Sheryl Crow, De La Soul bring chilly Bumbershoot night to a warm end

It started to sprinkle Saturday afternoon but Bumbershoot fans were not deterred.

The windbreakers and hoodies were out and some people even brought umbrellas. Brooklyn duo Matt and Kim lifted the mood by singing about dancing in the rain ("Yeah Yeah"). Their joyful disposition cleared the storm, and listeners started to dance — old and young.

Here's a breakdown of some of the things this reporter ran around watching from late afternoon to closing time.

People

Besides the usual Seattle rain jackets and REI fare, some fans wore outfits that purposefully stood out. There were hypercolor tights, gold gypsy outfits and even a "pimp" — a la Flavor Flav style. Folks also donned festival freebies — backpacks, tattoos and bandanas.

Flatstock

A favorite annual event at Bumbershoot. Artists line an auditorium, showcasing posters of such bands as The Shins, Arctic Monkeys and The Decemberists. There are colorful stickers, posters and even on-site screens. This is definitely the place for souvenirs, especially a classy one for the apartment walls.

Sick Puppies

They may rock the stage, but they are perfect gents in person. In a video interview (see it at www.seattletimes.com), lead singer Shim Moore described how their first video documenting the Free Hug movement has since spread across the world. Bassist Emma Anzai said that she wanted to stay at Bumbershoot long enough to see Jason Mraz Sunday, but the band has to move onward with their tour, supporting its latest album "Tri-Polar."

Matt and Kim

The duo's happy song, "Daylight" is behind the Bacardi song. It's hard not to bop with it and even drummer Kim had to stand on her drumstand to stamp to the beat. Keyboardist and vocalist Matt paid tribute to Seattle by shouting out Natalie Portman's Shaved Head and Champagne Champagne.

Eric Hutchinson

The soulful singer-songwriter somehow reminds me of Jason Mraz.His fans were making heart signs with their hands while Hutchinson sang ballads like "Food Chain": "Why on earth would we soften the mood?"

Comedy

Eugene Mirman, from Flight of the Conchords, jokingly complained about random Bumbershoot freebies like apacket of water a lady passed out in case of "terrifying disaster." He also tried out awkward icebreakers on an audience member, like "I hate AIDS."And he topped off his bit with bad Father's Day cards he gave to the audience that said, "Thanks for not being like that dad in 'Dead Poets Society.'"

A surprise guest in the comedy lineup was Sarah Silverman. Check out The Benson Interruption at 6:15 p.m. Sunday or Monday — she may just appear, too.

Sheryl Crow

At the end of the night, the golden-tressed singer-songwriter took the Mainstage in a cloud of manufactured fog. She sang some of her hits, including "Can't Cry Anymore," "My Favorite Mistake" and "The First Cut Is the Deepest."

Crow was warm and chatty with the audience. "Man, Seattle has some great musicians. Heart being at the top of my list. I like me some Eddie Vedder," she said. And then, looking at the audience: "And I love you."

She provided some political commentary, too, stating that posters she saw of Obama sporting a Hitler moustache were offensive — and asking people to please tear them down.

De La Soul

There is no better feeling than running across Seattle Center and hearing hip-hop boom across the field near Fisher Pavilion. It's heartwarming to know that even after all these years De La Soul is still around, serving as one of Bumbershoot's headliners.

Though the air was a little chilly by Saturday night, the hip-hop group warmed up the audience with its classic beats and shout-outs.

Marian Liu:mliu@seattletimes.com