Three Imaginary Girls - Sunset Tavern

Recommended Friday night activities: Tiny Vipers at 112 Printworks and Bandolier at the Sunset

imaginary liz — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:55:17 +0000

This Friday (August 5, 2011) brings a full evening of Fremont-Ballard fun.

Once we change from our work clothes into our weekend superhero outfits, let’s head over to Fremont’s 112 Printworks for opening night celebration, premiering a show of screenprinted art by David D'Andrea with live performance from Tiny Vipers. The beautifully understated music stylings of TV starts at 8p, which is perfectly timed to allow us just the right about a minutes to enjoy the in-printshop performance, peruse the 112 Printworks’ walls of prints and get to the Sunset (allowing at least 30 minutes to find parking or a ride over there and a splash of a ThaiKu yojito).

At the Sunset, Bandolier will be celebrating their record release with a show and dance party! Kicking off the night, Detective Agency, Goldie Wilson (also celebrating the release of their cheery surfer-folk-rock CD!!!) and DJ sets by Jet City Soundsystem will take to the stage and the decks.

Friday's recommended {benefit} show: Unnatural Helpers and Partman Parthorse at the Sunset {11/19}

imaginary liz — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:51:39 +0000

As we told you last week, Seattle is gathering together to honor the memory of SubPop's Andy Kotowicz by putting together a series of benefits and auctions to raise funds for the Andy Kotowicz Family Foundation.

This Friday, {11/19} The Unnatural Helpers and Partman Parthorse will take the Sunset Tavern stage to benefit the Andy Kotowicz Family Foundation. If you haven't seen either band, you're in for a humdinger of a show {as evidenced by the above photo}.

Two Cow Garage rock World Cafe, talk Ghost Shirt {at the Sunset this Friday}

rabramson — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:33:44 +0000

Columbus, Ohio has been quietly been building a killer music scene for years. At the forefront are alt-country rockers, Two Cow Garage, who recently tore it up on NPR's World Cafe Nex t. Earlier in the year, Rocktorch.com asked Two Cow front-man Michah Schnabel who he follows from the local Columbus scene and it was then that we learned about the pop powers of Ghost Shirt. "I cannot recommend this band enough," said Schnabel. "I’m a sucker for a great hook and this record (Domestique) is full of them. They are also currently doing 52 singles in 52 weeks. One single a week for a year. Pretty impressive for such a young band."

Don't miss Two Cow Garage at The Sunset Tavern this Friday (11/12) with I Can Lick Any SOB In The House and Kasey Anderson and be sure to read the rest of Micah's original post about Ghost Shirt on Rocktorch.com

Imaginary interview: Matt Bishop and Loryn Kezer

imaginary victoria — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:16:52 +0000

This Sunday night at the Sunset, our favorite septet's frontman Matt Bishop will be headlining a benefit show with Carrie Biell -- and you have simply got to be there. It'll be the best ten dollars you'll spend, like, ever. Because the proceeds from the night will be going to send local humanitarianismist (and the show's opener) Loryn Kezer to Africa, where she's heading to do volunteer work in rural areas of Tanzania. Locals doing good + sweet indie-pop playing a role in helping to heal world? We were so impressed by the whole effort that we just had to know more -- so we sat the two of them down last week to talk about it.

Imaginary Victoria: So, who hatched this plan? Tell me how everything came about.

Loryn Kezer: I hatched it, with great encouragement from friends. Apparently, when one is planning a self-funded humanitarian mission, it's ridiculous not to do some fundraising. But I'm terrible at out-and-out asking for help -- so I figured I'd try to provide a little entertainment in exchange for people's dollars. Carrie and Matt are both incredible musicians and really good friends of mine who generously agreed to play the show pro bono.

IV: And when's the trip? How much are you trying to raise?

LK: The end of March -- less than five months away! I've been pinching pennies for a year, so I'm prepared to pay my way and cover my ass while I'm in Africa. But beyond that, I'd like to be able to purchase what medical and educational supplies are needed at the places I'll be working. Bascially, I'm hoping to raise any amount of money I can. An extra fifty, hundred, five hundred bucks can (and will) go a long way.

Anatomy of a venue: The Sunset Tavern {10th anniversary celebration}

Imaginary Mimi — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:18:12 +0000

{Photos by Victoria VanBruinisse}

The old adage is true; good things come in small packages. Though postage stamp-sized, The Sunset Tavern is the Scrappy Doo of local venues, ready to kick ass and take names with a backdoor charm and rock and roll flair that no other venue in Seattle can claim.

