Jherek Bischoff

Despite wicked feedback buzzing that the perpetually overwhelmed sound guy at the Yeti stage never figured out, the string-laden nine-piece ensemble arranged by Seattle's Jherek Bischoff delivered a set of lush chamber music that made everyone at the smallest Sasquatch stage feel instantly classier. Although, to break up his hauntingly beautiful arrangements and get people moving, Bischoff did include his take on "Kule Kule" by Congo trance band Konono No. 1 in his set list. While his thoroughly composed, nostalgic aesthetic contrasted with much of the indie-leaning festival line-up, it blended into the awe-inspiring Gorge Amphitheatre surrounding as aptly and mystifyingly as Pink Martini did in 2011. Bischoff was a beacon of sophistication in his dapper tuxedo, complete with cufflinks and slicked back hair. Yet, for all his style, having somehow made the accidental unplugging of his ukulele seem flashy, he was comfortable enough to sit back and watch his ensemble play a piece while he hung out in the wings and beamed an unnaturally huge smile, occasionally appearing to keep time in difficult passages.