It's Sasquatch weekend -- Here are some previews

This weekend marks the seventh annual Sasquatch! Music Festival, a three-day affair full of indie rock's finest -- from big names to Northwest favorites and now even a whole roster of comedians -- performing on multiple stages at The Gorge Amphitheatre.

It can all be a little overwhelming. And it takes some planning, some hard choices, not to mention a lot of walking, to make the most of your Sasquatch experience.

You have to calculate out how early to get to the Gorge so you don't miss Dengue Fever, or if it's worth the trek from the main stage to the Wookie Stage just to see Ghostland Observatory right before The Flaming Lips come on.

Then what about those bands you never heard of? Surely one is on the verge of making it big. You want to be able to say you saw them back in the day.

So, I've asked a group of local music aficionados who regularly make the trek to Sasquatch -- and one newbie -- to sound off on who they're absolutely dying to see, who's on the brink of superstardom and who's over-hyped, plus a few helpful hints for making it through three days at the Gorge.

-- Kim Nowacki

THE TASTEMAKER

Name: Dan Craig

Age: 43

Occupation: Outfitting Yakima and beyond in hipster eyewear and bringing great music to town. (He's responsible for booking bands at the Yakima Sports Center and the Summer Sunset Concert Series, among other events.)

Random music fact: I've seen more than 1,000 live acts, and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band are the best live show . How many years going to Sasquatch: I've been to Sasquatch just three times. I am going on Sunday only.

Favorite Sasquatch moment: Every time it was ever finally MY turn in the Honeybucket.

No. 1 band you can't wait to see: This is a tie between Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks and The Cure.

The Cure has put out one brilliant album after another for more than half of my life. Right behind all the fretting and moping there is some brilliant songwriting.

Malkmus is an innovator with his lyrics and his guitar. A very influential artist, many of the young bands at Sasquatch this year cut their teeth on his early stuff. (Malkmus fronted indie rock band Pavement).

Others on your must-see list: Rodrigo & Gabriela, What Made Milwaukee Famous, White Rabbits, Fleet Foxes, The Cave Singers, 65daysofstatic, J. Tillman, The Hives, The Cops ... The list goes on; it's a good lineup.

Who are the bands about to break? Hmm, tough question. Really big doesn't necessarily mean good. Kathleen Edwards writes beautiful songs. She could wind up being really big AND good.

Who should people avoid? Modest Mouse. These guys are a bunch of punters. The REAL Built to Spill will actually be there.

Who would you love to see be a last-minute addition? Belle & Sebastian, John Vanderslice, Tartufi, Calvin Johnson joining Built to Spill for some Halo Benders tunes.

Words of wisdom: The Mars Volta will crush your head; bring lip balm.

THE HIPSTER MOM

Name: Angie Lyden Duncan

Age: 34

Occupation: Mommy/yoga teacher on the side.

Random music fact: Given the right inspiration (good music + beer buzz), I will break out my awkward dance moves anytime, anywhere.

Years going to Sasquatch: This will be year three and I'll be there all three days, baby!

Favorite Sasquatch moment: Seeing Smoosh rock out on the sunbaked Yeti Stage a few years ago. Those two skinny girls (11 and 13 at the time) were playing more interesting music than a lot of other bands there that year.

No. 1 band: The New Pornographers ... every song is a little gem and, of course, Neko Case. Ever since the great hail storm of '06 forced her off the stage prematurely, I've been itching to see her again.

Others on must-see list: The Cure. As a former mopey, fish-netted, Robert Smith-obsessed teenage girl, I'm curious to see if the allure is still there nearly 20 years later.

The National: The singer's deep voice makes me feel all melty.

Beirut: Mellow, lovely stuff.

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks: That guy is just quirky awesome!

Bands about to break: This will have to wait until I experience them live.

Who to avoid: I know, I know, R.E.M.'s newest album is getting rave reviews and, granted, I've only heard a couple of songs, but I just can't get into it. Plus, I saw them many years ago and was pretty underwhelmed.

Last-minute addition: I would love, love, love to see Nyles Lannon again. The Dodos. Menomena. And can one ever experience The Arcade Fire too many times?

