Islanders from all over will be attracted to this weekend’s brand new Whidbey Island Emerging Artist Festival that will feature 20 bands across two nights and five venues in Langley.
For two days and nights, Langley will transform into a world-class destination of live music.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, in partnership with Allikat Productions, will host the premier main stage performances, while four satellite venues throughout the village offer something for everyone.
From the warm, friendly, family appeal of Mike’s Place on Main Street, the gourmet adult dining experience at Prima Bistro, the contemporary simplicity of Useless Bay Coffee Company, to the late-night party atmosphere of the Edgecliff Restaurant and Lounge, each serves up a wide variety of musical offerings.
Tickets range in price from $5 to $26 and are available by calling 360-221-8268, 800-638-7631, or visit www.WICAonline.com.
Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., the WICA main stage kicks off with performances by Koralee, Kris Orlowski, grinConvention, and Unkle Nancy and the Family Jewels.
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., the main stage heats up with Lincoln Crockett, Ron Greene, Jordan Lake Band and Global Heat.
More than just a music festival, WI-FEST features practical how-to advice for the musician. Top music industry professionals host a workshop on Saturday, Feb. 28, that explores new-media tools and resources for creating, distributing and promoting indie music. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is included in the WI-FEST pass price of $26 for the entire weekend or single day admission price of $15. Teen Tix are available for $5 to teens 13 to 18 year olds.
Here is a bit about some of the headline entertainers.
“Koralee” is fresh on the U.S. music scene from Vancouver, B.C. An accomplished actor, and star of Namaste Yoga seen on Canadian and U.S. television, Koralee is currently working on her breakout musical career.
Kris Orlowski arrives on the Seattle music scene with a sound that spans the Beatles to Frightened Rabbit with the soul of singer-songwriters like Elliot Smith and John Mayer. The band’s live show continues to wow audiences with their relatable sound, emotional vocals, and powerful lyrics.
From Vancouver, B.C., grinConvention (gC) writes happy, hopeful pop/rock/indie songs. Clever changes, edible hooks, lyrics from the depths draw you in; intriguing live performances bring you back.
Unkle Nancy and the Family Jewels perform high energy, pirate folk rock with blues, country and gypsy influences. The front man’s gritty vocal draw immediate comparisons: Jason Webley and Tom Waits, while the band’s cello, upright bass, washboard and globby backup vox truly create a sound all it’s own.
Lincoln Crockett is a genuine talent, singing standout originals on mandolin and guitar, all while playing leads, rhythm and chords at the same time, he holds audiences with the expansiveness in his voice and his ability to move a mountain of music through his instruments.
Ron Greene is a singer/songwriter who sings and performs soulful acoustic pop that touches on life, love and the world around us
Jordan Lake Band, led by 18-year-old Jordan Lake, delivers captivating alternative/rock/pop music, complimented by personal lyric and well-produced songs.
Global Heat formed in 2002 as a collaboration of accomplished international musicians living in the Pacific Northwest. Global Heat offers crowd-pleasing music for listening and dancing, with a splash of hip-hop dance to create a powerful audio-visual experience.
