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles written by Tom King – DC Comics – My favorite story to come from the “DC Universe: Rebirth” line. Before Batman can marry Catwoman, he has to confess to her his greatest moment of weakness, the War of Jokes and Riddles, when the Joker got into a turf war with the Riddler. Villains took sides and in the end, you’ll definitely see Batman and a few of his villains in a whole new light.
Who would I recommend this to?: Fans of “gangster” films and television, Fans of villains

1.) Identity Crisis written by Brad Meltzer – DC Comics – When this came out in 2004, I feel like it brought interest not only back onto DC Comics, but brought interest back to the comic book industry as a whole. Without revealing too much, this comic starts as a murder mystery focused on B-Level characters, but expands to a larger mystery which threatens to unravel the super hero community as a whole. By the end, you’ll be left in awe by both the killer and their motives.
Who would I recommend this to?: Anyone

My Experience at Bumbershoot 49: The Bear Essential Bumbershoot

September 8, 2019 — Leave a comment

My favorite set at this year’s Bumbershoot was The Lumineers (above)

One week ago was Bumbershoot 49. The reviews are in. For every even handed review, you have a review where the reviewer wants you to know Bumbershoot was expensive, different from their favorite Bumbershoot a decade or two ago, and they felt old in the young crowd. I always love reading those reviews. They read like a high school student who was required to go to a play for his art class. The person writes as if they were forced to go, coupled with a lot of padded paragraphs concerning the periphery of the event like history and critiques of transplants, and then like 2 or 3 paragraphs of their experience. They’re pretty funny.

Jai Wolf at the main stage, Day 3

I attended Bumbershoot 49. I grew up in Seattle and this was my 8th consecutive Bumbershoot. I did what I try to do every year at Bumbershoot. I tried to have a great time. I went out and met people. If I ran into artists, I complimented them on their sets. I danced. I drank. I tried to hear new music objectively. I tried to put out a positive vibe and hoped I would get that energy back.

ReignWolf, Day 3

Speaking from experience this year’s Bumbershoot felt “less”. There were at least 3 less stages. With less stages, there were less slots for performers, so there was less performances to check out. There was no “Flatstock”. There was no dance arts stage. There was no KEXP presence. There was no Sub Pop or other branded pop up shop. The ticket price remained as high as ever. The film selection at SIFF cinema was lacking. The SIFF programming was 2 documentaries about the space needle that took up a one hour block, followed by a 4 hour block of music videos. The whole festival on paper felt like a group got together, decided to throw a “Bumbershoot”, and the first thought at the pitch meeting was, “We don’t want to spend too much money but we also want to give people the “Bumbershoot experience”, what’re the bear essentials of Bumbershoot?”.

Posters for Bumbershoot 2019 (left) and Bumbershoot 2012 (right). The reductions are pretty obvious.

As harsh as that critique may seem, that was all information that could have been gleaned from one review of the schedule, map, or lineup prior to the event. I usually purchase my tickets before they announce the lineup because I expect Bumbershoot to be Bumbershoot. It’s a local tradition. If you still bought tickets even after researching that information, then it’s on you for purchasing tickets for an obviously reduced event. Despite all of this, the actual mood of the event was positive. It felt like more people had attended this year’s Bumbershoot, than last year’s Bumbershoot. Maybe the reduced experiences, caused more people to congregate at stages in heavier volumes, but it definitely felt like the crowds were heavier than they were in 2018. Folks were lined up for laser light shows at Pacific Science Center, half an hour before the show, only to fill the room to capacity. Every stage had pretty sizeable audience turnouts. I hate to bring this up, but the Jai Wolf crowd, broke the barrier on Saturday night and other than being emblematic of an enthusiastic crowd it’s also emblematic of a well attended set.

Longtime Bumbershoot fans getting things started on Day 1

Chatting with folks around the festival, everyone seemed to be excited. One of the first bands I saw on Day 1 were the School of Rock kids. Prior to their set, a group of long time Bumbershoot fans had congregated at the Fischer Green stage (where they would be most of the weekend), and had already begun dancing even before the band took the stage. One of the couples told me about how they were in their 70’s and had been to every Bumbershoot except for one. When asked who they were looking forward to seeing that weekend, the gentleman in the couple said, “The Dip and Rezz.” I went to see The Dip later that night. I stacked up as close as I could to the barricade. A younger fan and her dad stood next to me. I asked the younger fan if she was enjoying her day? She told me about how she was 12, this was her first Bumbershoot, and she was having a great time. I told her about how I was impressed that she would get this close to the stage to see The Dip. It’s stuff like that that makes me happy. It’s reminiscent of the family heavy crowd that attended Reignwolf on Day 2 (the following day). I didn’t think it would be appropriate to mosh at Reignwolf seeing how many children were with their parents in the audience. Those kids are going to go to their first days of school and be able to brag to the other kids how they went to a music festival and were front row for The Dip, or were on their dad’s shoulders for Reignwolf. It’s just so cool.

