Fisherman’s Village Music Fest Announcement Party
Thursday, March 20
When R.C. Crowther and Steven Graham first started hosting shows as part of the Everett Music Initiative two years ago, the experience wasn’t quite what they expected.
“Everyone was sitting down,” Crowther says.
That’s when the pair started showing up two hours early to remove the tables and chairs. Now the crowd has no choice but to dance.
“We noticed that Everett does not get the touring musicians,” says Crowther of why he and Graham started the initiative. “There really is no local community for local bands, no way for local bands to get out and break into other cities.”
Two years and several shows later, the pair have announced the first Fisherman’s Village Music Festival, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 in downtown Everett. The fest, to be held in four venues within a six-block area, will feature more than 60 bands, including Santa Barbara–based Gardens & Villas and local favorites the Moondoggies and Rose Windows.
Both Crowther and Graham admit that hosting a festival in Everett was the goal from the beginning. Their vision is for Fisherman’s Village to become the Northwest version of New York City’s CMJ, an annual citywide platform for up-and-coming bands.
The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. Crowther and Graham have already secured a partner in local radio station KEXP and a festival host in legendary DJ Marco Collins, and are discussing adding an additional stage or two. Beyond that, they’re just excited to showcase a city they consider a hidden gem. “We are bringing people into a city that they’ve probably never stepped foot in,” Graham says.
Tickets are on sale at thefishermansvillage.com, and the complete festival lineup will be announced tonight at an announcement party featuring performances by The Grizzled Mighty, Fly Moon Royalty, and Everett-based act Fauna Shade.
Graham hopes the kick-off party will also shed some light on what folks can expect at the festival. “We’re not playing around in Everett,” he says. “It’s going to be a really great weekend, and a kick-ass time.” Also with Rabia Shaheen Qazi and Chris Cheveyo of Rose Windows, Benjamin Verdoes. Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442, thebarboza.com. 8 p.m. $10. 21 and over.
