The Lineup

SIERRA LEONE’S REFUGEE ALL STARS

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have risen like a phoenix out of the ashes of war and enflamed the passions of fans across the globe with their uplifting songs of hope, faith and joy. The band is a potent example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact. From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa’s top touring and recording bands.   Their latest album was selected as the “Number One World Music Album of 2012″ by the CBC.  Rent the award-winning feature documentary to learn more about their incredible story, “Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars.”  FRIDAY  

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are also doing three shows for JFFA’s “Art in the Schools” program- funded by the Seattle Foundation.   _________________________________________________________________

THE SLIDE BROTHERS

The Slide Brothers are Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell, Darick Campbell and Aubrey Ghent– acknowledged as the greatest living musicians who embody the Sacred Steel tradition.  Today, the joyous music these legendary artists create extends far beyond Sacred Steel to encompass blues, rock and soul — all celebrated with a sound that is uniquely their own.  From Nashville to Chicago to Newark, all four Slide Brothers developed their music worshiping and performing in The Church of the Living God.  Until recently, this dynamic, high energy music had never been heard outside the church.  Now the legendary Slide Brothers have joined together to expose new audiences to this rich, uniquely American art form, unspoiled by commercialism. ”The virtuoso musicianship is amazing… breathtaking.” (Desert Star Weekly)  SUNDAY

The Slide Brothers early Sunday performance will be a gospel set.
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DELHI 2 DUBLIN

 Delhi 2 Dublin has played top festivals throughout Canada, the UK, the Pacific Rim and Europe. Described by one magazine as the “United Nations of rock ‘n’ roll” they have become one of Canada’s most buzzed about bands.  After all… where else are you going to see a kick-ass fiddle player rocking out with a kilt-wearing Korean flanked by two bouncing Bhangra percussionists and a vocalist who looks like he would be at home in a Bollywood music video?  “Blending east and west, electronic and acoustic, mainstream and underground, Delhi 2 Dublin is the new sound of music.”  (Oh Snap) SATURDAY
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TONY FURTADO BAND

Quite simply, Tony is one of the great musicians of our time within the Americana tradition.Already a two-time national banjo champion while still in his early 20s, his musical journey led him to pick up the slide guitar where it became clear his virtuosity transitioned with ease.  His musical palette also broadened –from his bluegrass roots into elements of country, rock, blues and jazz.  He has made 16 CDs along with several instruction books on banjo and slide guitar.  “As a banjo virtuoso… his picking is rapid-fire quick, sharp and clear, and puts him in the school of Bela Fleck and David Grisman.” (Telluride Daily Planet) SATURDAY
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HOUSTON JONES

Houston Jones is a California based high octane Americana quintet. Formed in 2001, the band performs a strong original repertoire that ranges from bluegrass and folk to blues and gospel.  A festival favorite, they’re a big hit at every festival they play. All members of the band have extraordinary musical histories including Glenn Houston who has received several best guitarist awards and yes, plays left handed, upside down. “As good as any singing and picking I’ve heard in my thirty years in the music business. Do your friends a big favor, and turn them on to this band!” (Bob Brown, manager, Huey Lewis and the News)  SUNDAY
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GROOVE FOR THOUGHT

Seven voices plus a powerhouse piano trio add up to one unforgettable musical performance.  The seven singers of Groove for Thought have been blowing audiences away for over ten years.  Performing classic tunes in a jazz style unlike anything you’ve ever heard, the group combines the swinging style of the Manhattan Transfer with the smooth sounds of Take 6.  Featured on NBC’s “The Sing Off,” the group won the National Harmony Sweepstakes Competition and the Contemporary A Capella Recording Award among other honors.  “Style, soul, personality and killer tone – a truly classy musical performance.”  (Ben Folds)  SATURDAY
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POLECAT

