Time for Olalla Americana Music Festival

By Morf Morford
Tacoma Daily Index

Some local events are too unique to miss. The Olalla Americana Festival is one of them.

It is absolutely not slick and has that not-professional (in a good way) feel to it that only an event put together by a community that cares about music and gathering can pull off.

This year, Cindi Rinehart (from KOMO-TV’s Northwest Afternoon) is scheduled to share her Northwest Afternoon wit and enthusiasm as guest emcee.

“I used to play in bands,” says Rinehart, “so it’s a good fit.”

This year’s festival features its biggest ever lineup of bands. You might see some familiar faces or make some new discoveries. Some bands and musicians are emerging, others have been doing “Roots music” long before it was cool. Either way, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Here’s the expected musical roster for 2018:

Tammy Frost Trio

Downtown Mountain Boys

Mark Kroos

Billy Shew And The Spanktones

Uncle Bonsai

Jim Valley Project

Dodgy Mountain Men

Junkyard Jane

Daring Greatly

Ava Adams

If you have kids in your life, this is a great hands-on kid-friendly event with a children’s parade and activities led by Jim Valley’s Rainbow Planet.

Annual favorites include:

Berry Pie Contest

Good Country Food

Artisan Vendors

Old Time Crafters Demonstrations

This year features the launch of a new Artists Alley section with local artists, writers and sculptors.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 18, from 10AM to Dusk at SKSLL BallFields, 5795 Hovgarrd Rd., Olalla.

For you Tacoma folks, that’s just a few miles past the Narrows Bridge. And yes, it is in Kitsap County (just barely).

You can see an interview with some of the founding characters and principles here – https://www.facebook.com/olallaamericana/videos/1718168488300473/

Tickets:

$25 at the gate

$20 Online at Brownpapertickets.com