Bumbershoot Halftime Report

OK, so the Huskies match against the Tigers didn’t exactly give us the outcome we were hoping for, but at least the heartfelt performances by all in purple and gold made the city proud. While that game has come and gone, there is still one main event that is in full force. Of course, we speak of Bumbershoot, our city’s own music festival that was born as a city-funded event in 1971.

(For our complete list of festival recommendations, check out: Bumbershoot Best Bets)

While there is no officially sanctioned break, we took it upon ourselves to hole up away from the many acts currently performing to offer our very own halftime report. In it you’ll learn about the best, most entertaining and a few of those that we would score on the other end of the spectrum. For those still out there, we’ll see you again in a few minutes and please do continue to add your photos to the Seattlest Flickr pool. Last but certainly not least, don’t be shy about your opinions-- let us know your thoughts on hits and misses of the past day and a half.

Most Entertaining Drumming (seated)- Michael Benjamin Lerner of Telekinesis. While there certainly are more than a handful of talented masters of the sticks at this year’s Bumbershoot, we were continually impressed by Lerner’s chops. In addition to being a solid time-keeper, what really put it over the edge for us is the fact Lerner is the band’s frontman whilst seated on his throne- which, along with his kit, is placed front and center.

Most Entertaining Drumming (standing)- Nick Kinsey of Elvis Perkins in Dearland. In addition to being a force behind the kit, Kinsey really brings it to another level when he takes to his feet and joins his bandmates at the front of the stage. His energetic timekeeping during the band’s rousing apocalyptic “Doomsday” elicited rhythmic clapping and glee at levels at which we have yet to encounter anywhere else around the Center.

Elvis Perkins in Dearland (Nick Kinsey on Percussion)

Most Adorable Attendee- There is no arguing that the kittens from Purrfect Pals win this category. Well... there could be arguing but before submitting your complaint, we implore you to spend some time staring into this kitty’s eyes. If still not convinced, we’ve got plenty more photos that can do more persuading than any amount of our sleep-deprived words ever could.

Kitten from Purrfect Pals

Best Jason Mraz Performance- Eric Hutchinson playing the role of Mraz, Jr. OK, so we weren’t exactly in the audience for this one but we overheard Hutchinson while enjoying our delicious Chicken Curry/Pad Thai combo and Hutchinson is a dead ringer for the purveyor of Top 40 cheese. Sure if you like Mraz, this guy is for you.

Most Hilarious Comedy Bit- Aziz Ansari talking about his cousin Harris. It seems every year comedy at Bumbershoot gets better and better. With stiff competition from the likes of special guests like Sarah Silverman and scheduled performers like the legendary David Cross, the 25-year comedian best known for his work in Human Giant, Parks and Recreation and the film Funny People provided us with the heartiest laughs so far. Aziz has another set scheduled for 3:45- 4:45 PM (Comedy Stage North) on Monday so be sure to check him out.

Moment Most Likely to Induce a Grave Rollover for Freddie Mercury, Nightmares for Living- Katy Perry attempting to cover Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” In addition to being shocked by the sheer number of Katy Perry fans in attendance (or at least talking about attending via Twitter), our level of horror reached a weekend-high when she took on this Queen gem. Though die-hard KP fans will no doubt be none too pleased with this honor bestowed on their idol best known her self-proclaimed bi-curiosity in song form, it is unabashedly one she deserves.

Best Request by a Band Member- From Nabil Ayers of the Long Winters. For his going-away present, the band he has been playing with for the last number of years granted Ayers’ wish and played “When I Pretend to Fall.” According to frontman John Roderick, Ayers was playing his last show with the band as he is leaving to become “music industry scum” where he will be able to treat bands as they claim to have been treated for years.

Best Request by a Non-Band Member- From Luke, Matt Bishop of Hey Marseilles’ 2-3 year old nephew. While frontman Bishop couldn’t remember the exact age of his young nephew—somewhere between “a shade under two” and “maybe three”—he told the crowd Luke had a made a special request, which he honored much to the delight of the crowd and no doubt to Luke and parents.

Moment Most Reminiscent of a Scene from Back to the Future- Jonnie Russell of Cold War Kids playing with Elvis Perkins in Dearland. Though they seemingly had arranged that Russell would be joining the band during their set, any actual practice or tab-sharing of a new song was apparently not part of such an exchange. As such, we commend Russell for playing along admirably to “Stop, Drop, Rock and Roll” in a situation that roughly parallel when Marty McFly led the “Enchantment Under the Sea” band through Johnny B. Goode.

Most Underrated Set- The Kindness Kind at EMPSFM. In part, we blame the rain for the excess elbow room at the Sky Church, but we also blame a tough timeslot—first in the day and competing against Seattle festival faves Hey Marseilles. Regardless of the actual number in the room, TKK played an inspired set that delighted those in attendance and no doubt won the still-young band many more fans.