This month marks the Sunset's 10-year anniversary and The Year of the Tiger. To celebrate, a weekend-long schedule of events will be taking place June 24-27, promising four evenings of live music, surprises, and guest DJs. In addition, this celebration will be a benefit for the Ballard Food Bank, so if nothing else, bring a jar of peanut butter and enjoy the warm fuzzy sensation that do-goodery brings.

The weekend's festivities are as follows -- advance tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets.

In addition to the donations made to The Ballard Food Bank, The Benevolent Fez and Mask Society will host a nightly charity raffle for the Ryther Child Center.

Thursday, June 24, 9:00 PM: Jason Dodson (of The Maldives), Drew Victor, Tomo Nakayama (of Grand Hallway), Kaylee Cole and DJ Kevin Large - $10 ticket / $8 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance.

Friday, June 25, 9:00 PM: The Cops, The Catheters, The Tripwires, The Basements and DJ Danger Nun - $12 ticket / $10 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance.

Saturday, June 26, 9:00 PM: Red Fang, Kinski, Virgin Islands, Eugene Wendell and The Demon Rind and DJ Tim Hayes - $12 ticket / $10 with a non-perishable food donation upon entrance.

Sunday, June 27, 4:00 PM: Sunday Bloody Sunset presents a 10-year anniversary show with Atomic Bride, Hearseburner, Omega Moo - $5

An interview with Michael Jaworski, Talent Buyer/Booker gave us more perspective on the history of The Sunset, more information about the 10th anniversary shows, and defense of the bathrooms...

Best news of the day: The Mary Onettes are coming to Seattle on April 25 {and we've got tickets to giveaway}

imaginary liz — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:36:52 +0000

I have the major hots for just about anything with the Labrador Records stamp. Although I can't verbalize it as well as Steve Thornton, imaginary staffer who objectively and positively swooned over the comprehensive Labrador compilation, Labrador 100 - A Complete History Of Popular Music, in 2007, the label's decade plus of solid releases has cemented them as a staple conversation topic in any indie-pop thinkthank... and therefore, recipient of my lustful gazes from across the crowded dance floor.

On April 25th, Labrador Records' The Mary Onettes will be in Seattle at the Sunset Tavern in support of their new album Islands with Hotels and Erik Blood opening. The Mary O's new full length is a dreamy set of modern day anthems fit for any John Hughes soundtrack. The songs are exceptional pieces of beautiful orchestrated indie-pop that flows with pretty angst ("Now I dared to think I'm something that I'm not " from the song "Dare" which you can sing along to in the video below).

In short, if you like your mix tapes chock full of Jesus and Mary Chain, Cure, New Order, and Pains of Being Pure at Heart you'll kick yourself for missing this show.

This weekend: Happy Birthday to some fellow Seattle music websites

ChrisB — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:00:36 +0000

This weekend, some of Seattle's best music websites (and even better friends) are celebrating their birthdays and they've got your weekend booked with fantastic shows that showcase the talent and diversity of the Northwest. Back Beat Seattle is turning one on Friday and Ear Candy is celebrating it's birthday with what its founder, editor, chief, etc... Travis Hay calls "Ear Candy's Weekend of Awesome" and has shows Saturday and Sunday night at different clubs. Also quite thrilling: Dagmar and Amelia from Back Beat and Travis from Ear Candy have all written for TIG before starting their own flourishing websites.

Back Beat's show is Friday at the Blue Moon and it features Blood Red Dancers, THEESatisfaction and What What Now. It all goes down starting at 10pm and you'll need $5 and ID proving you're at or over 21 to get in the door.

Want to see a live (DVD) Mountain Goats performance - and buy the album (The Life of the World to Come) a day early?

heather hydra — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:48:23 +0000

(In the interest of full disclosure, you all should know that I work at Sonic Boom and am going to be running this event.)

4AD and Sonic Boom Records have a present for you!

Come on down to the Sunset on Monday, October 5th. Around 8pm we will be showing a film by Rian Johnson (Brick, the Brothers Bloom) of John Darnielle performing The Life of the World to Come in its entirety at Pomona College, where Darnielle was a music student as a child. He is joined on vocals by Rachel from the Bright Mountain Choir, his original bassist with whom he first performed as the Mountain Goats.

