Bumbershoot Day One
Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
08.31.24
Bumbershoot has gone through countless changes and permutations since its inception in 1971. From hosting some of the largest musical acts in the world at any time, to showcasing local talent with burgeoning fanbases, to art and dance, Bumbershoot at its core has always centered the art and artists of the Pacific Northwest. Bumbershoot 2024 continued that tradition, pivoting to a much more intimate environment than those who attended in the 90s may remember, resulting in a closer connection between fan and musician, art and viewer. With an expertly curated lineup, Bumbershoot 2024 did not disappoint.
Kicking off day one was local rising star Parisalexa who, flanked by a live band on the KEXP/Fountain stage, drew a sizable and energetic audience on a particularly hot late summer day. Her show set the tone for a dynamic weekend at Seattle Center, with other daytime highlights including Brooklyn-based Psymon Spine in the Vera, New Orleans’ own Hurray for the Riff Raff locking down the intimate Mural stage, and K.Flay bringing her characteristically energetic set to Fisher. With such a stacked lineup, and with each stage rocking simultaneously, attendees were blessed with the problem of having to decide between too much good music, accepting that one couldn’t see them all.
The evening saw an equally diverse lineup with standout performances from Lee Fields, Cunningham/Bird, Freddie Gibbs, Lauren Mayberry, and Held Negro. Headliners Pavement, Cypress Hill, and Carl Cox each drew on their deep roots and longstanding fanbases to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners. Each stage was packed. Pavement’s slacker rock aesthetic resonated with the crowd, who sang along to classics like “Harness Your Hopes” and enjoyed the band’s laid-back banter. Meanwhile, Cypress Hill’s set was a nostalgic journey through their iconic hits, with the Southern California staples seemingly stumbling upon a fountain of youth to bring an energy to the stage on par with rap groups half their age. Not to be outdone, Carl Cox’s boundless enthusiasm and crowd interaction remains second-to-none.
The festival atmosphere was notably relaxed, partly due to the smaller-than-usual crowds. While attendance was down compared to previous years, the more intimate vibe allowed for easier navigation and a more personal experience. This year’s Bumbershoot also excelled in accessibility, offering quiet rooms in the Armory for those needing a break from the sensory overload and provided ADA accessible viewing areas for each stage, making it one of the most inclusive festivals to date.
Aside from the music, Bumbershoot 2024 also showcased a variety of art installations and performances, adding layers of creativity to the event. A photo exhibit showcasing local musicians over the years, a dance performance in Fisher pavilion by a crew dozens deep, a cat circus and a comedy tent were some of the standouts.
Overall, day one of Bumbershoot 2024 was a successful blend of nostalgia, artistic expression, and community spirit, marking another memorable chapter in the festival’s long history.
Photos and Review by Sattva Photo
