Back in 2004, the unknown Seattle hip-hop duo DJ/producer Sabzi and MC Geologic - better known as Blue Scholars - had just released their self-titled debut. They had played their first show in Portland. And wanted to push the new project but couldn't find anyone willing to let them open in Seattle. A friend attending Evergreen State College, who went by the stage name of Macklemore, got them on a shared bill.

"Olympia was actually the very first city that we sold our first CD, then Seattle later that month," rapper Geologic says, on the phone from Los Angeles.

Selling CDs hasn't been a problem since. Either has finding a receptive venue.

The Blue Scholars return to Olympia. To read Joe Gustav's full feature on the band, click here.

Blue Scholars and Bambu

With TH3RDZ
Thursday, Sept. 22, door at 9 p.m.
$15 advance at brownpapertickets.com
The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia
360.705.0760