Do you know what a Bumbershoot is?  it is an umbrella.  Seattle hosts (and One Reel organizes) this an annual three-day music festival on Labor Day weekend called Bumbershoot…which lists both local and international acts.  It is located at the Seattle Center, which has the grounds and venues to carry it off.   The format changes a bit each year.  2011 was more indie focused with less well-known (but high quality) acts.  The headliner for Monday, Labor Day was Daryl Hall and John Oates.  This year, for the first time, Bumbershoot hosted Youngershoot…activites and music for the family.  There is also art, film, and of course, food.  The type of music often depends on which stage they are performing on…whether it be the Starbucks Stage , the Fountain Lawn Stage, the Fisher Green Stage, the EMP Level 3 Stage, the Exhibition Hall, the Intiman Theatre (comedy), or the Bagley Wright Theatre (dance, theater)… and others.  Most stages has its own sponsor.  The Key Arena hosted the mainstage acts.

I was able see a variety this year… the Trey McIntyre Project, Legendary Oaks, Quadron, Wayne Federman and The Gregory Brothers, Dennis Coffey, Charles Bradley, Fitz  and the Tantrums, and part Daryl Hall and John Oates and The Reverend Horton Heat.  All were great choices and I’d have to say my faves were Dennis Coffey (funkn’ it out), Charles Bradley (the Screaming Eagle of Soul), and Fitz and the Tantrums.  That is what is interesting (and fun) about Bumbershoot, there are so many genres and options.  There are so many choices, that you undoubtedly miss those you wish you could have seen too, especially if you only go one day.  You could certainly enjoy something each day of the festival. 

You can bring your own chair and food in, which is helpful if you’re there for all day, which you should be!  Park across the street and you’ll have access to your vehicle without much trouble.  This year mind you we had 80 degree weather… but whether rain (Bumbershoot needed) or shine, you’ll have a good time and see a band, comedy act, dance troupe, or other that you haven’t seen before.

If you didn’t get to it this year – maybe try it next year!  Cool!