KEXP Suggests: Vibrations 8/28

This Sunday, August 28th, from 3-10 pm at the Volunteer Park Amphitheater marks the final edition of Cairo’s Vibrations Festival, an afternoon of free all-ages fun in the sun showcasing local music and art. Oh, and strawberry popsicles! (fingers crossed)

Plucky DIY Capitol Hill fixture Cairo - the music, arts and retail venue tucked away on Mercer St. - may have closed its doors recently after an eight year run, but they’re going out with a bang. This summer’s lineup, curated in part by Seattle collective Vignettes, is chockablock with talent.

The music lineup includes Jenn Champion (S, Carissa’s Wierd), back making music with recent single “No One” on Hardly Art, showcasing a more electronic sound, so we’re definitely psyched to hear more new stuff from them. The same goes for the ambient and dream pop stylings of Lilac, whose terrific Dream Journal EP was a highlight of 2015. QOQO ROBOQS is fairly new on the scene playing shows but has impressed mightily live. The TUF member’s techno pop arrangements are sure to get the crowd up on their feet as will the hardest working MC in showbiz DoNormaal, whose Jump or Die mixtape is already a local classic. Rowdy, but blunted, ‘ya know? Continuing on the spaced-out tip is Seattle-based “alien musician bringing sounds of the cosmos to the Earth” Guayaba (formerly Aeon Fux). Possessed of an incredible voice, plus an Omnichord, this Sunday is a great opportunity to witness the further evolution of a talented artist. Getting back to the guitars, I can’t think of a better time and place than a lazy Sunday afternoon baking in the sun to watch Posse. Dreamy YLT guitar notes radiating out to that perfect blanket spot on the grass? Yes, please! A little more uptempo is four-piece Hoop, who just pressed their Super Genuine album and write catchy, infectious pop gems. Oh, and I lied a little earlier as Vibrations isn’t entirely local. Also playing is Detroit up-and-comer Stef (Chura). Be sure to check out her two new songs on Bandcamp and welcome Stef to Seattle!

In between sets you can enjoy music from DJ Amateur Hour, plus roam the grounds to check out the great art installations and supportive local vendors. MC duties fall to Sarah Galvin and Mary Anne Carter, so there should be a surprise or two. Hope to see you there this Sunday! Did we mention it’s FREE?! And always all-ages.

Jenn ChampionStef ChuraLilacQOQO ROBOQSPosseDo NormaalGuayabaHoop

Art:

Leena JoshiMariko YoshinoMKNZGrant Rehnberg & Doug NewmanMel CarterNicholas NylandForrest Perrine

Vendors:

Spin Cycle, PRISM, Rachels Ginger Beer, Meme Girls, Sarah Rachel Brown, NeedThings, Mark Mitchell, Jesus Mary Anne Joseph, SYA, Pine Needle Books, Analog Coffee and more