The Gothard Sisters

 

Friday Sept 1

6:15pm - 7:15

Contemporary Celtic folk

East Stage

The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic supergroup of three American sisters who play contemporary Celtic music. Through over 14 years of performing, touring, and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following. Their latest album, Dragonfly, features the sisters playing an assortment of acoustic instruments and vocals combined with modern production to create music exploring themes of resilience and adventure. Blending Celtic, folk, classical, and new age musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, and vocal harmonies, creating music that is "vivid, inspirational and captivating." –Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018


John Primer and The Real Deal Blues Band

 

Friday Sept 1

7:45pm-8:45

Chicago blues

East Stage

Two-time Grammy-nominated artist and American blues legend John Primer was the bandleader and guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim & The Teardrops. Having played or recorded with a who's who of blues greats, including Junior Wells, Gary Clark, Jr., Derek Trucks, Johnny Winter, The Rolling Stones, and Buddy Guy, to name a few, John Primer's personal accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, reflect his countless contributions to the history of Chicago blues. There are very few fans, critics, or musicians who will deny the fact that John Primer is the real deal. You can't paint the Blues without the Primer!

Locarno

9:30pm Aug 31 West End Stage

Locarno is the Latin project of JUNO Award winning musician, Tom Landa. Like him, the music is equal parts Mexican and Canadian. Tom was born and raised in Mexico City, and moved to Canada in his teens. In the mid nineties he formed the Folk Roots band, The Paperboys, who have been touring world-wide for over 20 years. Tom has always dabbled in Latin music, and in 2005 decided to immerse himself more into genre, and started working on material for an album. In 2006 he was awarded a Canada Council Grant to study traditional Mexican Music in Veracruz, Mexico. Tom spent his days learning the jarana (an 8 string guitar), and learning songs from the Son Jarocho repertoire. Upon his return to Canada, Tom started working on what would be Locarno’s debut CD.













The Gothard Sisters

 

Friday Sept 1

6:15pm - 7:15

Contemporary Celtic folk

East Stage

The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic supergroup of three American sisters who play contemporary Celtic music. Through over 14 years of performing, touring, and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following. Their latest album, Dragonfly, features the sisters playing an assortment of acoustic instruments and vocals combined with modern production to create music exploring themes of resilience and adventure. Blending Celtic, folk, classical, and new age musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, and vocal harmonies, creating music that is "vivid, inspirational and captivating." –Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018

 












 



Snacks at Midnight

 

Friday Sept 1

7:30-8:00

Pop rock

West Stage

A SNACK at Midnight could be thought of in two categories: one as a pre-packaged quick bite and the second as an improvised meal using ingredients that don't traditionally go together, but, boy, does it taste and feel good. The latter is where Spokane, Washington-based indie rock, pop, funk band, Snacks at Midnight, takes its inspiration for their sound. With comparisons drawn to Hippo Campus, Backseat Lovers, Half Alive, and even the classics, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Grateful Dead, it is clear the band gets its individuality from many different genres and artists. The band’s origin is a classic one. High school friends Rory Babin, Giovani Covarrubias, and Nickolaus Harner started jamming together. Once the trio figured out how to play their instruments, they started writing music. The first song was written in the 10th grade, “Asking All the Questions,” the 3rd track off their debut album, Mom's Proud, released in November, 2021. In 2018, the group added Rory's younger brother, Bill Babin, on keys, and after sifting through eight different drummers, Austin Davis joined the group in March of 2022, adding that final touch to create the band we all know and love today, Snacks at Midnight.

Janie Cribbs and The T.Rust Band

Friday Sept 1

9:15pm-10:30

Original roots blues and sultry soul

East Stage

Second Chance is their new release after over a year of lockdown in a world-wide pandemic. They had the time to really give this album their heartfelt attention and a measure of grace as well as dipping their toes into some rootsy blues and gritty true stories, both rockin’ your soul and making you want to dance! They hope you can give it a listen and feel the connection we all have with each other’s hearts and this blue-green ball we call home. As we move forward with life and LIVE music, check out their schedule page, since the gigs are just beginning to come back. They plan many more shows in the months ahead, so stay tuned!

