Concerts
Neptune Theatre Reopens
Neptune Theatre
“NEPTUNE RISES.” It’s the too-perfect tag-line for the rebirth of the U District’s 90-year-old cinema, once slated for closure, but saved by Seattle Theatre Group in February and officially reborn as a concert, film, and theater venue this fall. If it were up to the original owners, though, the marquee outside might employ a bit more tongue in cheek: “Back from the Watery Grave” or “Neptune’s Staff Returned.” They were a sassy bunch.
Though the Neptune had its soft opening in May, the renovations have been ongoing—and major. Out went the threadbare cinema chairs, making room for all-ages patrons to crowd the stage when their favorite indie bands come to town. In came state-of-the-art sound and lighting, new safety sprinklers (phew), a bar, and good sightlines for the 21-and-over crowd who want to avoid the mob. And expect a mob, considering the hefty lineup STG has slated for September and October: Brooklyn rockers the Antlers (September 9), Brazilian new ravers CSS (October 4), Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement) and the Jicks (October 11), singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent (October 13), and our personal favorite, British dance band Friendly Fires (October 19). It’s practically an act a night for six weeks.
But what about the Neptune of old? Will we even recognize the place? Don’t worry: The sultry stained-glass mermaid in the lobby stayed put. Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St, 877-784-4849; stgpresents.org
CONCERT PICKS
Fleet Foxes
Despite their front man relocating to Portland this year, the Seattle-born indie kings come home for two nights of folk rock acid-washed in psychedelic pop. Sept 6 & 7, Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 877-784-4849; stgpresents.org
Viva Voce
The husband-and-wife duo from Portland embark on their first cross-country headlining tour this fall, delivering pop-rock messages about the “Cool Morning Sun” and apocalyptic doom. Sept 9, The Triple Door, 216 Union St, 206-838-4333; thetripledoor.net
Blue Scholars
Seattle’s hip-hop trendsetters raised the bar with their 2011 album Cinemetropolis, a package of socially conscious rhymes and soulful beats. It’s even better live. Sept 17, Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave, 800-745-3000; showboxonline.com/market
The Flaming Lips
Who knows what to expect when the notoriously off-the-wall rockers play the Puyallup Fair. Space balls? New single “Two Blobs F***ing”? Puyallup won’t know what hit it. Sept 21, 110 Ninth Ave SW, Puyallup, 888-559-3247; thefair.com
Bon Iver
Once famous for escaping to the woods a la Thoreau, Justin Vernon makes a successful return to civilization with his virtuosic second album. Sept 26, Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St, 877-784-4849; stgpresents.org
Decibel Festival
This year’s highlight of the electronic music, visual art, and new media fest is Amon Tobin’s trippy ISAM set; the DJ will spin from inside a 3D matrix of glowing cubes. Sept 28–Oct 2, visit website for schedule and locations; dbfestival.com
Justin Townes Earle with Jason Isbell
Earle is a New Yorker–via–Nashville who transcends time with his slick suit, bow tie, and classic Americana. Isbell, a former guitarist for the Drive-By Truckers, joins. Oct 7, Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave, 800-745-3000; showboxonline.com/market
Earshot Jazz Festival
The city’s top jazz fest celebrates its 23rd year with covers of Coltrane and Sinatra; the latest swinging sounds of the Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette trio; and jazz-hip-hop hybrids. Oct 14–Nov 6, visit website for schedule and locations;earshot.org
GUILTY PLEASURE
If you say there’s no Journey without Steve Perry, you haven’t heard new front man Arnel Pineda perform “Faithfully” yet. He channels golden-era Perry from the 1970s—with better hair. Oct 21, KeyArena, 305 Harrison St, Seattle Center, 800-745-3000; keyarena.com
City Arts Fest
Swedish pop star Robyn, alt-country crooner Ryan Adams, LA’s veteran funk masters Ozomatli, Crystal Castles, and Built to Spill coheadline the second annual music and arts fest, with local bands Mudhoney, Seapony, and many more on the bill. Oct 20–22, visit website for schedule and locations; cityartsfest.com
Death Cab for Cutie
with the Head and the Heart Bellingham’s indie stalwarts swapped guitars for synthesizers and strings on their new LPCodes and Keys. Rising folk-pop stars THATH open. Oct 22, KeyArena, 305 Harrison St, Seattle Center, 800-745-3000; keyarena.com
Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba
It may sound like the blues, but Sub Pop’s newest guitar hero plays the music of his native Mali, using a 1,000-year-old ancestor of the banjo called the ngoni. Nov 12, Meany Hall, 15th Ave NE & NE 40th St, UW campus, 206-543-4880; uwworldseries.org
Kanye West and Jay-Z
Two of hip-hop’s biggest egos have joined forces as new supergroup the Throne. Imagine the sheer tonnage of bling. Dec 16, Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D St, Tacoma, 800-745-3000; tacomadome.org
GUILTY PLEASURE
Even if you’re not a fan of teen-diary confessionals, give Taylor Swift some credit: The country-pop princess writes her own songs, and appeals to legions of tweens and parents who would gladly snub Kanye West in her honor. Sept 7, Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D St, Tacoma, 800-745-3000; tacomadome.org
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