Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically.

Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!

I am once again blogging a day early. This time, I will be out all day Saturday, September 5, with Author Event Network at the Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk, right by the ferry dock. It looks like it will be a nice day for it, so if you’re in the area or want an excuse to take the fast ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, come say hi and pick up a book or three from me or my author pals. Or if you’re more interested in bands who aren’t playing Bumbershoot, check out the sampling below.

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And…hit the subscribe button at the bottom to never miss a post.

Anxious Cats
It has been my experience that if you have two cats, one of them will be anxious and the other will be chill. I don’t know what happens if you have three or more.

Devils Duvet
It looks temptingly cozy but is actually too warm by a lot.

Great Comma Thanks
If you don’t know what to say, compliment their punctuation. If someone compliments your punctuation, express gratitude.

Great Jade Labyrinth
Liking the fantasy/mythology vibes here. What quest led here, and what happens if/when the hero escapes?

The Porch Cats
These cats are lounging at the entrance, coolly judging all visitors and passersby. (Not to be confused with Porch Cat, featured on November 18, 2017.)

Two last things before you go:

1. I run The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
2. I share highlights from this blog in my monthly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the archive and subscribe below for future issues.