Bumbershoot 2011 was an experiment of sorts. In recent years the festival has tried to balance a mix of superstar headlining acts with engaging, exciting mid-tier talent and up-and-coming local acts. This year, for the first time in a long while, One Reel didn’t bank on superstar power to sell tickets. They tried to flesh the lineup out with quality mid-tier performers and the metric ton of musical talent that resides in the Pacific Northwest. For the most part they succeeded.

Another huge difference this year was the rearranged festival grounds, the new venues and the venues and stages that are no more. They changed the orientation of the entrances and exits. Out was the Broad Street Stage and mainstage at Memorial Stadium. In are the EMP Level 3 Stage and mainstage inside Key Arena. Also returning from hiatus were the Fountain Lawn Stage and indoor stage in the Exhibition Hall. The headlining comedy acts were also moved to the Intiman Theatre.

As is always the case with Bumbershoot there was just too much to see to stay in any one place for too long. Throughout the weekend I caught bits and pieces of sets, only a few full sets and missed many sets I was hoping to see.

Charles Bradley – photo by Nicky Andrews

Saturday I arrived a little late and already missed Yuni in Taxco and Brite Futures. The first act I caught was the Presidents of the United States of America in KeyArena. As an introduction, Red from 107.7 The End said “Isn’t this one of the only times you’re bummed to be inside at Bumbershoot?” She, of course, was referring to the perfect weather outside, sunny, not a cloud in the sky. It took those lunatics in the Presidents about .001 milliseconds to brighten up the darkened KeyArena with their heavily caffeinated pop-punk assault. Chris, Andrew and Jason were feather pluckin’ insane as they tore through a set of favorites including “Kitty,” “Lump,” “Back Porch” and “Volcano.”

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