Words of wisdom: Come with an open mind, see bands you've never heard of, and don't pretend you're too cool to dance -- enjoy yourself, already!

THE CD SLINGER

Name: Jason Bond

Age: 30

Occupation: Four-year employee at Off the Record.

Random music fact: I saw many shows locally growing up, but I felt like I saw my first real show when the Screaming Trees came to the Capitol Theatre. There were cops in riot gear lined up on stage taking half steps toward the crowd to push them back and out of the Capitol. It was a nice little riot, and I left feeling like I'd earned some concert wings.

Years going to Sasquatch: I've only missed two Sasquatch festivals, the first one and the one headlined by NIN and Bauhaus. (That was 2006.)

Favorite Sasquatch moment: Too many to list. Probably the second Sasquatch, because I was really sick and my fever broke on the way to the show. And I did it all to impress a girl -- we'll be getting married this fall. (That girl is Emily Ring, who's also sounding off on our list.)

No. 1 band: So many choices, but I'll say M.I.A., because when you combine socio-politically charged lyrics with frantic dance beats, and a 50/50 chance she'll actually show up, it makes her set a nailbiter. (M.I.A. had to cancel her Sasquatch appearance last year because of visa problems. )

Others on must-see list: Flight of the Conchords, The Cure, Cold War Kids, Breeders, Okkervil River, Rodrigo Y Gabriella, The Hives, Ghostland Observatory. They're all great, and for the most part I haven't seen them before. I'm excited to see a lot of the other bands, but I have seen most of them.

Bands about to break: Okkervil River or Ghostland Observatory. Both acts have been around a few years earning their stripes, but both are also poised to break out. They are also on completely different ends of the music spectrum. Okkervil is folky, acoustic driven Americana, and Ghostland is more like a disco/rock/noise nightmare.

Who to avoid: Tegan and Sara. I'm sorry to them and their fans, but I hate these sisters and their music. You find a narcissist annoying? Well, these twins are so in love with themselves, they're in love with each other. I find the music trite and put on, which puts me off. I have seen them live before, too. I'd rather pay to see the dentist.

Last-minute addition: Joanna Newsom. Her song "Emily" can cure a bad day for me. It is beyond beautiful. She has played the festival before, but I missed it.

Words of wisdom: Bring lots of sunscreen, and water, too. Also, last year proved it can get real windy. So if you're camping, stake your tent and weigh it down with some rocks or something else heavy or you may not have a tent when you get back.

THE COOL LIBRARIAN

Name: Emily Ring

Age: 27

Occupation: Library assistant at the Selah library.

Random music fact: The first CD I ever owned was "Weird Al" Yankovic's "The Food Album."

Years going to Sasquatch: I've been going to Sasquatch since 2003, and this year I'll be staying for all three days.

Favorite Sasquatch moment: Last year we came back to camp on Monday night to find that a bunch of the tents in our campground had blown over the edge of the cliff and across the highway. Our tent, being weighted down, was still there, but every single pole had broken under the force of the wind.

No. 1 band: I am so super-excited to see Flight of the Conchords. They're not necessarily the biggest or best band in this year's amazing lineup, but I can't imagine that I'll have too many opportunities to see them live, and them being at Sasquatch is such a brilliantly random thing.

Others on must-see list: It would be easier for me to list the bands that I'm not looking forward to seeing. I may have to clone myself in order to catch all the acts I want to see this year. But some highlights are M.I.A., The Breeders, Destroyer, Ghostland Observatory, The Cure, Mates of State, Cold War Kids, The Mars Volta and Stephen Malkmus.

Bands about to break: What Made Milwaukee Famous. With a catchy, memorable name, great poppy hooks and the force of the Barsuk label driving them, we'll be hearing more from them.

Who to avoid: Tegan and Sara. Their music is nothing to write home about, and they inevitably draw overly large crowds, so unless you're really into narcissistic indie-folk and being jostled by strangers, find something else to enjoy.

Last-minute addition: The folky hip-hop group, Why? I missed them the last time they came through the area, and with their enigmatic lyrics and indie vibe, they would make a natural addition to the Sasquatch lineup.

Words of wisdom: Be prepared for anything, weatherwise. Dress in layers, wear lots of sunscreen, bring blankets to sit on (that ground gets cold at night), and bring in your own snacks and water bottle so you won't have to pay the exorbitant prices on-site.

