The B-Stars began in late 2005 when Greg Yanito moved from his native Ohio roots to San Francisco and teamed up with upright bassist Eric Reedy to dust off old forgotten hillbilly songs. In the process, Mikiya Matsuda and Billy “JL” Zelinski jumped on board, and the band began to bring to life original material that not only tells a story, but sits comfortably right alongside the country music from the middle of the 20th Century. With two strong songwriters and a a few generations worth of musical experience, The B-Stars started off on a mission to get the dance floors jumpin’ with that western boogie beat. What has come out of that mission straddles the line between jazz and country western music pioneered by the likes of Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Hank Penny, Tommy Duncan, Bob Wills, and of course the great Hank Williams Sr.

The current lineup features two lead vocalists, acoustic rhythm guitar, steel and electric guitar, a slappin’ gut stringed upright bass, and a swingin’ drummer, to establish a minimal but complete country combo. With a debut album produced by Lee Jeffriess, the steel guitar master behind Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, and three consecutive appearances at Viva Las Vegas, The B-Stars have begun to establish an international audience that just can’t get enough of that hillbilly beat!
Come down to Highway 99 and cut a rug with 3 Great bands! The B-Stars from San Francisco, Petunia and the Vipers from Vancouver BC and Seattle’s own Roy Kay Combo. Put on your dancing shoes! Please be sure to make table reservations by contacting Highway 99 here http://highway99blues.com/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=41

Lushy w/ The Satellite 4 @ ToST Friday, Feb 19 9pm.

This will be a riot of a show. Southern soul, mod space pop, horns, organs, hand claps and tambourines?! You won’t know how to contain yourself!

http://myspace.com/thesatellite4
http://Lushy.com
http://tostlounge.com

Astrovan is a group of Seattle musicians representing the four pillars of Rock: Blues, Classic, Metal, and Alternative. And when they collide, they create a deafening sound that makes many a man weak in the knees. Do not be afraid…earplugs usually stop the shaking.

The band formed in early 2009 when Deezer (Triumph & Tragedy) and Sam Damage (3 Inch Max) got together to start a new project. Pooling their talents was the only reasonable decision, so they moved ahead with a fierce determination to dominate the world of rock. They were looking for the best available talent as this was a grand plan of epic proportions.

Says the Astrovan Gang:

And so…Donnie Metro (Dravus, The John Benders, 3 Inch Max, and many more) joined the band bringing his signature Bonham approach to the drums. Children and people with pace makers be warned: His driving beats have been known to crush skulls and cause arrhythmias. Listen at your own risk! Zeke (Holotype, Expiration Date) was the next addition to the project. He is a huge man with a huge sound! Hailing from the icy cold tundra that is Alaska, Zeke is built tough…the rumor is he’s 1/8th Sasquatch. His riffs were so hot, he had to move away, as the ice caps have all been melting at an exponential rate since the time he began playing rock music. It’s well documented. There are even some conservative people who recognize his influence on our climate at large. Last but not least, is Tony Mac (Only Human). His rumbling bass grooves squeeze and push your guts around as if you’re getting repeatedly kicked in the stomach, and he’s the one who’s kicking you.

The Sky Drops are just what you want to hear right now. -Cissy-

The Sky Drops are gaze-grunge duo Rob Montejo and Monika Bullette. This Delaware twosome unearths an ocean-size of sound — a superforce of guitar, drums and vocals. “What a Loveless-era My Bloody Valentine kicking Elliot Smith from his grave would sound like (with a twist of lemon).” – Andrew – fan of The Sky Drops

Rob Montejo’s previous band Smashing Orange was one of the original American shoegaze bands, peers of Lush, Ride, and Swervedriver. Smashing Orange released 4 records and 2 singles (including UK releases), toured the USA, UK and Europe, and were signed to MCA Records. Monika Bullette sang in the alternative band NERO, drummed for Licorice Roots, and was one of the first musicians to capture the power of the Internet by releasing the Bullette debut album “The Secrets” on the web in 2005.

