Submitted by Terry Granillo:

Tonight's star-studded show was played on relatively short notice, mainly it seems to raise money for emergency back surgery for band manager Barbara Dollarhide (Goodness, Junes, Mike Johnson, Anodyne, Alcohol Funnycar, Stuntman), with half of the proceeds going also to Planned Parenthood. 7 Year Bitch headlined a huge line-up for a club show, featuring Anodyne, Dancing French Liberals of '48, Alcohol Funnycar, Mike Johnson, and Goodness. This show was also being simulcast over KGRG, who had a table set up back by the soundboard.

The crowd filtered in and out through the first four bands, but packed in solid when Goodness took the stage. Carrie Akre and friends warmed the crowd up nicely for 7 Year Bitch's closing performance. This was my first experience with 7YB live, and I was awestruck. They played smoothly through titles off their soon-to-be-released third full-length CD. The whole band was exceptionally tight, putting out a sound simultaneously controlled and frenzied. Selene slowly circled the mic through much of the slower sections, fixing the crowd with a riveting and mesmerizing stare, only to set off the entire front section into a frenzied dance as the tempo took off. Selene is clearly the focus of the band tonight, a bright light of energy between the relatively subdued Liz and Roisin, singing powerfully whether standing, kneeling or even at times lying on the stage.

The crowd was exhausted by the time the set closed at 1:30, and made a fairly pathetic attempt at calling them back on stage. Fortunately for us all, they were in the mood for an encore, and despite only a few folks screaming their heads off for more, they took the stage for two more songs highlighted by Selene's tribute to Mia off of Viva Zapata.

I arrived not knowing what I'd think of this foursome, 7 Year Bitch. I left a permanent fan of one of Seattle and the worlds best rock bands!