An estimated 10,000 people flooded the streets of downtown Everett last year for the annual Fisherman’s Village Music Festival. Festival founder Ryan Crowther expects an even bigger crowd this year.
“Each year, we find new people that reconnect with their love for music through Fisherman’s Village Music Festival, and hearing from those folks is always the best feeling,” Crowther told The Herald. “A big team of folks work year round to put this event together for the community, so it’s those stories that remind us why we do what we do.”
The Everett Music Initiative event showcasing more than 40 national acts and local favorites returns for its 10th year May 18-20.
“Over time, I’ve developed a yearning to see artists that travel miles to play our festival, many of which have never played in Everett,” Crowther told The Herald. “You can love this city as much as you want, but it will always be a tertiary market for music, so to have artists coming through that will likely only come through because of this festival, those are easy to get excited about.”
An exciting upgrade to this year’s event is the addition of two stages in the new APEX Art and Culture Center, located in the former Club Broadway building at 1611 Everett Avenue. King’s Hall, a nightlife spot-turned-concert hall located upstairs in the building, will act as the festival’s main stage. 1611, a smaller downstairs stage, will be the future home of a restaurant opening in the building.
Other festival venues include: Lucky Dime at 1618 Hewitt Ave, an art gallery and music venue open to all ages for the festival, Black Lab Gallery and Bar at 1805 Hewitt Ave, a woman-owned arts space in the heart of downtown Everett and Zamara Gallery at 2936 Colby Ave, which is a later addition to the festival and will host local acoustic and spoken word artists.
The Night Market at Fisherman’s Village also returns for another year and will span Wetmore Ave. from Hewitt Ave. to Pacific Ave.
The market epicenter will be at 2930 Wetmore Ave. and free to enter. The block party will feature over 40 artisan vendors, live music by local artists, a beer garden and, 10 food trucks. Although this portion of the festival is free, national artists will require a wristband.
Hours for the Night Market:
Friday 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday noon to 10 p.m.
More information on the market can be found at thefishermansvillage.com.
Nate Watters Fauna Shade performs at Fisherman’s Village Music Festival in 2016.
Oakland’s 60s inspired surf-rock quartet Shannon and the Clams and Los Angeles-based neo-psychedelia band Drugdealer are heading to Everett to headline the festival.
Shannon & the Clams by Bobbi Rich (photo provided by Shannon & the Clams)
Shannon and the Clams fuses surf-rock, doo-wop, R&B and garage psychedelic to create a unique vintage sound. The band’s latest record “Year of The Spider” is both musically and lyrically diverse, Pitchfork says, pulling from Hinduism, disco and country, while preserving their trademark style.
A series of difficulties drove the band’s front runner Shannon Shaw to seek council from an astrologist, where she was advised to pull from the power of Durga, a vigilant, eight-armed Hindu goddess. This pushed Shaw to reach outside her comfort zone during a season of personal tragedy and produce the album she told Pitchfork.
Drugdealer founder and primary songwriter, Michael Collins, by Andrea Adolph. (Provided by Mexican Summer)
Drugdealer’s latest record “Hiding in Plain Sight” tackles love in all of its forms. With dreamy guitar riffs and smooth keys, lead singer Michael Collins’ voice takes center stage compared to the bands’ previous albums.
Crowther said he’s “hooked” by Drugdealer’s infectious good vibes and guest vocalist collaborations.
“I can’t imagine putting them on for anyone and not getting a nod and a grin,” Crowther said. “Having them on a stage in Everett is gonna feel good.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the festival’s massive lineup and are on the hunt for artist recommendations, then check out the Herald’s lineup highlights.
Music isn’t the only thing Fisherman’s Village has to offer. If you love street food, the festival’s Night Market has you covered. Herald food reporter Riley Haun has a guide for finding the best festival eats.
For $99, attendees get a wristband granting access to every 21-and-up show across five stages. A pass to the all-ages shows on Friday and Saturday is $30, and a VIP weekend experience including exclusive balcony seating for shows at APEX’s main stage is $175. Tickets will be available online at www.thefishermansvillage.com. until Thursday May 18 at 12:01 PM. Then, they will be available for purchase at Black Lab Gallery on Thursday or in the Night Market at Wetmore Ave. and Wall St. on Friday and Saturday.
Grab a copy of the weekend print edition for a special pull out section and use it as your Fisherman’s Village festival guide.
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