Red Bicycle Bistro and Sushi has a full lineup this weekend for Island music fans, including a first-time ever appearance on the Island by BLVD, a nationally known touring band.
The weekend’s entertainment will kick off with a do-it-yourself affair at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, when a free karaoke night is scheduled for ages 21 and older only.
The Bike will turn into a honky tonk at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, when The Shivering Denizens take the stage for a free show. The popular Seattle band draws on roots, outlaw country and rockabilly to play songs in the tradition of legendary hell-raisers like Hank Williams Sr., David Allen Coe, Johnny Cash, Johnny Paycheck and George Jones.
The show is for ages 21 and older only.
A different kind of act will take the stage on Sunday, when the nationally touring group BLVD, appearing with rapper Souleye, makes a stop on the Island.
BLVD is an up-and-coming San Francisco-based four piece ensemble that is coming to Vashon on the heels of appearances at Shambhala Festival in Nelson, British Columbia, and the Summer Meltdown Festival in Darrington, Wash.
The group has toured extensively in the past year, garnering a growing reputation as a hot new act in the live electronic movement. They play an unconventional and danceable blend of hip-hop, rock and street beats, mixing live instruments with electronic production techniques.
Their first full-length release, “Music for People,” was released in 2008, garnering a spot in the top 40 on CMJ charts for six weeks. Their second album, currently in production with producer Jeff Saltzman, is set for a winter 2009 release. Saltzman has worked with The Killers, Two Gallants, Fischerspooner and The Black Keys, among other groups.
BLVD’s show will include Souleye, a Colorado-based hip hop artist who performs all his shows in completely improvisational style.
The rapper has worked with artists including Zilla, Bassnectar, Michael Franti, The String Cheese Incident and The Glitch Mob.
To see a video of BLVD group performing to an enthusiastic audience, visit www.blvdsource.com.
The show will open with the local electronic group Organic Collective at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.
Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance or $15 on the night of the show. The Bike’s phone number is 463-5959.
