Ok, so, "clam bake" is a pretty funny term. But tonight's clam-tactular event is for a good cause, so stifle your laughter and dig out your wallet. more ›

There seems to be a new grassroots movement lately toward, well... bluegrass/newgrass rock music. Now I'm sure you're thinking, as were we, that bluegrass is for your dad or grandpa. Honestly about six months ago we would have agreed with you wholeheartedly. No matter how many records people would play for us, we simply weren't convinced. It just wasn't relateable... at the time. Flash forward to the present and we find ourselves in love with talented bluegrass-style groups like the Maldives, Moondoggies, Cave Singers, Trampled by Turtles, Blitzen Trapper, and even arguably The Builders and the Butchers and Decemberists. more ›

Our predilection for local county/folk songsmiths aside, our interest was piqued when we heard that a Brooklyn band that has received praise for playing melodies in roughly the same vein would be hitting Chop Suey tonight in support of Ben Kweller. In advance of their first trip to Seattle, we were able to catch up with mandolinist and singer Danny Erker of Jones Street Station to talk about exploring “the great American genres,” and reconciling playing traditionally rural music in urban settings, among other topics. more ›

SUMMER WINES TASTE SO FINE: South Seattle Community College's Northwest Wine Academy is celebrating the debut of the its newest prized 2008 vintages. During the school's Toast to Summer Wine Release Party, vino lovers of legal age can sample and purchase (in cases too!) the perfect summer pairings--created by the school's very own award-winning student winemakers--including an '08 Riesling, Rosé, Viognier, Barbera, and a new oaked Chardonnay. more ›

Tonight, the banjos will be taking over Benaroya Hall. We think there's a banjo joke in there somewhere, but it's too early on a Monday morning to come up with it. Instead, we'll just sell you on the legendary Earl Scruggs, who's responsible for that three-finger picking style Seattlest prefers when attacking the famously untunable instrument. We caught Scruggs at the IBMA awards last year, and we can vouch for the fact that he's still got it after all these years. Go see a living legend in action. Check him: more ›

Not only has Tim O'Brien worked with everyone under the sun, anything associated with him is bound to be not only good but highly praised by fans and critics alike. He doesn't just play roots music, he lives it. He understands why it's there and, when he plays it, it's more to honor the artform than it is to draw attention to his mad skills (which, by the way, he has). more ›

It's hard to believe, but the Dandy Warhols' sixth studio full-length (and the first on their own label) Earth To The Dandy Warhols will be out this August. The tongue-in-cheek Portland alt-rock band plays the Showbox SoDo tonight. Not sure if it would be a better or worse show if longtime frenemies Brian Jonestown Massacre crashed the gig. more ›

Stairwell Sisters have joined the slowly growing community of all-girl old-timey bands, and recently released their third album, Get Off Your Money. They do much better when they tackle the traditional fiddle tunes, but their originals do the genre plenty of justice. They’ll be joined at the Tractor tonight by local old-timey heroes the Tallboys. more ›

Our finest local rotating-member all-star bluegrass band, Dysfunction Junction (behind the Monday night bluegrass jam at Conor Byrne) will be gathering their friends and fans together Sunday for a potluck and barbecue at the Tractor Tavern. It's an annual shindig they throw to raise money for the New Beginnings women's shelter. According to their email announcement, "This is a very under-funded and needed service in our community, and community building starts with the individual so your support would be VERY appreciated on many levels." more ›

Seattlest is most familiar with Drew Emmitt through his time with the fabulous bluegrass group Leftover Salmon. Now Emmitt's coming to town with his own band (named, aptly, the Drew Emmitt Band) and will be helped by openers the Hackensaw Boys. If you haven't caught the Hackensaw Boys, their live show is a raging good time. They're the definition of high-powered, high-speed punk-rock bluegrass and, before you know it, you, too, will be hopping around the room like the big hick you are. more ›

Looking to get your bluegrass on this weekend? Hot Buttered Rum is ready to put a smile on your face and get you on your feet. more ›