Pygmalion

For the past three years, CU has hosted this little, tiny, teensy-weensy musical event called Pygmalion. Ok, “teensy-weensy?” Not so much. Founded by the Nicodemus Agency, the annual indie rock festival, set to take place September 17-20 in various locations around town, allows some huge names in music to grace our small metropolis with their presence and play alongside some local CU favorites. Gaining attention from the likes of Pitchfork and other large music sources, this festival has put CU on the map, featuring such artists as Of Montreal, Okkervil River, and Andrew Bird.
Looking at this year’s lineup, Pygmalion looks to be just as exciting as ever. Yo La Tengo is headlining the festival and, as the name states, they “have it” all. Their 24 year-spanning career has marked them as one of the greatest chemists of jazzy blues, electric guitar and breathy vocals. They are sure to go down as one of the greatest performances of the festival to date. Along with them, Black Mountain will be here as well. With the release of their second full-length album, In the Future, in January and their new EP, Bastards of Light, in May, the Vancouver band will have a slue of new songs to perform.
However, while Yo La Tengo and Black Mountain are known on a more national level, Pygmalion seems to be focusing on more local and regional acts this year. Originally from the CU area, Headlights returns for their fourth year at the festival. Fans of the local music scene can also look forward to performances by Casados, Krukid, Sunset Stallion, and Tractor Kings, all of whom are set to take the stage. Finally, local favorites Elsinore will showcase their new sound one more time in CU before the fall release of their highly-anticipated LP.
Get your tickets now as Pygmalion 2008 looks to be one of the best yet. Tickets are reasonably priced ($50) and the lineup is impressive. And if for no other reason, it will give you a reason to look forward to the start of school.

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