by Elaine Walker
Fresh off her chart-topping ‘Juno’ soundtrack, Kimya Dawson is now touring in support of her new solo release ‘Alphabutt.’ She performs at Department of Safety on Friday. Photo is by Jeff R.W.
Kimya Dawson, dubbed “den mother of the tiny anti-folk scene” by The New York Times, returns to Anacortes Friday to headline what promises to be an entertaining, eclectic show at Department of Safety.
On the bill with Dawson is Angelo Spencer, a one-man rockabilly band from Ancenny, France, whose bluesy guitar, raucous percussion and Pepe Le Pew charisma have won him an international following, as well as French garage-surf band L’Orchidee d’Hawaii and the healing/easy listening band Teeath.
Things get started at 7 p.m. with an art opening by DoS artist in residence Charlie Candler.
Admission to the all-ages show is $8.
Fresh off the success of the “Juno soundtrack, Dawson is touring in support of her new CD “Alphabutt.” She has been described as “one of those rare birds that make you feel like she needs you as much as you need her.”
“I think my songs sound a lot like something you and your mom can cry to together. Or even you and your grandma. Or your cat. Or a nice friend that usually just likes the radio hits,” she said on kimyadawson.com. “My songs are like radio ballads that don’t get played on the radio because they don’t sound like radio ballads. They just feel like them.”
Dawson came to national prominence in the quirky New York duo the Moldy Peaches. Her music was featured heavily on the best-selling soundtrack of the movie “Juno.”
She also has released several critically acclaimed solo albums featuring her trademark blend of offbeat humor and heart-on-sleeve sincerity. Her own homemade, four-track recordings enhances her songs’ intimate quality, likened to the sound of a friend whispering in your ear.
Dawson also has provided background vocals on tracks for Ben Kweller, Third Eye Blind, the Mountain Goats, They Might Be Giants and the Dutch band John Wayne Shot Me.
Also this week:
• Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., presents Frankly Moanin’, Dec. 3; Jack Hamilton, Dec. 5; Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method, Dec. 6; the Duntons, Dec. 10. Music is 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and 9 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Call 588-1720.
• Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., presents live music most weekends, about 9 to midnight, $3 at the door. Open Jam Thursdays with Mike Rothmeyer are 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Call 293-2544.
• Watertown Pub, 314 Commercial Ave., offers live music most weekends. Saturday is ladies night with top 40 DJ Ben Brown; Wednesday is karaoke night with DJ Steve, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 293-3587.
• Majestic Inn, 419 Commercial, has live music most weekends. Call 299-1400.
• Johnny Picasso’s, 501 Commercial Ave., presents John Van Deusen of Lonely Forest from 6 to 9 p.m. second Mondays.
• Star Bar, 416-1/2 Commercial, presents Jerry Jones Quartet, Dec. 6. Call 293-6747.
• Swinomish Northern Lights Casino presents Jazz Lunches 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 293-2691.
• Anacortes Eagles presents live music 7:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ray Peake plays 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Members and guests only. Call 293-3012.
