SEATTLE — Bumbershoot is festival full of art, fashion and even history has been part of the Northwest for many decades. The festival, which started in 1971, is back at Seattle Center with a hot two-day lineup of music and art for it's belated 51st anniversary celebration.
“The essence of our festival is discovery,” said Chris Porter from Bumbershoot. “Check out some types of arts that you might not normally think of checking out, finding your new favorite band.”
This year's festival offers a full spectrum of arts and music experiences, from punk to performance art, ballet to wrestling, food to fashion, and all manner of ingenuity in between. With five stages and over 60 acts, attendees are guaranteed to find something they like.
“We want this festival to be for people from ages 15 to 75,” said Porter. “Somebody comes to a stage, and this isn't really my bag. We have four or five or 10 other things going on at the same time.”
The 51st annual Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival lineup includes national bands like Cypress Hill, Pavement and James Blake, as well as new local bands like Emi Pop and Lemon Boy.
Over the years, Bumbershoot has broken stereotypes, champions a more inclusive art community, and bets on the dreamers, makers, and performers who call the Pacific Northwest home.
“This festival was built by thousands of people who came in the 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's,” said Joe Paganelli, Co-founder of New Rising Sun.
It’s been said that everyone in the Pacific Northwest has a connection to this festival, whether as a performer, fan, worker, or simply knowing someone who attended.
“It's a bedrock event and part of the city's identity,” said Dave Dederer from The Presidents of the United States of America band.
“I have many fond memories of Bumbershoot, which is probably the closest thing to a psychedelic experience just for the music,” said Mark Arm, lead singer and guitar player for Mudhoney.
It's not all about great memories and living in the past because this beloved festival has a bright future. The spirit of discovery continues because the Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival is just getting started.
“We decided to wrap the festival around a workforce development program for youth,” said Paganelli. “Which would teach them business, provide opportunities, and train the next generation of arts and music producers.”
Be part of the Seattle art movement.
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