So far, we've been absolutely blown away by the shows City Arts Fest have brought us. Incredible bands at all our favorite venues throughout the city. We knew it was going to be interesting, but they've lived up to the hype and then some. The Weepies show last night was heart-breakingly amazing and the Hip Hop fiesta at the Paramount on day one was epic. There's still a couple days left. With Blitzen Trapper and the Vaselines tonight and a full day of shows tomorrow, we're keeping busy. Here's what we think you should head to on Saturday. more ›

">Skullcrusher Mountain," is about an evil genius who analyzes the problems of his would-be relationship with his beautiful victim. Coulton is goofy and clever, and his show should be wonderful. more ›

Tonight: Style Out in SoDo or Neema/Cool Nutz/Cancer Rising in Fremont? The choice is difficult for local hiphop fans. On the one hand, we've got Alpha P (classic and skilled pros), The Physics (hilarious and enthused), and a host of talented performers working the social movement angle of hiphop. On the other hand, we've got Neema (he's promised a bunch of new material tonight), Cool Nutz (from NE Portland, repping the deliciously dope ), and Cancer Rising (the rumor mill says: new dance moves). more ›

Friday's show at Nectar Lounge was a great showcase for both classic and fresh, emerging talents in local hiphop. Alpha P, a gratifyingly professional, unflaggingly high-spirited crew of twelve headlining the show, were working NW underground hiphop in the 90s; the other acts on the bill included Tacoma-based Jay Barz (a raucus party act, himself), pissed-off Neema of Unexpected Arrival, fast-talking Premonition and the bulging vein on his neck, and charismatic story-teller Kublakai--interviewed by Seattlest here. Though the show started late, DJ Hanibal won us over when he played Snoop and Dre's "Nuthin But A G-Thang," which we'd coincidentally just finished reminiscing about with our show-going companion. more ›