If there’s one day where you want to get to Bumbershoot early, unfortunately it’s Friday. So begin preparing yourself to walk into work and dramatically say, “I quit!” because you’re going to want to catch the earlier half of the lineup just as much as the latter half. This is now the part where I’d give a little hint of what the festival is like, but I’m a Bumbervirgin so I’m not too sure what it will be like either! But what I am knowledgeable on, are the artists that you should catch on Friday, September 1st. I’ve picked five of my most anticipated, cliché, alternative, sad boi artists to catch at my first ever Friday of Bumbershoot. And Flo Rida. I also recommend Flo Rida later.
Peach Pit, Mural Amphitheatre, 2:55—3:25 PM
Vancouver’s Peach Pit have the earliest beginning set time of the weekend, and that truly sucks. I’m sorry Peach Pit. To make it up to them, try to swing by their set because it will be worth it. These PNW boys make classic sad boi alternative with their beachy guitars and nostalgic and unapologetic lyrics. Whether you’re into that or not, Peach Pit will be a slow and juicy start to your Labor Day Weekend.
Jason McCue, Fisher Green Stage, 3:15—3:45 PM
You know we couldn’t do a Bumbershoot preview without suggesting our own Jason McCue! Previously a Music Reporter, now the Promotions Director at KXSU, it’s a little known fact that Jason also does music on the side. An expert at storytelling, a master of guitar, a winner of SoundOff!, and a wizard at booking in-studio performances… what more could you want?
Dude York, KEXP Stage, 5:30—6:10 PM
Dude York is one of my favorite Seattle bands, if not my absolute favorite. I will embarrassingly admit that their Bumbershoot set will mark either my 5th or 6th time seeing them in 2017 alone. Their catchy alt-pop stays in my head for weeks, and I still find myself returning to their second album released in January, Sincerely, on a weekly basis. On top of their perfect tunes, their live show is the most fun ever (not kidding), and even on the 5th go around, screaming into Peter Richards’ microphone is one of the most cathartic moments a member of the crowd has the opportunity to do.
Foster the People, Main Stage, 6:05—6:30 PM
The more I look at Friday’s lineup the more I’m slowly realizing it was made for me. Mark Foster & co. craft weirdly danceable indie pop (you might remember them from “Pumped Up Kicks” a few years back), but that was 2011 and they’ve released two additional albums since then! Whether you know their new stuff or not, I’d recommend swinging by their set because Foster has such a unique stage presence, is one of the best lyricists of our time, and is also super hot.
Flo Rida, 9:45—11:00 PM
This is kind of a joke recommendation, but I probably will end up checking out at least part of Flo Rida’s set because I’ve already seen Flume (side note: if you haven’t seen Flume, go see Flume). But seriously, I’m so curious about this set. Flo Rida has an hour and fifteen minutes to perform… like what is he going to do? Does he have enough songs for that? He has the bangers (“Low”, “Right Round”, “Wild Ones”, “Good Feeling”), but what do Flo Rida’s filler tracks sound like? I’m anxiously awaiting to see if he’ll pull out a slow jam, or if he’ll bring out T-Pain for “Low.” I am hoping more for T-Pain, but only time will tell.
View the full Bumbershoot lineup and schedule here. Get passes here.
ANNA KAPLAN | You Spin My Head Right Round Right Round | KXSU Music Reporter