DARRINGTON — Arlington’s hometown classic rock band, Strutz, has several goals for its new two-day music festival, set for Friday and Saturday at the Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater.
The first is to raise money for the Mike Turner Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit based in Arlington that supports Children’s Hospital in Seattle, the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s work for breast cancer research and Arlington youth athletic programs.
Festival organizers also want to share music by Northwest regional rock bands including Rail and Shyanne, and tribute bands that focus on music by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, Alice Cooper and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
In addition, the new festival is an effort to distance the local band from some previous rock shows in Darrington in which promoters allegedly didn’t pay dozens of workers and musicians.
During the last two summers of those rock festivals in Darrington, Strutz was not involved, said Darren Hakenson, secretary of the Turner Foundation.
Strutz drummer and band leader Toby Strotz wanted to take back the summer festival scene and make it a celebration that honors their friend Mike Turner, Hakenson said.
“This is all dedicated to the memory of Mike,” Hakenson said. “He was a giving man who loved music.”
Organizers expect as many as 5,000 people at the two-day festival, Hakenson said. Camping and food vendors will be available at the Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, he said.
“Strutz is a well-loved local band and the community spirit around this festival has been great,” Hakenson said.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Strutzfest
Strutzfest is set for noon to past midnight Friday and noon to midnight Saturday in the Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater on Highway 530 just west of Darrington. Main stage and beer garden shows are scheduled throughout the festival. Ticket information is available online at www.strutzfest.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
