You’d better book a sick day, folks. Because KEXP is taking over Ballard next Friday {May 20th}, and we’re pretty sure you’re not going to want to miss a minute of it. On top of countless gigs around town at night, they’ll be at the Sunset starting at 6a, with live bands and a live broadcast all day that’s free, open to the public, and all ages. (Hot damn.) Dig this lineup:

7a: David Bazan
9a: Yuni in Taxco
11a: Point Juncture, WA
1p: Buffalo Tom
3p: Joan as Police Woman
5p: Shabazz Palaces
6:30p: The Black Crabs
8:30p: Marshall Scott Warner

Yes, David Bazan really is on at 7a. For anyone else caring to join us at that moderately unholy hour, we’ll be the ones mainlining quad shots in the front row.

On top of that, there will be acoustic performances from Jason Dodson (of the Maldives) and BOAT at 2:30p and 5:30p respectively, over across the way at Cupcake Royale. And on top of that, KEXP DJs and live bands will continue their Ballard takeover well into the wee hours of the night: bands and hosts will be rocking the night away at the Sunset (post-broadcast, starting at 9:30p), the Tractor and Conor Byrne; and there will be live DJ sets at Harlow’s, Hazelwood, BalMar, Ocho, and Portalis.

Of particular interest is the one-two punch taking place over at Hattie’s, where Greg Vandy will be serving the drinks from 5-8p and Don Slack will be manning the decks from 8-10p. Add on all the Ballard business kicking down KEXP discounts, a food drive, and a smattering of other neighborhood events — well, the day’s going to be a win-win. No two ways about it.

Don’t miss a minute of it! We’ll see you out on the town.

{More information on KEXP’s Ballard Day can be found here. Photo of David Bazan at the Triple Door courtesy of Victoria VanBruinisse.}