Schmid & Guest

Saturday Sept 2

11:00am - 11:45

Lively instrumental Celtic tunes

East Stage

Cayley Schmid and Aaron Guest met at the Bellingham Farmers Market in 2009. Desperately jealous of each other’s busking success, they neutralized the competition and started a band together. This was the beginning of a decade-long musical partnership that descended into marriage. After the retirement of their band, Polecat, in 2020, Aaron and Cayley suddenly found themselves musically unsupervised by their bandmates for the first time. Together they play instrumental Celtic music on fiddle and piano. Tunes range from lively reels and jigs to sweeping airs and waltzes, drawing from Scottish, Cape Breton, and Irish traditions. 

Jess Clemons

Saturday Sept 2

12:00pm-12:45

Sing / Songwriter

East Stage

Jess Clemons’ experience as a traveler, former island dweller, and small-town girl have influenced her folksy, homegrown musical style. Raised in Vermont, she attended music school in Nova Scotia, where she was a side and front woman for various bands, touring around Canada in the summers. A big leap took her to Nantucket, working as a gardener and musician, rowing to and from a houseboat she called home for several years. After finding Baja in 2010 and subsequently the wind-loving community of Hood River, Jess now calls the Gorge home. Playing guitar and piano on stages around the northwest and in Baja in the winters, she has become known for her powerhouse vocals, intimate originals, and tasteful covers of folks like Patty Griffin, Brandi Carlile, and Lori Mckenna, all of whom she has been compared to. Coming out of the woodwork after a couple of years of limited shows, Jess is excited to be back on the road. 

Deadwood Revival

Saturday Sept 2

1:15pm-2:15

Bluegrass folk jamb

East Stage

Kim and Jason have come full circle, returning to their roots with the unmistakable sound that made a huge splash in the old-time, bluegrass, folk, and even jam band scene years ago. Their powerful and impeccable harmonies, coupled with Jason’s unique clawhammer banjo style and Kim’s driving rhythm guitar, creates a sound that is much fuller than you would expect from a duo. Both multi-instrumentalists, they switch things up from time to time with Kim on bass and Jason on guitar. No matter the instrumentation, their music is described as “rootsy with an edge.” Deadwood Revival serves up a tasty soup of new old-time and folk rock spiced with a bit of classic country. From foot-stomping hoe-downs to pin-dropping tunes, their original songs have been deemed “superbly crafted.” You can tell from the first note that they are crowd-pleasers. They're fun, adventurous and yet true to their roots. Kim and Jason’s infectious spirits and pure joy in making music together is woven through every tune they play. Whether performing in a cozy pub or for a thousand festival fans, the honest and uplifting music of Deadwood Revival lingers long after the lights come up. 

Broken Banjo

Saturday Sept 2

2:45pm-3:45

Folk Americana

East Stage

The Whidbey Island band, Broken Banjo, could be described as a folk/Americana vocal group, but that would not begin to describe the range of what this exciting trio delivers. Each member brings something special from their diverse backgrounds and influences. In the span of a few songs, Broken Banjo can move from a soulful ballad or jazz standard to a classic blues song. What makes them intriguing is their unique arrangements with three-part harmony. With Larry Mason on rhythm guitar, Kevin Johnson on lead acoustic and electric, and Deirdre Fairfax on guitar and lead vocals, the three creatively collaborate from their own perspectives and strengths to put a “Broken Banjo stamp” on each song. Their name was adopted from Deirdre’s father’s music and coffee house in the small town of Millington, Illinois, in the mid-60s. It seemed like a perfect namesake for the band that loves to share songs that span across genres and time.

