Ideally summertime is all about getting sweaty and silly at free outdoor music shows. And guess who sticks to their ideals? Our provider of independent, new music, KEXP. Their summer concert series at the Mural Amphitheater in Seattle Center is running over the next few weeks to bring you a plethora of pitch-perfect bands for free. This Saturday, the 8th happens to be their annual BBQ from 2-9 pm and you know it’s going to rock your socks off.

Headlining is Dinosaur Jr. whom I have never had the pleasure of seeing live despite listening to them for years now. But what I’m really excited for is the New York City based Cymbals Eat Guitars. Their album Why There are Mountains, came out earlier this year and seamlessly blends Isaac Brock-esque yells and softer meandering ambience full of stinging guitar riffs and carefully placed complex time signatures that you fall in to like a waterbed, creating your own ripple inside of a contained and packed sound.

Portland’s Viva Voce is playing as well. Their new album, Rose City is the husband and wife duo’s most blatantly sincere release. They’re expanded lineup delivers a larger musical framework for their intimate songs to thrive within. And if you’re looking for intimacy, check out Japandroids for two Vancouver boys who love making their particular brand of yelling and racket together.

Born Anchors and champagne champagne will be kicking the day off so get there early, eat food, stay hydrated and don’t miss what’s sure to be the coolest BBQ to attend this summer.

(Photo: Laura Musselman)