From Bellingham, Washington, Polecat has established itself as one of the Northwest’s favorite bands thanks to its expressive roots tracks and explosive live shows. Although their music is clearly rooted in the bluegrass tradition, they stretch that genre’s boundaries by incorporating easy-going rock, grey sky blues, jazzy jams and a hint of reggae and Celtic flavor. They are proud winners of three 2012 “What’s Up Awards” (Bellingham) including best CD, Best Americana band, and best live band.  “Polecat’s live show is an experience. It’s sweaty and loud in all the right ways and it’s sure to get you on your feet.” (Tacoma News Tribune) MONDAY
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LOCURA

LoCura is Spanish for “madness” or “folly,” and it indeed might seem foolish, given our fragmented world, for this multi-ethnic band from San Francisco to promote unity across cultures through music. However, there’s no denying the power of this ensemble’s exhilarating sound. Mixing Flamenco with Reggae and Cumbia with Ska through contagious rhythms and multiple languages, LoCura is a Latin music powerhouse.  “LoCura is an explosion of sonic sunshine with crisp percussion and guitar work, soaring brass, driving bass lines and dynamic sass from lead singer Kata Milletich.”  (Rupa and the April Fishes)  SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AFTER HOURS
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SHOOK TWINS

Shook Twins are a quirky folk band led by the amazingly talented identical twins Katelyn and Laurie Shook. Central elements of the Shook Twins sound are the wide range of instrumentation, including banjo, guitar, upright bass, mandolin, beatbox, glockenspiel, ukulele, djembe and their signature golden egg.  Along with beautiful twin harmonies, their eclectic and eccentric blend of folk, roots and fun make this group unforgettable.  “Portland transplants Shook Twins are the most exciting local folk act I’ve heard in ages.  Strike that word “local” and the sentiment still stands.”  (Willamette Week)  FRIDAY, AFTER HOURS
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DANCE THE TANGO WITH TANGOHEART

Join us for an adventure with one of the most fascinating of all the dances — the remarkable tango.  A sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America in the early twentieth century,  today tango music, along with tango dance, has become one of the greatest of all musical genres throughout the world.   One of our favorite tango bands,  Tangoheart, led by virtuoso bandoneon player Bertram Levy, will be performing for your dancing pleasure.  Be there at 7:30 for a tango survival class. All levels welcome.  (Find out where else to tango in Port Angeles at Tango in the Olympics.) SUNDAY
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KAUMAKAIWA KANAKA’OLE

Kaumakaiwa is a five time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner (Hawaiian Grammy) including awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.  Just 27 years old, he has dedicated his life to Hawaiian music and the art of hula, oli, haku mele and choreography.  Characterized by a passionate, unmatched love of his culture along with the power that lies within his lineage, Kaumakaiwa is blazing a new trail in the 21st century while playing homage to those who have come before him.  A phenomenal world artist, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’Ole has emerged as the voice of Hawaii’s new generation.  MONDAY
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TEARS OF JOY THEATRE

The young’uns’ will not want to miss this show!  It’s a fun, rollicking, family friendly adaptation of the Jules Verne classic, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”  Tears of Joy Theatre is acknowledged as one of the nation’s outstanding puppet theatres — known internationally for its innovation and excellence. Recognition for its outstanding productions includes four of American puppetry’s highest honor, A Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry from UNIMA-USA.  So hold your breath and submerge yourself in Tears of Joy’s underwater adventure.  “The company’s beautifully designed puppets will blow you away as they come to life.” (Willamette Week) SUNDAY
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BALANCE DANCE COMPANY

Based in Boise, Idaho, Balance Dance Company is a pre-professional company for talented young dancers committed to presenting exciting, cutting edge contemporary dance. This 15th anniversary season presents a collection of work choreographed by former Balance dancers living and working in London, New York, Copenhagen, San Francisco and Boise. Each piece challenges dancers and audiences alike to illustrate the diverse spectrum of innovative contemporary dance. No two dances are similar and each have something beautiful, thought-provoking or humorous to present. If you’d like to watch an exhibition of what is at  the forefront of contemporary dance performed by nine incredibly talented young dancers, please join us!  SATURDAY, SUNDAY
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COYOTE GRACE

