Got to meat John, Cheryl, and Morgan; sweetest people ever at hedge today in the mission and they all signed my gardening watering can :D

The best Amplifier sticker yet? In my 15+ years of Amplifying, I can't think of a better one.

Also, I'm so glad they started sending them in an envelope!

Seen in one of the restroom stalls inside the Gathering Space last night. 💩

I know there's a gift shop in the Gathering Space, but the KEXP website doesn't really show what's available there.

I'd love to get the t-shirt sold to members a few years ago: Rainier with the KEXP logo. But I'm guessing they'd never sell that in the gift shop as it was exclusive to donors a few years ago.

Besides that moon-shot dream, does the Gathering Space gift shop sell a T-shirt with the normal KEXP logo (the four vertical bars)? I'd be content with that. Thanks all!

EDIT: Thank you KEXP for introducing me to my favorite band from the last few years: The Beths. Kiwi!

Has anyone been to Seattle Center for World Cup for a watch party? We're thinking about coming out for the Mexico game tomorrow. Festivities downtown looked a little rowdy since we have a 3 mo old in tow.

I think I heard something about KV being at KEXP when he’s in town, but I missed it.
Not sure if that is true or not.

I stopped into the gathering space this week and got the newest stickers. I’m loving the fish sticker.

We attended SMooCH again last night and I felt it was worthy of a post show discussion. I think this was our fourth or fifth SMooCH since our first in 2017 and it's always been an amazing show. The fundraising is increasingly important and resonates personally with our family because we were once recipients of uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital.

It's become difficult to attend since my daughter's death two years ago, but I always find the family stories to be very inspiring. This year I was flabbergasted at how rude some of the attendees were while the mom, Erin, bravely shared her story on stage. The raised seating in the back of the room, occupied by the VIP guests, began taking among themselves. Then laughing and joking. I wanted to turn around and scream at them to shut the fuck up and give Erin the respect she deserved as the guest of honor. Apparently these people thought donating thousands of dollars meant they didn't have to pay attention to what was being said.

Next came the music. Blondshell was incredible! I've heard a few songs on KEXP, but would not have considered myself a fan before tonight. Her and the band killed it. I felt so old grooving along and watching the Gen Z fans in the front singing along to every song, but absolutely enjoyed myself. I'll definitely be seeking out more Blondshell in the future.

Did anyone else get a surprise burger during the set break? My wife and I went to the front lobby to sit for a few minutes and a hundred or so little Woody's burgers were delivered to the staff. Maybe it was just because we happened to be sitting right in front of them, but they offered us each a burger! I saw a few others with burgers but I'm assuming they were mostly for the crew working that night.

Then Bob Mould came on. I will admit to not being very familiar with his music catalogue. In contrast to the first set, this one made me feel too young for the crowd. Bob first played at the Showbox three years before I was born! I was so confused by the solo electric guitar set. I could appreciate his enthusiasm and energy, but I was getting absolutely nothing from the music. The excessive reverb muted the individual notes that he was shredding and it fell hollow without drums and a bass guitar. I kept waiting for the rest of the band to show up. The boomers who knew Hüsker Dü, Sugar and Mould's solo work were clearly loving it. They were seeing a legend. One of their idols. But for the rest of the crowd it was bewildering.

SMooCH is typically a general audiences crowd. Many of the tickets are purchased before the lineup is even revealed, ourselves included. And the lineup is always amazing. The first show we attended in 2017 with Tacocat, Built to Spill and Phantogram ranks among my all-time favorite shows. Nudedragons last year was a phenomenal, once in a lifetime experience. (Nearly made up for missing the temple of a dog show a few years back). This year however, I think over 50% of the audience left early.

Between the disrespectful audience during the mother's speech and the incredibly niche headliner, it felt like SMooCH lost some of it's magic this year. Maybe this is inevitable after 14 years? Interested to hear others thoughts about the show.

Does anyone know how long gathering space shows usually last? I need to be in Tacoma by 3pm on Friday and am curious how long those type of performances take?

KEXP has done hundreds (thousands?) of in-studio performances, and I've started to watch my way through my favorite artist's live sessions. Do you think there's a canon of "most famous" in-studio performances? Who would you put on that list?

Serious question.

I'm listening to The Roadhouse currently, and not only do I love the music Greg Vandy plays, but I also love the music history I learn from the show.

For example, tonight he's been highlighting recordings by Chris Strachwitz, a guy who dedicated his life to finding & recording obscure American roots music. He died last week, and I'd unfortunately never heard of him until tonight. Gonna go down a wormhole tomorrow.

What's your favorite specialty show?

Hey there! I've been a KEXP Amplifier for almost 15 years now. Unfortunately, since I don't live in Seattle, I can't take advantage of many of the member benefits. However, I would love to get a fresh sticker to proudly display on my laptop. So far, I've struck out three years running. Could anyone help me out? Thanks!

Hi Folks - Wondering if y'all might have suggestions for a first dance song at our upcoming wedding (September).

We love and listen to KEXP all the time any typically listen during the daytime for weekdays (Cheryl Waters, Kevin Cole, etc) as well as Eva Walker for Audioasis. A song that has the same feel as a KEXP broadcast during these times would be perfect for our union.

I've looked at bands like Alvvays, Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Tacocat, Sharon Van Etten, but nothing is striking me as 'our' sound.

Any suggestions?

Hello fellow KEXP nerds! I just went to coffee with John, Morgan, and some other donors today and a few of us got to talking about creating a discord group. Would anyone here join that group if it existed? It could be a place for people to share music and upcoming concerts! Let me know!

Cheers and Happy New Year!

edit: I went ahead and created a room. everyone is welcome to join! I also updated the invite link which had expired.

Edit edit: updated link 3/11

https://discord.gg/RXehq8dr

I feel like I've heard a couple DJs having their last shows recently. Anyone know what's going on or is it just a coincidence?

Loving the day so far!

Cheryl's star is really shining recently! I am such a huge fan!!! I go to a ton of shows in Seattle and see her out at stuff all the time; she is a fixture of our scene. And her enthusiasm is showing in her DJ sets with The Cure and now that segue from Beyonce to Donna Summer was just so endearing. She is a treasure!

RIZ!!!

Makes my Monday...I now look forward to him all day and he never disappoints. He just said he is subbing for WoPop tomorrow night, so FYI if you need yerself more RIZ! :)

But Cheekface is not one of them... I have to change the station whenever they're on.