Bumbershoot was a whirlwind of incredible talent and big surprises, and from seeing artists throw peppers into the audience to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis inviting the Seattle Seahawks up on stage. This weekend’s festivities definitely gave us plenty of things to remember. April and Craig chose their favorite acts to share with you. Check it out!
APRIL’S PICKS
Best Audience Interaction: So Pitted at Fisher Green
“Hello everyone, we are So Pitted. Please enjoy the free produce.” These were the very first words uttered by Liam Downey of Sub Pop’s very own So Pitted, as he simultaneously threw red peppers into the crowd. I think this award is a given.
Photo by April Jingco
Best Cover: The Flavr Blue at Fisher Green
Seattle’s charismatic trio, The Flavr Blue, did a killer cover of Drake’s “One Dance.” Hollis led with her strong vocals and Lace belted out the streamline part of the chorus, “Baaaabyyyyy, I like your styleeeeee!” It was incredible.
Photo by April Jingco
Best On-Stage Monologue: Joywave at Fisher Green
Known for their quirky humor, Joywave did not disappoint when they graced the Fisher Green stage. Lead vox, Daniel Armbruster, started his own chant of “One more song!” and once the crowd followed along, he said, “Wow, what a surprise—here’s one more.” So. Funny.
Photo by April Jingco
The Best Shred Sesh: White Denim at Starbucks Stage
I had never seen White Denim before their set at Bumbershoot, but I am so glad that I did because, damn, I have never seen a band collectively shred so hard. The combination of Steve Terebecki strumming hard on the bass and James Petralli plucking endlessly on the guitar made for an incredible show.
Photo by April Jingco
CRAIG’S PICKS
Best Sing-Along Set: JoJo at Fisher Green
One of the largest audiences attracted to the Fisher Green stage (and, minus the evening headliners at KeyArena and Memorial Stadium, >all of the stages) was, unsurprisingly, for JoJo. She ripped through a string of her biggest hits, including “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late,” as well as her budding smash, “F**k Apologies” ft. Wiz Khalifa, and each and every one was met with a massive sing-along from the crowd. In the end, though, the audience was no match for her amazing vocals. JoJo, girl: you’re a star.
Photo by April Jingco
Best Vocals: Maren Morris at Starbucks Stage
There’s a reason why this Nashville breakout was just nominated for five CMA Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year: the girl can sing. Despite having the utmost confidence in Maren Morris‘ talent after listening to her debut album, Hero, on loop ever since it came out (read KXSU’s review here!), I was still nervous that she wouldn’t be able to pull off her insane vocals on songs like “Once” and “Second Wind.” I’m so, so glad I was proven wrong.
Best Spectacle: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at Memorial Stadium
Typical response? Probably, but it’s true. The Seattle-native megastars brought a massive show to Memorial Stadium, and it was unlike anything else seen at Bumbershoot this year. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis filled their set with their biggest hits, album tracks, and even invited the Seattle Seahawks on stage, as well as Sunday headliner G-Eazy.
Best Moment of Discovering a New Band to Love: Rabbit Wilde at Starbucks Stage
I had no idea who Rabbit Wilde was prior to their set at Starbucks Stage on Saturday. Before 6:20 p.m., I was just a clueless bystander waiting to see a group whose sound I was clueless on, image I was unknowledgeable of, and presence I was ignorant of. By 6:50 p.m., I became a fan. Rabbit Wilde is full of upbeat stompers and ethereal harmonies.
BONUS JONAS
Best Food: Poke Bowls from Big Island Poke
“The Beyoncé of food.” – Craig
“The most ono grindz I’ve ever tasted.” – April
Photo by April Jingco
APRIL JINGCO | Changing my AIM username to P0k3lover808 | Digital Media Director
CRAIG JAFFE | I also loved Margo Price and Zella Day and Shaprece and | KXSU Editor
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