Sometimes in the music world a show comes along that’s not just an ordinary show, but more of a gathering. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Shakedown, seems likely to be one of those occasions. The show features three bands with incredible levels of history and connection to the Bellingham music scene. Taken as a whole, it’s going to be something like a family reunion.
The headliners are Von Wildenhaus, a Seattle-based group led by guitarist and songwriter Ben Von Wildenhaus. Ben is best known for his work with Federation X, who put out five albums and toured the country repeatedly over a span of 15 years. I never managed to catch them live, but everyone I’ve talked to insists they were one of the best live acts ever to come out of Bellingham.
In recent years Ben’s focus has been on this new project, which started with him doing solo guitar improvisations way back in 2007 and eventually grew into a six piece performing what they call “easy listening for demons.”
As far as I can tell, that description means that they combine gentle melodies and elegant instrumentation with an undercurrent of dissonance and unease. Billie Bloom’s lead vocals convey deep layers of mystery and emotion, even when the lyrics are simple. (Some of the songs make me think that this is what Nico might have sounded like, if she could actually really sing.) Saxophonist John Sampson, who some of you might remember from his group Bar Tabac, adds an extra element of melody and texture.
It’s the kind of project that changes so much from one album to the next that becoming a fan offers a gateway into a whole world of sounds and ideas. Emphasizing that idea, the band has been releasing a series of nine digital EPs over the last year and a half, which they call “The Von Universe.” They’ve now compiled some of the best into a vinyl LP, to be released in November.
The headliners alone would make this show worthwhile, but there are two others on the bill you will want to see. Painted Pills are from Tacoma and include Stell Newsome from Sweetheart of the Rodeo and Foot Stompin Trio, doing music that splits the difference between earthy Americana and cosmic psychedelica. The Phone Books are a local garage punk group fronted by the man they call Leatherpants, formerly of The Cheeps, and featuring a bunch of other garage rock luminaries.
Honestly, as much as I’ve referred back to everyone’s formed bands in this article, I’m barely scratching the surface. If you ever went to rock shows in Bellingham in the 2000s, there’s probably someone on this bill you’ve seen before. If you missed out on that era, this is a great chance to see some of the most talented folks it had to offer. As Ben puts it, even though they’ve scattered around the Northwest, they all consider Bellingham their “creative birthplace.”
News
El Capitan’s is adding an open mic night on the first and third Thursday of each month. That means the first one will be coming up on Oct. 3. Sign up starts at 7 p.m., then host Quinton Rundell kicks off the music at 8:30. Also, the Sunday open mic at Ramble Tamble is back from its end-of-summer hiatus. Sign up for that one starts at 6:30 p.m. with music at 7 p.m.
The rumors appear to have been correct: The Underground has now rebranded as Bar Two Eleven and it looks like they’re planning to have live music pretty much every Friday and Saturday night. It’s mostly cover and tribute bands but they do have some other shows, including an Oct. 25 Halloween show featuring Three for Silver and the Bellingham Circus Guild.
Jesse Stanton's music column, The Beat Goes On, appears weekly. Reach him at jsbhammusic@gmail.com; @JSBhamMusic. Check with individual venues to make sure events are still taking place as scheduled. Live music events in Whatcom County: http://www.cascadiadaily.com/category/living/arts-and-entertainment/music/music-calendar
