One of the most elegant ways to begin a set is to just start it without waiting for the crowd orienting themselves toward you. This performance started in just that way and it makes your heart glow. It’s the way that some pre-performance instrument playing eventually comes together and soon accompanied by the remainder of the band not already playing. It’s the way the crowd gradually subdues their conversing inverse to the build of the band.

LAKE, which consists of a troupe of incredibly wonderful individuals (Eli Moore, Ashley Eriksson, Lindsay Shief, Andrew Dorsette, Adam Oelsner, Mark Morrison) played at a currently defunct coffeehouse in Bellingham, Washington. This took place a little over a year ago but that just means it’s grown finer with age. LAKE generally does this.

On this occasion the band was joined by their dear friend, and kind fellow, John Ringhoffer of Half-Handed Cloud to play the Trombone and some other devices. The Coffeehouse was filled with maybe fifty people who were getting really into the mood the band projected. The stage wasn’t really a stage as much as it was just a space on the floor that was only a tad bit in the way of the path to the bathroom. It was fine since no one was really going over there anyway.