THE PUNK ROCK PROFESSOR

Name: Eric Anderson

Age: 47

Occupation: Yakima Valley Community College anthropology instructor. (In 2005, his faculty lecture, based on his graduate thesis paper titled "Skinheads: From Britain to San Francisco Via Punk Rock," drew a standing room-only crowd.)

Random music fact: In 1982, I co-hosted Missoula's first alternative radio program during the less than coveted midnight to 4 a.m. shift on Friday nights. Since it was on a NPR affiliate, we received numerous phone calls from confused listeners.

Years going to Sasquatch: I have attended most years. This year I am going Saturday and am considering Monday.

Favorite Sasquatch moment: Aside from running into my niece from Coeur d'Alene -- partially confirming my music gene hypothesis -- it would be watching appreciative hordes of young people singing along with bands like the Pixies and The Flaming Lips. These bands only drew small numbers from fans of my generation 20-plus years ago.

No. 1 band: I am most excited about seeing Battles, which is why I might have to return on Monday. Very creative instrumentals with innovative drumming and prog rock overtones.

Others on must-see list: Releases by The National, Destroyer and Okkervil River routinely make my shared-with-friends end of the year "best of" list and I have yet to see any of them play live. They are all playing on Saturday, but The National and Destroyer are scheduled to play at the same time on different stages -- Curse you Sasquatch, for you both give and take!

Bands about to break: While I am trying to resist, I recognize that the Fleet Foxes have enough Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-style harmony hooks in them to start a neo-hippy revolution.

Who to avoid: While their music is wonderful, I have yet to truly enjoy a Modest Mouse show. The addition of ex-Smith's guitarist Johnny Marr to the band will hopefully make things more interesting. So while it is in my avoid category, I'll be watching once again.

Last-minute addition: Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, P.J. Harvey, Grinderman, Robert Forster and Animal Collective are at the top of my favorites-yet-to-be-seen list.

Words of wisdom: The smaller stages often feature the best bands, so walk around.

THE NEWBIE

Name: Simon Sizer

Age: 27

Occupation: Yakima Herald-Republic obituary clerk.

Random music fact: I guess the first actual concert I went to was the Pointer Sisters. Make of that what you will. (It was a field trip to Seattle to see the musical revue "Ain't Misbehavin'.") Thanks, junior high/high school cultural enrichment program.

Years going to Sasquatch: Zero. I might be going all three days this year. I haven't decided.

No. 1 band: While I ought to be most excited about bands I like and haven't had a chance to see live before, I'm really going almost entirely to see The Flaming Lips, who have brought both an actual UFO and an actual movie about an alien Santa Claus they made in Wayne Coyne's backyard, and like, Isaac Brock is in it? The UFO does not, perhaps, actually fly, and is built out of scrap metal, and seemingly anything space-looking that can be attached to scrap metal. But it is unidentified, and an object, and it might very possibly shoot laser beams into your brain.

Others on must-see list: The New Pornographers, even if Neko Case is on the inactive list. Modest Mouse. Stephen Malkmus. Destroyer. Modest Mouse. Built to Spill. All bands that I already like. Then there are a few I'd like to check out without being completely familiar with them/him/her, like M.I.A. or Dengue Fever. And those Upright Citizens Brigade kids seem to know a thing or two.

Bands about to break: I don't know. This seems like kind of a fool's quest, anyway. (Also it requires way too much energy, Being In The Know.)

Last-minute addition: Spoon, because they are tops, and maybe The Fiery Furnaces, because, also tops.

Words of wisdom: My advice to myself is try to avoid second-degree burns.

THE TEEN ROCK WRITER

Name: Olivia Hernandez

Age: 18

Occupation: Student, about to graduate from Davis High School; longtime member of the YH-R's Unleashed team.

Random music fact: Went to the Spice Girls at the Tacoma Dome with my aunts when I was 12. We dressed as Sporty, Posh and Grumpy Spice.

Years going to Sasquatch: Never been before, not going this year due to various schedule issues. I am going to sneak over for M.I.A.'s pre-Sasquatch show in Portland if that counts for anything ...

