Slack Fest Bound

Who doesn't enjoy watching bands playing on the back of a flatbed truck in the middle of a racetrack?

I'll be somewhere on that Ranier-like mountain of... um... Ranier. Hopefully, I'll stay sober enough to snap some photos.

MTV's $5 Cover Launched Today

18 months after shooting, MTV's 2nd edition of the Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) creation $5 Cover is finally live on their site. Lynn Shelton (Humpday, Mad Men) directed the 12 mini episode season featuring several Doe Bay Fest veterans -- The Maldives, The Moondoggies, Thee Satisfaction -- along with other local acts like The Lights, Thee Emergency, The Tea Cozies and more.

In the span of time it's taken to make it on the web (appears to be a web-only project this time out, and all the episodes are available at once), a lot has changed in the Seattle music scene, so it kind of feels like a cool time capsule for 2009. And really, regardless of whether it encapsulates the Seattle scene or not, there's a definite passion about the locales and the music that is immediately evident in Lynn Shelton's work here.

Besides the wonderful performances by the bands mentioned, and seeing The Tractor Tavern, Blue Moon and Chop Suey locales, you should watch if only to listen to Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger) and Jason Dodson (The Maldives) shoot the shit outside a show. They could really film a spin-off of them just waxing about beards and pop culture and I'd watch.

Bliss on the Moon: Doe Bay Fest 2010

Drew Grow & the Pastor Wives

Like Mt. Everest (in reverse?), Doe Bay Fest can take awhile to get to, and even more so to leave, but when you're there and it's on, boy, talk about breathtaking bliss. If it weren't for the difficult process in getting to and from, it would be hands down the best festival. But really, the festival's success owes a lot to the journey, as it's a great deterrent for the douchebags. Works even better than security and heavy duty fences (hear that CHBP?).

I've held back from writing this up in part because we were in Victoria for a couple days after the festival (one way to beat the retreat) and also because as a parent of two, my festival experience was far different than the Yoga Studio and after-hours highlighted pieces. And it's been that way from the start, back in 2008 where it was more like a hootenanny amongst friends. As it's grown, instead of there just being more strangers, it's seemed like more potential friends (and our Facebook friend corrals grow exponentially as a result).

I haven't even talked about the music, which in the rear view mirror can sometimes feel like sweet dessert to go with a healthy meal. Fruit Bats, Drew Grow and Hey Marseilles were all highlights for me, but again, with a five and three-year old in tow, the joys and expectations are far different. The Yoga Studio, bonfire and after-hours entertainment kind of get missed, but to see your kids enjoy and participate in the music is more than enough for me. That goes for taking photos, though, as well... with the responsibility of kids, I don't have as much time to take photos, but here's a few that felt like they were worth the kid-juggling effort to pull the camera out.

Hey Marseilles headlining Friday night

The Maldives

Zane dances to Fruit Bats headlining Saturday night

Doe Bay owner Joe with co-organizer Chad

Doe Bay Fest: Ferry Gods were Smilin'

While I'm not sure how much of it can be attributed directly, having great luck with the ferries this weekend for Doe Bay Fest started and ended our trips if fine fashion. The weather was great, the lineup was perfect (capped by The Long Winters fine evening performance), and the crowd was laid back. Kids were played near the stage while band after band played with the great outdoor backdrop at Doe Bay. There was some worry that growing the festival too fast would prove too much for the resort to handle, but it really was the perfect amount of people to be enjoyable and not require any real security.

Here's a few photos from the festivities:

The Maldives

Hey Marseilles

Friday Mile

Z enjoys the music

The Long Winters

Full gallery on flickr