Thee Emergency Headlining GMF ::: photo by Abbey

Oh 2008 Georgetown Music Festival, my only complaint is that you were far too short. With the beautiful weekend we had and countless worthy local bands deserving of your stage–we found ourselves wishing for another day of festivities the moment the headliners completed their final notes.  Though it may have ended too soon for my liking–Georgetown did end with a wonderful bang. The final acts of the festival were filled by a few of Seattle’s most engaging and talented bands.

The Hands and Georgetown in the Reflection ::: Photo by Josh

The tight harmonies and throwback rhythym of The Hands kicked off the festivals finales. It was the bands performance at Georgetown last year that convinced me of The Hands greatness. A year of gigs and working with a lot of new material, The Hands are an even better band than the one that astounded me last year. The bands new songs show some soul to go with all the rock’n'roll bravado, and the guys continue to seem to have more fun on stage than just about anyone else in town.  Just as last years performance proved, there are few more wonderful ways to spend a sunny Seattle afternoon than with a Manny’s in your hand and The Hands on stage.

Aqueduct ::: Photo by Josh

I understand how David Terry and Aqueduct is a great act for a festival like Georgetown. He’s a big local name and presence and his upbeat, danceable tunes sound even better a few beers in to a great day. By the looks of it, the GMF audience agreed–everyone was dancing/head-bopping and singing a long with the more memorable choruses. The usual four piece was performing with a man down, their now guitarist (but original drummer) filled in on the kit.  Terry and Co’s enthusiasm covered up any glitches and against the odds and my strange dislike for the act, they managed to put on my favorite Aqueduct set to date.

The Lashes ::: Photo by Abbey

I am thoroughly convinced there is no such thing as a bad Lashes show. I have never spent a moment of one of these guys show without a huge grin on my face and my foot tapping along.  Somehow this band of six fills the stage like a rock orchestra, and lucky for the audience, whatever “Lash” your eyes land on is certain to give you a show. Whether you are paying close attention to Nate Lashes antics (accompanied by some of the best hair and faces in Seattle rock’n'roll), the subtle sweatered awesomeness of Scotty Lashes or the engaged performance of the bands commanding lead Ben Lashes–you’re going to get a hell of a show. Even though the sets at Georgetown only last half an hour–it seemed the Lashes were able to cram in more performance and charisma than anyone else.  

The Lashes ::: Photo by Josh

Dita Vox of Thee Emergency ::: photo by Josh

In my mind–and this will come to no surprise to any of you readers–Georgetown saved the best for last, choosing Thee Emergency to headline the festival.  Having finished their whirlwind May and Operation Bright Pink, Thee Emergency was sounding more sure of themselves and their soul, than ever. This band owns the stage every time they step foot on one, in a way that bands who have been playing for decades hope they do on the best nights of the year. The entire band, including Dr. Sound who (re)joined for their set, was on fire.  The band seemed deep in some rock’n'roll trance, with the spirits of the greats shinning through. Even though I make it a point to never miss a Thee Emergency show, the band seems more compelling each time they perform. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, given the chance, I am confident Thee Emergency could be one of the biggest bands in America. Hopefully their headlining spot at Georgetown is just the first of many to come for the band.

Thee Emergency ::: photos by Abbey