Trolls Cottage

Vashon Island’s own reggae band, Trolls Cottage, has been in the studio this winter; recording a few of their new incredible songs--some of which you may hear at this years Island Earthfair. Cutting back on their live performances this last winter, their creative juices are flowing and they are ready to bring it. If you missed their gig on the big stage at this years Folklife Festival, it was by far the standout performance at the event. Last year's performance at Island Earthfair was off the charts and boasted the largest crowd ever at Main Stage. This year for our 10th Anniversary, it will be even better. Closing out Saturday's line-up, TC will fill the air with roots reggae. There's so much love for this band and their music on this island....what better place to be on a warm summer evening? These boys have supported Island Earthfair for years now and we thank them for that.....so reserve your spot up front because this show is guaranteed to inspire you to dance the night away as this diverse group of five friends explode with unabashed talent.

http://www.trollscottage.com


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Subconscious Population

......hmmmmm.......are the rumors true......are they returning to lure us out into the woods for some subconscious Friday night extravaganza?

If you think that maybe, just maybe...on a quiet night, sitting out on your porch perhaps...you might have heard wisps of Jah Lee Kali, Funkified or One In A Million floating through the air....you just might have. Yes, one of the island's most mysterious and captivating bands through the years took some time off....but now it's time to return to one of their best venues ever......Main Stage at Paradise Ridge Park on Friday night. Don't miss this much anticipated and long awaited event as there is something very special and magical about Subconscious Population performing at Earthfair. It's been a missing link for the last couple of years and we have missed them a lot. These guys are back and wait until you hear them......they are tighter than they have ever been. Please join us Friday night in welcoming them back and let your feet move to the groove of the funky sounds of Sub-Pop.

http://www.myspace.com/subconsciouspopulation


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The Vomiting Unicorns

Formed through magic and photosythesis. Live perfomances are a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension as well as an elimination of complexities by bringing them to consciousness and affording them expression. In a nutshell, AWESOME. Please welcome the debut performance of the Vomiting Unicorns on the island on a special Friday night of kick-ass music. It's about time guys.....we've been waiting for you.


http://www.myspace.com/thevomitingunicorns


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Chomage

Chômage is a three-piece from Vashon Island, Washington that features Devin Sullivan (vocals & guitar), Chris Hayward (vocals & bass), and James Clapperton (drums). More compassionate than your average garage band, Chômage defines the new sound of pantry rock - an accessible and imperishable style of rock and roll that brandishes an open and serve philosophy. (for example: cat food, nori, canned meat, lemon curd, pickles, etc.)

Since their inception in early 2004, Chômage has put their talents to use in building songs out of used styrofoam cups, popcycle sticks, dried macoroni and other crafty waste items for the enjoyment of all their parents and their parents' friends! Chômage has been described by Alex Anderson, in Vashon's Beachcomber newspaper, as the areas best new regressive punk band The band's unrefined approach to entertainment is inspired in part by the back-to-basics attitude of early rockers such as The Ramones, The Modern Lovers and The Talking Heads.

http://www.chomageband.com


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Clan Dyken:

In 1987 Clan Dyken released it's first recording for sale to the public. It has been 18 years since that first effort. With the release of the new CD Love Is, Clan Dyken continues to produce a unique, danceable, stylistically varied music that is well known and loved at home in California -they were voted "Best Band in Calaveras County" in a recent newspaper poll and beyond. They have played over 1500 live shows, toured the US from Hawaii to the East Coast, and played across the ocean in England, France and Italy.

Clan Dyken has released nine albums on their own Forward Productions label. Songs from those recordings are featured in films and heard on radio around the world. They are perhaps best known as the activist band that has played in clear cut forests, proposed nuke dumps, nuke test sites, Indian reservations and many more cutting edge venues, often using solar generated electricity, and /or plant fuels, for recording and performing. The band is fiercely independent; having self produced all of their material, many festivals, events and projects of various sorts. The music reflects this experience in content and form.

The albums have been well received, but it is the live performance that sets this group apart. It's an emotional, high energy charge that draws people in. The musical pulse of the crowd is raised, as they become part of the show.

The band has seen many incarnations through 20 years and nine record releases and is now back to the roots of the original Dyken brothers; Gary on the bass, Bear on guitars, vocals and other primitive instruments and Mark on drums and vocals.

Bear did not learn his music in classrooms, but rather on the road and in the experiential world. A true, life long disciple of music, he has learned to play more than half a dozen instruments on his own. As the front man and main songwriter for the group he is a passionate spokesman for love, life, justice, and beauty. Referring to himself as "an untrained primitive", he uses his guitars, bamboo flutes, hand drums, accordion, harmonicas, and especially his voice to express a wide dynamic range of emotion, and create an atmosphere of celebration. A backwoods mountain hipster/country bumpkin, Bear lives and gardens on the Cedar Creek Land Trust also in Calaveras county California.

Mark's unmistakable drumming has fueled the family groove since childhood. He took lessons from jazz great, Al Prafke in his early years. School orchestra and marching bands gave way to rock and roll in high school. The man has been pounding his way through jazz, reggae, funk, rock, Latin, Native big drum style and free form jamming of various descriptions, ever since. He is featured as a hand percussionist on the albums of long time musical friend, Kim Angelis, the Violin Voyager. On the new CD you will also hear his vocals, something we have been counting on him for lately. Mark is also a drum instructor and the co-director of The Blue Mountain Youth Center here in Calaveras County, California.