No. 1 band (if you were going): M.I.A. Her music is already ready-made for the politically aware backroom dancers. Plus, her particular brand of alternative hip-hop -- infectious, smart, so incredibly danceable, just about impossible to put into a box -- is my kind of alternative hip-hop. It will also totally appeal to any other person waltzing by who doesn't already dance around to her music in the bathroom.

Others on must-see list: Oh ... if I could go ...

Tegan and Sara: Best break-up band ever. Super cute duo/songs.

Beirut: Sunshine on your shoulders, rain on the tip of your nose good, plus their particular brand of horn-filled folk is going to be amazing paired up with the view at the Gorge.

Blue Scholars: I really want to hear more of them and all of their tracks that I've listened to have been amazing.

Bands about to break: Say Hi. (Previously known as Say Hi to Your Mom) Their music is just so darn cute. Plus, the song "Northwestern Girls" is totally irresistible, especially if you actually happen to be a Northwestern girl.

Who to avoid: I actually love everybody this year. Not always in years past, but everybody looks pretty fantastic.

Last-minute addition: Hmm ... TV on the Radio. If they played at night I have a feeling they would be earth-shatteringly cool.

Words of wisdom: Sunscreen up. Bring a couple dollars for water, but leave everything else in the car. It should be about experiencing the music on such a great stage, not checking on cell phones or trying to find a place to stash your stuff when you decide it's time to dance.

THE WORKING STIFF ROCK WRITER

Name: Kim Nowacki

Age: 29

Occupation: On Magazine lead writer.

Random music fact: When I was 16, a group of friends and I spent the night outside Fred Meyer to get R.E.M. tickets. It was the band's first tour in six years. I don't remember what row we were in, but I remember they closed with "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)."

How many years going to Sasquatch: This will be my fifth Sasquatch. I'll be there all weekend this year, so make sure to check in at on.yakimablogs.com/music for live coverage from the music festival.

Favorite Sasquatch moment: In 2006, the person I wanted to see the most was Neko Case. But right as she was about to play my favorite song, "Star Witness," a crazy hail storm shut down the entire concert. I was not a happy camper at the time, but it's something I'll never forget.

No. 1 band: I am absolutely dying to see Cold War Kids on Sunday. I love their quirky, dark indie rock sound. I could listen to "Hang Me Up to Dry" over and over and over again -- oh wait, I do.

Others on your must-see list: The Cure, for sure. To see Robert Smith backdroped by the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, it's going to be breathtaking.

As will be The Flaming Lips U.F.O. Show. I just borrowed the DVD of them doing this show at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater and it's crazy.

Also, Built to Spill (Northwest legends), M.I.A. (I'm a new fan), and Modest Mouse (the last time they played Sasquatch I was napping).

Bands about to break: I have high hopes for Ghostland Observatory. But they may be too kooky.

Who to avoid: I've never been a fan of the Presidents of the United States of America.

Last-minute addition: The Thermals. I didn't become the obsessed über-fan of theirs that I am now until after they played Sasquatch in 2003. And Wolf Parade, but, I suppose, I can go see them at the Sub Pop 20th anniversary festival at Marymoor Park in Redmond.

Words of wisdom: Bring your own food, an empty water bottle, sunscreen, a sweater and hand sanitizer, dress in layers and don't freak out when the weather does -- because it will.

* We've got more on the new On Music Blog. Check it out at on.yakimablogs.com/music.

If you go

WHAT: Sasquatch! Music Festival.

WHO: R.E.M., The Cure, The Flaming Lips U.F.O. Show, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, M.I.A., The New Pornographers, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Cold War Kids, The Mars Volta, Flight of the Conchords, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Tegan & Sara, Built to Spill, Mates of State, Ozomatli, Ghostland Observatory, others. And a comedy tent featuring the Upright Citizens Brigade.

WHEN: Saturday-Monday.

WHERE: Gorge Amphitheatre, George, Wash.

HOW MUCH: $75 per day. Through Ticketmaster, 453-7139, www.ticketmaster.com.

INFO: Visit www.sasquatchfestival.com.

DON'T FORGET THE BLOG! Check out On lead writer Kim Nowacki's Sasquatch blog this weekend at on.yakimablogs.com/music.

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