Freakout Records, an independent Seattle based record label, presented “The Freakout Weekender”, a two day music festival in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, that lasted from April 1st through April 2nd. The festival was hosted at two Belltown venues, The Belltown Yacht Club and the newly renovated The Crocodile and featured a variety of performers and artists.

Senior Photographer Caroline Anne teamed up with Junior Photographer Emma Benningfield for day two of the festival at The Crocodile. Here are their favorite acts from the event.

Beverly Crusher (Seattle, WA)

Beverly Crusher was the perfect band to start off Saturday’s Weekender event. The always energetic, Seattle based, acid punk band made perfect use of their short 30 minute set. Named after the headstrong but short lived character, Beverly Crusher, from “Star Trek The Next Generation”, the band is: Cozell Wilson (lead guitar, vocals), Max Stiles (bass, backing vocals), Sam Stiles (drums, backing vocals). Formed in 2014, Beverly Crusher is no stranger to music festivals having recently performed in Idaho for the annual Treefort Music Fest. The band has a genuine love for each other that comes through effortlessly when performing and plays every note like it’s their last.

Atalhos (São Paulo, Brazil)

Performing on the tiny but mighty Here-After stage in the Crocodile’s new comedy club was the shoe-gaze pop band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their 45 minute set was a mix of slow dreamy electronic tunes mixed with a splash of pop rock guitar. Dressed in vintage attire and colored by all blue lights gave their performance a throwback feel to another generation. Fans seated in the theater swayed to the music with big smiles that the band returned back to them. At the end of their first song the lead singer announced how happy they were to be in America promoting their new album “A Tentacao do Fracasso” which translated in English is “The Temptation of Failure.” Based on their performance one could only see success in their future.

Balto (Los Angeles, CA)

Hailing from LA this quartet is: Daniel Sheron (guitar, lead vocals), Adam Ditt (bass), Sheldon Reed (drums) Tristan Lake Leabu (vocals, electric guitars). Fresh off the road after playing at both Treefort Music Fest and SXSW, Balto did not sound tired. Their performance was perfectly polished, super energetic, technically insync and Daniel Sheron’s vocals were impressively sharp. Guitarist Tristan Lake Leabu was mesmerizing with a double guitar that he never put down. Sheldon Reed’s intense drum solo stole the spotlight for a moment and from the sound of the crowd, probably stole some hearts. You could tell the band has been playing together for a while, even if they didn’t mention it. Speaking of mentions.. Sheron gave a shout out to the staff of the Crocodile and asked the crowd to give them a round of applause. Which was pretty cool, especially since venue workers are still trying to make up for lost hours thanks to pandemic closures. Fans of Jayhawks, Band of Horses and Arlo Guthrie will dig Balto.

Margaritas Podridas (Hermosillo, México)

A melodic shoegaze band with some teeth. Formerly called “Rotten Daisies” the 4 piece band from Mexico seemed to capture the attention of fans walking by Madame Lou’s. Their set was simple yet powerful and they seemed older than their years.

Xavier Holliday (Chicago, IL)

This Chicago based rap artist started his set kneeling under one spot light and then exploded onto the stage. His fans went wild, throwing their hands in the air and screaming back the rapper’s lyrics. Joining Xavier on stage was musician Princella Ray who provided backing tracks. Xavier stopped to talk to the crowd to state the importance of putting away digital devices to be more mindful and present in the moment.

Joshy Soul (Los Angeles, CA)

Dancing, Dancing, Dancing! Woo! The minute this band started the crowd got pumped UP! Fans ran to the main stage to swing and dance with each other. The L.A based soul singer is a multi-talented artist, writer, producer, and stylist. Watching him perform live was like seeing an art exhibit come to life. When he wasn’t belting out his notes while dancing or playing the keys, he was leaning over the stage to connect with this crowd. Joshy Soul’s almost one hour performance was full of songs that not only moved the audience physically but spiritually. His song “Lover” is about self-care and putting yourself first above others.

Acid Tongue (Seattle, WA)

The Seattle based band is a mix of Americana and psychedelic garage rock. Formed around 2015 they are an annual Freakout Fest fan favorite who always put 100% into their performance. This duo, sometimes a full band, is led by singer/ songwriter Guy Keltner and drummer/vocalist Ian Cunningham. On this night Guy & Ian were backed by a full band including a percussionist, background singer and saxophone. If you ever get the chance to see this band live, you are in for a real treat. Just make sure you bring your dancing shoes because it’s impossible to stand still.

Keltner wore a slim emerald green suit (tailor made just for the lead singer) and the band was illuminated by a trippy, psychedelic liquid light show by Mad Alchemy which gave the whole performance a trip back in time. One of things that makes Acid Tongue stand out among other bands is their constant support of other artists. On any Acid Tongue album you can find at least one collaboration with one of their favorite fellow artists. Towards the end of their one hour set, Shaina Shepard (Bear Axe), joined the band to perform “Suffering for You” a single that can be found on Acid Tongue’s new album “Arboretum”.

Constantly evolving their music by experimenting with other genres, incorporating their discovery into their own creative designs. Behind most of their happy pop sounds are lyrics that cover much darker and deeper emotions. Arboretum was inspired by Guy Keltner’s personal struggle with bipolar disorder, drugs and alcohol abuse and life during the height of the covid-19 pandemic.