An old Rainier slogan held, "There's new vigor and strength in every drop." The Swap drivers and passengers will need every bit of this strength to get to Texas and back in 8 days. Even as we wish them the best of luck, we also want them to hurry back—we need a little more Lone Star in our lives. more ›

Hot soul, sweet Americana, continental flavors, and post-post-rock. And that's just the music. Also be on the lookout for rugby players tackling Sisters, dazed longhairs stumbling out of the theater, and families at the BBQ. more ›

Having had the opportunity to be a part of the Seattle music community for about a year now, it's hard to not fall in love with the sense of family that's created. You spend a lot of time with musicians and people who care about those musicians and the beauty they create. It's hard not to feel a sense of responsibility for each other. Performers' lifeblood is their art and they barely pay the bills with it, yet they still go at it with every fiber of their being. They spend late nights at open mics, long hours practicing to refine their skill, and weeks if not months on the road in beat-up vans on their last legs just hoping they'll make it to the next town. Amidst it all, they are forever thankful for the ability to share their craft, their gift, with the rest of the world. more ›

MY AVATAR: We're very fond of the internet and of books, and knowing you, you're fond of those things too. The Richard Hugo House's Literary Series comes to a close with an event tonight called My Avatar, featuring writers who explore identity, technology, and this beautiful wired world in which we live. The Maldives are playing, too, in case you missed them last weekend. more ›

She may still have far too much work to do this weekend, but Kim will emerge from her cocoon for two very important shows. Tonight, it's Sera Cahoone at a secret, undisclosed location and Kim refuses to spill the beans. Continuing the vaguely country theme, she'll end the weekend Sunday night at Chop Suey with the lovely and talented Star Anna. more ›