2018 Northwest Folklife Festival: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Northwest Folklife Festival 2018 schedule!

12:30pm PDT

Sam Cobra

Melodic Guitar-driven Americana

Performers

Sam Cobra

Based out of Seattle, Sam Cobra is a melodic, guitar-driven band that infuses Americana and rock. The band is driven by vocalist Stephanie Ward, melodic guitar riffs by Thom Beckman, and Ward's violin to create a unique infusion of genres. Sam Cobra released their EP 'Sands of Mars... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT
Fountain Lawn Stage: Sponsored by Western WA Toyota Dealers 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Like A Rolling Stone

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

4:00pm PDT

Erisy Watt

Soulful Folk

Performers

Erisy Watt

Erisy Watt is a Nashville-raised folk-soul artist based in Portland OR. Having toured in several countries over the past years alongside guitarist Jeremy Ferrara, Watt’s blend of folk and soul often compared to Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones is enchanting audiences from Germany to... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 4:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

4:45pm PDT

Abakis

Intricate Soulful Folk Pop

Performers

Abakis

Abakis creates collaborative music that bridges new and old worlds: a delicate blend of classic soul led by powerhouse vocals and Kottke-style fingerpicking guitar. Born and bred in Virginia where she learned to sing jazz in her father's restaurant, Aba migrated westward to find collaborators... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 4:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Vera Project/Gallery Sponsored by CityArts 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

5:00pm PDT

The Mortgage Lifters

Lovely Songs Tunes Harmonies

Performers

The Mortgage Lifters

Kim Thal, Robert Hinrix, Tony Mates, and Johnny Calcagno are Seattle and Vashon Island based band musicians who play original and classic swing and pop songs, as well as interesting tunes from around the world. Each of them perform in multiple ensembles, includes “B – Sides... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Fisher Green Stage: Sponsored by KBCS 91.3FM 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

5:00pm PDT

Paper Moon

Father/Daughter Acoustic Folk Duo

Performers

Paper Moon

Paper Moon is an acoustic father and daughter folk duo that can be heard throughout western Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Their vocal harmonies and foot-tapping guitar work has become a favorite of audiences in coffeehouses and wineries in the Puget Sound, Oregon, and Northern... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 5:00pm - 5:50pm PDT
Discovery Zone Stage: Sponsored by Parentmap 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music
Program Kids Programming

6:00pm PDT

The Sons of Rainier

Alt-folk Slow Dance

Performers

The Sons of Rainier

Seattle's favorite slow dance sensation, the Sons of Rainier are crafting songs for widows, hobos, and breakfast burritos, melting wax hearts and the occasional face, putting a smooch on your lips and a sway in your hips, all with the surgical precision of a wine drunk poet at 4 am... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 6:00pm - 6:30pm PDT
Fountain Lawn Stage: Sponsored by Western WA Toyota Dealers 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, American Standard Time Show

Genre Contemporary Folk Music
Program Indie Roots

8:30pm PDT

The Bridge City Sinners

Rowdy, Folksy, Rag-grass Music

Performers

The Bridge City Sinners

The Bridge City Sinners take old folk songs and original tunes in the direction of a punk rocker. A rowdy folksy mosaic of banjo, clarinet, saw, washboard, upright bass, ukulele, vocal harmony, & and boot stoppin' fever. The Sinners started their journey as a rotating cast of people... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 8:30pm - 9:00pm PDT
Fisher Green Stage: Sponsored by KBCS 91.3FM 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Cloud Country

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

11:00am PDT

Hand in the Attic

Strings, Brass, Melodic Harmonies!

