Belltown Bloom Festival Electrifies Downtown Seattle

What a pleasure it was to attend Belltown Bloom 2023!  Strategically curated by members of local Seattle band La Fonda the impressive bill of artists was jampacked into one building. A sleeping part of me was awoken by the environment created at The Crocodile. I had read and heard stories of settings like this, but I had never been able to find it on my own. Although not advertised as all female festival, every performance was femme fronted. The atmosphere oozed utter bad bitchery, inclusivity, queerness, and punk in its most unadulterated mentality.

Femininity took shape through its many different, true forms. Performance after performance was spot on, artists left it all out on stage to be ruminated on. Self-expression was everywhere, in clothing, makeup, and musical gear. Behind it? A release of skull vibrating momentum. Below were our top 10 picks from the impressive festival. We also enjoyed music by Zella Day, Pearl & The Oysters, Byland, Prom Queen, Cat Valley, Rub, Medejin, Flesh Produce, and Coral Grief.

Kicking off the first show of their US tour, Skating Polly ripped open the Croc with astounding fervency. It’s clear sisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse, are no strangers to the stage. Don’t be fooled by their velvety croons, they’ll kick the roof off at a moment’s notice. At early on at ages 9 and 14, leading sisters formed the group in Oklahoma until becoming based out of Tacoma.  Since then, they’ve been progressively carving out their well-deserved space in the DIY Alt/Punk arena. Mayo jumps into frame with electric pink hair, dramatic red platform boots, serving high kicks like a maniac with bass in hand. Bighorse sporting camo cargos and a candy apple red music man. In real time, their As-if-whatever bravado (“Are you upset? Are you upset? Did I hurt your little feelings?”- Camelot) makes you feel like an extra in a 2023 remake of Freaky Friday. Be sure to listen to their latest drop “I’m sorry for Always Apologizing.”

Notable Tracks: Hail Mary, They’re cheap (I’m Free), Stop Digging, Hickey King

SUSU was an entrancingly spiritual experience. Earnestly soulful, SUSU was here to baptize us in their bluesy rock gospel. Vocalists Kia Warren and Liza Colby fronted the band matching head to toe, keeping form with movements that are partly choreographed yet rely heavily on improvision. They remained in sync with each other as with the rest of the group, all cathartically releasing celestial tones in unison.  On the breakdowns, we watch the musicians get lost in their craft and the frontwomen become overtaken by it, reaching for tambourines, tapping their feet and lashing their Senegalese twists about. At times leaving the stage to mix in with the crowd.  There were details of Pan-African lore with tracks like “Rollin Calf” (Jamaican superstition) and “SUSU” itself being a language belonging to the Mande Language family of West Africa.

Notable songs: Atomic Love, Work Song, It can’t be Over

Ultimate veterans of cool, L7 were highly anticipated by festival attendees. I spoke to somebody who recounts, “Causing mayhem at 14 years old, listening to L7 with my best friend in rural Texas.”  Another told me she flew from Edmonton, Alberta, CA to catch one of their shows. Some were looking for another nostalgia fix, others were anxiously anticipating seeing them for the first time. Wind machines, OG wide guitar stances, coordinated hair flips, Suzi Gardner screaming as if she’s been branded, “Get out of my way or I’m gonna SHOVE.” 30 years later, L7 reigns supreme as founding mothers that help to build the basis for us to gather today. Observing generations of womxn showcasing their creativity in all of its marvel was a beautiful full circle moment. After the show I asked, “What does it takes to get L7 out to play at a festival similar to this?” Donita Sparks replied stating “Asking. We get asked to play male headlining festivals all the time, but never something like this. This was incredible to be a part of.”

