EVENING NOISE: RIP BERT JANSCH

TONIGHT: CHARLES LEO GEBHARDT IV, LYNDSEES & SO PITTED AT CAIRO

We are one rockin group this week, Our own Leo is playing and celebrating the release of his new EP tonight at Cairo in Seattle. TONS. OF. FUN.

CHARLES LEO GEBHARDT IV, E.P. RELEASE!

Lyndsees

So Pitted

CAIRO

Seattle, WA

8pm

TONIGHT: THE BOTHERATIONS, KIDS ON FIRE, 26000 VOLTS & CHURCH FOR SINNERS

Our very own Adam's band is playing a show tonight in Seattle at The Fun House (not to be confused with The Field House) and it should be rockin!

THE BOTHERATIONS

Kids on Fire

26000 Volts

Church for Sinners

@ THE FUN HOUSE

Seatlle, WA

9:00pm

WE LOVE: GHXST SPOTLIGHT IN PAPERMAG!!!

If you recall our runway show this past Autumn, you may have made note of the inspiring and dark band GHXST from New York that played live back-lit behind a white curtain as our models came down the runway (thanks to James Gillespie, our long lost comrade at arms).  Check out the Papermag spotlight on these talented little goths so you don't miss out on the next big thing.

NAME: GHXST
AGE(S): 20s
HOMETOWN: IXNYC. 
SHOT IN:  Brooklyn, NY
FAVORITE NYC HANGSPOT:  Supercore, IFC, Averyfisher, Pendudisco, '90s basement parties...
CHECK US OUT ON: clandestine records, desire records and tundra dubs.


(blogger sucks)

THE STRANGER SUGGESTS: LEO!

Blackbird online sales manager Leo's show tonight at Cairo on Capitol Hill is coming highly recommended by local newspaper The Stranger. If you are in town, be sure to check it out!

LA FAUTE DES FLEURS: A PORTRAIT OF KAZUKI TOMOKAWA AT NW FILM FORUM

One of the most anticipated films for me is coming soon to the Northwest Film Forum. Le Faute des Fleurs (The Fault of Flowers) is a document of the life of one of my absolute favourite musicians; the Japanese folk singer and artist, Kazuki Tomokawa.

Tomokawa's career began in the 70s, amidst social upheaval and student protests. His singing style was unique and often pushed his whole being to the extreme. Now, thirty-five years after the release of his first album, he continues creating an amazing output and influencing listeners worldwide.

La Faute Des Fleurs is playing at Northwest Film Forum on August 26st. Click here for a direct link to NW Film Forum's listing for the screening. It states..

Seeing La Faute des Fleurs is like being hit by a Japanese spaceship. After having been told by a fan about an incredible tale, Viincent Moon traveled to Japan to meet a 59-year-old Japanese folk singer and cult figure Kazuki Tomokawa, better known as "the screaming philosopher." In the film, Tomokawa, who has performed in films by both Nagisa Oshima and Takashi Miike, loses it completely, burning bridges during a wild drinking spree, then reaching for another bottle instead of his guitar. This deeply moving portrait brings to life the flawed Tomokawa, bungled relationships, gambling habit and all.

If you are in town, definitely check it out. If not, keep checking the film's official website for screening dates.

("Circus" -- from the poem by the great symbolist poet Chuya Nakahra)

"Waltz"



"Go On, Try Saying You're alive"

BLACKBIRD SUGGESTS: GULF COAST BENEFIT AT THE SWISS IN TACOMA

Gulf Coast Benefit
Sunday, June 27th - 1pm-10pm @ The Swiss Tavern in Tacoma
1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402

Net proceeds to benefit Gulf Restoration Network

Anyone heading south to Tacoma this weekend? If you're going to be in the area, consider swinging by the Gulf Coast Benefit show at The Swiss. There will be live music from a dozen or so local acts, raffles, auctions, and most importantly, a chance to do something about BP's disastrous spill in the Gulf Coast. Pitch in, Tacoma!

