(Tune into KEXP this morning at 9:30 to hear Shelby Earl live on the Morning Show with John Richards!) We are delighted to welcome aboard Team Up for their first year as co-presenters of Indie Roots artists. In partnership with Artist Home (producers of the Doe Bay fest) and with sponsorship by BECU, Team Up has curated a showcase of [...]

For our out-of-town guests, this might not be obvious: Can I sleep overnight at Folklife? Northwest Folklife takes place at Seattle Center, a public Seattle city park. There is no camping allowed. However, we have some great options for you. We have some great deals worked out with nearby hotels and hostels. And for those of you looking to save [...]

(Thanks to Wes Weddelll for this guest post! You can see our full lineup of special events at the Festival website, www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) The Bushwick Book Club Seattle Presents Original Music Inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Bushwick Book Club – Seattle, to be sure, is not your run-of-the-mill book club: since 2010, a revolving-door cast of local songwriters [...]

We’ve gotten two inquiries about pets in the last week, so there’s probably more of you out there that are wondering: Can I bring my pet to the Festival? Because Folklife takes place in a public park, pets are technically allowed, but we do discourage bringing them to the Festival. The streets can be crowded and not everyone is comfortable [...]

Northwest Folklife is thrilled to present, for the first time, a Festival showcase dedicated to sharing the talented musicians of Vashon Island. “Voices of Vashon Island,” coordinated in partnership with Pete Welch, takes place Sunday, May 26 from 1:00-3:30pm on the Alki Court Stage, and features artists Gregg Curry, Cami Lundeen, Kiki Means, and Allison Shirk. “Vashon Island is just [...]

You are invited to the greatest show of talent in the Northwest! Be part of the 42nd Northwest Folklife Festival this May 24-27 in Seattle Center. Enjoy and participate in your traditions! And experience other cultures by listening to their music, trying out their dances, and hearing their stories. And it’s all FREE. The 42nd Festival features a special focus [...]

Don’t be surprised to see hip hop on our “folk” stages! “Hip hop is definitely a form of folk music,” says Kelli Faryar, Programs Manager at Northwest Folklife. “Folk music is the people’s music, and hip hop is first-hand stories and narratives.” The Festival is a celebration of how all traditions are kept alive in the Northwest–from accordion to zither! [...]

Don’t be overwhelmed! Here’s just a few of the many great things in this year’s schedule. Leave a comment and tell us what you’re looking forward to! See the full schedule at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.  28 THINGS TO SEE AT FOLKLIFE THIS YEAR  FRIDAY Groove Train: *New!* Kick off the first night of the festival dancing under the stars with Luc and [...]

A Glimpse of China – Chinese Culture and Arts Festival features Art, Culture, Music and Dance    Seattle Center Festál presents A Glimpse of China – Chinese Culture and Arts Festival, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18, in Seattle Center Armory. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of China through live performances, visual arts, hands-on [...]

(Thanks to Mish Mish  for this guest post! You can see the full schedule of events at the 2013 Folklife Festival at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) WHAT IS A ZEFFA? This year, for the first time ever, those of you who attend  Folklife  will get to see a recreation of a Zeffa, the traditional procession that is a part of wedding celebrations held in [...]

(Thanks to Tagoipah Mathno for this guest post! You can read about all the opportunities to dance at the 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival at our website, www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) What is a great way to meet new people and have fun? Throw a dance party! World Dance Party (WDP) was created for neighbors to interact and to celebrate diversity and culture over a [...]

(Thanks to Carolyn for this guest post! You can read more about all our performers at the Festival website, www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) From performing in Europe amongst musicians, jugglers, comedians, one-man bands, mimes, and contortionists, to traveling the circus like Renaissance Fair circuit, to recording and co-producing with Billy Oskay (founding member of the Windham Hill recording and touring ensemble Nightnoise and producer [...]