If you’d like to watch from a front-row seat as roots music reinvents itself, look no further than Coyote Grace. At once both radically progressive and unashamedly nostalgic, the trio is at the forefront of a growing movement to redefine the meanings of “roots” and “tradition.  Mixing bluegrass and blues, soul and Southern twang into a unique sound that hovers just beyond the edge of ‘familiar,’ the sultry trio combines virtuosic musicianship with a humble, warm stage presence.  “They write heartwrenching melodies and make such textured harmonies that I find myself enraptured and taken by their timelessness of song.” (Amy Ray, Indigo Girls) FRIDAY, SATURDAY
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IMPOSSIBLE BIRD

A duo that will shake your bones, Impossible Bird makes “brilliant Dionysian music.” (Garrison Keillor). Nick Drummond is the former front man and songwriter for the hit Seattle band, The Senate, while Tyler Carson is an internationally known fiddler/violinist. Their influences range from Afro-pop, funk and country to the heavy backbeat of hard rock.  The raves just keep on coming.  “An absolutely stellar combination of upbeat alt-folk. Impossible Bird is the Next Big Musical Duo.” (Seattle Weekly)  Or this from Will Millar of the Irish Rovers, “Over my long career, I have never seen such talent, poise and charisma from such young people.” SUNDAY
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DAVID JACOBS-STRAIN

David Jacobs-Strain is a virtuosic slide guitar player and a storyteller with a passionate one man show that is both humorous and deeply lyrical. A bridge between today’s indie folk troubadours and the delta guitar slingers of the 1930′s, David plays with precision and sings with emotional abandon.  Aside from that, we’re always thrilled to have the enormously appealing David at our festival – he’s probably sold more CDs at the Festival Store than any other artist“David Jacobs-Strain sings and plays slide-driven country blues with a passion and authority that few artists of any age can muster.” (Guitar Player Magazine) MONDAY, AFTER HOURS
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OLIVER SWAIN GROUP

Hailing from Victoria, BC, nearly the farthest west (or left) as one can be, Oliver Swain is Canada’s quintessential folk and traditional musician.  With his pure, finely tuned vocals that have an astonishing range, and his undeniable skill behind a banjo or upright bass, Oliver grabs and holds the attention of all who hear him with his enormous sound and stature. Oliver’s musical journey has been truly remarkable including stints in the Bills, the Duhks (Scruj MacDuhk), Outlaw Social and Louisiana’s Red Stick Ramblers. “Absolutely amazing stuff.  I was mesmerized from start to finish and I wasn’t the only one.” (Kenna Burima, Calgary Folk Music Festival) SUNDAY
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MARK LEWIS QUARTET

A master of the alto sax, baritone sax, flute and piano, Mark Lewis is the author of over 1,500 compositions.  He is an internationally acclaimed jazz artist who combines extraordinary technical virtuosity with unsurpassed integrity and personal expression. A frequent substitute for Stan Getz and John Handy during his time in San Francisco, Mark’s CD “In The Spirit” was a Top 40 jazz hit and sold over 900,000 copies.  “You listen to the guys with the primo recording contracts on the very top labels, and in my opinion, they’re not in Mark’s league.” (Ted Gioia, author “The History of Jazz”) SATURDAY
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MANE ROK

From Denver, Colorado, Hip-Hop artist Mane Rok is time tested.  From having shared the stage with Hip-Hop legends like KRS-One, to smashing festivals as a precursor to Gnarls Barkley (with his group ManeLine), Mane Rok’s solid foundation has never been more evident.  Today, the outspoken MC is working harder than ever creating new projects — from the “True Skool” era of Hip- Hop with folks like Waxx Producer/DJ Es Nine to the future with renaissance man Dyalekt. Mane Rok will be joined by DeeJay Tense who notes, “Our live show. Our skills. Our raw energy. That’s what people love about us.”  FRIDAY (funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Western States Arts Federation) 

