In Music+Travel Worldwide, Jessica Hundley takes you on a tour of Calicountry, Southern California’s native blend of country crooning, folk and rock ‘n’ roll. For a slightly different take on the sound, check out its Southern cousin, rockabilly, a style that fuses “hillbilly” music with old-school rock ‘n’ roll.
Like what you hear? Well, if you’re in the Seattle area this weekend, check out the 22nd annual Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball. The party kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. and runs through Saturday, September 26 at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard. The event is the longest-running rockabilly festival U.S. (and since this sound is pure Americana, we’re willing to bet good money that it’s the biggest in the world, too), and it features 10 bands, a classic car shows and plenty of dancing, for just $15/night. Plus, it’s hosted by our favorite radio station in the world, 90.3 KEXP. So girls, get out your bobby socks and boys put on those creepers and work in some pomade, and boogie on down to the Tractor Tavern.
If you can’t make the festival, tune into Shake the Shake with Dr. Leon Berman on KEXP, three full hours of rockabilly, country and rhythm and blues every Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. Check out their site for details.
Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. NW, 206-789-3599
Shanty Tavern, 9002 Lake City Way NE, 206-526-9854
image:Hoggarazzi Photography/Flickr