Streetlight Cadence

Saturday Sept 2

4:15pm -5:15

Folk rock

East Stage

The power trio of songwriters Jonathon Franklin, Ben Chai, and Clara Stegall have emerged as fresh faces in the world of folk rock, bringing frenetic energy and intimate storytelling reminiscent of their busking roots. From living rooms to club shows to 12-hour street-performing marathons, their music inspires and unites the foreign and familiar. With Jon’s fiddling captivating TikTok, Ben’s banjo picking driving melodies into progressive territory, and Clara’s silky vocals enrapturing audiences new and old, Streetlight Cadence delivers a kind of entertainment unprecedented and especially unexpected upon first glance. Winners of two Nā Hōkū (Hawaiian Grammy) Awards, the band continues to connect artist and audience through song and story, with plans to release a new record in 2023 as well as the second season of their Emmy-nominated television series, Will Play For Food.

Brian James Was Here

Friday Sept 1

9:00pm-10:30

Singer songwriter

West Stage

Born and raised on a farm in the small logging community of Montesano, Washington, Brian is at home on the stage where his larger-than-life personality comes out with witty commentary and raw energy. From a young age, Brian knew that he wanted to pursue music, and in 2005 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he wrote songs for the Surefire Music Company. Brian penned songs for TV, film, and commercial projects and artists such as Taylor Hicks and High Road Three. Brian's music received a CCMA nomination for Single of the Year in 2013. In the following year, his song, "Angel at the Crossroads," was nominated for Gospel Single of the Year. In 2013, Brian formed the TSDC Music Group, a publishing company where his songs were featured in car commercials for Cadillac and Dodge as well various TV and film placements. Today, Brian lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he regularly performs both covers and originals—solo as well as with his band. His showmanship and modern sound has drawn a diverse audience of all ages with tastes in music from multiple genres and eras.

Lonely Together

Saturday Sept 2

11:00am-12:00

Pop/R&B

West Stage

Lonely Together is a Pop/R&B band based in Bellingham, Washington, that reaches listeners with their catchy melodies, genre-blending sound, and all-inclusive message. Lonely Together was started by couple/duo SAFE TRVLS (Zach Cook) and Rosie Matsumoto after they met at Western Washington University and began producing in their home studio. SAFE TRVLS is the lead vocalist & producer/engineer of the group, Rosie is the Keyboardist, songwriter & vocalist, and Tyler Teuber is their electric guitar player who joins them for live shows. Lonely Together produces, writes, records, and engineers almost all of their own music and are influenced by many different genres but tend to favor pop, R&B, and hiphop. The main goal of Lonely Together is to reach listeners of all ages, interests, and walks of life through their relatable lyrics and danceable melodies.

Outside The Lines

Saturday Sept 2

12:30pm-1:30

Acoustic pop trio

West Stage

Outside the Lines is an acoustic vocal trio that features tight vocal harmonies and unique twists on a range of well-known songs. The group takes inspiration from many different musical genres: classic rock, great singer/songwriters, country, pop, and even metal. Although many well-known songs are included in their repertoire, they also like to wander “outside the lines” by switching genres or adding a new spin to make a song unique. An acoustic ballad version of a popular metal song? Bluegrass version of a modern pop song? Outside the Lines provides a fun mix that offers something for any audience. Colette (vocals/percussion) has been an avid vocalist for many years, fronting rock, country, and acoustic groups. She’s “a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll,” bringing a vocal style to the group that is always fun and entertaining. Jason (guitar/vocals) has been writing, performing, recording, and producing for over 12 years. He has performed in several local groups on guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals, with styles ranging from metal to indie. His unique perspective and interpretation help shape the sound and arrangements for the group. Michael (guitar/vocals) has extensive experience performing in a number of cover bands as guitarist and lead vocalist. Genres have ranged from blues to classic rock to funk to acoustic ballads. He began his musical career on the east coast before moving to the northwest and joining the local music community.

