(Big thanks to Marchette Dubois for this guest post! You can see our full lineup of bands at the Festival website, www.nwfolklife.org/festival.)  At 2009’s Folklife Festival, in a jam-packed VERA Project, hundreds of sweaty, ebullient people linked hands and line-danced at the first Balkan Misfits Showcase.   Though it was called the Balkan Bridge in those days, it was showcasing the [...]

(Thanks Wes Weddell for this guest post! See the full schedule of workshops and participatory jams at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) For the fifth consecutive year now, Folklife will offer the opportunity for anyone at the Festival to share an original song with listeners and fellow songwriters in the Emerald City Songwriter Circles.  The circles have become a celebration of originality, creativity, and [...]

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 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 [...]

(Thanks to Rob Witte for this guest blog! You can see the complete list of 2013 Festival performers at our website, www.nwfolklife.org/festival.)  The Chance Brothers Band’s story begins with The Outriders, a critically acclaimed country/cowboy band that performed in several iterations until 2008. Bruce and Rob were both original members of the band.  The Outriders played a lot and grew [...]

(Many thanks to Katrina Ji for this guest post. Did you know that next year our Cultural Focus is India? Look forward to even more Indian dance and music to come. Full 2013 Folklife schedule is online now at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.)  I am so excited to be hosting the Bollywood Showcase (sponsored by NW Asian Weekly) for the 3rd year at the [...]

The Northwest Folklife Festival is a celebration of how traditions of world cultures are kept alive in the Northwest. It sounds like this year the Spirit of West Africa is moving in a similar direction, featuring more and more West African artists and musicians in our own backyard! Seattle Center Festál Spirit of West Africa Highlights the Influences of West African [...]

Plan Your 2013 Festival Now! The 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival schedule is now live on our website! Browse the offerings that take place over four days across more than 24 venues and stages. Design your ideal personal schedule using our handy tools, then share your calendar to Facebook or Twitter, or email to a friend. View the Schedule Now Read [...]

Sometimes it can just be too good to be true, so you have to double-check. Laura asks, “Is Folklife free?” Yes, the Northwest Folklife Festival is free to the public! Wait, how is this possible? It is Folklife’s mission to provide opportunities for everyone to celebrate and participate in the arts & traditions of the Northwest. However, in order to [...]

One of Seattle’s most beloved traditions, the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival never fails to delight. And with highlights this year that include mathematical oddities, a record-breaking battle between an abacus and a super computer, and an underwater singer, this year sounds like it will be something special! See the full release below for more details. Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese [...]

(Thanks to guest blogger MaryLee Lykes for this post! You can see the full schedule for the 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival online at www.nwfolklife.org/festival beginning May 1.)  Cajun & Zydeco of the Pacific Northwesst Seattle is home to strong and vibrant Cajun and Zydeco communities that regularly gather to dance, play music and celebrate Louisiana culture. Cajun and Zydeco music [...]