Live at Bumbershoot, Day 1: Sera Cahoone

All photos by Morgen Schuler

Though she’s not originally from Seattle, Sera Cahoone has long been part of Seattle’s music community and can be seen drumming these days with just about everybody. She got her start on the sticks back in Colorado in her early teens, but a move further west at 21 led to her joining venerable slow-fi band Carissa’s Wierd (themselves Seattle transplants) and later backing Band of Horse, Betsy Olson, and Patrick Park. Though a natural behind the kit, Cahoone challenged herself by moving center stage and fronting her own solo project. Later this month, Sub Pop will release her third solo album, Deer Creek Canyon, recorded at Woodinville, Washington’s Bear Creek Studio and featuring her regular live band—Jeff Fielder, Jason Kardong, Jonas Haskins, Jason Merculief, and Sarah Standard—among others.

Kicking off the KEXP broadcast from the Bumbershoot Music Lounge, Sera Cahoone traded in her drum kit for guitar, backed by banjo, slide guitar, and yet more guitar. Cahoone proved to be no slouch on guitar, either, showing off some intricate playing. Combined with her dark and powerful voice, she’s a singer-songwriter whose talent seems to exceed her years. The early-afternoon audience greatly appreciated the gentle melodies and wistful sounds of Cahoone’s songs, which included several from Deer Creek Canyon, such as the sparse title track. Cahoone brought the set to a brighter end with the upbeat clap-along “Nervous Wreck”.