2018 Northwest Folklife Festival: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Northwest Folklife Festival 2018 schedule!

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

4:40pm PDT

Flemming Oppenhagen Behrend

Traditional Danish Folk Music

Performers

Flemming Oppenhagen Behrend

I am a Danish folk singer who has lived and played music in the US since 1980. I have produced 5 records and my music has been played in Seattle radio stations, Danish TV and radio.

Friday May 25, 2018 4:40pm - 5:10pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Scandinavia/Baltic - MUSIC

5:20pm PDT

Seattle Raging Grannies

Social/Political Commentary through Song

Performers

Seattle Raging Grannies

Social/Political Commentary through Song

Friday May 25, 2018 5:20pm - 5:50pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Uncategorized

6:00pm PDT

Tango Cowboys

Tangos from Buenos Aires.

Performers

Tango Cowboys

Tango Cowboys is a voice/guitar duo that performs vocal tangos from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Singer Rich Hinrichsen traveled to Buenos Aires in 2016 to study with legendary Argentine folk singer Micaela Vita. The duo specializes in tangos written by tango superstar Carlos Gardel in... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 6:00pm - 6:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Latin America - MUSIC

6:45pm PDT

Cello X aka Seattle Cello eXperiment

An eXperiment in Cello

Performers

Cello X aka Seattle Cello eXperiment

Cello X was founded in 2010 by local cellist Peter Williams. Their mission is to explore the sonic possibilities and push the boundaries of cello playing. Its members are classically trained and are as comfortable performing Bach as Alice in Chains and Metallica. Cello X specializes... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 6:45pm - 7:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Misc. Instrumental

7:30pm PDT

Dina Blade

Bossa Nova from Brazil

Performers

Dina Blade

I fell in love with Brazilian Bossa Nova about 18 years ago and have since been to Brazil 7 times to perform, study and record with Brazilian musicians. My latest cd, “Bossa Amazônica”, was recorded in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

Friday May 25, 2018 7:30pm - 8:05pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Worlds of Jazz

Genre Latin America - MUSIC

8:20pm PDT

Susan Carr Ensemble

Latin Flavored Grooves

Performers

Susan Carr Ensemble

Susan Carr Ensemble meshes the percussive rhythms of Brazil and molds it with jazz, blues and rock of contemporary artists such as Sting, D'Angelo, & Djavan. Shows in Seattle, Tula's to Bumbershoot to Live Music on Lopez to The Triple Door to the Anacortes Arts Festival. Carr vocally... Read More →

Friday May 25, 2018 8:20pm - 8:55pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Worlds of Jazz

Genre Latin America - MUSIC

11:00am PDT

Seattle Mandolin Orchestra

International Folk/Classical Ensemble

Performers

Seattle Mandolin Orchestra

Mandolin orchestras are part of the rich American folk performance tradition, originating in the 1920's as an accessible way for working people to participate in music. The Seattle Mandolin Orchestra has been continuing that tradition since 1968. Under the artistic direction of Dr... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Misc. Instrumental

11:40am PDT

Ukestra Seattle

13 Member Ukulele Orchestra

Performers

Ukestra Seattle

Ukestra Seattle (US!), under the direction of Sunga Rose, is a group of ukulele musicians who are dedicated to bringing the joy and musicality of the ukulele to audiences everywhere. This 13-member ensemble plays a variety of music, from classical works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 11:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Uku-Up Ukelele Show

Genre Uncategorized

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

1:05pm PDT

Crankie Showcase

Enchanting Scrolling Panorama Storytelling

Performers

Crankie Showcase

Crankies are old storytelling devices, featuring illustrated scrolls displayed by stretching the scroll across a frame and "cranking" the spool from one side to the other. Often combined with music, song, spoken word, lights, shadow puppetry, and creative practical effects, the result... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 1:05pm - 2:35pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Crankie Showcase

Genre Storytellers

2:50pm PDT

The Top Star Fiddlers

Fabulously Energetic Young Fiddlers

Performers

The Top Star Fiddlers

The Top Star Fiddlers have been together since 2010. They are directed by and are the students of Betsy Alexander. The Tops Star Fiddlers like to play both classical and fiddle music from around the world. They perform four times a year in the Seattle area.