For details, call 253.381.8374 or check out Music Giving Back and TheSwissPub.com.

BLACKBIRD SUGGESTS: THE CATHETERS REUNITED! + THE COPS AT THE SUNSET

Ballard's Sunset Tavern is celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary! To celebrate, they've lined up four awesome shows featuring amazing bands, guest DJ's and extra surprises! We're particularly excited about this:

The Cops, The Catheters, The Tripwires, The Basements and DJ Danger Nun

Friday, June 25th - 9pm @ The Sunset Tavern in Ballard
$12/$10 with a non-perishable food donation

Advanced tickets HERE.

The motherf*cking Catheters? Hell yes, friends, the very same chaotic punk rock band that took Seattle's music scene by storm and released a slew of blistering 7-inches, EPs, and full-lengths on Empty Records and Sub Pop before playing their last show at the Sunset back in 2004. Woo boy, this is gonna be nuts. Since their demise, the band's members have gone on to play in perfectly good bands like Tall Birds, Black Whales, and the Girls, but the Catheters were still missed by many (read: me), and they left an unforgettable legacy of bratty, beer-fueled garage rock in their wake. Fitting that they'd come back from the dead to play at the very same bar where it all ended, in celebration of the Sunset's 10-year anniversary. Looks like the Ouija board has been working overtime, as the recently deceased Cops have been summoned back from the other side tonight as well. MEGAN SELING

Blurb courtesy of The Stranger.

The Sunset's 10 Year Anniversary Show Schedule

Each night the Benevolent Fez and Mask Society will host a charity raffle for the Ryther Child Center and food drive for the Ballard Food Bank. Advance tickets for all nights will be available through Brown Paper Tickets on June 1st. Here are the details for each night:

Thursday 06/24 9pm: Jason Dodson (of The Maldives), Drew Victor, Tomo Nakayama (of Grand Hallway), Kaylee Cole and DJ Kevin Large - $10 ticket / $8 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance. Buy advance tickets HERE.

Friday 06/25 9pm: The Cops, The Catheters, The Tripwires, The Basements and DJ Danger Nun - $12 ticket / $10 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance. Buy advance tickets HERE.

Saturday 06/26 9pm: Red Fang, Kinski, Virgin Islands, Eugene Wendell and The Demon Rind and DJ Tim Hayes - $12 ticket / $10 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance. Buy advance tickets HERE.

Sunday 06/27 4pm: Sunday Bloody Sunset presents a 10-year anniversary show with Atomic Bride, Hearseburner, Omega Moo - $5

Sun 06/27 LATE 9pm: Jonas Haskins (of Low Hums) and family, Nohow On, Carrie Biell- $6

GARAGE NIGHT: CMRTYZ DANCE PARTY + SUMMER SEND-OFF AT THE HAZELWOOD

Garage Night @ The Hazelwood
Tuesday, May 25th
9PMish-2AMish

CMRTYZ is heading off to Europe by way of New York City on their Psychadelic Summer tour, and tonight's Garage Night is set to be a combination dance party and farewell bash. You in?

If you're a Ballard local or bar-goer and/or you read this blog, you know that Blackbird's favorite watering hole, The Hazelwood, has been hosting a monthly garage rock party with the boys of CMRTYZ every last Tuesday of the month since way back in 2009. Much drinking and dancing has taken place in those months, and tonight is sure to follow suit. If you're going to be in Ballard this evening, swing by and help send the CMRTYZ gang off in style.

Scroll down to read more about their plans for Psychadelic Summer or click here to catch up on Facebook.

CMRTYZ presents...
Psychadelic Summer 2010

Opening Night Party featuring live rooftop performances by The Beets and The Babies
Thursday, June 24, 2010
5:00pm - 11:00pm
Rare Gallery
547 W 27 Street No. 514, New York City, NY

Psychadelic Summer is an art show that will shine a light on the tight knit emerging lo-fi garage music scene spreading across the country. Long distance colleagues turned friends will be featuring new works as artists Cassie Ramone, C.M. Ruiz, John Malta, and Matthew Volz exhibit their artwork together for the first time in multiple formats including a large newsprint zine with all of the artists' work inside!