Tonight at the Sunset: wish SW's Rocket Queen a happy birthday

ChrisB — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:07:57 +0000

A very necessary, but no less sincere happy birthday should be extended to Hannah Levin, author of the must-read "Rocket Queen" column in the Seattle Weekly every week, co-owner of Gainsbourg and host of KEXP's Audioasis program - and all-told, she was my favorite music writer in Seattle long before we ever met several years ago and, of course, still is. Tonight, Levin is celebrating her birthday with a kick-ass show at the Sunset. Rock writers' birthday shows are always a great time (see here and, uhh, here) and this one is certainly no exception. Levin has booked a great night that promises to be "ear-bruising" with loud rock bands Helms Alee, The Ruby Doe and The Keeper. My favorite local hip hop group Dyme Def was recently added to the lineup as well, which makes perfect sense because they always know where the party's at.

French Miami do their "God Damn Best" on Sunday at the Sunset

imaginary liz — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:22:06 +0000

San Francisco band French Miami will be at the Sunset this Sunday (8/9/9) and bringing with them their post-apocolypse Modest Mouse song "God Damn Best" which has convinced me to don my best black blazer and chant "Whatcha going to do with all that, whatcha going to do with all that love" over and over.

For the first few bars I was skeptical. Two listens of the MP3 later, I'm totally down with French Miami. Want more? Watch this video of "Science Fiction" to see a quick transition from Ian Curtis to Ian MacKaye to J. Robbins to wacked out synth.

One of the many reasons to head to the Sunset this Friday night: The Nightgowns

Diana Salier — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:16:40 +0000

I've been sitting on The Nightgowns' Sing Something for at least a couple months now, and I don't know why it's taken me so long to sing this band's praises. They're basically a synthpop quartet, but not in the twee and cute way, and also not in the Hot Chip dance way. Instead, they've found just the right mix to let those clean guitar riffs and crazy synth riffs share the spotlight and create some really awesome -- and quirky -- pop tunes. It also doesn't hurt that the lead singer sounds British, even though these boys are from Tacoma.

Which brings us to the reason why I'm finally deciding to talk about The Nightgowns -- they'll be at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard next Friday night, and if you're an indie pop lover you'll want to be there too. Also on the bill are TIG favorites: BOAT and The Special Places.

My favorite tracks on Sing Something are easily "Buoy" and "Working For A Living," but I also like how the general tone of the album dies down for the final two songs, "Pppps" and "Gone With The Wind." The former is a song about how you always have more to say to that special guy or gal even after you've "telephoned and talked forever," and the only way to say it is with a P.S. and a P.P.S. (all the way up to a P.P.P.P.S., in this case).

Here's a live performance of "Working For A Living" from the band's CD release party earlier this year. Someone please check out the show next Friday so I can live vicariously through you!

Noise for the Needy tonight... Adam Stephens of Two Gallants

imaginary liz — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:49:09 +0000

Tonight is the second night of this year's Noise for the Needy festival and tonight's trifecta of shows is a great assortment of Seattle bands with some out of towners thrown in for extra buzz.

I'm particularly excited to see the Sunset Tavern show with Adam Stephens and the Finite Plain headlining. Adam as you may or may not know is one half of the intense folk-rock-sters Two Gallants - a group that has never disappointed. I'm not sure what Adam's non-2G shows are like, but if this video (above) is an indication of the harmonica goodness we have in store tonight, it's going to rule.

If you're looking for something else tonight, here's a full list of the grand Noise for the Needy showcases tonight.

Recommended show tonight: Coconut Coolouts, Dreamdate, So Cow, Sandy City at the Sunset

imaginary keenan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:56:15 +0000

It sure is a gorgeous Monday! How else are you going to celebrate that, than with a rad show at the Sunset?

I was introduced to Dreamdate, known as "East Bay pop sensations" by friends a few weeks ago, and found them to be perfectly up my alley, with two female singers harmonizing and a laid back poppy/punky beat. They seem straight out of the mid-90's, and that makes me very happy.

Tonight's Recommended Show: The Cops' final show

ChrisB — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:20:11 +0000

As we all unfortunately know, not all good things can last forever. And, alas, The Cops have decided to go on an indefinite hiatus and play what may be the final show at the Sunset tonight.

