Having lived in Seattle for over five years, I can tell you that Labor Day means one thing to most Seattleites:
Bumbershoot. The weekend-long music/culture fest is the must do
event at the close of summer (that is, unless you hate crowds, loathe funnel cake, and/or find Seattle Center to be a
horrific eyesore that no Seattle native would ever visit except to take the in-laws up the Space Needle). But I
digress.
The fact is Bumbershoot is a pretty cool event, and they usually get some fine talent to participate. This year
actually features some fine headliners. Phish phans will rejoice upon hearing that Trey Anastasio will be playing on
Saturday, so clean out that multi-colored plastic bong and fill it with Evian.
Elvis Costello will also be making an appearance, should his
geriatric walker be in working order (he’s like 60-something, isn’t he?…OK, I confess I’ve never been an Elvis
Costello fan). Barelylegal.com fans will be excited to hear that teen sensation
Smoosh will be making an appearance. And for brainy types
who follow the new, new lit, Dave Eggers and Sarah Vowell will be reading from their newest work and engaging in
full-contact glass blowing (OK, this is just a rumor).
Sadly, two other key headliners have canceled. Both Devo and Ani DiFranco are blowing off the show, citing, well,
better things to do. Seriously, though, it’s a pretty fun event. If you’re in the Emerald City, it’s worth checking
out, if just to push an in-law off the top of the Space Needle.