Porch Brothers

Saturday Sept 2

2:30pm-3:30

Acoustic Americana 

West Stage

Porch Brothers deliver a sound distilled from music rooted in West Texas folk and country and West Coast Americana. The South Whidbey trio brings strong vocals and harmonies to tell the stories they share, both original and select covers. Songwriter Russel Clepper and Rob Harris join with bass player Ron Rossel to create the distinctive Porch Brothers' fusion of these two regional styles.

Buried Blonde

Saturday Sept 2

3:30-4:30

Spirit of early 90's rock

West Stage

Buried Blonde is a rock band formed in Shoreline, Washington, in 2020 by vocalist, rhythm-guitarist, and songwriter Lauren Flynn. After playing numerous livestreams to support Seattle venues during lockdown, they responded to requests for more music by recording their debut 4-song EP, What Now? at Robert Lang’s studio in Seattle. Originally released in September 2022, they re-released it in February 2023, remastered by Tad Doyle. The EP was promoted through regional live shows and met with success, receiving airplay across the country and on Little Stevens Underground Garage on Sirius XM. Their sound has been described as "a perfect representation of how to capture the spirit of early 90's rock without sounding like a carbon copy or cliche." The group is comprised of four seasoned musicians who all met in Seattle: Lauren is an accomplished songwriter and rhythm guitarist who has recorded and led projects all over the West Coast, lead guitarist Nick Kurtz has played with national and touring acts throughout Knoxville and Seattle, bassist Aniela Marie Perry studied under Wrecking Crew legend Carol Kaye and has been known to sit in on cello, and drummer Jeff Nelson rounds out the line-up with experience in rock and punk bands from Seattle to Anacortes. They have quickly gained a regional following through performances promoting the EP and are currently recording their first full length album, with the first single, "Perfect Machine," out now. They deliver a high-energy show with Lauren's soaring vocals set against screaming lead guitar, throbbing distorted basslines, and galloping drum beats. 


Blake Noble Band

Saturday Sep 2

5:00pm-6:00

High Energy, Aussie Roots / Rock

West Stage

“The term ‘percussive guitar’ isn’t really strong enough for what Blake Noble does. ... But since ‘attack guitar’ isn’t really a recognized genre and you’ve got to call it something, ‘percussive guitar’ will have to do. But this is not a guy doing a bit of strumming while keeping rhythm by hitting the guitar with his thumb. This is a guy playing his guitar like a drum-kit, and it sounds fantastic.” –Pat Muir, On Magazine

"...[H]e weaves funk, blues, and rock into songs, devouring influences for fuel. Blake plays the whole damn guitar too, bending notes until you're sure a string will pop, tapping, hammering on, and bending the fretboard until you're sure the neck will crack, and relentlessly drumming on the body of his guitar. Blake's music has that good kind of unrefined, though, there is a subsistence—it surrounds you with sounds and knocks you down." –Sean Jewell, The Stranger


Cory Vincent & The Electric Band

Saturday Sept 2

6:30pm-7:30

Grunge Blues

West Stage

Founded in early 2023, The Electric Band is quickly becoming one of the "must see" bands of the greater PNW area. Their blend of hard-hitting rock riffs, soulful vocals, and catchy songwriting is reminiscent of bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, The Killers, and Rival Sons. Cory Vincent (guitar & vocals), Phil Carter (drums), and Charlie Krengel (bass) have created a fresh, yet familiar, sound that is made even more powerful by the quality of their songs. If you are someone who thinks music should be experienced and not just listened to, then Cory Vincent & The Electric Band is definitely for you.

Hard Maybe

 

Saturday Sept 2

8:00pm -9:00

A fusion style completely their own

West Stage

 

Hard Maybe is a 7-piece soul infusion hailing from Seattle with a sound that’s been described as “a fusion style completely their own.” With three-part harmony punctuated by horns, they seamlessly blend ingredients from back-beat driven funk, soul, and more to create an effortlessly cohesive and rich sound. The band formed in 2017, its members drawn together by a shared love of experimenting with harmonies, rhythm, and layers of sound. Since their formation, Hard Maybe has become a staple in the Seattle music scene, performing at some of the city’s biggest events including the Capitol Hill Block Party, Bite of Seattle, and Belltown Bloom. Hard Maybe’s unique sound is marked by powerful vocals and an explosive horn section with an infectious presence that’s sure to draw in any listener.


