Northwest Folklife
Focusing on multi-culturalism as much as music, Folklife showcases the colorful dress, vibrant music and local history of the Puget Sound’s Jewish, Slavic, Indian, Filipino and Korean communities, along with many others. Produced by Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center, it hosts more than 7,000 participants, over 20 stages and venues, roughly 1000 performances, and an audience of approximately 250,000 at the Seattle Center. Participants immerse themselves in four days of music and dance performances, visual arts and folklore exhibits, symposia, workshops, craft and cooking demonstrations and films. Local bands Speaker Speaker, Pillow Army and Sound Off! winner Hooves & Beak play this weekend, in addition to numerous local country, bluegrass, swing and other distinctly American sounds. Sprinkled among the music festivities, there are readings, artist workshops and a “Liar’s Contest” on Saturday. The Festival is free and runs today through Monday at the Seattle Center.