Photo of the day: The Redwood Plan at the Sunset

imaginary liz — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:59:14 +0000

Today's photo of the day is from last weekend's KEXP / Audioasis show at the Sunset. I'm sad I missed the Redwood Plan's set (I love what I've heard from that album!) - but thanks to Amelia Gydé for sharing some photos of the set with the TIG Sparkly Indie Pop Photo Pool!

Getting my sad bastard on with Pablo Trucker

imaginary victoria — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:18:59 +0000

26 Feb 2009

3324431231_d5ce87464a.jpg

Three things happened Thursday night at the Sunset when I went to go catch Pablo Trucker's set:

The show was really, really good.
I realized that these guys have become friends of mine, and it made me happy and proud to see them perform so wonderfully. And I got hugs.
I realized that these guys have become friends of mine, and it bummed me out on the spot because I knew that this would be the last time I wrote about them, even though it's technically just a really verbose photoessay.

So, I've written these guys up a handful of times already, first with the fateful stumbling across of Pablo Trucker's percussionist-slash-barista at Victrola, making my macchiato and geeking out about music; and then after a set that gave me enough ache to last for the next two lifetimes. At the time of this writing, I've managed to inadvertently have moved into said drummer (and his girlfriend)'s apartment building, and have also seen yet another performance that affirmed what I wrote in my notebook randomly last month:

I believe in Pablo Trucker.

And for what it's worth, so should you.

Watching these guys play is akin to watching super-advanced jazz musicians doing shit that you can't even wrap your head around, except to know it's brilliant, only in a traditional-ish full frontal rock band format. Right. Andrew Rudd (percussion, vocals, espresso) and Brian Wagner (guitar, vocals) play not only this hands-down brand of deconstructed Americana, but they play it with each other and off of each other like old men in a jazz club might do it. It's legit. They coax and wrangle and choke and plead these sounds out of their instruments, and they do it with this seamless, amazing harmony of intensity and language that I've never seen rock musicians do before. It's almost like they're having a conversation with each other via their instruments, even though that sounds pretty hokey. And on top of that, they back it up with gorgeous vocals and sweet, sweet lyrics -- all amidst full throttle percussion and full volume big-bodied electric guitar assault.

This past Thursday, Pablo Trucker got their sad bastard on in a big way, and even added in a (permanent?) bass player to kick things up a notch. They also released their first album, which is a combo of two EPs called Heads Tails (sweet graphic here that you might have to logged into your Facebook to see) that they've put together to form a full length. An album that's awesome, that I have coming via a note slid under my apartment door, that I will inadvertently geek out about and not write up. But you - yes, you! - can check out their Facebook and MySpace pages to find out more about it,, and give some tracks a listen for yourself. I will say, recorded talent aside, that the full translation happens live, and you'll be doing your body good to catch an in-person set the next time you're able.

And lastly, from the pitch-blackness of the Sunset, here's something kind of like a photoessay.

Conservative Dad took the stage for the set beforehand with an album release of their own, and were quite photogenic, in addition to providing good opening support. Typically, the guys in Pablo Trucker will have set up kind-of sort-of in a few direct stagelights, but Thursday was not one of those nights. Regardless, you can see the whole set of photos here, and it's always fun to drop by the imaginary flickr pool for more (which topped 5,000 images this week, by the way!).

I believe in Pablo Trucker, and so should you.

Tonight's recommended show: Police Teeth album release show at the Sunset

imaginary liz — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:36:55 +0000

A show to mark this album release is tonight at the Sunset Tavern. Join them and their bill-mates Arbitron to toast the rock rock rock.

Horse Feathers at the Sunset Tavern

heather b — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:59:48 +0000

11 Feb 2009

I was tremendously happy to see Horse Feather's third show at the Sunset Tavern last Wednesday night. I only just heard them on KEXP a few days earlier and immediately bought their latest album House With No Home. Lately I've really been getting back into the local country/folk sounds that have been coming out lately and the sweetness of it caught my attention.

The band consists of Justin Ringle on voice and accoustic guitar, accompanied by a cellist (Catherine O'Dell), violin player (Nathan Crockett) and another dude (Sam Cooper) who played a stripped down drumkit, a mandolin, a second violin and a banjo. God love 'em, a banjo.

