Mad Rad ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Considering the epic weekend of music that awaits us Seattle, I wouldn’t blame you if you took off Monday and Tuesday to prepare your ear drums, liver, feet, and wallet  for Capitol Hill Block Party. In fact, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. But, there’s no rest for the wicked. Because before CHBP rolls around there are two other unmissable shows during the week.  In fact, starting Wednesday, I think you’d be remiss to not go to a show for the next five nights straight.

Who - Widower, Pearly Gate Music,  The Final Spins
Where - The Sunset Tavern
How (Much) - 8$
Why - To be introduced to the next wave of your new favorite Seattle song-writers. To celebrate The Final Spins CD release and because you really miss Siberian. (I certainly do.) To see what the other talented Tillman brother is up to.  To hear  few of Sound on the Sound’s favorite new songs courtesy of Pearly Gates Music and Widower.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra play two shows (7:00. 9:30) at the Triple Door

Who -  H is for Hellgate, Bone Cave Ballet, and The Oregon Donor
Where - The Comet Tavern
How (Much) - 6$
Why - Because this is your last chance for Hooray’s with H is for Hellgate.

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra play two shows (7:00. 9:30) at the Triple Door

Who -  Built to Spill, Jesus Lizard, Starfucker, The Dutchess and The Duke, They Live, Hey Marseilles, Black Lips & More
Where - 10th & Pike on Capitol Hill
How (Much) - 22$ advance (& likely to sell out)
Why - To see if your Built to Spill song choice made the final set. Because Jesus Lizard hasn’t played Seattle since 1996 and David Yow is still  capable of giving a big F you from the stage.  To see if The Black Lips successfully becomes the next band to be banned from Seattle. To see a bunch of local acts you’ve been meaning to catch, in between a solid mix of national acts.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
The Girls, Oswald Effect - The Comet (CHBP After Party @ 11pm)

Who - Sonic Youth, Japandroids, The Moondoggies, The Thermals, The Maldives,  Wild Orchid Children, The Gossip &  more.
Where - 10th & Pike on Capitol Hill
How (Much) - 22$ advance (& likely to sell out)
Why - To witness the wonderful spectacle that is Beth Ditto, and her outfits. To get your first peek at The Moondoggies play the Main Stage, which is where the band will be playing from now on. To hear the new Maldives tracks live. To discover gonzo soul and take a trip with the Wild Orchid Children.  To finally be able to drink beer openly on Pike Street without fear of arrest.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
Mad Rad, Macklemore at Chop Suey - $5adv/$6dos ($3 w/Block Party Bracelet @ the door only)
The Curious Mystery, Hallways - The Comet (CHBP After Party @ 11pm)
Watch It Sparkle, The Camellias  - The Josephine

Who - Fresh Espresso
Where - Chop Suey
How (Much) - 8$
Why - Because you really don’t want the party or the weekend to end. To see for yourself why few local bands are gathering the buzz or love that Fresh Espresso is.