Chad Queirolo: Booker to the stars, or henchman for Satan? That is the question on the lips of many this week as yet another of Queirolo's bands suffers a medical calamity. First there was the life-threatening automobile accident experienced by Justin from Tight Bros from Way Back When; now I've received word that Derek Fudesco from Murder City Devils knocked himself unconscious while performing at the 13th Note in Glasgow, Scotland, breaking his leg in the process! Fudesco, a big, strapping lad of at least 6'6", leapt into the air and beaned himself on a rafter. As his lights went out, so did his ability to land safely, and snap went the leg bone connected to the foot bone. The bassist was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery, and now he's the not-so-proud owner of a metal plate and a lovely set of screws. I called Gabe, who stayed behind with his fallen brother while the rest of the band continued the tour with Zeke's new bassist filling in, and he said that Derek should be out of the hospital and back on the bus by the time you read this. As for Justin, he's out of the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. A word to the Bangs, who also are booked by Queirolo and just left on a national tour: We're praying for ya.

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Those who heard the recent announcement about the shitload of bands scheduled to play Experience Music Project's three-day grand opening ceremonies are probably wondering, like I am, "Does this mean we don't need to have Bumbershoot this year?" No less than 50 bands will play the event, including huge, big-name acts that Bumbershoot would kill to have. BUT, the shows don't come cheap: The Friday, June 23 event -- Metallica/Dr. Dre with Eminem & Snoop Dogg/Kid Rock/Filter/Red Hot Chili Peppers -- will set you back $59.50. The Saturday, June 24 show Eurythmics/Matchbox 20/ Alanis Morissette/ Beck/No Doubt -- ranges from $40 to $150, while the Screaming Trees are a bargain at $15, with Ann & Nancy Wilson, Built to Spill, the Fastbacks, Subset, Young Fresh Fellows and others rounding out that bill. There also will be several free shows, including but not limited to Hovercraft, Murder City Devils, Bratmobile, the Kingsmen, Patti Smith, and Bob Mould.

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Perhaps you've heard the rumors flying that the annual CMJ music conference is planning to bring a two-day mini-festival to Seattle in July. Well I'm here to tell you it's true, and former Breakroom booker Diane Perini, who now works for CMJ in New York, is in charge of rustling up the talent. The Stranger is sponsoring the event, so keep your eyes on It's My Party for all the "backstage" details.

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Now, I've certainly been one to toot Gordon Biersch's horn when it comes to nice joints in which to hear live bands, but damn if those Abercrombie & Fitch-wearing doofuses that hang there in the early evening aren't set on ruining it for the rest of us. First, one of them marched right up to Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin and requested he quit playing "depressing songs" because "they're bumming out my girlfriend, dude." Then last week, when members of Harvey Danger and the Nevada Bachelors graced the brewpub's stage as the Unrelentless, the management reported 12 complaints in 45 minutes from dumb-asses who demanded to know "Who are these people?" and "What is this music?" Management responded by asking the band to play songs with less words in them and not to interact with the crowd so much, and by threatening that their "gig" next week was in jeopardy. But as soon as the hipsters started arriving around 9:15, bringing their appreciation for live music and booze with them, the Unrelentless all of a sudden were bringing the house down with the very set the Abercrombie & Fitch dodos were whining about. The next day, the Unrelentless became the first band to be fired by Gordon Biersch, who clearly value the mall rats over the hipsters. My advice to management: The money crowd doesn't set foot into a mall until well after all the stores are closed.