Manisha @ Neumos – 11/7/2026
Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Seattle singer-songwriter Manisha recently performed at Neumos and delivered an engaging blend of pop, jazz, and R&B. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Manisha combined catchy original songs from her debut album, Sweet Until The Aftertaste, with an energetic stage presence and audience interaction.
Manisha – Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Taylor Bickett @ Barboza – 4/29/26
Photos by Brandon Lopez
Taylor Bickett – photo by Brandon Lopez
Taylor Bickett, a Nashville-based singer-writer who released her debut this summer, visited Barboza in April. Bickett’s album, Nothing I Can’t I Undo (optimism!), came with a crossword. More artists should do this. The singer has been sharing her voice since at least high school, where she performed in musicals. Bickett just completed a tour, but we should see much more of her soon.
Taylor Bickett – all photos by Brandon Lopez
W.A.S.P. & @ KK’s Priest @ the Moore – 10/25/26
Show Review & Photos by Kirsten Buckman
W.A.S.P.‘s Blackie Lawless – photo by Kirsten Buckman
A NIGHT OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY AT THE MOORE THEATRE
What better way to spend October’s full moon than a W.A.S.P. concert, opened by KK’s Priest, at the haunted Moore Theatre? Fans lined up around the block to get in, already setting the tone for a stellar night.
Opening the evening was KK’s Priest, led by legendary Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing and powerhouse vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. Taking on material from Judas Priest’s enormous catalog is no small undertaking, but Owens proved more than capable. K.K. Downing played in his usual energetic style, a dream for longtime Priest fans. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” blended well with their own material, including “Raise Your Fists.” The audience was on their feet the whole time.
K.K. Downing of KK’s Priest – photo by Kirsten Buckman
When it comes to theatrical heavy metal, few bands have created an identity like W.A.S.P, The band’s 1984 to Headless tour promised a journey through its first four studio albums, and the Seattle performance delivered a substantial collection of songs from those formative years.
The stage production immediately established the atmosphere. Album-inspired flags, industrial-looking scenery, chains, skulls, and a dark, theatrical setting created a world that felt straight out of W.A.S.P.’s early visual identity. It was dramatic, unapologetic, and perfectly suited to the music.
Blackie Lawless remained the focal point, commanding the stage with his presence and his famous Elvis mic stand, which he climbs at the end of the show.
“Mr. Cool,” a song he wrote and sold at 18, and can finally now perform himself, was a shared triumphant moment. “On Your Knees,” “L.O.V.E. Machine ” and “Blind in Texas” were among the many fan favorites they played. Aside from a short intermission, the audience was on their feet throughout.
“The Headless Children” and the accompanying visual presentation brought the song’s darker historical and political themes into focus, giving the performance an added dimension beyond the music itself.
“Golgotha” offered a moment of reflection and passionate emotion, adding to the theatrical storytelling vibe of the evening. It was an impressive selection that showcased their range and depth. The theatrical presentation, controversial imagery, attitude, and unmistakable musical identity have always been part of the package. Audiences will find themselves just enough outside the comfort zone to think and feel something while they rock out.
W.A.S.P. – all photos by Kirsten Buckman
KK’s Priest – all photos by Kirsten Buckman
Avery Cochrane @ Neumos – 11/7/2026
Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Pop artist Avery Cochrane headlined at Neumos in front of an adoring hometown crowd. The show was the final stop on her 13-city Weapons of Iridescence Tour. It was a lively, energetic performance that featured songs from her upcoming debut album, Vengeance Through My Omnipresence, scheduled for release in January. There was a lot of audience interaction that included fans in the front row unleashing a sea of bubbles that filled the air above the stage and several that gave her a painting and stuffed animal. For the encore, Cochrane performed her breakout song, “Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night”. Singer-songwriters Karly Bowman and Manisha opened and were warmly received.
Avery Cochrane – Photos by Kirk Stauffer
Karly Bowman (top row) and Manisha (bottom row) – Photos by Kirk Stauffer
SEATTLE (October 10, 2026) – The Dresden Dolls’ long-awaited return to the Emerald City was a celebration of people, resilience, perseverance, and life.
The 5th Avenue Theatre was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as fans made their way into the iconic theatre for a night of music. Opening the show was Seattle’s own Louvel. The performance was vibrant, witty, and fun—a drag show that had the audience’s full attention and filled the venue with laughs and cheers.
Louvel transitioned the show into the main performance of the night by announcing The Dresden Dolls, who took center stage and gave their iconic bow. What followed could only be described as a full evening of love and inclusivity.
The evening was a celebration of music and of The Dresden Dolls regaining the rights to re-record and release their album Yes, Virginia… as Yes, Virginia… (Tailor’s Version). It was also an emotional journey that celebrated live music, art, people, diversity, and the life of Tim Curry, while also reminding us of the importance of caring for the people around us.
This journey took us through the songs of Yes, Virginia… (Tailor’s Version), matched with stories of vulnerability in the artists’ lives and the lives of friends who surround them. It was a genuine night of inclusivity filled with love, acceptance, sadness, and joy.
Portland vocalist Bebe Montoya joined The Dresden Dolls on stage to sing a few songs, and the night progressed into a group performance of Science Fiction/Double Feature from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in celebration of the life of entertainer Tim Curry, who passed away in August. The stage came alive as Louvel, Bebe Montoya, and numerous audience members joined The Dresden Dolls on stage to sing the song.
As the evening came to an end, you could feel the energy that filled the room. It was appreciation, love, and connection.
The Dresden Dolls have three more US tour dates left in 2026. If you’re in Boston or New York City in December, don’t miss out!
