The 2009 Decibel Festival is in your ‘hood this weekend, Thursday through Sunday. The popular electronic music festival draws a savvy and fashionable crowd from all over the world to our city and neighborhood to eat, drink, walk, and buy.
Whether you’re into the 808 or not — 808 is slang for bass, Roland 808 drum machine, cowbell (and Hawaii, but that doesn’t apply) — we’ll have lots of visitors roaming the hill. What say we thaw a little of that so-called Seattle freeze and help dispel that reputation. Just a little.
If you want a taste of the electronic music scene without jumping in with both feet, here’s a list of where and when things are happening on the hill and the prime lurking opportunities.
Decibel Festival Will Call and Lounge
The Chapel // Thursday – Saturday
All passholders, including performers, must pass through The Chapel. Rub elbows with the electronic elite, no tickets required. Find a perch at the bar and hang on (and out). Prime time is Thursday and Friday.
Performances
Neumos // Thursday – Sunday, 8pm – 2am
Sole Repair // Thursday – Sunday, 8pm – 2am
Chop Suey // Saturday, 8pm – 2am
The street and sidewalks between Nuemos and Sole Repair form prime listening real estate. You can count on open windows at Sole Repair and open (but guarded) doors at Nuemos. Hover, stroll, get a snack at Pike Street Fish Fry, have a smoke.
After Hours party
The Electric Tea Garden // Friday & Saturday, 12am – 6am
Windows will be open, it get’s hot in this space. A good listening spot is the sidewalk across the street, in front of Porchlight Coffee.
Outdoors dB in the Park
Volunteer Park // Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
No skullduggery required, this event is FREE! It was a real blast last year and great for people watching and daylight, carefree dancing.
Conference and OPTICAL
Asian Art Museum // Sunday 3pm – 6pm
I got nothing for you here. Sorry. It is a museum, after all. They know security.
Off-hill locations include SAM, Motor, The Triple Door, Church of Bass, Little Red Studio, and Olympic Sculpture Park. Here’s a Google map of all Decibel Festival venues. Check the Decibel Festival site for a detailed schedule and information on all festival events.
Not sure who to see? Check these show recommendations.
Decibel Festival is a non-profit, four-day annual music and arts festival. Founded in 2003, the festival bridges the gap between technology and creativity through visual art, workshops, panel discussions and cutting-edge electronic music performances.