Saturday May 26, 2018 2:50pm - 3:20pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Children's Programs - Music
Program Kids Programming

3:35pm PDT

Small Change

Heavily Funkified Jazz Nerds

Performers

Small Change

Small Change began as a typical high school jazz combo playing standards from the Real Book. But at one point our keyboardist showed us a funky riff he had come up with, which became a song called Flannel (uploaded above). We soon realized there was so much more music we wanted to... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 3:35pm - 4:05pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Jazz- MUSIC

4:15pm PDT

Ramona Wijayratne & Erik Butterworth

Bulgarian Songs, Accordion, Piano

Performers

Ramona Wijayratne & Erik Butterworth

Ramona McDowell Wijayratne grew up with vocal music and dance from Eastern Europe. She has sung with Dunava, Seattle's Balkan Women's Choir since their inception in 2005. She has traveled to Bulgaria four times, collecting songs and studying technique with many native experts. Erik... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 4:15pm - 4:45pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Central/Eastern Europe & Balkan - MUSIC

5:00pm PDT

House of Tarab

Egyptian Music from 1930's-1970s

Performers

House of Tarab

House of Tarab is Seattle's premire Arabic Music Ensemble specializing in classic and traditional acoustic music of Egypt and the greater Levant region.

Saturday May 26, 2018 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre World/International - MUSIC

6:30pm PDT

Paul Kara Ross

Ancient Native American Flutes!

Performers

Paul Kara Ross

Paul Kara Ross is a Seattle area multi-instrumentalist specializing in Native American, Celtic and New Age music. Paul currently plays Native American, Pueblo (Anasazi and Mojave), Xiao and Shakuhachi flutes, Irish uilleann pipes and whistles, bouzouki, mandolin, classical guitar... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 6:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Native American Flutes

Genre Native American - MUSIC

7:15pm PDT

Paul Che oke' ten Wagner

Award-winning Coast-Salish Flute

Performers

Paul Che oke' ten Wagner

International performing, Award winning Native American flutist & Coast Salish- Saanich Nation Storyteller Paul "Che-oke-ten" Wagner shares the spirit & voice of the Coast Salish lands and sea, his songs have come to him with visions of healing and prayer for all relations (tree people... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 7:15pm - 7:45pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Native American Flutes

Genre Native American - MUSIC

8:00pm PDT

The Baltuck/Garrard Family Storytellers

Quartet with Shared DNA

Performers

The Baltuck/Garrard Family Storytellers

The Baltuck / Garrard Family Storytellers present a rich variety of folk tales, personal stories, and tandem telling. Naomi Baltuck and Thom Garrard have been telling stories for over thirty years. The first words out of their kids' mouths were "Once upon a time..." Now their grown-up... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 8:00pm - 8:25pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Ghost Stories

Genre Storytellers

8:30pm PDT

Larry Hohm

Stories with an Edge.

Performers

Larry Hohm

Larry Hohm tells stories with an edge—compelling works of fiction written by accomplished authors, including: Bill Pronzini, Colin Nissan, E. F. Benson, Frederic Brown, Harry Shannon, H. G. Wells, Jack Ritchie, Joe Donnelly, Joel Chandler Harris, Joyce Carol Oates, Mark Twain, Ray... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 8:30pm - 8:55pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Ghost Stories

Genre Storytellers

9:00pm PDT

Rebecca Hom

Ghost Story

Performers

Rebecca Hom

Rebecca Hom never knew she would someday be a storyteller. But for 25 years the thread of story has connected her with people across the country and on six continents. She loves stories. Old stories, new stories, fib or fact, they are all part of the human experience. And that is... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 9:00pm - 9:25pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Ghost Stories

Genre Storytellers

9:30pm PDT

Anne Rutherford

Surprisingly Powerful Stories

Performers

Anne Rutherford

Anne Rutherford is a gifted, in demand professional storyteller from the Pacific Northwest who performs at festivals, libraries, theaters and community events across the nation. She is a teaching artist in the schools with Young Audiences of Oregon & Saturday Academy. With her husband... Read More →

Saturday May 26, 2018 9:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Ghost Stories

Genre Storytellers

11:00am PDT

Chaopraya Ensemble

Thailand Traditional Music &Dance

Performers

Chaopraya Ensemble

Chaopraya Ensemble is an ensemble of friends and families of Thai immigrants in the Puget Sound area of Washington State coming together in efforts to protect, preserve and promote our cultural heritage of Thailand, especially in traditional music and dance. Through performances at... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Music & Dance of Thailand

