By Marian Liu, Seattle Times Jul. 20--Kimya Dawson's songs are like hugs. They're comforting and yet fearless, assuring you that everything is going to be OK.

By Marian Liu, Seattle Times May 20--Shaniqua Bodary is a star in the making, and she keeps landing the lead stage roles to prove it.

By Marian Liu, Seattle Times Mar. 14--An assortment of entertainment news today: --Idol finalist Chris Richardson (the Justin Timberlake wannabe) is hawking ice cream and his debut studio album Wednesday at Safeway, 9620 28th Ave S.W., Seattle, between 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

By Marian Liu, Seattle Times Mar. 4--Some cool upcoming music: Experimental rock band Mars Volta has been added to the Memorial Day weekend lineup of Sasquatch! Music Festival. For more info, go to www.sasquatchfestival.com. Also, singer-surfer Jack Johnson announced the U.S.

By Marian Liu, Seattle Times Jan. 29--Fans will dictate where Seattle punk band The Presidents of the United States of America will play on their next tour. Using the Web site www.eventful.com/presidents, users can vote for a stop in their hometown. The five cities with the most votes win a show.