The Sky Drops recorded their debut five song EP Clouds of People in Rob’s studio. It was self-released under Fridabear Records in 2006 to critical praise. “The fuzz rock anthem “Now Would Be”, the sublime “Hang On”, and the pop stunner “The Go Go Go” are among the best tunes you’re likely to hear this year.” – The Big Takeover

Rob and Monika have taken their moody sonic maelstrom throughout the USA and UK to rapt audiences. Self-managed and self-booked, they have played with Cold War Kids, Chairlift, The Dirty Projectors, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Spindrift, amongst many. Their DIY ethic has taken them to tour the UK in 2006 and twice to California in 2007 (including a performance at the Clean Air, Clear Stars Festival). They frequently packed up the Volvo wagon to tour throughout the Midwest and East Coast.

The Sky Drops are now on the road with plans to tour worldwide.

Friday 11 December 2009 – Doug Fir Lounge
Portland, OR
The Sky Drops with The Prids and Lookbook

September 3, 2009 – SEATTLE, WA. The Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack continues to present provocative visual, performing and applied arts throughout Seattle’s most colorful creative community on September 12. The monthly Art Attack promotion is intended to raise regional awareness of the historic Georgetown industrial/arts district with the purpose of generating public sentiment toward preserving this valued civic asset. Aside from all that, it’s a heckuva lotta fun!

Among the highlights of the September 12 installment: An exhibition of underwater photography by Tom Radio and a musical performance by the Abiders at Calamity Jane’s; A punk rock Elvis tribute featuring The Kings at the MIX; An exhibition of mixed media art by Kim McCarthy together with new work inspired by 6os mod and Japanese street fashions by designer Lady Konnyaka at FRIDA/Georgetown Tile Works; “Comics Savants,” an exhibition of 13 Seattle-based alternative cartoonists featuring a one day storewide “Back to Skool” sale at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery; A group exhibition of members of the Twilight Artists Collective at the Stables; An outdoor performance by Georgetown’s resident reggae ruffians Dubcar; and the general joviality associated with this lively and diverse cultural event.

The Georgetown Art Attack is a monthly production of the Georgetown Merchants’ Association. For a map of participants and related information please visit: www.georgetownartattack.com.

Spring Fling Talent Show at Cafe Racer from Marlow Harris on Vimeo.

Judges Cissy, Schootzi the Clod and owner Kurt preside over a rowdy talent show at Cafe Racer in Seattle.

Last Thursdays MOE BAR hosts a night featuring resident STUDIO 66 DJ’s Chrispo and Vodka Twist who join special guests for a night of Sixties and Sixties inspired sounds: BRIT POP, GARAGE ROCK, VINTAGE SOUL & INTERNATIONAL POP

MOE BAR is the bar next to Neumo’s on 10th E Pike across from the Comet. Admission is always free and the place is always warm and friendly. MOE MOD has been going on for over a year and is a fun way to spend a Thursday night. 21+ 9PM-2AM

http://www.myspace.com/tigerloungeagogo

Lucifer’s Lounge is a monthly night thrown at the Mercury Club in Seattle featuring Jazz, Lounge, Vegas, Crooners, and Swing. Every 1st Monday of the month (with a few exceptions) starting at 9pm, Cover is $4 at the door, and there are drink specials. Dress to impress and spend the first part of the night listening to classics from the 20′s -40′s at a volume you can talk to. We know its a Monday, and we all have to work in the morning, but stay until midnight for the Coconut Monkey’s Toast and see something you wont see at any other club in Seattle. Club participation isn’t manditory, but you wont want to miss out on the fun. Heavy Swing after the Monkey toast for you late nighters. We stay open after hours. April 6th is a special night with guest DJ’s Vodka Twist and E-Z Action.

Club Mercury
1009 Lower
E Union St
Seattle 98122