Nirvana’s original bassist Krist Novoselic talks politics, performs at Richland venues

Rock fans in Tri-Cities were blessed with the presence of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee this past weekend. Nirvana’s original bassist Krist Novoselic visited both The Emerald of Siam and Ray’s Golden Lion on July 26, a surreal experience for many who attended.

A lifelong musician and activist, Novoselic used his time in Tri-Cities for both — with a discussion on the current political climate and his plans for the future at The Emerald, followed by the show at Ray’s.

Staff at The Emerald told the Herald that Novoselic intentionally split the topics. While the afternoon listeners at The Emerald heard reference to his musical career, the focus was politics. During the set at Ray’s, it was all music, no politics.

Novoselic’s Cascade Party of WA

The primary motivation for political discussion was Novoselic’s hope to get a new political party off the ground. The centrist party is aimed at breaking the polarized norms of the current climate.

The musician was gathering signatures throughout the day to legitimize the party. The goal is not to get onto the upcoming ballot, but grow the party’s presence.

The Cascade Party of Washington is intended to unify eastern and western Washington, representing shared priorities. According to the party site , these priorities are:

• Social good
• Agriculture
• Judicial reform
• Transparency
• Environment
• Good government
• Healthcare

The Cascade Party of Washington is described as an independent state party, aiming to offer a new voice to state residents. It’s member-driven, asking members to discuss their needs and make proposals to improve the state.

Owner of The Emerald of Siam, Dara Quinn, said Novoselic brought his wife with him, and they stuck around to try the food.

Krist Novoselic at Ray’s Golden Lion

Leading up to the concert, Novoselic gathered more signatures while meeting fans. For no charge, Tri-Citians were able to shake hands with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, take pictures with him, and receive a signed and personalized postcard.

Throughout the night, many in attendance reveled in that chance. Local rock fans were mystified by the chance to see Krist Novoselic live, and expected no additional perks. To have such a fan experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many.

The night’s performances consisted of The Love Darts and Krist Novoselic’s Bonafide Band . A handful of fans were excited for the former, and the rest of the audience accepted them as a welcome addition to the show.

The Love Darts are a “sloppy rock” band from Montana, consisting of Jimi, Joey, Jeff and Graham. They brought massive energy to the stage in an effortless way, like they would’ve played with the exact same tenacity if the stage had merely been the corner of someone’s basement.

Ray’s Golden Lion was noticeably packed. There were regulars, occasional visitors and some folks who only come around once in a blue moon — everyone came out for Krist Novoselic. At the same time, the crowd responded well to The Love Darts. From the sound of it, the musicians from Montana gained some new fans with the performance.

Novoselic’s Bonafide Band also features Mark Pickerel, Ellensburg native and former drummer for The Screaming Trees, Kathy Moore, Jillian Weiss and Jennifer Johnson. The group is new, on top of other projects the individuals are involved with.

Despite it’s recent creation, the Bonafide Band’s chemistry was palpable. Each of the musicians is accomplished and talented in their own right, but it was clear they elevated each others’ sounds. There wasn’t a lull, or even a dull spot, for the entirety of the set. While playing an array of covers and jams, the final sound muddled genres, with grunge influence present in a more rock-and-roll foundation.

Novoselic also played accordion for part of the set, passing off his Nirvana-branded bass to a bandmate.

At the end of the night, Novoselic hung his bass from a light above his head, while he and Pickerel put their hands up, as if in honor or worship of the instrument. Several audience members couldn’t help but do the same, after seeing the sheer electricity of the performance.