Six local acts to perform at ‘mini music festival’ in Conway

Everett’s own Tellers will take the stage Saturday at an all-ages show spanning the genres of reggae to indie folk.

The Conway Muse, about 7 miles north of Stanwood, is hosting Officially PNW Summer, in which six local acts are teaming up to put on an outdoor concert.

“We decided to make it a kind of a mini music festival,” said Josh Clauson, an Arlington native who is both promoting and performing at the first-time event.

Tellers fans are drawn to the singing of Sarah Feinberg, an Arlington High School graduate. “She’s a powerhouse — really a unique voice,” Clauson said.

The group recently released a full-length recording, “Shook.” “They’re incredible, very committed and really working hard to put out great music,” Clauson said.

Feinberg describes the band’s music as a mix of indie rock with some touches of grunge fuzz and distortion with a singer-songwriter presence.

She performed in a solo show at Everett’s Anchor Pub in 2011. Longtime friend and fellow musician Brad Heyne joined her for backing vocals.

“He and I just never stopped playing together,” she said. “Then, throughout the years, we formed Tellers.” The group’s name derives from what it tries to convey in its music — storytelling and truth-telling.

Headlining the event is Karl Blau of Anacortes, who performed at Everett’s Fisherman’s Village Music Festival in March. “He’s got such a huge wide range of material,” Clauson said. That includes the country vibe of the 2016 album “Introducing Karl Blau” to more of a jazz rock style in songs such as “Slow Children,” in the album “Out Her Space” from 2017.

The Sky Colony, from Conway, summarizes its sound as dream folk from the Pacific Northwest.

It was this band that came up with the idea of having a show with various musicians at The Conway Muse. “After a little while, six bands had been brought in,” Clauson said.

Clauson said he was impressed with the group after hearing them perform just two times. “I think they’ll be putting out great music for years to come,” he said.

The Bellingham-based Yogoman Burning Band is a drummer-fronted band with a big horn section, Clauson said. They produce highly danceable ska and reggae music, and will close out Saturday’s show, he said.

The Hoe and the Harrow, also from Anacortes, perform indie folk music mixing traditional folk with a little punk.

“It’s kind of a mixed bag with them — folk, pop, alt country,” Clauson said.

Their song, “This American Dream,” was entered in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in March.

Then of course there’s Clauson himself, on acoustic guitar, who will be backed in his performance by The Sky Colony.

His most recent collection of songs, “Driftless,” is his second solo album. It’s a collaboration with his wife, Genevieve, who wrote the lyrics.

“We really found we work well together and latched on to a certain vibe — very dreamy,” he said.

Clauson said it’s fun to perform at an event where you’re a performer as well as a spectator.

“Usually you perform and leave,” he said. “There’s a cool inspirational aspect to your performance when you’re sharing the stage with a bunch of other groups.”

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

If you go

Officially PNW Summer, an all-ages show featuring six local acts — Karl Blau, Josh Clauson, Tellers, The Sky Colony, Yogoman Burning Band and The Hoe and the Harrow — is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. June 30 at The Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce St., Conway. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance at www.ConwayMuse.com or $20 at the door. Children 12 and younger get in free.