Do you remember that scene in Death to Smoochy when Edward Norton is dressed up as the purple rhinoceros known as “Smoochy” and he is playing campfire songs to a group of children? During this scene, along with many other scenes in the movie, Norton is riding on a teeter totter that is dangerously close to the brink of insanity. He tells the kids in order to release their feelings they must howl at the moon. The children are not as clairvoyant as you would think, not a single one tells Mr. Norton that they are shooting on a sound-stage. What happens next is the most riveting, primal experience in the history of American film. This is the scene that inspired what is now known as Yellingham Festival.

I’m kidding but I wish I wasn’t.

Yellingham Festival is a musical event that takes place in Bellingham, Wa. of all places. Strange, I thought they pulled that name out of a hat. There are 40 bands, split into a 11 different shows over the span of 72-hours. You have your riot-starters of the pacific northwest rock scene (Helm’s Alee, Grenades) alongside your “What do you call rock and roll that has a violin?” (Baltic Cousins, The Solvents) Paired with your “What do you call that, punk?” bands (What What Now, Monogamy Party). There are also other familiar acts like Shelby Earl and Karl Blau, if name recognition is something that you get off on. I think there are two really cool things about this festival:

1) There are a ton of bands that I’ve heard about but never actually seen. Surely, I’m not the only person in Western Washington that feels this way.  Cat From Hue, Mountainss, Footwork and Wildildlife are just a few names that I’ve seen on posters or heard on the lips of strangers but have never witnessed for myself. Maybe you’ve seen those bands but haven’t seen one of the other three dozen bands that are rocking this weekend. Now is the best time to do so. Is there anything better than a good house show? The correct answer is no.

2) Yes, this entire festival takes place in houses all over the Bellingham area. I implore you to use your manners at all times. Don’t be a dick. Don’t trash someone’s house because you are caught in a moment of rock and roll passion. I don’t speak for those who are opening their houses for this event, but if someone fucked up my house after I was kind enough to let them in…guess who is grabbing a large kitchen knife and giving you a child-like three count to get-the-fuck-out? That would be me, your generous now incensed host. The hosts of this event are not making any money so don’t pretend to use that as a motivator to act unruly. The suggested donation is $5 per show. No booze. No drugs (smoke pot in your own damn car, hippie). All-ages.  Shows will be taking place on April 15th, 16th and 17th.