Saturday, September 4, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

My Bumbershoot: Hats off to the Mayor

Executive Director of the Vera Project

More "My Bumbershoot"

Dispatches from artists about their Bumbershoot experience.

Bill Close, Mass Ensemble

Vienna Teng, singer-songwriter

Robyn Hitchcock, musician

Fred Armisen, comedian

Sarah Rudinoff, actress

Joshua Seftel, filmmaker

James Keblas, Vera Project

United State of Electronica

Dave Dederer, The Presidents of the United States of America

Editor's Note: We've asked about a dozen artists participating in Bumbershoot to send us dispatches about their Bumbershoot experience. Check for them every day as part of our Bumbershoot coverage. • • •

I have only been here for a few hours, but I am already having a great time. As a City of Seattle Arts Commissioner, I was able to host the Mayor's Arts Awards and was thrilled that Sub Pop Records was recognized. The Sub Pop folks are great.

As we were walking to the stage, a staff person (Tony) told Jonathan Poneman to wear a garlic hat as he accepted the award. Jonathan agreed and it goes down in history as the worst impulse buy in Seattle. I wasn't sure if he would actually wear it as he accepted an award from the Mayor but he did, and it was hilarious. Only from the folks at Sub Pop. I love them!!!

After the awards and opening ceremony I headed off to a reception party and was very impressed with the diversity of people attending. Where else but Bumbershoot would you have millionaire arts philanthropists socializing with hipster musicians?