The Capitol Hill Block Party kicks off today, you can catch bikemania out at Magnuson, and if you hurry north, the tail end of Critical Massive awaits you. more ›

FROM MALI WITH LOVE: Mali is the heart of African pop music. Or perhaps its more like a tree that just keeps producing some of the world’s tastiest tunes and talented musicians. With internationally renowned artists like Amadou et Miriam, Super Rail Band, Oumou Sangaré, and most recently Bassekou Kouyate, the landlocked west African nation hasn’t stopped exporting excellent music. Bassekou Kouyate and his band Ngoni ba were the first group signed to Sub Pop and KEXP collaborative world music imprint, Next Ambiance, releasing I Speak Fula earlier this year. Kouyate and others in the group play the ngoni, a string instrument and ancestor to the American banjo. Charged yet subtle, brisk but steady, Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba should not be missed. more ›

WATCH THE TOUR DE FRANCE: The Cascade Bicycle Club presents its annual Cyclefest. There's something for everyone--races for those who like to watch, a bike decorating station for those who like to do, and a lot of people in spandex for those who like to drool. After the sun goes down, watch the 17th stage of the Tour de France (that's the part where they race up the Alps. The Alps!) on a big screen. Wheel-less and feeling lucky? Enter the raffle for a bike worth $4,000. more ›