Mane Rok is also the featured artist for our Thursday Pre-Festival Kick-Off Event.
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HENRIK BOTHE

Get ready to laugh with the physical comedy of Henrik Bothe.  The Danish born Henrik has performed in four languages, 50 states and 22 countries since 1984.  He walks on ladders, spins ropes, juggles without using his hands, rides a too-high unicycle, walks with four legs and can even appear as a glowing alien – NeonMan. He’s appeared on the Tonight Show, at Ceasars Palace, Europe’s prestigious “Le Plus Grande Carabet du Monde” and even A Prairie Home Companion where Garrison Keillor exclaimed, “Henrik is one of the few jugglers that have succeeded in performing on the radio.” SATURDAY
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THE SAM CHASE

This isn’t your average Sam Chase.  This is the Sam Chase. From San Francisco, Sam Chase has a  voice like a Nun on the lam with a mouthful of cigarettes and curse words in a lonely bar, drunkenly dancing next to a broken jukebox.  Meanwhile, there’s a legend that backing band, The Functional Alcoholics, are descended from Norse Warriors.  Nobody’s sure but they follow ancient ancestral practices before each show.  Their goals are simple – world peace and to find a place where victory is a basic human right.  If all goes according to plan The Sam Chase will lead you there. SUNDAY, MONDAY, AFTER HOURS
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THE BARBARY GHOSTS

At the forefront of the sea music genre, The Barbary Ghosts combine traditional sea chanteys, old-time ballads and drinking songs with well-crafted originals to create a sound that is fresh and distinct but still maintains the integrity of tradition.  Armed with a fiddle, guitar and button accordion, these castaways washed up on the shores of San Francisco telling tales of whiskey, love, lust and mutiny on the high seas. Having no boat and no money, they took to playing the dives, dance halls and street corners of the Barbary Coast.  The rest is history… FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AFTER HOURS
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SHANE PHILIP

Swelling in primordial pulses and wholloping whoops, the tones of Shane Philip’s didgeridoo hold the power to either still listeners into silence or encourage audiences to rise up in a tribal swell of intoxicating spirit.  Meanwhile his hands will be skillfully juggling between shaking up rhythms with his aslatua, driving the dance floor with his djembe and sliding out grooves on his Weissenborn-style guitar.  Winner of the 2012 Best Live Act Award for Vancouver Island, Shane Philip’s music blends the border between folk, reggae, blues and beyond. “Shane Philip’s sound is rhythmic and intoxicating.” (Nanaimo Daily News) SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AFTER HOURS
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BROOKS ROBERTSON

The remarkable contrast between his age and his talent is what constantly fascinates audiences around the globe: They see a young man standing or sitting on stage, while hearing him play the most staggering version of “Cannonball Rag.”  Brooks utilizes his superb technical abilities to play bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously and surpass the borders of conventional genres.  A recent triumph is his second place finish in the Yahama Guitar competition which featured participants from over 40 countries. “I was completely knocked out with the acoustic guitar virtuosity of Brooks Robertson…monster chops!” (Lee Ritenour — Grammy award winning guitarist)  SATURDAY, AFTER HOURS
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TOM MAY

After 14 years at the Festival, it’s great to have Tom back after a one year hiatus. With nearly 40 years under his belt as a professional singer/songwriter, Tom has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands with his songs.  With 12 albums, countless concerts throughout the US and overseas and his well-known radio show, “River City Folk,” heard on over 150 stations, Tom has lived his life dedicated to the music that he truly believes makes a difference.  “One of the most talented performers in the emerging acoustic music renaissance.” (The Boston Globe)  SATURDAY
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DAMONDE TSCHRITTER