Genre Asia - MUSIC

11:45am PDT

Bonglang Ruam Jai Band

Isaan Folk Music

Performers

Bonglang Ruam Jai Band

Bong Lang Ruam Jai Band (วงโปงลางร่วมใจ) is made up of community members in the Pacific Northwest who have a passion for Southeast Asian Music.The band was founded after the Thai temple in Auburn Washington brought traditional Thai Language, Dance, and... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Music & Dance of Thailand

Genre Asia - MUSIC

12:30pm PDT

The Wayside Band

Thai Contemporary Folk Music

Performers

The Wayside Band

Our band members are a part of Thai community in Seattle. None of us is a professional musician but we love to show Thai culture by using our music. The band name in Thai is "Khon Kang Tang" which means people who live on the street. We play Thai contemporary songs that talk about... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Music & Dance of Thailand

Genre Asia - MUSIC

1:15pm PDT

Siam Smile Thai Classical and Folk Dance

Thai Classical Blessing Dance

Performers

Siam Smile Thai Classical and Folk Dance

My name is Pimana Thichalad, a director and co-orditor of Siam Smile Thai Classical and Folk Dance. My dancers and I have been invited to perform with the Northwest Folklife Festival since 2006 to the present time.We have been invited to perform with Kent International Festival since... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Dance Performance, Music & Dance of Thailand

Genre Southeast/East Asia - DANCE

2:00pm PDT

Japanese Koto Club

Japanese Koto Performance

Performers

Japanese Koto Club

Mirei started to take koto lessons when she was 5 years old in Japan. She took koto lessons for 7 years and started again after a long break in Seattle for 4 years. She plays traditional koto music, modern songs and church songs. She plays at local events, schools, nursing homes... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, The World of Koto

Genre Asia - MUSIC

2:45pm PDT

Koto Jazz

Koto Jazz Instrumental Piano

Performers

Koto Jazz

Koto jazz is variations of traditional Japanese koto music and melodies with an infusion of western rhythm and jazz. These include Sakura, Tori No Yo Ni, Aki No Koto No Ha, Haru No Umi, Rokudan, Midare, and a score of others. I take these musical pieces and play them on the piano... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, The World of Koto

Genre Asia - MUSIC

4:15pm PDT

BIBAK of the Pacific Northwest

Filipino Mountain Tribe Group

Performers

BIBAK of the Pacific Northwest

BIBAK of the Pacific Northwest is a cultural organization composed of the Cordillera mountain tribes from the northern Philippines. The five tribes, Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, and Kalinga, are each its own ethnic identity, while still sharing common cultural aspects. BIBAK PNW... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 4:15pm - 4:45pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Dance Performance, Pagdiriwang Festival Presents: Philippines in Varied Hues Sponsored by iExaminer

Genre Southeast/East Asia - DANCE

4:55pm PDT

Kalahi Dance Company

Philippines Rural Dances

Performers

Kalahi Dance Company

The Kalahi Dance Company is part of the Filipino Community of Greater Seattle’s Family Academy program which promotes family participation and involvement in the education of children. It empowers our families and students to be proactive in community and school affairs. The Kalahi... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 4:55pm - 5:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Dance Performance, Pagdiriwang Festival Presents: Philippines in Varied Hues Sponsored by iExaminer

Genre South Asian - DANCE

5:45pm PDT

Participatory Call & Response Hindu Chanting

Performers

Participatory Call & Response Hindu Chanting

With Rob & Melissa, Bhaje, and Richard Russel & Alice Zimmerman.

Sunday May 27, 2018 5:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Participatory Music, Safe Haven Kirtan Showcase

Genre Uncategorized

8:00pm PDT

Travis Watt

Director of Northwest Folklife

Performers

Travis Watt

Travis Watt is not from Seattle but he respects it just like he respects his stepdad. He is so excited to be here and tell jokes to you fine people.

Sunday May 27, 2018 8:00pm - 8:20pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Stand Up Comedy

Genre Storytellers

8:20pm PDT

Erin Ingle

Humorist. Feminist. Gemini.

