The Presidents of the United States of America played Friday through Sunday last weekend at the Showbox Market for PUSAFEST 11. We’ve got photos and a review of Saturday night on their way, but first we’ll go backwards in coverage with photos by Geoffrey Gribbin from Sunday night’s PUSA performance. I see one of my favorite PUSA songs, “Kitty” on the setlist. Wonderful!
The Presidents of the United States of America
Blues guitarist John Hammond will have been on the road for an incredible fifty years as of 2012, and last night he brought his rich voice and authentic style to Seattle’s Jazz Alley, recalling the gritty Deep South sounds of Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters. Hammond’s quiet, easy, and personable stage patter contrasted notably with his emotional musical delivery. He is clearly still passionate about and enthralled by the history and legacy of traditional American blues, and is a true master of the genre. With only an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and the stomping beat of his foot on the stage, Hammond proved an impressive and thoroughly enjoyable performer, whose own songs proved as strong as the classics.
Vocalist Mia Vermillion opened the night with a short set showcasing her folky-bluesy voice, and was very ably backed by Orville Johnson on acoustic guitar and dobro (with a tantalizing little bit of blues scat singing as well).
Photos & Review by Marianne Spellman
John Hammond
Mia Vermillion
The Dancy Party, a quartet from Washington DC, are a rabidly fun live band. I saw them open for Wallpaper a few weeks ago at Neumos and was drawn to their classic rock mixed with of course, danceability, and attitude. This was their first visit to Seattle. It should be the first of many.
The Dance Party – all photos by Dagmar
American electronic group Innerpartysystem and Aussie-American rockers Pendulum brought the house down at the Showbox SoDo on Saturday night. Fans were screaming and dancing the entire time, solidifying the fact that this was a sold out show. Hopefully they’ll both be back for more!
Pendulum
Photos and content by Jill Rachel Photography.
Thursday, February 10th was the Ladies Night Out, Volume 2 R&B concert at ShoWare in Kent. The center was filled with 75% women, most of them over the age of 25. The goal of Ladies Night was to have their event at a central place with no violence and not a club scene. This venue was perfect- and all ages!
The show opened with local artist Caitlin Cardier who had a short 3 song set, followed by local comedian Ralph Porter. Next in line was nicely aged Al B. Sure! and his son “Lil B. Sure!” helping him out. He sang in falsetto while showcasing some of his old songs like “Night and Day,” as well as singing in his normal adult range which was quite opposite. Jon B. took the stage with his keytar, which has to be the largest one I’ve ever seen, and got the crowd of ladies all worked up. SWV (Sisters with Voices) were amazing- beautiful and smooth. They got everyone up dancing in the aisles in their glittery shoes. Bell Biv DeVoe were last. I just love these guys. I have memories of singing and dancing to “Poison”. Actually, I never did stop dancing to it. SCRUBS featured “Poison” in an episode and it triggered something in me to become re-obsessed. It’s not such a bad thing. These guys looked timeless. They still have the dance moves, the vocal ranges, and the sexy sexy look. What’s not to love?
Bell Biv DeVoe Setlist:
Dope
I Thought It Was Me
A New Edition Song that I didn’t know and apparently others didn’t either…
Do Me
Mr. Telephone Man
Cool It Now
Candy Girl
Something In Your Eyes
When Will I See You Smile Again
Poison (15 minutes long with a dance off!)
Al B. Sure!
