Austin Jenckes headlines Darrington’s country music festival

Austin Jenckes, who this year was named one of the top 10 new country artists by Rolling Stone magazine, will headline this weekend’s Spur Festival in Darrington.

Jenckes first gained national attention on “The Voice” TV show in 2013. Two recent songs, “Same Beer Different Day,” and “Ride Away,” have brought him national fame and have been streamed hundreds of thousands of times on Spotify.

Martin House, the country music festival’s founder and producer, said he can’t believe he was able to land Jenckes for the event. “I offered and he took it,” House said. “He’s blowing up right now.”

Jenckes is scheduled to perform beginning at 8:50 Saturday evening. “Right there for the sunset,” House said. “I know he’s excited to play for the sunset in Darrington.”

The festival with local, regional and national acts is expected to draw 2,000 people. “We’re looking at doubling again this year,” House said.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Darrington Music Park. Among other acts is Seattle’s Marlin James Band, scheduled to perform at 8 p.m.

Friday’s acts include Seattle’s Jessica Lynne, known for her hit, “Drive It Like A Race Car,” Walla Walla’s Frog Hollow, Oregon’s Greenneck Daredevils performing Texas bluegrass-style music, Sedro Woolley’s Whiskey Fever, and Seattle’s Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing.

Maile May, a Bonney Lake native, kicks off a full day of performances Saturday, including Knut Bell and the Blue Collars, Stanwood’s Lowdown Drifters, the Seattle line dance team Boot Boogie Babes, and Tayla Lynn (Loretta’s granddaughter) whose national tour also includes a June 29 stop at the Marysville Opera House.

An auction to benefit wounded warriors is scheduled, one of several planned events to help veterans.

The festival wraps up Sunday, with performances including the Folsoms, a Johnny Cash cover band.

That the grass-roots event is now in its fourth year is due in large part to House’s determination, dedication and willingness to spend — and lose — some of his own money to see it continue.

House, 34, who works as a high climber for hazardous tree removal, said it began as something of a spur-of-the moment idea, thus one of the reasons for the festival’s name.

This year may be the year that the festival breaks even, which could lead the way to a bigger budget and event, House said.

There have been more volunteers to help out this year. And some performers told him they’ll perform for free if the event doesn’t make money.

“It still feels like a crazy idea that I have,” House said. “I won’t let it go, I’ll tell you that.”

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.

If you go

The Spur Festival, Darrington’s country music festival, is 4 to 10 p.m. June 21, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, 42501 Highway 530 NE, Darrington. Along with local, regional and national acts, the festival has a beer garden, food vendors, mechanical bulls and dance lessons, as well as camping and river access.

Ticket prices vary, but a weekend pass is $105 for an adult, $30 for kids 8-15 and free for those 7 and younger. For information, go to www.thespurfestival.com.

Spur Fest highlights

Here is the schedule for Friday and Saturday, the two biggest days of the Spur Festival.

Friday

5 to 5:45 p.m.: Jessica Lynne

6:05 to 7:05 p.m.: FrogHollow Band

7:35 to 8:35 p.m.: Greenneck Daredevils

8:50 to 9:50 p.m.: Darin Jones and Last Men Standing

10:30 to 11:30 p.m.: Whiskey Fever

Saturday

1:10 to 2 p.m.: Maile May

2:20 to 3:10 p.m.: Katie Wade

3:30 to 4:20 p.m.: Knut Bell and the Blue Collars