The sweet sounds of live music reverberate throughout our city once again, and we couldn’t be happier about it. We’re enjoying an anticipated return to venues that require attendees to show vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test (within the past 72 hours); be sure to read up on each stage’s protocol ahead of time.

Last Thursday, LA-based rockers Dawes returned to The Showbox (at the Market) as part of their fall tour in support of their latest album — GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER. This newest creation is Dawes’ seventh studio LP and was produced by six-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell and the 400 unit) at Nashville’s famed RCA Studio A.

At the well-attended Seattle show, respectful audience members sang and grooved along to memorized lyrics — then attentively hushed to hear new numbers and tales as lead singer-guitarist Taylor Goldsmith temporarily took the stage alone. His appreciation to be playing live was palpable, and his heartfelt banter brought a lovely tone to the entire night (with references to his new baby boy, and now-wife Mandy Moore having attended a Dawes Showbox concert not long after they had met). We are so grateful this amazing downtown site is still around.

On December 3, modern-day troubadour/singer-songwriter John Craigie returns to Seattle, performing at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall – Benaroya Hall in a long-awaited celebration of his latest album, Asterisk The Universe (released in 2020). You can read about the uber-talented and hilarious musician, referred to as “the lovechild of John Prine and Mitch Hedberg with a vagabond troubadour edge” by The Stranger, in our Seattleite interview from 2017. Craigie’s captivating narratives, quirky characters and beautifully poignant lyrics are not to be missed.

Lastly, Bloodworks Northwest has announced a special November “Donate and Win Music Experience,” as part of its Music’s In Our Blood campaign. Anyone who donates blood up until November 28, can fill out an online entry form to win a special giveaway; the grand prize winner gets a 4-day/4-night free getaway to Cabo San Lucas, where they’ll meet multi-Grammy-winning artist Macklemore at the Palm Tree Music Festival December 2-6.

This campaign speaks to the fact that the demand for blood has never been higher. Bloodworks Northwest aims to generate awareness of this critical need through music’s ability to drive connection — with an attempt to recruit 10,000 new donors by the end of the year.

Bloodworks Northwest and The Residency also just announced the launch of Busking for Blood Donors, a showcase featuring young hip-hop artists from The Residency who will perform holiday songs in “busker-style” — in exchange for blood donation pledges rather than tips.