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 [...]

(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 guest blogger David Guilbault for this post! You can find out more about all the musicians participating at this year’s Northwest Folklife Festival at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) The David Guilbault Band plays original music about life, love and loss – songs that live in the truth.  The music fits nicely in the Americana / Folk Rock / Alt Country genres.  [...]

(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 [...]

(Thanks to Sue Isely for this guest post! The full 2013 Northwest Folklife Festival schedule is now online and available for PDF download at www.nwfolklife.org/festival.) The colorful costume pictured here will be worn by the bride in the Hungarian Showcase: A Turning-point in Village Life: the Hungarian Wedding. When Kathryn Isely, a member of Kisbetyárok,  visited a friend in Mezőkövesd, [...]

(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 for the 3rd year at the Northwest Folklife Festival! Our [...]

(Thanks to our amazing programming intern, Alison Preisinger, for this blog post. You can catch Alison on Sunday, May 26 at 2:15pm at the Xfinity Mural Amphitheatre!) This year Folklife will be paying tribute to Seattle rock and blues legend, Jimi Hendrix. An event combining music, video and education, “Hey Hendrix: Life and Music of Jimi Hendrix” will be held [...]

(Many thanks to Liza Burke of Seattle Tilth for this guest post! The Living Green Courtyard is your place at the Festival to learn more about sustainable businesses like Renewal by Anderson and Fungi Perfecti, and shop for green crafts. Take a look at all the 2013 Festival attractions now!) Dig Into Composting and Gardening with Seattle Tilth Puget Sound [...]

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 [...]