Pigs on the Wing

A couple months ago we ran an errand at a farmers market and Guido decided that he needed more coffee. We were in Seattle’s U-District. Over the years bubble tea stores have replaced the coffee shops from our memory, so we found ourselves off the beaten path at a funky neighborhood place.

Taped on the front door was a photocopied flyer for Pigs on the Wing. Celebrating 20 years as Pink Floyd tribute band, they were on a tour of the northwest playing the Animals album in full. The QR code was scanned, calendars were consulted, and a few weeks later we trekked back to the city to see Pigs on the Wing play.

They were fantastic! (...that is really what we think, oh by the way, which one's Pink?)

Guido has always loved Pink Floyd and spent countless hours listening to their full albums, as music lovers used to do before streaming. Erika grew up with Pink Floyd blasting from her dad’s 1970s, full wall, teak console stereo system or laying on her back watching live animation of The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon at the Seattle Center laser dome. We know our Floyd. Pigs on the Wing impressed us. 

Looking at some of their other tour dates, Mt. Vernon caught our eye. Guido’s second set of parents live nearby and a what a fun way to spend a little time with them. Text messaging ensued and, with no small feat of coordination, we trekked up north to meet them along with  Guido’s sister and her partner. The timing was great, his parents were also celebrating their birthdays. 

In an effort to beat traffic, we arrived a little early for a walk about town, browsing around a well-organized used book store and stopping in at a local chocolatier. Honestly, there was a lot more to see there, but we don’t like to rush. 

Once all our family members arrived, we started with drinks and bites at Revival Lounge. It’s a cozy space with great vibes- vintage wood, pressed tin ceiling, just enough light to take in their impressive cocktail menu, but not enough to harsh your mellow. Guido enjoyed a scotch-based Highland Fog from the seasonal menu followed by an Old Fashioned. Erika rarely drinks these days, but despite the impressive list of non-alcoholic offerings, she opted for a Sazerac, given the special occasion. It was done just right, a perfect indulgence.

Dinner followed at the Cask and Cleaver, where we were seated in a comfy little room next to the fireplace. It was all the better to enjoy good food and conversation. We had time for a digestive stroll along the scenic riverwalk before we claimed our seats at the 100 year old Lincoln Theatre and settled in for the show. 

Pigs on the Wing sounded even better than the first time. Definitely Lincoln Theatre’s acoustics are better than Seattle’s Neptune, and the band was tight. As promised, we were treated to the Animals album in full for their first set. A second set of favorites followed a brief intermission. The crowd of trippy dancers grew at the front of the stage. People sang and clapped along with the band. A good time was had by all.

Hugs and love-yous rounded out a very lovely evening in Mt. Vernon. It was an evening of celebration- another trip around the sun for both Guido’s parents, 20 years of Pink Floyd tribute for Pigs on the Wing, and 100 years of keeping music and the arts alive for a small town. It’s also nice to take a beat to linger over drinks and dinner, to enjoy a walk and some music with people that you care about.