Black Happy thrills crowd in triumphant return after 7-year hiatus.

Black Happy performs live before a packed house at The Showbox in Seattle, Wa.

A little older and grayer, but Black Happy still rocks Seattle like they did 30 years ago. Fans both old and young packed into The Showbox for two amazing nights. The eight-piece band masterfully played numerous hits from their two albums (now available on vinyl), as well as debuting some new works.

Opening for Black Happy were two of Seattle’s finest: Linda From Work, one of the city’s best active bands, and Medicine Hat, the psychedelic rockers who haven’t opened for Black Happy in 30 years.

For the first night of Black Happy’s back to back reunion shows, Linda From Work took the stage.

Night two of Black Happy’s reunion shows started with a performance from old-school psych rockers Medicine Hat.

Medicine Hat profaning  for the second night of Black Happy's reunion shows.

No Guts, No Glory: Iggy Conquers the Park

ggy Pop’s recent performance at Marymoor Park was a blistering, high-energy affair that reaffirmed his status as the godfather of punk. Drawing from a deep well of classics, the setlist was a dream for any fan of raw, unadulterated rock and roll.

Kicking off with the ferocious one-two punch of “T.V. Eye” and “Raw Power,” Iggy and his band set a relentless pace that rarely let up. The crowd was treated to a non-stop barrage of iconic tracks, including the anthemic “The Passenger” and the gleefully nihilistic “Lust for Life.” The inclusion of Stooges’ essentials like “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” “Search and Destroy,” and “Gimme Danger” was a visceral reminder of the band’s enduring influence.

Even deeper cuts like “Death Trip,” “Down on the Street” and “1970” were delivered with a primal energy that defied the years. By the time the night ended with a raucous cover of “Louie Louie,” it was clear that Iggy Pop remains an untamed and vital force of nature on stage. This was a concert that was less a trip down memory lane and more a powerful testament to the timeless, aggressive spirit of punk rock.

Photos: The Marias @ WaMu Thater

The Marinas perform at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, WA

The Marías enveloped WaMu Theater in a hypnotic haze, their signature blend of psychedelic soul and dream pop creating a truly cinematic and sensual experience. Lead singer María Zardoya’s velvety, bilingual vocals were mesmerizing, making the large venue feel as intimate as a secret, smoke-filled lounge.

Opening the show was California’s Julie, who submerged the theater in a formidable and blistering wave of heavy shoegaze.

California shoegaze band Julie performs at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, Wa.
California shoegaze band Julie opens for The Marinas at the WaMu Theater in Seattle, Wa.

Photos: Watershed 2025 @ The Gorge

Watershed 2025 @ The Gorge – Aug 1-3, 2025
Photos by Kirk Stauffer

In its annual return to The Gorge Amphitheatre, the Watershed country music festival brought thousands to eastern Washington for 3 days of live music, camping, and relaxation.  Superstars and up-and-comers performed on two stages at one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the world.

———— Day 1 ————

JASON ALDEAN

RAELYNN

THE WOODS

NATE SMITH

LAUREN WATKINS

IAN MUNSICK

GREYLAN JAMES

BRYAN MARTIN

———— Day 2 ————

DIERKS BENTLEY

ASHLEY COOKE

ZACH TOP

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS

SAWYER BROWN

SPENCER CRANDALL

CHASE MATTHEW

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD

LOGAN CROSBY

THOMAS EDWARDS

———— Day 3 ————

AUSTIN SNELL

SHAYLEN

TYLER HUBBARD

TIERA KENNEDY

DREW BALDRIDGE

THE BAND LOULA

JACKSON DEAN

LAST CHANCE BAND

Watershed 2025  – Photos by Kirk Stauffer

Part magic, part music, all charm. That’s its THING.

THING Festival – Weekend One, August 2, 2025
Photos by Alex Crick

THING Festival kicked off its 2025 season at Remlinger Farms in Carnation this past weekend. The first of three Saturday mainstage events showcased a stellar lineup of Sub Pop artists, featuring powerful performances from Father John Misty, Orville Peck, and Deep Sea Diver.

Father John Misty performing at Thing Festival in Carnation, WA.

Father John Misty

Orville Peck performing at Thing Festival in Carnation, WA.

Orville Peck

Deep Sea Diver performing at Thing Festival in Carnation, WA.

Deep Sea Diver

Jessica Pratt performing at Thing Festival in Carnation, WA.

Jessica Pratt

Hamilton Leithauser performing at the Thing Festival in Carnation, WA

Hamilton Leithauser

Fans watch Orville Peck perform at the Thing Festival in Carnation, WA

Faces in the Crowd: THING Festival 2025