Performers

Erin Ingle

Erin Ingle is an Oregon-born, Washington-wrought stand-up comic whose silly observational humor might just change the way you perceive things. Equal parts stoner introspection and social commentary, Erin welcomes you into the weird world through her eyes. She was featured on Comedy... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 8:20pm - 8:40pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Stand Up Comedy

Genre Spoken Word

8:40pm PDT

Bo Johnson

Comedian, Comedy Central Alum

Performers

Bo Johnson

Bo Johnson is a comedian from Seattle. His stand up has appeared on Kevin Hart's Comedy Central show Hart of the City and he was a featured performer in the 2017 Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival. Bo's prank video "Bo and Mathew Sneak into a Movie Theatre" went viral on Youtube and... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 8:40pm - 9:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Stand Up Comedy

Genre Storytellers

9:00pm PDT

Thomas Nichols

I'm Just a Comedian

Performers

Thomas Nichols

I'm Just a Comedian

Sunday May 27, 2018 9:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Stand Up Comedy

Genre Storytellers

9:30pm PDT

Wilfred Padua

Comedian, Asian, 5'10

Performers

Wilfred Padua

Wilfred Padua is a comedian from Seattle who has an MFA in Writing from some school in Chicago. He has performed at Bumbershoot, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, the Laughing Devil Festival in NYC, the Burbank Comedy Festival, and Summer Meltdown Music Festival. He’s usually an idio... Read More →

Sunday May 27, 2018 9:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word, Stand Up Comedy

Genre Spoken Word

11:00am PDT

Seirm

Gaelic Songs & Tunes

Performers

Seirm

Seirm is a céilidh band of singers and musicians who create traditional and innovative Scottish Gaelicmusic together. The main musical program of Slighe nan Gaidheal, Washington's Gaelic language andcultural society, Seirm performs at various community events to promote interest... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Gaelic Showcase

Genre British Isles/Ireland - MUSIC

11:45am PDT

Kilmany

Scottish/Celtic Dance Music

Performers

Kilmany

Kilmany started playing in 1988 at the Enumclaw Highland games years ago with just a handful of musicians. It has grown and often includes social, guest dancers. Please enjoy the show!

Monday May 28, 2018 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Gaelic Showcase

Genre British Isles/Ireland - MUSIC

12:30pm PDT

Alex with Bandura

Bandura Transplanted to Northwest

Performers

Alex with Bandura

Amateur musician: singing, guitar, and recently bandura have been part of most of my life. Grew up in Ukrainian émigré community in Buffalo, NY. Lived the American folk music revival in 1960's+. In Seattle since 1977. Bandura playing since 1988. Primarily self-taught with intermittent... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Central/Eastern Europe & Balkan - MUSIC

1:20pm PDT

American Radio Theater

Radio Theater Done Live!

Performers

American Radio Theater

American Radio Theater is an all-volunteer, amateur performing ensemble, dedicated to bringing to life old-tire radio shows where no known recordings exist, as well as creating brand-new works in a classic radio style, complete with live sound effects. The troupe does very few live... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 1:20pm - 2:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Storytelling/Spoken Word

Genre Spoken Word

3:00pm PDT

Violin Maestro Ganesh Rajagopalan and Friends

Carnatic Classical and Fusion

Performers

Violin Maestro Ganesh Rajagopalan and Friends

Carnatic Classical and Fusion

Monday May 28, 2018 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance, Diwali: Lights of India Presents:

Genre Uncategorized

5:00pm PDT

Jai veer Hanuman - The Supreme Devotee and Fearless Warrior

Indian Classical Dance Ballet by Srishti Dance Ensemble!

Performers

Jai veer Hanuman: The Supreme Devotee and Fearless Warrior

Srishti Dance Ensemble is a presentation by the teachers of the greater Seattle Area performing the ancient art form of Indian Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam.

Monday May 28, 2018 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Dance Performance, Diwali: Lights of India Presents:

Genre South Asian - DANCE

5:45pm PDT

Ecco Chamber Ensemble

Socially Conscious Chamber Music

Performers

Ecco Chamber Ensemble

The Ecco Chamber Ensemble, a trio composed of soprano Stacey Mastrian, flutist and composer Sarah Bassingthwaighte, and guitarist and composer Mark Hilliard Wilson, works to build concerts around the intersection of art and social change. Their focus is on programming classical music... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 5:45pm - 6:15pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Misc. Instrumental

6:30pm PDT

Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble

Mbira Music of Zimbabwe

Performers

Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble

Mahonyera Mbira EnsembleThe Seattle-based ensemble Mahonyera performs traditional mbira music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Three to four mbira players perform complex interlocking patterns on the 22-24 key mbira dza vadzimu and are accompanied by hosho (gourd shakers) and vocals... Read More →

Monday May 28, 2018 6:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Center Theatre 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109

Music Performance

Genre Africa - MUSIC