Fisherman’s Village Music Festival to bring 60 bands to Everett in May

The Everett Music Initiative has produced more than 50 concerts in downtown Everett during the past two years.

Founder Ryan Crowther estimates the concerts circulated about $500,000 into the Everett economy and raised the level of live music performances and new music culture in the city.

“Everett Music Initiative has had an impact on downtown. Live music is vital to the culture of vibrant cities,” Crowther said. “We felt it was time to go to the next level, to increase the momentum in cultural growth that will match the population growth of downtown Everett.”

Crowther’s group now is planning its first Fisherman’s Village Music Festival on May 16 and 17 with 60 bands playing at four venues including the Historic Everett Theatre on Colby Avenue and Kroakers on Rucker Avenue. An early bird wristband ticket price of $55 for both days is available.

So far, the lineup for the festival includes the bands Gardens &Villa, The Moondoggies, La Luz, Rose Windows, The Grizzled Mighty and Shelby Earl.

The rest of the festival bands will be announced at a launch party set for 9 p.m. March 20 at Barboza, 925 E. Pike, in Seattle. Tickets are still available at www.etix.com. More information about the festival is at www.thefishermansvillage.com.

“We’re reaching out to an audience that stretches from Portland to Vancouver, B.C.,” Crowther said. “We believe that more than 75 percent of the people who will attend probably haven’t visited Everett before. We’re bringing in some expensive names, attracting a big audience and gathering sponsors to help out.”

Crowther figures the festival will cost about $50,000 and bring another half-million dollars into the city.

The name of the festival, Fisherman’s Village is meant to evoke the nearness of the Salish Sea and the accessible nature of downtown Everett, Crowther said. “We’re really happy with the brand we have out there to market the festival.”

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.