A sidesplitting favorite at last year’s festival, was there really any doubt that he would be back this year.  Among his many honors, Damonde is the only Canadian to win the illustrious Seattle International Comedy Competition in its 28-year history. Damonde did 17 shows to be crowned the champion!   Other credits include CTV’s Comedy Now, Just For Laughs, Chicago Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival, HBO’s USA vs. Canada stand-up weekend, and creator of the Vancouver Comedy Festival’s “Glossy Awards Show”. “An absolutely unique act and perhaps this country’s finest comedic storyteller”.  (Globe & Mail)  SUNDAY, AFTER HOURS
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THE BURREN BOYS

This evocative group draws together musical influences from Ireland, Brittany, the Balkans, and a touch of good old rock ’n roll. They show up with a variety of instruments – fiddle, whistles, low whistles, bouzouki, banjo, guitar, bodhran, djembe and bass – and play traditional and original tunes. They have also been known to favor their listeners with occasional songs sung in Irish as well as English. Their arrangements weave together traditional and modern influences, and range from full-tilt reels and jigs to airs and quieter sets. When they play ceilis, everyone gets up to dance.  SATURDAY

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SCOTT COOK

A hit at last year’s festival, we jumped when the opportunity arose to bring Scott back in 2013.  From Edmonton, Alberta, Scott Cook is a tirelessly traveling songwriter who brings honesty, humor, years of roads and a deep love of humanity to his songwriting and storytelling. His straight-talking tunes weave together folk, roots, blues, country and soul influences, whether stripped down to fingerpicked acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele, and foot percussion, or backed by his band.   Winner of the Best Male Artist at the 2012 Edmonton Music Awards.  “He is, without question, the most endearing of folk hippies in this uptight town.”  (SEE Magazine, Edmonton)  SATURDAY, SUNDAY
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BETH WOOD

 Beth Wood is a modern-day troubadour and a force to be reckoned with.  Her music is soulful, organic, intelligent, barefoot and a high-energy communication of joy.  For over sixteen years Beth’s exceptional musicianship, crafty songwriting, and engaging, energetic stage presence have been winning over audiences from coast to coast.  Now, thousands of shows, nine albums, three cars, and numerous awards later, Beth has never looked back.  She’s Beth Wood – “which is about as good as it gets if you prefer the singer/songwriter genre.”   “Beth Wood is a triple-threat – a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice.” (Washington Post) SUNDAY
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JEFFREY MARTIN

A finalist in the 2012 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, held at New York City’s Lincoln Center, Jeffrey Martin is “an incredibly rare find among today’s glut of singer-songwriters: a songwriter whose songs are immediately affecting. These are the kind of songs that can change you.”  (Devon Leger)  It can seem like everyone is getting on the Jeffrey Martin bandwagon.  KVRM had this to say about his latest CD, “Gold in the Water is full of soul and stunning poetry and he puts it all out there with a voice like finely aged whiskey and a touch of honey.” SUNDAY
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NATHANIEL TALBOT TRIO

With influences ranging from prodigious guitar pickers like Doc Watson and Leo Kotke, to the more soulful folk poetry of folks like Gillian Welch and Paul Simon,  Nathaniel Talbot presents a unique blend of old picking and indie here-and-now.  At the ripened age of 28, his trademark finger-style guitar work and melodic vocal lines highlight an artist whose time has come. “An extremely polished guitar player, Nathaniel Talbot wowed listeners so much last year as an emerging artist, that we decided to bring him back again this year.” (Sisters Folk Festival) SUNDAY
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SARAH SHEA

Sarah is a very special vocalist, well-known to jazz fans on the Olympic Peninsula.  She is one of the local community’s favorite singers,  which includes a tenure as a singer for Stardust, the jazz big band.  Sarah is justifiably proud of her recently-released first CD, “The Nearness of You.”  “She’s like a female Miles Davis.  She finds that note you wouldn’t expect to hear.” (Ed Donahue)  SATURDAY

