Waxing (whining, really) nostalgic about the days when Bumbershoot didn’t cost a penny has grown tiresome. Not because it’s a completely illegitimate gripe, but because reliving the Bumbershoot of 20 years ago is as simple as driving 45 minutes north on I-5 to Arlington. There, the Stillaguamish Tribe will treat you—and by treat, we mean admit for free—to three full days of top-notch music and salmon at a gorgeous, sprawling county park. And nothing against Bumbershoot, but would Northwest music fans really prefer to hear Skrillex, Big Sean and Gotye (Bumbershoot) over a diverse cast of undeniable musical legends like Alejandro Escovedo, Dr. John, Mickey Hart and Buffy Sainte-Marie (Arlington)? The tribe calls you for a quest. With Los Lonely Boys, LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dave Mason, Indigenous, Junkyard Jane, Brett Eldridge, Lost Trailers, Marley’s Ghost. MIKE SEELY

Fri., Aug. 10; Sat., Aug. 11; Sun., Aug. 12, 2012