Seattle Pop-Punk Band Defends Bikini Baristas

Although the Edmonds Police Department is not releasing any photographic or video evidence of its recent bikini barista sting, a Seattle-based pop-punk band featuring a former Edmonds resident wants it to be known that it has a video cleverly titled “Bikini Barista.”

You might think “Bikini Barista” a quick attempt to cash in the notoriety surrounding the arrest of the owner and three of her employees at Java Juggs. But the fact is, the band called Quickie—hey, that’s their name—wrote the song a few years ago and produced a video long before . Those arrested could face charges including prostitution and unlawful exposure.

Bandleader Lou Trez, as you might expect, supports the concept of bikini baristas.

“Having written a song called “Bikini Barista,’ it’s obvious that we in Quickie support the idea of a bikini barista coffee stand,” said Trez. “As long as these entrepreneurs aren’t breaking any laws, what’s the harm?

“Do the detractors know how hard it is to find a job in this economy?” Trez continued. “Well, here’s a job that pays really well in tips and makes their customers forget their own troubles for a little while each day. Besides, how close to the beach does a bikini have to be before it’s no longer offensive? But the controversy is good for business, too. So many coffee stands have gotten free advertising out of these news stories. It hasn’t hurt Quickie any either! So on behalf of Quickie and bikini baristas everywhere: thank you.”

The video includes actual baristas from Cowgirls Espresso, which has several locations in Puget Sound, including Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Quickie's songs have been featured on the hit TV series Vampire Diaries and Parenthood, as well as the Olson twins movie Our Lips are Sealed. Recently, the band shared the stage with Tacoma resident Vicci Martinez, a finalist in the reality-TV series The Voice.

In addition to Trez, who plays bass and is the lead vocalist, Quickie features guitarist and vocalist Joe Wolf, who lived in Edmonds while attending college, and drummer Kelly Lichtenwald.

Has the band every played in Edmonds? “No,” Trez said. “We want to, but there are no original-music venues.”

Quickie will be performing July 30 at Jet Bar and Grill, 800 164th St SE, Mill Creek, WA.