Notable tracks: Shove, Shitlist, Wargasm

Thunderpussy put up spectacular performance, as per usual. The Seattle superstars do it all:  choreography, costumes, theatrics, kick ass songs, and unmatchable energy. The chemistry they have between one another is potent. The gang recently wrapped up a USA tour with PNW legend Jerry Cantrell of Alice and Chains. Thunderpussy is a fresh take on a legit, heavy rock band. Vocalist Molly Sides embodies 1920s pinup biker ballerina-chic, as she flirts with the crowd and belts out into a pyle type microphone. You can watch Whitney Petty pour her soul into her guitar as she plays, Leah Julius‘ powerhouse basslines are dynamically present and anything but monolithic. Michelle Nuno crashes down into the drums to lead them into the climaxes. Do yourself a favor and experience them live.

Notable Tracks: Speed Queen, Firebreather, Thunderpussy, Velvet Noose

Pussy Riot is an established punk performance art collective from Moscow, Russia. They’re known for their large-scale public demonstrations protesting the Russian government, human rights and fascism. Friday night Nadya Tolokonnikova performed representing the group. While Pussy Riot’s music was originally punk rock in style, throughout the years it has shifted into different genres alongside their collaborations with bigger ticket artists. The background dancers were wearing the signature neon balaclavas, Nadya however was not. Between songs Nadya, spoke about similarities in corruption amongst Russia and the USA. She also expressed her view on the power states like Texas hold in regard to influencing the others. This year Pussy Riot received the Woody Guthrie Prize for their work towards social justice. Nadya’s performance was intense, inspiring, powerful and awakening.

Notable works: Punk Prayer, World Cup Final invasion, Hangerz

Portland four-piece Spoon Benders blasted sludgy psychedelic punk early into the event. Their tracks drive on steadily with heavy licks chiming through. Frontwoman Katy Black wore eye catching black eyeliner extending down her cheeks. They just released their sophomore record, How Things Repeat, and are building a lot in the punk community. This is a band you have to experience live in order to feel their magnetic charisma.

Notable Tracks: No Exit, Dichotomatic, Layla, Cut Behind

Fest curators La Fonda performed a dreamy set at Madame Lou’s. La Fonda has been a part of the local scene since 2016, and recently released the single “New Mexico,” from their new record, We Are Infinite. The band is led by sisters Veronica and Valerie Topacio. Listening to La Fonda perform feels like floating in water on your back, soothing. The bass drum thuds remind me of a heartbeat. The air is light and wholesome, people exchange smiles and blow kisses to one another.

Notable Tracks: Burning on the Sun, Kaleidoscope, New Mexico

Thelma and the Sleaze, a queer southern rock band out of Nashville Tennessee, gives new definition to “sleazy” in down dirty, mullets and cowboy boots fashion. Guitarist, lead singer and self-proclaimed, “Queen of Shit Mountain,” Lauren “LG” Gilbert, is surely a spit fire, swinging a beautiful custom SG around her neck to solo. Sometimes pointing it through the crowd to size us up. The sleaze in question is densely groovy, borrowing bold classic 80s era characteristics with raspy seductive vocals. Bailey “Pig Pen” Chapman’s drumming, sounds like phases of a thundering storm.

Notable Tracks: Cum, Down, High Class Woman

Mannequin Pussy is an indie punk band out of Philadelphia, PA, but you wouldn’t expect it.  Marisa Dabice appears in a Victorian maiden era dress, seeming sweet until she snarls with desperation as if she is falling through a well. The instrumentation is clean and clear, until it’s not and suddenly Dabice is running around screaming in a manner fit for heavy metal. After which she gives us a curtsey.

Notable Tracks: Romantic, Perfect, Cream

Zookraught  performed at Madame Lous, where chaos was afoot. The crowd was like waves during a storm, throwing themselves around to eclectic melodies. Frontwoman and bassist Stephanie Jones switches between sweet singing and throaty screams, other parts of the group follow suit it pure disorder. Their second EP, Canvas Eyes, is set to release May 20th. Catch them next at Fisherman’s Village Fest!

Notable Tracks: Canvas Eyes, Un-fucking-done, Hunny F*ckit

Photos: Sophia Barkalakis @s.barkalakis