On Saturday, Nov. 10, I got the chance to see one of my favorite local artists one last time before he packs up his things and relocates to Se- attle, Washington.

I still remember when I saw not an Airplane for the first time. It was the summer of 2007 and Barcelona (yes, the popular Barcelona from Seattle) was playing at Borders Bookstore (cur- rently Old Navy for you young folks) in Turlock. The show was actually in the alleyway between Borders and Circuit City (yes, it was that long ago). Nick Shattell (singer/songwriter) played an acoustic set that evening and so started my love for not an Airplane.

Since then, Shattell has become a local icon, gone through many members, released several albums (including one of my favorite local al- bums ever, “It Could Just Be This Place”) and has played more shows than anyone in the area.

Shattell’s farewell was exactly what he de- served. From Indian Runner and Adam Bishop covering some of his songs, to the crowd singing happy birthday to Shattell before his set, Shattell was honored for what he’s done for the local mu- sic scene.

Despite not an Airplane’s set starting well af- ter midnight, groggy fans still found the energy to sing along to the band’s catchy, folk tunes. Even those who were not familiar with the band’s songs, still found themselves tapping their feet and smil- ing as Shattell played through his bittersweet set.

The end of the set marked the end of an era and could not have ended more perfectly. Shat- tell, alone on stage, playing “Self Portrait.”

While Shattell ended his set perfectly, I do not really know how to end this, because I do not think my words can exactly describe what he has meant to the local music scene and I can not end a piece as well as he can, so I will try this.

Nick, you will be missed; your music will be missed; but Seattle is going to treat you well.
And for the sake of quoting some not an Air- plane lyrics, Nick, “you should come back” in due time.