Features

50 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIANS
A tribute to the rock guitarists, jazz stylists, banjo-picking folkies, smooth crooners, world-class cellists, avant-garde innovators, and one didgeridoo pioneer who’ve made Seattle one of the best music cities in the country.
edited by Steve Wiecking

American Idolatry
With his mile-wide smile, unpredictable voice, and parade of hairdos, Sanjaya Malakar became a star—and a punch line—on American Idol. But will his notoriety be a ticket to the big time?
by Emily White
illustration by Darrow

Second Life
Kyla Fairchild finds a home for the roots-music zine No Depression online, and another for herself on Camano Island.
by Brian J. Barr
photography by Will Austin

Things They Lost in the Flood
When one of the worst storms in a generation hit Lewis County, Dil and Sue Griffiths lost everything—but gained more than they ever expected.
by James Ross Gardner
photography by José Mandojana

This Is Your Life
Who doesn’t know that taking care of your body early on pays off? Seattle doctors and specialists answer 30 of the biggest questions you’ll have at every stage of your life.
by Matthew Halverson
illustration by Patrick Leger

DEPARTMENTS

Mudroom
Santa walks into a bar, robber walks into a bank, plus the maestro of Microsoft and the singing Seahawk.

Cornershop
Full party calendar and not a thing to wear? This way to the perfect dress.
by Leah Finn

Spree
Musical instruments for making joyful noises.
compiled by Laura Cassidy

Style Counsel
The political pop performers of Team Gina dress alike but act like nobody else.
by Laura Cassidy

Snapshots
The Diwali Ball supports SAAM; Herban Feast for FACE helps kids around the world; Get Hitched, Give Hope makes wishes come true.

Rainmakers
Dave Meinert rocks, rolls, and shakes up the city.
by Michael Hood

Asking Price
Cash reward: Know anyone who wants to buy my house?
by Matthew Halverson

Past Lives
Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger slept here—and launched hootenannies across the country.
by Eric Scigliano

Urban Brawl
Parents complain that Seattle Public Schools shunts disabled children into failing schools. Officials insist they’re doing the best they can.
by Juliette Guilbert

SeaTown Diary
The night Ann Wilson stole my heart.
by Eric Scigliano

Weekend Pass
Site of the living dead: Forks becomes a Twilight mecca.
by Heather Larson

Get Out
Competitive yoga? Fans call it physical enlightenment.
by Matthew Halverson

Dish
Why fresh duck is all it’s quacked up to be.
by Jess Thomson

Pour
Lillet Blanc is so not foofy. Take it from a man who knows.
by Brad Thomas Parsons

Last Look
Seattle’s least influential musicians.
by Matthew Halverson

CITY GUIDES

Dining Out
The pasta pleasures of Cascina Spinasse, plus critic’s picks for 57 dining experiences.
by Kathryn Robinson

On the Town
Met Picks for shows you shouldn’t miss this month, and John Kelly channels Joni Mitchell in The Green Room.