A gallery exhibition and record store installation, Psychedelic Summer will stock releases featuring artwork designed by each of the artists as well as records from choice labels HoZac, Goner, Captured Tracks, Hardly Art, Bachelor, Vice, Boom! Chick, Family Time, Highfives and Handshakes, Florida's Dying, Sweet Rot, No Pain In Pop, and more.

To top it off, BRAND NEW records premiering by Psychic Lunch/CMRTYZ will also be available! Check 'em out:

Prison - "Blackheart" 7"
Fungi Girls/Indian Wars split 7"
Cassie Ramone/The Beets split 7"
Dead Ghosts - "Live Tapes" 12"

Needless to say, if you're in New York City this season, you won't want to miss Psychadelic Summer!

LEO RETURNS III

Leo has returned from tour with one of his bands Unnatural Helpers along with a shot vacation to Austin, TX to visit his sister and family.  You can catch up with Leo today at THE FIELD HOUSE.

DEEP SEA DIVER: TOMORROW AT THE TRACTOR TAVERN

Tomorrow night should be a great one over at the Tractor Tavern. Deep Sea Diver, stage/band name of Jessica Dobson, is visiting from Long Beach and threw together this one show. Dobson has spent time touring as Beck's lead guitarist and is an amazing musician/songwriter in her own right. On drums for the band is the mighty Gig Harbor, Washington native, Peter Mansen. Peter was playing in legendary Northwest band Eyes of Autumn before spending time as the touring drummer for Roy and later with (post-Jeff Suffering) Hideous Thieves. Peter has relocated down to California but his brief visit back is much anticipated.

2010/5/18 9PM @ The Tractor Tavern
THE BEAUTIFUL CLARKS
DEEP SEA DIVER
THE BANYANS

Charge: $6

and a video of Dobson playing "Where It's At" with Beck. Plus, check out Beck's Diet Butcher Slim Skin t-shirt!

HAPPY RECORD STORE DAY FROM BLACKBIRD

Happy Record Store Day, everyone!

Today, Blackbird is offering Ballard's record store patrons 20% off of their Blackbird, Blackbird Candy Shoppe, or Field House purchases!

Hit Sonic Boom, Bop Street Records, and/or Dissonant Plane on your way to Blackbird, and show us your receipt to score the discount. Enjoy the holiday, gang!

CELEBRATE: RECORD STORE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!

Record Store Day 2010
This Saturday, April 17th

Record Store Day is nearly upon us! Last year, we celebrated our local music shops by offering Ballard record store patrons 20% off their Blackbird purchases on Record Store Day. This year the deal's back on! Hit any of our local Ballard record stores (Sonic Boom, Bop Street Records, and Dissonant Plane) on your way to Blackbird. Then show us your receipt and your new music and score 20% off your regular price purchase at Blackbird, The Blackbird Candy Shoppe, and The Field House. Scroll down to read more about your favorite new holiday:

Record Store Day was conceived by Chris Brown (not that Chris Brown), and was founded in 2007 by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave, and Brian Poehner as a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally.

This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, DJs spinning records and on and on. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Francisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.

This year, check out your local record stores to see what they've got planned!

As we mentioned before, Ballard folks can roll into Sonic Boom, Bop Street Records, or Dissonant Plane. If you aren't already in the habit of stopping by these awesome and eclectic shops on a regular basis, there's no time like the present! Support local music and local music stores!

ANOTHER GLORIOUS DAY AT THE FIELD HOUSE

Yesterday, the Storm Weather Shanty Choir of Norway played a short set in the back room of The Field House. Here are some photos documenting the event.