Miller Campbell

Saturday Sept 2

5:45pm-6:45

Country artist

East Stage

 

Billboard-charting Americana artist, Miller Campbell, highlights her southern roots (Miller is part of the legendary Glen Campbell family) with a special new show. With praise from outlets like American Songwriter Magazine, she’s setting music alight, with notes that singe like embers flying up from Johnny Cash’s famed and fiery ring. Campbell has been named an American Songwriter “Daily Discovery” featured artist and a “Next Women of Country” by Women of Country, and she has garnered a Billboard “Heatseekers” award. She has a dedicated social media following of nearly 40,000 fans, is streaming in 19 countries, and has seen her Spotify numbers grow nearly 1000% since her latest record's release. Miller is poised and determined to add her own hits to the traditional American canon; from festivals and rodeos to country bars and honky-tonks, fans are giving themselves over to an act that writes from the heart and sings from the soul.

Sarah Gallagher

Alex Amick

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LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends


Saturday Sept 2

7:15pm- 8:30

Soul Rock

East Stage


Following his appearance on the XFactor USA with airing in 120 countries, LeRoy Bell gained fans all over the world who fell in love with his soulful vocal sounds and timeless style. He is one of the most distinguished artists to evolve out of the reality TV music/entertainment world. In the years preceding the pandemic, LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends could be found touring with Huey Lewis and the News or Steve Miller up and down the West Coast. They have had the pleasure of performing with Van Morrison, Fitz and the Tantrums, Train, Sheryl Crow, B.B. King, Etta James, Beth Hart, Joe Cocker, Al Green, Idina Menzel, Sharon Jones & The Dap King, Paolo Nutini, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, LeAnne Rimes, Joan Osborne, Michael McDonald, Suzanne Vega, Colin Hay, Mavis Staples, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, Charlie Musselwhite, and Los Lobos.

Eden

Saturday Sept 2

9:15pm-10:30

Rock, blues, pop

East Stage

Eden is a rock/blues/pop band from the Pacific Northwest, fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Savanna Woods, a recent Top 20 artist on NBC’s The Voice. Savanna’s unique voice is paired with these incredibly talented musicians to create an impactful and energetic sound: Aaron Hiebert on electric guitar, Jason Edwards on drums, and Ethan Gibbons on bass. They play a dynamic range of original music, paired with covers from the ‘60s through today. From Fleetwood Mac to AC/DC to Stevie Ray Vaughan, they are guaranteed to get you grooving.



Teen Talent Showcase

Sunday Sept 3

12:15pm -1:45

East Stage


Adele Wood


The two things Adele Wood knows in her 14 years of life are that she is passionate about Jesus and music. She originally started playing music and singing because it made her happy, but after seeing the smiles and happiness it brings to others, she was encouraged to play for an audience. She also plays music because it has always brought her comfort and peace, especially when going through difficult stages and transitions in her life. Her passion for music started when she was about 7 years old. She had always enjoyed playing the guitar and singing for her family, but during the past couple of years, she realized that music can move people just like it moved her, and it reminded her to keep pushing through hard times. On a daily basis, her love for music grows deeper, and she hopes to someday share her light with the world. Regardless of the military transitions she has endured, she is grateful and guided by two constants—God and music!



Grace Zhao


Grace Zhao is 14 years old. She’s been playing piano since she was 4, and since then has had many opportunities to play, such as in Whidbey Has Talent and more. She’s very grateful to be playing in this year’s music festival! 



