For the fullest day yet of Music Fest NW, went around the world & back, but focused mostly on the youngsters – though one finely-aged vet closed out the night:
Nike Sportswear Presents @ Wonder Ballroom
Mariachi El Bronx, 4:00 PM
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Mariachi El Bronx, the side project of LA punk outfit The Bronx (QRO photos), was a delight to watch from start to finish. Lead singer Matt Caughthran was bordering on giddy and couldn’t stop smiling. With a slight tinge of punk thrown in, this was mariachi for the modern age with song titles such as “Litigation” and “Slave Labor”. If there were such a thing, Mariachi El Bronx would’ve surely taken home the top prize in the Best Dressed category!
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Pearl Vodka Stage @ Berbati’s Pan
The Brunettes, 8:00 PM
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If you’re a fan of the keyboard, this is where you wanted to be. New Zealand’s The Brunettes were sporting not one but two (count ’em two!) keyboards. This set was just plain fun to watch and easy on the ears. This was also the place where yet another xylophone made an appearance. I’m beginning to think 2009 must be the year of the xylophone. You heard it here first.
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Avi Buffalo, 9:00 PM
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Fans of falsetto got their fix at the Avi Buffalo show. Hard to believe these kids from Long Beach just graduated from high school. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
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The Morning Benders, 10:00 PM
Click here for photos of The Morning Benders at 2009 SXSW in Austin, TX in the QRO Concert Photo Gallery Click here for QRO’s review of The Morning Benders at Bell House in Brooklyn, NY on February 11th, 2009 in the QRO Concert Photo Gallery Click here for photos of The Morning Benders at Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY on October 16th, 2008 in the QRO Concert Photo Gallery
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This Berkeley based band was nothing short of adorable. The Morning Benders are just the sort of boys you wouldn’t be afraid to take home to Mom. And they can write a pretty catchy pop tune too. What’s not to like?
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Heineken Stage @ Dante’s
Bobby Bare, Jr., 11:00 PM
Bobby Bare Jr. was the type of band who knew how to entertain a crowd. Two trumpeters stood erect atop both ends of the bar. There must have been a health code violation in there somewhere! And in the midst of this recession, who has the funds to spring for a cow bell? Bobby Bare Jr. does just fine using an empty beer bottle, thank you very much.
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Black Francis, 12:00 AM
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It goes without saying that if Black Francis (aka Frank Black) comes to town people are going to show up. He spent the evening focusing on his solo work (QRO album review), though he did manage to pepper in a few Pixies tracks along the way. At the end of the evening I left realizing that this guy is, was, and always will be, cooler than the rest of us.
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Unfortunately missed:
– John Vanderslice & Beach House (QRO album review) @ Berbati’s Pan. Had to leave for Black Francis & Bobby Bare, Jr., but Autumn caught John:
John Vanderslice, 11:00 PM
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all photos by Autumn Andel & Christina Day
