So I grew up, for the most part, in rural Wyoming. Wait ... All of Wyoming is rural. Anyway, not many big names pass through an area with more cows than people. But Seattle has a little more to offer. Again, let me remind you that just because I enjoy music doesn't necessarily mean it's quality music ...
2004:
Flogging Molly, Bozeman Valley Ice Gardens, Bozeman Montana
Trick Daddy, Billings Montana
2005:
Montana Hip Hop Festival (Yes there is one, and yes, I was splashed with Lil' John's crunk juice. Say Whaaaaaaaaat?!), Missoula Montana
2007:
Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Emerson, Bozeman Montana
2008:
Ben Folds, Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman Montana
State Radio, Chop Suey, Seattle Washington
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Emerson, Bozeman Montana
2009:
Sweatshop Union, The Half Moon Saloon, Big Sky Montana
Bumbershoot (Sheryl Crow, All American Rejects), Seattle Center, Seattle Washington
Ben Folds & the Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall, Seattle Washington
Mason Jennings, Showbox at Market, Seattle Washington
Pete Yorn, Showbox at Market, Seattle Washington
State Radio, Showbox at Market, Seattle Washington
Old Crow Medicine Show, Paramount Theater, Seattle Washington
2010:
Zac Brown Band, Comcast Arena, Everett Washington
Sasquatch (Temper Trap, Bad of Horses, Passion Pit, She & Him, MGMT), The Gorge, George Washington
Tom Petty - The Gorge, George Washington
Bumbershoot (Motion City Soundtrack, Dandy Warhols, Rise Against), Seattle Center, Seattle Washington
Temper Trap - Showbox at Market, Seattle Washington
Deck the Hall Ball (Black Keys, Broken Bells), Wamu Theater, Seattle WA
2011:
Josh Ritter, Showbox at SODO, Seattle Washington
John Prine & Old Crow Medicine Show, FOX Theater, Atlanta Georgia
Sasquatch 2011 (The Decemberists, Foster the People, Yeasayer, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Flaming Lips, etc), The Gorge, George Washington
The Highlights?
I would seek these guys out and see them almost anywhere ...
- Old Crow Medicine Show, bluegrass - see them anywhere and they should be good, high energy performers with a high energy crowd, prepare to be surrounded by plaid
- Matt & Kim, indie pop - Matt on the keyboard, Kim on the drums with a constant and infectious smile, an unexpected mosh pit for this performance but worth the beating
- Michael Franti & Spearhead, reggae pop - just a good memory dancing in the front of the seating with great friends and good music, a fun show
- The Decemberists, indie folk - surprisingly true to the sound of their albums, great stage presence, no moshing here but a great crowd energy
- Josh Ritter, indie rock - great guitar player and song writer, probably more fun if you know the tunes
The Duds?
Doesn't mean I don't still listen to their tracks, but they're tainted in my mind ...
- Zac Brown Band, country - yeah, the lead (Zac) wasn't feeling well, but if I've paid to stay up late on a weeknight then he should buck up, we actually walked out of this one when we decided sleeping would be more fun
- Flaming Lips, indie rock - wow, to wait an hour in a packed crowd only to hear a strung out Wayne Coyne babble on about some snake bite on a bandmember's hand, yes he did his entrance in the bubble, still not impressed, left this one with hundreds of other concert go-ers to see Yeasayer instead ... much better
