Come to a free concert at the Deception Pass State Park amphitheater (no registration required)! The American Roots Concert Series is hosted in partnership with the Washington State Parks and Recreation’s Folk & Traditional Arts Program. These concerts are held every Saturday, July 2 – August 27, 2022, at the Amphitheater!
Dates: Saturdays, July 2 – August 27
Time: 7 – 8 PM
Location: The Amphitheater (near West Beach)
July 2: Miho & DiegoGenre: Latin/Japanese Fusion
The Miho & Diego Duo has been boldly blending Latino, Japanese and American musical traditions since 2006. Both accomplished musicians, Miho Takekawa and Diego Coy discovered their sounds could be combined to make something new and unique.
Musician Website: https://mihodiego.com/
July 9: Anjali Silva & SaborGenre: Brazilian, Latin, West Coast Jazz
Anjali Silva and Sabor is a smooth and funky fusion of Latin jazz flavors, spiced to perfection; a simmering stew, where the California Coast meets the Colorado Mountains and the Pacific Northwest.
List of Ingredients: 1. Accomplished world singer, musician and recording artist, Anjali Silva is the umami of Latin and Brazilian music. 2. Award-winning musician, composer and professor, Rick White infuses the sultry heat to bass and guitar. 3. Jim Cochran, a finely seasoned performer and entertainer, adds the sugar to the keys. 4. Drummer Aaron Hennings doesn’t mince beats, a music director and master of Latin rhythms, he sears through at the right temperature. 5. Mix all ingredients until smooth to create an explosion of sound: chacha, son, bossa nova and samba for your heart and soul!
Musician Website: https://www.facebook.com/AnjalisGigs/
July 16: Briar accompanied by Joe SeamonsGenre: Jazz, Blues, American Roots
Briar sings vintage jazz, blues and original music. By blending a powerful voice with stories about the history and origins of her music, she shines a light on singers and tales that have been forgotten by the country that created them.
Musician Website: https://www.briarsings.com/ and https://www.joebanjo.net/
Location: East Cranberry Lake (just past the main entrance)
Time: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Lineup: Cory Vincent, The Enthusiasts, Cascadia Groove, Miller Campbell, and Chris Eger.
July 30: Queens BluegrassGenre: North Carolina influenced Bluegrass
Queens Bluegrass plays hard driving, traditional bluegrass with roots reaching back to the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Ernest Queen, the band’s founder, was born and raised in North Carolina. As a young man, he moved to Sedro Woolley, WA bringing with him the music he heard and played throughout his youth. For thirty years, Ernie and his band entertained audiences throughout Washington and British Columbia. Ernie passed away in 2015 and left Queens Bluegrass in charge of playing the music that he so loved.
Musician Website: https://queensbluegrass.com/
August 6: Seattle Steel Pan ProjectGenre: Caribbean steel pan drum ensemble
The Seattle Steel Pan Project is the culmination of over 30 years of steel pan educational programming and performance in the Pacific Northwest. The steel pan, also known as steel drum, originated in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago, ingeniously crafted in the 1940s from discarded 55-gallon oil drums.
Musician Website: https://www.seattlesteelpanproject.com/
August 13: Shifty SailorsGenre: Maritime Heritage, Sea Chanties
The Shifty Sailors hail from Whidbey Island. Their music celebrates the maritime history of the Puget Sound. The Sailors have worked to preserve the heritage of sailing ships, folklore, and songs of the sea for over 28 years.
Musician Website: http://shiftysailors.net/
August 20: Schmid & GuestGenre: Celtic Fiddle and Piano
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, and drawing from Scottish, Cape Breton, and Irish traditions.
Musician Website: https://facebook.com/schmidandguest/
August 27: Mount Vernon Mariachi & FolkloricoGenre: Traditional Mariachi and Baile Folklorico
Mount Vernon High School Mariachi & Folklorico is the largest Mariachi Program on the west side of the state with over 120 students. Their mission is to pass down Mexico’s rich traditions of dance and music to youth. This vibrant cultural heritage lives on in the community through Mount Vernon performances.
Musician Website: https://www.facebook.com/mariachimv/