Performers

Hand in the Attic

Accordions, guitars, violins, horns, keys, drums, and pretty melodies and harmonies. Hand in the Attic is 3 women and 3 men who have been performing together in Seattle since 2012, with songs dating back to 1999. The band's first album (self-titled) was released in 2013, and its second... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Vera Project/Gallery Sponsored by CityArts 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

11:00am PDT

Percy Hilo & Friends

Uplifting Original Modern Folk

Performers

Percy Hilo & Friends

Percy Hilo & Friends is songs of Percy which have been sung and published in many states and several countries. Percy Hilo is a sing-songwriter, bass, dobro and harmonica player. Percy Hio & Friends have been together for three decades, but play infrequently. All have long history... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Back Porch Stage 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

12:20pm PDT

STRUM Seattle's Totally relaxed ukulele musicians

Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians

Performers

STRUM Seattle's Totally relaxed ukulele musicians

We have been invited back to these many times, and are happy to do it! WE have a special energy , vocal and ukulele sound.Pike Market, "Magic of the Market " holiday season opener ,year 5, invited back for 2018, Edmond's Restaurant Clam Chowder cook off, Wallingford Wurstfest , Ballard... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 12:20pm - 12:50pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Uku-Up Ukelele Show

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

12:30pm PDT

Happy Heartbreak

Happy Sounding Sad Songs

Performers

Happy Heartbreak

Happy Heartbreak is 5-piece alternative / emo pop band that is built around reflective lyrics, bouncy guitars and moving cello. The band is known for playing "happy sounding sad songs" and the emotive energy and performance of their live show. Craig's storytelling ranges from whimsical... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT
Vera Project/Gallery Sponsored by CityArts 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

1:50pm PDT

Naomi Wachira

Afro-Folk Singer/Songwriter

Performers

Naomi Wachira

Seattle singer-songwriter Naomi Wachira was born in Kenya and grew up singing gospel music in a choir of family and friends. Inspired by the music of Tracy Chapman and Miriam Makeba, Wachira saw the potential for song to make the world a better place and set out to create music that... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 1:50pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fisher Green Stage: Sponsored by KBCS 91.3FM 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, KBCS 91.3 FM Presents

Genre Contemporary Folk Music
Program Indie Roots

5:25pm PDT

Oliver Swain

Alt.Old.Time

Performers

Oliver Swain

Award winning roots artist Oliver Swain has as been a celebrated musician for years, held in high regard in acoustic and folk music styles for both his astonishing instrumental and vocal abilities, though he seldom gives the genre a fully traditional treatment. Oliver Swain strays... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 5:25pm - 6:00pm PDT
Folklife Café 321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Music Performance, Home Routes Showcase

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

8:20pm PDT

Fox and Bones

Folk Pop with Soul

Performers

Fox and Bones

Fox and Bones is a folk collaboration between Portland songwriters Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore. The internationally touring duo combines lush harmonies and a complex, heartwarming lyrical landscape with soft-spoken yet rich musical accompaniment. They’ve been called "addictive... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 8:20pm - 9:00pm PDT
Back Porch Stage 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Hardy Harmony Showcase

Genre Contemporary Folk Music
Program Indie Roots

11:00am PDT

Michael Trew Band

Psychedelic Folk Rock

Performers

Michael Trew Band

Michael Trew is a songwriter, native to the Pacific Northwest. In early years, he spent time with teacher Chandana Dixit, exploring raaga and classical Indian music. He later formed art-rock group Autumn Electric, releasing five albums and touring nationally (2008-2015). During this... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Vera Project/Gallery Sponsored by CityArts 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

11:45am PDT

High Turnover

Lyrical and Musical Delight

Performers

High Turnover

Rooted in tradition and the new. High Turnover combines evolving lyricism and a myriad of influences.

Monday May 28, 2018 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Vera Project/Gallery Sponsored by CityArts 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

1:00pm PDT

Anika Pearl

Soulful, Rock and Pop

Performers

Anika Pearl

Anika Pearl is a 15 year old musician and is also the name of the duo that she has with her Dad. She has played on stage since she was 9 years old with several different instruments as a soloist, as a member for the school orchestra and in different band configurations where she also... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Folklife Café 321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Contemporary Folk Music

3:45pm PDT

SUPA: Seattle Ukulele Players Association

Ukulele Hits the Road!

Performers

SUPA: Seattle Ukulele Players Association

Seattle Ukulele Players Association (or SUPA) is a non-profit organization that has been in existence since 2003. We are a group of enthusiastic players from all backgrounds with a wide range of playing skills. We meet monthly to play in a song-circle, which is often preceded by a... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Exhibition Hall Sponsored by Seattle Globalist 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Ukenalia

Genre Contemporary Folk Music