Fremont Fair - Chillin Out in Juneuary - June 21-22
June 20th, 2008
Once you get past the hippie-dippie tie died summer solstice bit, the naked bicyclists (one word - chafe), and all the anti-this and pro-that propaganda of the Fremont Fair and Parade, you might not think you’re going to be left with very much.
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To the contrary, Fremont Fair is - and has been for almost 4 decades - one of the best showcases for all sorts of local Seattle and Northwest music. You’re not going to find the big names bands up on stage, rattling the supports of the Fremont Bridge, but what you will find are tons of those unsigned and small label bands working their asses off for your attention.
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This year there are a couple gems that are worth pausing between sips of RedHook to check out. I’m going to recommend Saturday as the day you want to hit the festival so here are the highlights: (Click here for the full line-up and links to all artists)
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Saturday,
12:45pm - 1:30pm - Rocket Stage
17th Chapter take the stage and dish out an almost unclassifiable blend of dance-rock meets alt-country. Whichever direction a song happens to be taking, from blustery rock to blissful folk, the band is perfectly blended and will not lead you astray. Check out Don’t Try/New Friends below.
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4:30pm - 5:15pm - Rocket Stage
Kristen Ward dips a little further into the alt-country with familiar lap steel backed songs of heartbreak, hard roads and hot love. You can stream her album Hard Drive here to have a listen
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5:45pm - 6:30pm - Rocket Stage
Andy Werth has dialed in the classic pop sound to something reminiscent of Harvey Danger and Ted Leo. I’m hoping the horn section shows up today as they definitely make the sound. Check out “Tower” form Andy’s EP Seeing Stars below.
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7:30pm - 8:15pm –Redhook Stage
The Dimes might immediately remind you of to their fellow Portlanders, The Shins, and this is by no means a bad thing. Their sound is steeped in the stylistic NW pop familiar to the Decemberists and Deathe Cab, but these guys are no copy cats. The music is smooth and effortless, and you’ll be making your traditional NW cross armed head nod before you know it. Check out Catch me Jumping below.
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