Showing off their living, breathing karaoke machine, the Storm Weather Shanty Choir encouraged sing-alongs amongst the crowd and on-hand employees, before heading off to The Tractor Tavern to play with our very own Charles Leo Gebhardt IV. Fun was had by all - thanks for stopping by, guys!

Check out the Storm Weather Shanty Choir's MySpace for music and tour dates, and watch for them coming soon in a town near you!

KIM CHANG WAN BAND IN SEATTLE

Tomorrow, one of Korea's most beloved rock bands will be making its way to Seattle. Kim Chang Wan Band is the current musical output of Korean musical legend and TV/film celebrity, Kim Chang Wan.

In the late 70s, Kim Chang Wan and his brothers, Kim Chang Hoon and Kim Chang Ik, formed the incredibly popular and influential band San Ul Lim. Before a break in the mid-80s, they released nearly a dozen albums of fuzzy psychedelic rock. The band had another stint of popularity in the mid-90s which resulted in the brothers getting back together and continuing as they had done previously. Sun Ul Lim, as a band, ceased to exist with the early 2008 death of the youngest brother, but Kim Chang Wan has since gotten together a new band for his songs. Of particular mention, the new band includes an excellent Japanese guitarist by the name of Yohei Hasegawa.

Kim Chang Wan Band is playing the Auburn Performing Arts Center on March 27th (today) at 7PM. Check it out!

BLACKBIRD RECOMMENDS: PRISON, THE BOTHERATIONS, AND MUTINY MUTINY AT THE FUNHOUSE

This Thursday, come see Blackbird friends The Botherations and Prison (both bands feature Blackbird employees, friends, and customers) play live at The Funhouse in Seattle. Be there or be square!

It's a live Rock 'n Roll Show!
with Prison, The Botherations, and Mutiny Mutiny

The Funhouse - 206 5th Ave. North in Seattle
Thursday, March 25th
Doors at 9pm
$5

GRANDE DAYS - ROB TYNER

Rob Tyner was the lead singer of the legendary MC5 who, in the late 1960s, helped lay the foundation for what would later become punk rock. Their incredible live shows often upstaged the much more famous bands they were opening up for, including Eric Clapton and Cream, who "left the stage vanquished" by the MC5, according to one critic. Their reputation as a radical live band landed them on the cover of Rolling Stone before they had even released an album.

After releasing 3 albums in just a few short years, the band broke up in 1972. Rob released his only solo album, Blood Brothers, nearly 20 years later, in 1990. By then, according to MC5 biographer David Thomas, "Tyner had reinvented himself again. Appearing frequently in all-black post-apocalyptic 'armour', brandishing a samurai sword and immersing himself in Bushido code, Native American folklore and the writings of Joseph Campbell, Tyner seemed to embrace the timeless ideals of the classic warrior / poet".

Thanks to our friends at Big States for showing us this awesome video. And thanks to Rob Tyner for showing us what it really means to be "cool".

BLACKBIRD RECOMMENDS: ROCK 'N' ROLL IN BALLARD

The Webelos, Charles Leo Gebhardt IV, and Corespondents tonight at 9pm.

Also, check out The Stranger's review of the show, including a fine review of our very own Charles Leo Gebhardt IV's CD, Unfaithful, here.

See you at The Sunset in Ballard!

LIVE AT BLACKBIRD: TY SEGALL

More video from the Blackbird Beets/Ty Segall show this summer! Check out Mr. Segall:

Ty Segall at Blackbird from Scats Thoughtered courtesy of CMRTYZ.

Interested in special ordering the exclusive CMRTYZ event T-shirt (pictured above)? Email info@blackbirdballard.com for details!

LIVE AT BLACKBIRD: THE BEETS

This past summer, The Beets and Ty Segall swung through town and played a free show here at Blackbird. Some friends from the hood did a badass job recording a few tracks and here is a little sample of their work. Good times.

The Beets at Blackbird - Teaser from Scats Thoughtered on Vimeo.