There's so much amazing show options swirling around, many of us are on overload with our red warning lights blinking.  One reason this month is so packed with some of our favorite bands is thanks to the folks at City Arts who have put together a three day schedule that makes even SXSW and CMJ festers weep.

To push things a little bit closer over the overloaded-with-giddiness edge, we've got TWO chances for you to see an amazing show for free!

Cat Power at the the 5th Avenue Theater on Thursday, October 21
Enter to win tickets by emailing tig @ threeimaginarygirls . com with the subject "Lived In Bars" by Tuesday 10/19 at noon.

She & Him at the 5th Avenue Theater on Saturday, October 23
Enter to win tickets by emailing tig @ threeimaginarygirls . com with the subject "I'd LikeYou For My Own" by Tuesday 10/19 at noon.

Want a sampler for what your evening at one of these shows could include?

Cat Power covering Oasis's's's Wonderwall


She & Him with the coy cutie anthem "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"

more...

at Gorge Amphitheater

Pavement (Courtesy: Victoria Vanbruinisse for City Arts Magazine)

Every Memorial Day Weekend, scruffy hipsters and hippies alike who lack the cash to drop on a desert jaunt -- complete with $5 bottles of water and scorching heat -- descend upon the Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA (yes, that's really the name) for the 3-day Sasquatch! Music Festival.  There are considerably less stages and less big names, but the views are gorge-ous (har har), and you can easily find all of the previous year's blogworthy acts and at least a couple legendary ones before the weekend is through.  And since this is Washington, the festival organizers provide a free water bottle refill station to save plastic.  And did I mention it's beautiful out there?

This year my Concert Companion (hereafter known as the CC) and I packed the car full of hoagies, Coronas, yogurt, fiber bars and a nice sturdy tent, and set out Friday night on the 2 1/2-hour trip from Seattle to George.  In the morning we woke up to sunny skies and a slew of young, unwashed, bleary-eyed yet still really attractive festivalgoers.  Everyone was friendly and out to have a good time.  Some entrepreunerial folks set up a grill with hot dogs, tacos and breakfast burritos in preparation for the drunk munchies.  Once you've all shared the same lineup of Portapotties, had a few beers, and brushed your teeth together in a makeshift sink, the camaraderie pretty much starts a-flowin'.

And now, here's a breakdown of noteworthy events, day-by-day...

more...

Yesterday I divulged my favorite albums of the year. Today I am ready to let go of my latest obsession: My album recap of how I spent my 00's.

The below listage rant is my own little time capsule to remind myself why 2000-2009 musically ruled. As with my other list posts, I'm certain I totally forgot to add something really important to my end-all-be-all-recap. It's up to you to remind me by posting your favs of the 00's below.

more...

One of my end of the year rituals is to compile my favorites of the year into a single mix tape / cd / playlist. For me, this year has been ripe with songs I've listened to on repeat. So many so, I actually had to cut out some so that I didn't alienate the casual mix tape listener. After a casual polling of my friends, I found that four-cd mix isn't all that digestible.

more...

It is said she was "swept off her feet" by his proposal. No date or plan has been announced to date.

more...

I like boy bands... but these gal singers make me swoon.

more...

It's difficult to describe the overwhelming experience of being surrounded by people who dedicate their lives and energies to music.

more...