As a music lover, I’m incredibly fortunate to live in the Seattle area. Great bands play local shows at cool, smaller venues, and I can enjoy a lot of music just a few miles from my house. Thanks to Bill, who introduced me to smaller shows, I’ve developed something of an addiction and am always on the lookout for fun bands to go and see. Some months, I’ll catch one or two shows, and then there are months like this October that have so many great shows that I’ll be attending at least one a week. Here are my top recommendations for fun shows and venues this month.
Jr. Jr. (formerly Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) at Neumos – Oct. 6th
Yes, this one is slightly short-notice, but trust me, it’s worth rearranging your plans. Neumos in Seattle is one of my favorite places to catch a show. Originally Moe’s Mo’Roc’N Cafe, it opened in 1994 and then reopened as Neumos in 2003 (the name ‘Neumos’ is pronounced “New Moes”….get it?). The band, Jr. Jr., recently underwent a name change from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. They’re best described as an indie band from Detroit and they’re always a fun band to watch. I saw them once before at Neumos and am psyched to go back again. The crowd may get a little unruly (which is funny to me since the band’s songs are on the mellow, upbeat side of things) but it’s definitely a good time.
Chvrches at the Paramount Theatre – Oct. 14th
I’m actually a little surprised that there are still tickets available for this show, since last year when Chrvrches played Seattle they sold out (so if you want to go, get your tickets fast!). I love going to see shows at the Paramount Theatre. It opened in 1928 and was called the Seattle Theatre. Originally a movie house, the Paramount has evolved into a performance hall that hosts a variety of great shows. I’ve seen everything there from concerts to Broadway shows, and it never disappoints. The architecture alone is worth a visit, but to see Scottish-originating electronic band Chvrches is . I first saw them at Lollapalooza in Chicago last year, and was super bummed when I went to get tickets to their following Seattle show only to find that they were sold out. Not only is lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s voice amazing, but the band has an awesome stage presence and their live performances are far better than a recording could ever truly capture.
DIIV at Neumos – Oct. 19th 
DIIV is an indie rock band with a very shoegaze-esque vibe from New York. It started out as former Beach Fossils’ drummerZachary Cole Smith’s side project (the band name is pronounced ‘Dive’ and was named after a Nirvana song). I was fortunate enough to see them earlier this year at the Capitol Hill Block Party and now I’m beyond psyched to enjoy their music live again. Go to this show prepared to be transfixed by bassist Devin Ruben Perez, because to say he is amazing is a major understatement. Their new single, Dopamine, is so good that I admit I’ve set it on repeat in my car because I can’t get enough of it.
Small Black at the Crocodile – 10/28
From reading this post, you might gather than I enjoy indie rock bands from New York, and you would be right about that. Small Black is another one, and their album No Stranger (released in 2013) was one of my favorites for that entire year. Now they’re back out playing shows to promote their new album, Best Blues, and will be at the Crocodile in Belltown. The Crocodile originally opened in 1991 and hosted shows to some amazing bands, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The venue closed in 2007, but luckily was renovated and reopened in 2009. You can show up early and grab a delicious woodfired pizza for dinner at the Back Bar before enjoying the show.