Danika Kloewer


Danika Kloewer is a 15-year-old local music artist and a rising sophomore at Oak Harbor High School. Danika has performed for Oak Harbor Music Festival Teen Talent Showcase for the past couple of years. She released her single, “Soar,” last May; it and her single, “Headphones,” are both available in all digital platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube, and more). She has performed locally in various events, such as “Busker’s on the Corner” by Oak Harbor Mainstreet Association and various events in Seattle. She also sings the National Anthem in different sporting events both locally and in the state. Danika also loves playing volleyball besides playing guitar, ukulele, and piano. She continues to pursue her love for music with each opportunity she is given, and she is truly grateful for the wonderful support of the awesome local community along with family and friends.



Kick-Brass


Kick-Brass is a teen brass band from here in Oak Harbor that specializes in high-energy and electrifying brass music. Made up of just a few high school students, Kick-Brass has played locally at restaurants, public events, parades, and even roller skating rinks, all in just a single year! Members include; Colton on the sousaphone, Ethan on the baritone sax, Jake on the trumpet, Mya on the drums, and Oliver on the tenor sax. They are beginning to gain traction off island and are stoked to be back on stage once again for the festival this year! Be sure to keep updated on their socials like YouTube and Instagram (@kickbrass_official) because who knows? They may be coming to you next!





Asterhouse

Saturday Sept 2

9:30pm-10:30

Alternative Indie rock band

West Stage

A deep love for the music of Jim Morrison was the seed that blossomed into Seattle alt-rock trio, Asterhouse. Earliest memories for brothers John and Russel Thornburg are of their mother playing The Doors records at home. Older brother, John, developed a reputation for belting out “adult-themed” Doors songs at children’s parties before his parents decided drum lessons would be a better way to challenge his growing love of music. Four years younger than John, Russ Thornburg got his first guitar at age 5 and the two have been making music together ever since. ​Today, making music with Julio Posada, the third member of Asterhouse, is a joyful experience for the Thornburgs. For John, this joy is especially precious because it comes after a 10-year struggle with depression and OCD. During these years, John felt like he was in a coma. There were times when Russ wondered if continuing to perform was good for John, but he realized that it was the music that was carrying him through. ​It is this firsthand experience with darkness that drives much of John’s songwriting. He wants people who may be experiencing their own version of this hell to understand that he has been where they are and he has survived. Some songs are desolate, revisiting the experience and others are more hopeful–an invitation to enjoy life again. Their collective experience has delivered Asterhouse to a place where they make music on their own terms. They also don’t take themselves too seriously even though their songs invite deep exploration of painful places. Most of all, Asterhouse offers an invitation: come with us. Everything is going to be ok. Eventually.

Andre Feriante

Sunday Sept 3

11:00am-12:00

Classical, flamenco, contemporary guitarist

West Stage

With four decades of performing and recording, award-winning virtuoso guitarist Andre Feriante has left his musical mark on the classical, neo-flamenco, world music, and fusion scenes. A cross-over artist in the vein of Yo Yo Ma or Sting, his performance program represents a bold but fluid musical fusion, featuring music from Bach to Leonard Cohen, flamenco improvisation to jazz standards, Americana to world music, and even poetry. Born in Naples, Italy, Feriante is a world renowned virtuoso musician who plays 43 instruments, among them the Spanish guitar, harp guitar, ukulele, harp ukulele, nylon string banjo, charango, oud, saz, shamisen, ruan, and sitar. He has studied with great artists and has performed all over the world. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Feriante has released 14 albums, has hosted La Guitarra, on Classic King FM 98.1, has presented on the TEDx stage, and directs the Whidbey Island Guitar Festival and Seattle Guitar Night.

Gideon Freudmann

Sunday Sept 3

12:30pm-1:30

Classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues, funk

West Stage

Gideon Freudmann is a cellist and composer who has redefined the role of the instrument for over three decades. He is perhaps best known for adapting the amplified cello to craft the distinct 'CelloBop' sound, consisting of a unique blend of classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues and funk. Using foot-operated effect pedals, he has brought cello playing into new territories of looping, soaring, multi-layering and improvisation. His music is complex, nuanced, creative and compelling.