Sol, Day 1

As great as it was to meet an experienced Bumbershoot couple and a first time fest fan, I think getting to interact with artists is one of the bigger appeals of Bumbershoot. Other than nodding up to Sol when I would run into him at random stages, or standing next to Nestra for a song or two as he yelled at Pink Sweat$ (who was wearing literal pink sweats in direct sunlight), “Isn’t it hot?!”, my favorite Bumbershoot 49 artist run in was during the Kolars set on Day 3. I had stacked up at the front of the stage. Yogashoot hadn’t wrapped yet, but Kolars had already took the stage and were ready to begin their set. A dad and his kids had posted up right next to me. I chatted with this couple on my other side, but I glanced over at this dad every now and again and mentioned how great this next band was and how we were all looking forward to this set. As Kolars began to perform, two songs in, the lead singer dedicated a song to that dad next to us, “This next song is for Mike.” It didn’t take me too long to realize, Oh wow, that’s Mike McCready from Pearl Jam. The dead giveaway was when he took out his Polaroid camera and began taking shots of the band. All I could think was I have his book “Of Potato Heads and Polaroids” at home, how cool is it that he still takes Polaroids at shows? haha. Realizing he was on family time, I didn’t ask him for a photo, I just thought it was a cool Bumbershoot moment. I got to watch Kolars next to Mike McCready.

Kolars, Day 3

The performances I saw were fabulous. After seeing their sets at Bumbershoot, I immediately went out and downloaded albums from both Donna Missal and Bryce Vine. Their sets had me chanting as if I were at a pro wrestling show, “Please come back!”. Carly Rae Jepsen proved why her latest album “Dedicated” should be up their as one of the top releases of 2019. LP delivered a memorable set. The Lumineers’ performance on Day 2 made me put away my camera and just be there in the moment. Something about hearing the song “Cleopatra” and dancing and singing with the strangers around me, made me realize I want to just be “here” now. Taking Back Sunday on Day 3 brought me back to high school. It was a special performance for a number of reasons, but the lead singer being unable to climb back on stage mid set and making the executive decision to just wander the crowd while singing, hugging and dancing with everyone was something myself and fans who were there won’t forget.

Taking Back Sunday, Day 3

Finally, Rezz closing out the festival was just fun. I normally go to festivals alone and just meet up with freinds at sets we all mutually want to see. Rezz was a performer all my friends who attended Bumbershoot wanted to see. Being able to spend time dancing with them in that crowd felt special. At one point I disappeared for a bit, in order to eat a lobster sushi burrito. I got closer to one side of the stage so I could dance and chow down. Randomly a member of one of the bands (no joke, I think it was one of the DJs from Louis the Child) tried chatting with me about how he had eaten a lot of food at catering and how I, dancing while eating during Rezz, was “Living the best life”. All I could think of while dancing, eating, and chatting to this musician was, no one else is probably having a Bumbershoot experience like mine.

Rezz, Day 3

On paper, this will probably go down as one of the most lackluster Bumbershoots, but for me and a lot of those who attended I can’t say it was a negative experience. I felt like I had a great time, met some awesome people, danced, heard some great artists, and made some great memories. Where it stacks against my prior Bumbershoot experiences, I can’t say it was one of the best, but no where near my worst. I feel like everyone I spoke to after the event have had similar opinions as well. It wasn’t a terrible Bumbershoot, but also was no where near noteworthy. If I were to give a straight no non sense opinion about Bumbershoot 49, it made me excited for next year. =)

Carly Rae Jepsen, Day 2

See ya next year, Bumbershoot! I hope Bumbershoot 50 is something special.

(All photos were taken by me. Check out my Instagram at: Cakeintherain206)

“Have you Ever Heard of that Place?”: A Review of ‘Phonic Seattle’

August 23, 2019 — Leave a comment

When searching for films about the Seattle music and arts scene, you’ll be hard pressed to find any. On one hand, Seattle is a footnote in many bands’ histories. Documentaries about Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Ray Charles, and a number of other performers usually have a feature about Seattle. You might also find 30 to 45 minute specials which provide short profiles of the Seattle music scene. However, when it comes to full length documentaries solely about Seattle music culture only two major ones come to mind, the grunge focused “Hype”, and the jazz focused “Wheedle’s Groove”. Both documentaries feature a snapshot of Seattle music culture and have been released nationwide to a mostly positive critical response. Last Friday I was fortunate enough to attend the premiere of a new documentary about the Seattle music scene, “Phonic Seattle”.

Art by Izzi Vasquez on display during the premiere

The film’s director Alaia D’Alessandro looks to introduce musical spaces and performers you never knew of, by following three local musicians, Carlarans, Julie-C, and Reese Tanimura, to their favorite underground music spots and events around Seattle. The film’s decision to follow three musicians representing different backgrounds is brilliant as the documentary spotlights a diverse range of venues and events around the city. The documentary’s approach to introducing this premise is unique in that it hits the ground running. The documentary lays out the premise almost immediately and goes right into the first of the three musicians. This quick paced approach of interview, segment about the venue, coupled with clips of a live performance carries through the entire documentary, and creates a feeling kind of like a DJ mixing at a night club. It’s an ebb and flow approach where the music being mixed, are the video segments and the great camera angles. At first it feels a little manic, but the more you watch it, the more it doesn’t feel like a simple compilation of interviews. Rather it feels more like a visual mixtape of our community.

