Wait! You should read part one first.
Already did that? Then let’s continue with our Seattle and Bumbershoot trip for 2016.
Friday September 2
First day of the Bumbershoot Festival. We started with lunch at Veggie Grill, then took the monorail over to the Seattle Center, where Bumbershoot happens. It’s our 16th year in a row to attend, ever since we discovered it. First on the bill today was an exclusive, private radio performance and interview with Michael Franti. This was a VIP perk and we we fortunate that all three of us could go. Nice start to the day! Then we caught a couple songs by Atlas Genius, ok but just that. We watch some of the break dancing exhibition, which Josephine liked, and checked out some of the Visual Arts exhibits too.
Next up was St Lucia. We watch a few songs that didn’t impress and then went to a different stage for the rest of a set by Coast Modern, who we all liked better. Next up was the Laser Prince show. Super dark with lots of laser, very well done, with loud Prince music. What’s not to like! Then it was over to the main stage for alternative pop newcomer Halsey, who was pretty good, I enjoyed it. Then back to a lawn stage to see the actual festival set by Michael Franti. He played a long set, with lots of him playing guitar, strolling through the audience, some singing from a stage in back of the crowd so more people could see. Then when he finished and everyone except about 40 people had left, he came down to the crowd and did one more song, just him and guitar. Nice!
Saturday September 3
Again with lunch at Veggie Grill. I usually get the VG Cheeseburger, El Dorado style (added grilled onions and jalapeños), with seasoned fries and some chipotle ranch to dip them in and a little to put on my burger, in case you cared. It’s all vegan BTW. Anyway, second day of the Bumbershoot Festival. We started by sampling some of the award-winning short films from the Seattle Film Festival. It consisted of about seven or eight short films, maybe an hour total, and was very entertaining. Next we saw most of the performance by the Maximum Velocity Dance Group. Then we spent a little time collecting our VIP swag, t-shirt, posters, etc. I should also mention that all three days we were sampling festival food too.
Next was a highlight of the festival two years ago and again this year, the Improvised Shakespeare Company. I thought two years ago that it was one of the most clever and funny things I had seen, and have the same opinion this year. Seriously, if you get a chance see these people! As a plus, Josephine even got a picture taken with them. Then we saw a short set by Jojo, a former teen sensation, so they say, attempting a “comeback” at 24. I didn’t like her much but at least it was short. Then we saw the day’s headliner, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I’m not much of a hip-hop/rap fan but he put on a good show. He’s from Seattle and was clearly doing a strong set for the hometown crowd. And yes, he did Thrift Shop. 😉
Sunday September 4
We had lunch at nearby Cafe Yumm! and then headed to the third and final day of the Bumbershoot festival. First we saw local indie singer/songwriter Lisa Prank, right up front and Josephine even got the set list and a picture with Lisa. Next we headed to the stadium and caught the last half of a set by Barns Courtney, who was pretty good, while waiting for the next act, Melanie Martinez. Check her out on YouTube, she’s pretty cool. Then a different stage for the last few songs by Bishop Briggs, a powerhouse singer. The day took a bit of a country turn, with newcomer Margo Price next. She was good and we got the set list too. And then it was hot new country artist Maren Morris, who Josephine really wanted to see. Got the set list for her too. Woot! That’s three in one day! Then it was time for Billy Idol. Yes, the 80s guy and yes he’s still around. He was ok but kind of a caricature of himself. Still kind of fun, though. And then the headliner for the day, Death Cab For Cutie, local band made famous. Well, semi-famous at least. They were good, it was late, and that was day three and Bumbershoot 2016. Be back next year.
Monday September 5
We had a nice brunch at the 5 Point Cafe, with Cal and Laura, as well as Margaret and her friend Sam. After that, we visited the Pacific Science Center. We had some free tickets and had never been there, and we all enjoyed it. Then we spent a while at the Experience Music Project. After that we hung out for a bit at the International Fountain. It was a nice day. Another one.
Tuesday September 6
It took two busses, but we got to the University District for the delicious all-vegan all-you-can-eat Thai Buffet at Araya’s. So good. Then we took a bus back and headed to the Seattle Center for our trip up to the top of the Space Needle. Awesome view even if if was a little weird being up that high. We shopped and got some souvenirs, then went to a nearby used book store for a bit. By then it was dark and time for our nighttime visit to the Space Needle. So back up high and the nighttime view was great too. Big tourist fun.
Wednesday September 7
We checked out of the Worldmark Camlin, sorry to leave. We had lunch at Cafe Yumm! and then with a little time to kill we browsed in a nearby Barnes And Noble, then hopped on the light rail to the airport. It’s an easy and cheap ride. We flew back to Sacramento and took the blue van home. Another Seattle vacation in the books. Wish it was time for the next one.