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 KATE LYNNE LOGAN

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kate Lynne Logan’s reputation just keeps growing for her intimate, honest songs and her ethereal vocals. With her delicate voice and tasteful, percussive guitar-playing, she blurs the lines between contemporary folk, pop and alt-country, making the music distinctly her own.  Her CD, Chrysalis, is the latest milestone for Kate.  As she puts it, “I called it Chrysalis because of the tremendous transformation I’d undergone personally and, consequently, musically.  ” We can’t wait to see what’s next for Kate Lynne Logan. FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AFTER HOURS
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TWISTED ROOTS

Back in the ’80s when local legends, The Mossback Ramblers, ambled off in different directions, two ofthe group’s members – Marty Kaler and Bob Lawrence-Markarian – carried away with them their deep love for acoustic roots music. Fast forward 25 years and the pair has reunited and rekindled that love — honing old and new tunes featuring finger-style guitar, ukulele, humor, claw-hammer banjo, dobro, and Armenian duduk. Says Marty, “Playing in Twisted Roots feels just like coming home again.” MONDAY


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PAUL CHASMAN AND THE PILLARS OF POWER

Paul Chasman has been amazing audiences for over 40 years as a soloist, composer and ensemble member.  His latest reincarnation is, perhaps, the most surprising yet, with his new persona as a singer/songwriter. Now, armed with dazzling guitar and harmonicas, he is enthralling audiences once again with original songs about love, dogs, cats, Muhammad Ali and topical issues. Special for the Festival, he will be accompanied by the Pillars of Power, also known as David Rivers and Hayden Pomeroy of Abby Mae and the Homeschool Boys fame. MONDAY
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SHULA AZHAR

Shula Azhar is one of those unique troupes that have grown together for the past 10 years, developing their unique style that other dancers want to watch.  They are a multi-award winning dance troupe that specializes in Raqs Sharqi style.   However they also include different regional folkloric styles, as well as fusion and contemporary, in their repertoire.  Each dancer offers an individual style uniquely her own for solo performances, yet when moving as part of the group ensemble, the synchronicity is amazing.  SATURDAY

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THE LORENTZENS

The Lorentzens are a unique vocal group comprised of siblings Mark, Anne, Lisa, and Kathryn Lorentzen. Already singing in front of audiences while still young children, they early on developed their signature tight harmonies and eclectic vocal style.  In 2009, they were selected as one of six top finalists in the CBS Early Show’s “Singing Family Faceoff” where they received national attention.   More recently, they won the coveted “first place” in a cover contest on Perez Hilton’s internationally syndicated online entertainment blog. SUNDAY, MONDAY

The Lorentzens will do a special Memoral Day program on Monday. 
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JULIA MAGUIRE

In 2011, the Juan de Fuca Festival was in a bit of a jam.  We had just learned that one of our featured performers would not be available.  With just 30 minutes until show time, it was a real scramble but we were fortunate to recruit folksinger, Julia Maguire, to fill the slot.  It was a true Cinderella story as Julia was a big hit, even getting a standing ovation.  Now living in Berkeley, California, we are thrilled to have her return to our festival — beautiful voice, musicianship and all.  FRIDAY, SUNDAY

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THERAPY SESSION

Therapy Session is a band from the West End of the Olympic Peninsula who play an eclectic assortment of original tunes, country, blues, folk and gospel. Roger Lien and Sally Milici blend vocal harmonies as they pick and strum rhythm guitars. Dave Lenahan’s bass underscores the melodies as his soothing vocals fill out the low notes. Rounding out the band is Pete Larsen whose stellar blues harp adds the leads and takes the breaks. An unusual mix that works. SUNDAY

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ZUMBA

Zumba is a Latin-based cardio dance fitness craze which has taken over the world.  So, ditch the workout and join the party!  Several certified Zumba instructors will bring salsa, merenque, cumbia and reggaeton to the Juan de Fuca Festival.  Zumba is suitable for all ages, any fitness level and any background.  SATURDAY

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Keep watching this space — more to come!

View 2011 Festival Performers or

View 2012 Festival Performers