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I.C.Y.M.I.: Keep Music Live Streams 'Band Together Washington' Benefit Supporting Venues Across the State
Greetings, fellow pop culture aficionados, and welcome to week 51 of our I.C.Y.M.I. (In Case You Missed It) blog series, where we recap a handful of trending tidbits from the past week(s) in popular culture, in case you missed them.
Last week in this space, we outlined what to expect at the 2021 Grammys (and then live-tweeted the ceremony with plenty of hot takes and reaction GIFs). This week, we recap a virtual benefit from this past week that supported local music venues in our state. Read on!
'Band Together Washington' Virtual Music Showcase Raises Funds For Local Venues
Some of the biggest names in Washington music and entertainment came together online Thursday evening for a benefit showcase supporting small, independently-owned venues in our state.
'Band Together Washington,' put on by Keep Music Live Washington and hosted by rapper/producer Sir Mix-A-Lot and Visqueen singer-songwriter-guitarist Rachel Flotard, featured concert rarities, discussions, memories, and live performances.
The list of on-screen supporters was long, including several artists with ties to MoPOP like 2019 Founders Award honoree Brandi Carlile, Sound Off! and The Residency alum Travis Thompson, and Mike McCready, who introduced historical concert footage from Pearl Jam's 2002 show at The Showbox and from the band's first night at the 2018 Home Shows in Seattle. Many, many more artists, entertainers, and music industry professionals were involved, which you can check out in the full stream embedded above.
"It's where you made connections, it's where you played music, it's where you started bands," McCready says of local venues' impact. "All the clubs that were out back then up until recently have been incredibly important for bands to hone their music."
Seattle hip-hop artist Macklemore adds: "They have been the vessel in which I've connected with an audience. I truly am forever in gratitude for these independent venues that have housed memories, created the magic. As a fan, as a performer, it's been an absolute privilege to experience these spots."
You can still make a donation to support the cause, or aid efforts by purchasing some sweet merch, including a 'Band Together Washington' poster designed by artist Brad Klausen. All proceeds from the event benefit Keep Music Live's efforts to provide COVID-19 relief grants for local music venues.
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What Else To Catch Up On This Weekend
- Our horror online watchalong series It's Coming From Inside the House! returns at 7 p.m. PST Friday, March 19 with Mimic: The Director's Cut, selected by this month's program special guest Dr. Michael Wall, Vice President of Science and Conservation at the San Diego Natural History Museum. There's still time to register!
- The 16th annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Film Festival put on by MoPOP in partnership with SIFF also takes place this weekend, with the streaming festivities starting at 11 a.m. PST on Saturday, March 20. To help you get in the sci-fi and fantasy mood, MoPOP Senior Curator Brooks Peck put together a list of his 16 genre favorites from the past 16 years. And if you're curious as to what films are screening this year, take a look at the 26 films including seven youth submissions set to stream this Saturday. Tickets to the online event are still available!
- For those of you venturing to MoPOP this weekend (reminder, we're now also open on Thursdays and Mondays!), make sure to swing by the animatronic mask from Sam in Trick r' Treat, which is now on display in our Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film exhibition. Take it as an early reminder to not skimp on your Halloween candy handouts this fall.
- Finally, for those looking for a bit of comic relief, our curatorial staff is back at it again with another MoPOP Movie Review, this time mercilessly roasting How to Steal a Million... except for when they were admiring the outfits, cars, interior decoration, and typesetting present in the 1966 film!
What'd We Miss?
Now that we've filled you in on a few things, what do you feel we failed to mention? Let us know in the comments, or hit us up with a suggestion on social media. We'll look to include your ideas in our next edition of I.C.Y.M.I.
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If you like what you see, support our work by making a donation or planning a visit to MoPOP today!