Cover Photo Credit: @eliaswentmad
Author: Natalie Melendez
The morning of Labor Day weekend in Seattle—also the kickoff to Bumbershoot—began under overcast skies with a hint of rising heat. For many, that might have been a gloomy start, but for true Seattleites, it was a refreshing break from an extended heatwave. Driving across the I-90 bridge into the city, the clouds slowly opened up over the Puget Sound. The sun peeked through, but a cool breeze off the water made for perfect festival weather.
When I was invited to check out a few local bands, I intentionally came in blind. No Spotify, no YouTube—just a clean slate. And I’m so glad I did.
hey, nothing
Photo Credits: Travis Trautt
Day one opened with hey, nothing, an Atlanta-based emo-folk duo who took the Mural Stage at 3:30 p.m. Despite discovering later that they usually perform as a duo, their set included a full supporting band, which only added to their already dynamic sound. Their playful banter, paired with the contrast of their distinct vocal tones, created variety and depth throughout their set. The harmonies were tight, the energy was infectious, and it was clear that the group’s chemistry stemmed from genuine friendship and a shared love of music. By the end of their set, I was hooked—and an instant fan.
Day Soul Exquisite
Photo Credits: Day Soul Exquisite Instagram
Day two on the Vera Stage, Day Soul Exquisite performed to a packed house. Their show felt spiritual, holistic, and full of experimental twists. A six-piece Seattle band (and past KXSU In-Studio guests), they blend neo-soul, psych-R&B, and jazz—imagine The Internet circa 2012, but with a distinctly local flavor. Frontwoman Francesca’s vocals, paired with the band’s wide-ranging instrumentation, highlighted just how much Seattle’s music scene benefits from their presence. Their sound fills a gap the city has been missing: a strong, soulful neo-soul identity.
Jaws of Brooklyn
Photo Credits: Jennifer Graves
Later, Jaws of Brooklyn brought their 60s garage rock–meets–soul energy to the Vera Stage. The seven-piece Seattle band made an immediate impression with their sharp, black-and-white outfits and three powerhouse frontwomen who complemented their vocals with choreographed moves. Their performance stood out not just for its polish, but for its uniqueness compared to other local acts. Infectious stage presence, transcendent harmonies, and a diverse lineup of musicians made Jaws of Brooklyn one of the most memorable sets of the weekend.
Reflections on Bumbershoot
Having attended Bumbershoot sporadically since 2014, I noticed something different this year. Back in the early 2010s, the festival leaned heavily toward younger crowds—Kendrick Lamar performing at KeyArena in 2012, or the 2018 lineup featuring SZA, J. Cole, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain. It was youthful, high-energy, and celebrity-driven.
But in 2023, the festival felt like it had shifted back to its roots. The focus was on community, discovery, and artistry. The crowd was more diverse in age, the programming more family-friendly, and the overall vibe felt inclusive and intentional. It reminded me of why Bumbershoot was founded in the first place: to celebrate creativity in all its forms.
Natalie Melendez | KXSU Station Manager