All Music, All Day: Previewing Upstream Day Three

Julia: Ah, here we are. The last day of the festival. We’re all a little tired, all a little crabby, and all a little sunburnt. But, there’s no time to slow down, as we have more great music to see and appreciate! Saturday marks the first day of the festival with no Summit series, but the music is all day, baby. Below are some highlights of what I’m excited to see, and I’ve highlighted the all-ages stages with a star (*) once more. Catch me jamming to Sloucher, or perhaps scaling the beer garden wall for a chance to see Kristin Kontrol.

Emma: Ya’ll… I’m tired! Someone get me a coffee IV, because I’ve got a lot of shows to see. Saturday has something for everyone, whether you want to catch some of Seattle’s Canadian neighbors at the BC Music House stage at Quality Athletics, or see some Seattle favorites at the Buttnick Building, or check out the Night Shift Dance Party on the 18^th floor of the Smith Tower. It’s going to be a blast.

Snarky Puppy: Main Stage*, 4:00 p.m.

Super ensemble Snarky Puppy is kicking off the Main Stage performances today at 4:00 p.m. This internationally known jazz/fusion/funk/world/soul/pop group was recently awarded a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for their 2017 album, Culcha Vulcha, after winning the same award in 2016. There isn’t much I can say about Snarky Puppy because it’s all been said before, but you do not want to miss this free-stylin’, feel good, talented group of musicians. I’ll be there, engaging in some classic head bobbing. -EP

Wimps: Axis 1, 4:30 p.m.

Wimps have been there for me through thick and thin. Now, while Wimps isn’t going to straight-up sing about something that will bum you out, they will encourage you to revel in your menial daily tasks and worries. Singing about such relatable topics as they do on their song “Dump,” off their latest album, Repeat, where the lyrics, “Why’s the basement smell like meat?” and “Pizza crumbs are in the sheets,” are all too real. Also, I interviewed this group not too long ago! You can read all about ‘em here. -JO

Lemolo: Flatstick Pub, 5:30 p.m.

Dream-pop duo Lemolo, made up of Meagan Grandall and drummer Adrian Centoni, have been named one of the “Best New Seattle Bands” by Seattle Magazine (in 2011), and have toured with the likes of Sharon Van Etten and The Head and the Heart. Grandall’s haunting melodies and harmonies give me chills every time. If you check out their performance at St. Marks Cathedral from December, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Just trust me, okay? -EP

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Kristin Kontrol: Fuel Sports Beer Garden, 5:45 p.m.

A new(ish) project from Kristin Welchez of the Dum Dum Girls, Kristin Kontrol adds some juicy dance beats to her new solo release. The new project sees her trade some of her the punk vibes for more of a juicy, dancey, keyboard vibe. This set is sure to be a highlight of the festival, and I would recommend catching Kristin Kontrol before the popularity catches up to her. Her tunes truly hold their own, and they each harness the power of emotion and dance so effectively. -JO

Sloucher: Court in the Square*, 6:45 p.m.

If you are looking to slow things down a bit on Friday afternoon, come check out the lovely Sloucher at Court in the Square! Sloucher makes sweet music that’s a bit nostalgic, and with a little twang. Check out the song “Certainty” for a nice flavor of what to expect. Sloucher recently performed live for an exclusive KXSU in-studio over here in our place. -JO

Naomi Moon Siegel: Nordo’s Culinarium, 7:45 p.m.

This former jazz student is shaking in her boots thinking about hearing some good jazz today. Naomi Moon Siegel is a (formerly) Seattle-based trombonist and composer who received a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory. Since moving to Seattle in 2008, Siegel has worked with several music education programs and won the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Emerging Artist of the Year. Her compositions are eclectic, influenced by African music and dance, folk music (such as Neko Case and Gillian Welch), classic jazz, and so much more. She’s worked with Julian Priester, for goodness sake (who played with Muddy Waters, Sonny Stitt, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock!). I’m overwhelmed. -EP

Youryoungbody: Trinity Nightclub, 9:30 p.m.

KXSU music reporter Anna Kaplan loves YYB. “I’m gonna keep this short and sweet. I love Youryoungbody. I think they’re one of the coolest Seattle bands making music right now, and Duh and Killian are the cutest people. They’re also supposedly releasing new music this year and I’m pretty pumped. Maybe they’ll play a couple new tunes at their Upstream set? Only time will tell.” -AK

Check out Anna’s Girl Crush interview with Duh Cripe here.

Shabazz Palaces: Main Stage*, 10:00 p.m.

I don’t have the words to describe Shabazz Palaces, so please just trust me when I say that this is something you have to see, and something you should see. Shout-out to Sub Pop for this video.

Naomi Wachira: Buttnick Building*, @ 10:00 p.m.

I saw Naomi Wachira perform at the Fremont Abbey about a year ago. If you need some uplifting music in this time of, well, national chaos, so to speak, then you’re going to want to see this inspiring afro-folk singer songwriter. You will leave in a better mood having listened to this woman’s voice soar. -EP

JULIA OLSON | OUT | KXSU Head Reporter

EMMA PIERCE | Highly caffeinated | KXSU Music Reporter