Despite abnormally wet and chilly weather — even for Seattle — and a seemingly light lineup this year (read: Sheryl Crow), Bumbershoot 2009 stood up to the annual hullabaloo. Adorned with rubber galoshes, rain slickers, and in a few cases, full waders (and nothing else!) fans of the three-day music and arts festival turned out in true Northwest fashion.
Saturday’s showcase featured acts from Katy Perry, The All-American Rejects, De La Soul, and Sheryl Crow. Sunday’s notable performances included Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cold War Kids, and Jason Mraz. Monday main stage acts included The Black Eyed Peas, Franz Ferdinand, and NW locals Modest Mouse.
Some of our highlights below.
After the dismal morning downpours on Sunday, Dyme Def performed in a welcome sunshine break; their energizing hip-hop set, full piece back up band, lyrical flow, and lively beats was a perfect match for the change in weather.
The Honey Brothers (featuring Entourage‘s Adrian Grenier on drums) drew a surprising number of teenage girls. We’re guessing the crowd was less interested in their musical prowess and more excited about a star sighting opportunity.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O., clad in whacked out psychedelic unitard, belted out the hit single “Heads Will Roll” while giant eyeballs bounced in slow motion among the audience.
Seattle favorite U.S.E brought out a surprisingly large crowd for their upbeat grooves and eclectic disco tech outfits, despite the furious wind distorting their sound and battering fans.
DJ Spooky‘s experimental hip-hop took soul classics and spun them into dance hall jams. Surrounded by images of classic soul artists on the Experience Music Project‘s enormous background graphic, he took us back… waaaay back.
Finally, Raphael Saadiq brought out the swagger in a classic black suit with old school flavor and closed the night out with a soulful — yet ironic — rendition of “Let the Sunshine In.”