KEXP's Concerts at the Mural, or, How We Discovered No Depression Fest is Nixed

For four fabulous Fridays and one Saturday KEXP and the Seattle Center are bringing you Concerts at the Mural once again this year. Ensuring the best possible weather (though, who really knows at this point), the series will run through most of August, bringing you some of the best of local music.

KEXP is the foremost authority on what is good in local music and they're showing that off with the lineup this year. The cool thing about each concert is, for the most part, we love at least one band and don't know much about at least one other. What a fantastic way to get to know your local music scene.

The date we're most excited about is the very last dubiously called "No Depression Night". We first assumed this was a little teaser concert to give us an inkling of what's to come at the No Depression Festival 2011. Unfortunately, after a little digging, we discovered that the No Depression decided against having a festival this year to many a disappointed fan (including us). Instead, they're teaming up with KEXP to present the final installment of the Mural shows. You'd be hard-pressed to choose three bands from the Pacific Northwest that we love more than those playing on August 26th.

Pickwick has been around in the Seattle music scene for some time but they've finally found their niche in soul music (with a touch of rock thrown in). Looking for a show where you can dance your heart out and not look like a loon? Pickwick is it, seeing as an instant dance party comes with every show.

As if that weren't enough Drew Grow and the Pastor's Wives is also a part of the evening. Despite being from Portland, Seattle loves this band. Not only have they sold out show after show in this city, we threw multiple benefits for the lead singer when he had a car accident in the awful snowstorm that hit our part of the country last winter. Their unique brand of gospel rock (stick with us here) will pull out the spiritual side of just about anyone. Whether you're an Atheist, Christian or Pagan, the pure power and intensity with which this band plays will pull you in. We resisted at first when taking in our first Drew Grow show, but it's nearly impossible to resist Drew's warbling voice and the raw emotion emanating from every member.

Last but certainly not least, Ravenna Woods rounds out the bill with their killer mix of Americana and Rock. It's hard to describe exactly what it is they have but it's also unmistakable and really difficult to get out of your head. Heavy drum beats drive their songs forward as the plunk of a mandolin or ping of a xylophone add a lighter playful feel. Without a doubt one of the best bands in Seattle right now.

The last date of the Mural shows will be incredible but bands like Seapony, The Maldives, My Goodness and Virgin Islands will make every show fantastic. We encourage you to see all of these performances, they're well worth your time. Come on, sitting in the late summer sun on the grass listening to really good free music is pretty much the best way to spend your Friday.

FULL LINEUP
Friday, August 5, 6pm
The Maldives
Hey Marseilles
Black Whales

Saturday, August 6, 3 - 9pm KEXP BBQ
Fool's Gold
Capsula
Virgin Islands
Mad Rad

Friday, August 12, 6pm
Seapony
Gold Leaves
Math and Physics Club

Friday, August 19, 6pm
Black Mountain
My Goodness
Whalebones

Friday, August 26, 6pm NO DEPRESSION NIGHT
Pickwick
Drew Grow & the Pastors' Wives
Ravenna Woods