The documentary aimed to introduce new venues and performers, but I believe the real takeaway is how so many diverse music experiences exist almost independently from one another within the same city space. It’s incredible to think you could experience nearly every musical genre on any given night in the city. The documentary demonstrates Seattle isn’t solely a grunge city or a jazz town anymore. This documentary shows how the changes in our communities and the economic flow are helping dictate the direction of the music and arts scene, and in some cases causing others to be more steadfast in their response to that change. It felt like the response to the changes was just more creativity. Creativity in what a space can offer. Creativity in what defines the audience. Creativity in marketing campaigns. It seems like for the community to survive the influx, the performers and the spaces adapted their definition of self to the influx, and this feeling of adaptation is on display in the documentary.

As a person who was born and raised in Seattle, I felt like this was a great representation of our city and definitely fulfills on it’s tagline of “introducing musical space and performance you never knew of”. I attended the screening with my cousins and on more than one occasion we found ourselves leaning in and asking one another, “Have you ever heard of that place?” or “What was the name of that artist?”. If you have people who are engaged in the local arts and music community, who grew up in the city, asking one another if they recognized something, then you really have accomplished your tagline. When it comes to the question of welcoming “outsiders” into the music community, I felt like the best response to this question came from both Carlarans (who hosts “The Beat”) and also the owner of Clock-Out Lounge. Carlarans explained that it’s okay for “outsiders” to come into these new experiences as long as they do so under the understanding that they’re guests. The owner of Clock-Out Lounge, reiterated the same message and added “Also, just don’t be an a**hole.” I feel like this is the perfect reflection of Seattle and for me the biggest takeaway from the documentary. Everyone is welcome, be cognizant of the people who established the longstanding community structures, and above all else, just don’t be an a**hole. (haha)

From a born and raised Seattle person, I recommend checking out Phonic Seattle.

5 Tips for People who “want to attend a lot of concerts and other events, while maintaining a professional career”

July 1, 2019 — Leave a comment

2017 was the first year I decided I would try to attend a live show, concert, festival, or event every single week. I attended 102 shows that year. It was so much fun, I decided to keep it going. 2018 I attended 84 shows. It’s 2019, and as of this writing I’ve attended at least 36 shows. A handful of folks at my day job know I do this, and the first question they usually ask is “How are you able to do this?”. I usually interpret that question as, how do you have the energy to keep a professional (enough) demeanor to perform at your day job, but also stay out late at these concerts and events?

The following are my 5 pieces of advice for people who “want to attend a lot of concerts and other events, while maintaining a professional career”:

5.) Plan ahead, Research, and Maintain a calendar. Maintaining a calendar is one of the best things you can do for yourself. On a weekly basis, I’ll check venue websites for shows I’d be interested in. I’ll purchase tickets months in advance and document everything in a calendar that way I know if plans conflict. If you’re trying to be professional at a job, it’s good to think ahead. I always request PTO, the Monday after a 3 day music festival because I know I’ll be exhausted and I won’t be able to perform. Make it fun for yourself (my calendar is a Thomas Kinkaide Disney Dreams calendar).

4.) Brag but don’t be a jerk about it. I think letting others know about the great show you attended the night before or letting them know about your excitement for an upcoming festival is perfectly fine, but know not everyone is having as much fun as you are. If you’re telling someone about how much fun you had or are looking forward to having and the person doesn’t seem receptive, then it’s not the worse thing in the world to not talk about it either. Brag but keep your audience in mind.

3.) You know your limits. Other than attending these events, I also go to a gym, in order to stay as physically fit as I can. In order to engage in a show properly, cheering, dancing, singing along, or even getting to the venue, it does take a level of physical fitness. I feel like people underestimate the amount of energy they use at a live event if they’re engaged the entire time. You probably blew a bunch of energy at your day job and going to a live show will only continue that energy burn. If you need to sit down at a show, leave early, or head to the back for water, you know your limits. These things are supposed to be fun, not a “Double Dare” style physical challenge.

2.) Be Nice, even if you’re tired. Speaks for itself.

1.) Set Time for yourself. You’re trying to balance a day job where you’re expected to arrive early and perform your function, with late nights having fun. The most important thing you can do for yourself is set time for yourself. Time to do nothing. Time to sleep in. Time to read. Time to be away from people. Take time to just pursue something for yourself. I usually set aside a few hours (or even a day or two) during the week where I don’t set any plans and just have alone time. I might go to one of my regular haunts (like MOHAI (above)) or I’ll just hang around my condo. Having a “reset” is never a bad thing, and setting time for yourself is always a great way to do that.

CakeInTheRain206

Having Fun in the Seattle Music Scene

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