All Photos by Suzi Pratt

Suzi Pratt had a front row view of Blue Scholars from the photo pit! I on the other had did not. Although at least 200 rows deep, it was still clear that Blue Scholars rocked it for the home team. Emcee Geologic (Geo) and producer Sabzi formed Blue Scholars when they were students at the University of Washington back 2002. Seeing Geo sport a vintage UW jersey made the Blue Scholars CHBP performance that much sweeter, especially when they performed “The Ave,” the locals only name for University Avenue, home of the college kids and “ave rats.”

Just in case everyone in attendance wasn’t aware that this Blue Scholars set was extra special, Mayor Mike McGinn introduced the set and named Blue Scholars his favorite Seattle rap group. Geologic and Sabzi came out and greeted the anxious crowd with “50k Deep.” After the song, Geo asked the audience, “Do you like intelligent rock music?” “AAAAHHHHHHH” the audience responded. Then they cut into a song sampling The xx’s “Intro”–it was bomb. Other crowd favorites were “The Ave,” “New People,” “Hi-808,” and their new summertime cut.

Here are the videos I got from way in the back, and enjoy Suzi Pratt’s photos from way in the front.