August and September have been all about live music for me. Not the big arena shows (though they have their charm) — because let’s be real, you’re not catching Paul McCartney in a club, and Cheap Trick isn’t busking on the street (though, if any band would be badass at that, it’s them). I’m talking about intimate gigs in local bars and small venues, the kind where you don’t have to shell out $500 for a ticket, $50 for parking (Seattle, we need to talk), and another $50 for a t-shirt.
Just last week, I caught three incredible bands for $25, found free street parking, and was greeted by a friendly merch table with a sign that said:
The place was packed, and every band was clearly pumped to be there, delivering a fantastic rock show. And it was a Wednesday night!
One band that really stood out was Thee Deception, who call themselves “the most dangerous band in Seattle.” They brought old-school punk energy that I haven’t experienced in a while. Their debut album, We The People, drops in November. I snagged a copy at the show and have had it on repeat ever since. Bad Nerves headlined, and while I hadn’t heard them before, the rest of the crowd knew every word (yeah, I gotta get out more). But seriously, they blew me away, and their latest album, Still Nervous, is up for grabs on their site. Do yourself a favor.