The Portland-based band was very unpretentious and unassuming when they took the stage that night. Even their tuneup sounded divine and I couldn't wait for the show to start. Ringle looks a bit like Will Oldham, or like a cross country trucker, in his plaid shirt, big ol' belt buckle and bearded face. Apparently he prefers not to face his audience while he performs, which gave me a perfect full-on view of him as I was standing off to one side of the tiny stage. During tuning, the Sunset audience was chattering loudly and I was worried that they wouldn't give the band the appropriate respect they deserved. Into the first simple bars of the initial song, the audience was still abuzz. The faint plucking on the violin and bass could barely be heard, along with singular notes on the banjo. But suddenly as if on cue, the entire joint stood in enraptured silence as the band broke loose on "Helen". Not a single breath could be heard, only the occasional apologetic chugging of the credit card machine.

Without any break, Horse Feathers launched neatly into their second tune "Finch", from their 2006 album Words Are Dead. For such mellow music, Ringle is surprisingly animated onstage, at times looking either pained or exultant. It appeared as though the music had indeed taken over his body and his facial expressions. But oh! that voice. I was already completely and totally in love with that man's voice.

The band took a few minutes to tune while Justin thanked the opening acts, Mighty Tiger and Ah Holly Family, and then quickly drew us in with the bluegrass-infused "Working Poor". The prominent, sweet fiddling and banjo work were high quality and the backing band did a nice three-part harmony which was reminiscent of a summer hymnal. Next up was the song that drew me in a few days previous, "Cur In the Weeds". It began with heart-wrenching simplicity and then the music purely swelled with a heavy buildup on the bridge, the vioin racing along with our hearts. You could just feel the audience holding it's collective breath as the song ended with a singular dustbowl-infused pace.

The band paused again for another tuneup and then continued with the more orchestral "Blood on the Snow", followed by "Mother's Sick" with a more classic country-fried sound. I was content where I stood just to watch Horse Feather's charismatic frontman and marvel at both his amazing talent and intriguing stage presence. As he skillfully leads the band with his accoustic guitar, Ringle bends and sways with the music, stomping his foot so hard on the stage I can feel it where I stand.

Contorting his face as he sings, he sometimes appears vicious and visceral, other times angelic. Much, much respect is owed to the rest of the band and I was humbled by their immense talents. I'm glad to know that some band geeks can make it good. Even seated and slightly in the background, they were just as much a part of the experience. Following another tune break (all those strings must be a bitch!), we were treated to "Albina". There's not much to say, it was just So Nice. The violinists were totally sawing at their instruments, creating a sense of urgency in their tone.

"Walking and Running" began with Justin on vocals and accoustic alone, followed by a single violin fading back to just the guitar, barely a murmur, so quiet I almost thought he'd stopped playing. Enter the solitary banjo, followed by very, very quiet backing vocals. All of the Sunset stood stock-still and completely silent, so quiet I could hear someone opening a bag of chips backstage. I was glad to hear that version of the song, the recorded version is a little more upbeat, so this was a nice variation.

"Heathen's Kiss" was the highlight of the whole show for me. It's one of the more complex songs in their catalogue and has a real "Deadwood" feel to it, calling to mind a hot, dusty and bloodstained Old West. The ghoulish, western-styled strings really took center stage, until homeboy busted out a saw (swoon) which just added more to the creepy, desperate Gold Rush-vibe. Ringle's voice rose above it all with a howl. The song concluded with some really nice harmonies from the band and great percussive style. I was totally taken away to a place where I could practically smell the whiskey and fresh timber. I'll go back again and again just to hear them perform that one song. For serious...

This was followed by the sweet and innocent-sounding "Father" and then "Falling Through The Roof". Finally they really pulled out all the stops on the last song, "Rude to Rile", with pounding drums, crashing cymbals and the violinist maniacally rocking back and forth. It totally had an Arcade Fire thing going. It ended very abruptly and that was the set! I was sorry to see it end, but relieved and thankful to have seen it at all.

Ringle looks a bit like Will Oldham, or like a cross country trucker, in his plaid shirt, big ol' belt buckle and bearded face.

Animals At Night show (with some Wrecking Crew action) this Friday

Chris Estey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:53:14 +0000

The Animals at Night show off stuff from our upcoming record (just being finished, hoping to have it out in early summer) with a live set at the Sunset Tavern on Friday, Feb. 20th.

Truckasaurus, Chuck Yay-Grrr, No-Fi Soul Rebellion at Sunset tonight

Chris Estey — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:35:10 +0000

Truckasaurus, Chuck Yay-Grrr, No-Fi Soul Rebellion at Sunset Tonight!What a Friday pre-Valentine's Day blast!