Gary started playing the stand up bass when it was almost twice his height and probably out weighed him as well. He was first trained in classical music. He later began to experiment with blues and other styles with his older brothers in the richly musical basement of the Dyken household in Saukville, Wisconsin, where they all grew up together. Besides being the bass man for Clan Dyken, Gary has played and recorded with the group Loco Amor. As well as being an outstanding bass player, he takes after his grandfather who was an inventor. Gary is a mechanical wizard who has fabricated his own alternatively powered homestead/farm complete with water pumping and fully functionally shop, orchard, garden, and greenhouse in sunny Calaveras County California.

The Clan Dyken band is ever evolving and always fresh. Since they do not answer to any record company or corporate interest of any kind they remain free to express as they feel it. This, combined with the telepathy of siblings, and their vibrant legacy of activism, makes for a powerful, meaningful, musical experience.

http://www.clandyken.com


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The Vons w/Ari Joshua Zucker

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Ari began his musical journey at the award winning Roosevelt High School Jazz Ensemble. By the time he was 18, he had already performed at such places as: The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho, Reno Jazz Festival in Nevada and countries like Italy, France, and Germany.

While in High School, Ari was awarded countless awards including the Outstanding Festival Guitarist award at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. After studying at both Rutgers University and The New School, Ari graduated from the New School in Manhattan earning his BFA degree, jazz and classical music concentration.

Over the years Ari has gained experience playing and studying with musicians such as Kenny Barron, Richie Beirach, Wayne Krantz, Jack Wilkins, George Garzone, Ralph Peterson, and Ray Brown. After spending time in Brooklyn where he lead his own Trio and Quartet, Ari currently resides in Seattle where he is playing with people like Joe Doria, Mark Fendel, John Wicks, Skerik, Ron Wienstien, and many others.

He has been a member of the infamous Acidophilus Culture, The Fort Greene Jam Project, Zulu, Hathead, Swampdweller, ASD and the ever changing Ari and Friends. He is a fine young musician with both the creative energy and drive to take this music to a new plateau. Over the years Ari has played with musicians like Rashied Ali, Ralph Peterson, Robert Glasper, E.J. Strickland, Marcus Strickland, Ari Hoenig, James Carter and many others.

Zucker's Influences range from jam bands to grunge, from jazz to world music—no matter which route he chooses, it will be upbeat and tasteful.

http://www.arizucker.com


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War Pigeon:

War Pigeon is a band; they present original music birthed from relentless determination and unbridled passion. With performances that demonstrate their devotion to musical truth, War Pigeon is evidence that real music is alive and kicking. A combination of well written songs and soul charged musicianship; this phenomenon can best be described as “raw musical adventurism”. A catalog of material that showcases not only solid, straight-ahead songwriting but also jazz-tinged, improvisational tunes, War Pigeon’s music will take you from rock to funk to reggae and to all realms in between.

War Pigeon features Ben Bloom on guitars and vocals, Cody Rahn on drums and vocals, and Dave Trump on bass and vocals. This gifted group of musicians cites their influence from trios like The Living Daylights and Siamese. Other musical influences include the Meters, Frank Zappa, the Clash, and Miles Davis. War Pigeon’s music stems from taking risks, breaking down barriers, and retaining pure musical integrity. Believe in music without boundaries. You can dance or sit back and take notes. At the end of the night you’ll find yourself wanting more.

http://www.warpigeon.com


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Hillstomp

Drawing heavily from north Mississippi trance blues, a bit from the hills of Appalachia and stealing energy from punkabilly, Portland Oregon duo Hillstomp create a raucous hill country blues stomp with a fiery youth and vigor. It comes clanging and tumbling out of an assortment of vintage mics, buckets, cans and BBQ lids drenched in rambunctious slide guitar.

In the spring of 2001, Hillstomp was born in a basement (of course) in Portland, OR. It was the bastard child of Henry Christian and John Johnson's mutual need to make music and drink beer. Within a few weeks the Guitar/"Drum" duo played their first open mic to a rousing and slightly scary response. Unfortunately, John's drumset (cardboard box, plastic bucket and weber grill lid) didn't survive the ordeal, so the pair went back under the basement stairs to build some new drums and practice.

In June 2002 Hillstomp emerged from the dust and dark with a raucous brand of hill country blues rock stomp. It is a visceral music that makes you want to stomp your feet, shake your ass and love your neighbor.

Whether playing original songs, traditionals, or the occasional revamped blues classic, Hillstomp has duct-taped together a distinctive sound that quickly bubbled upward in Portland's roots, blues and alternative music circles. Their do-it-yourself brand of minimal gothic junkbox blues differs drastically from the 12-bar blues style that your uncle listens to. A whole different approach.

Following two E.P's, in 2004 Hillstomp revealed their first full self-released album "one word" to a sold out and nearly rabid crowd at the White Eagle Saloon in Portland. Much to everyone's surprise the album was met with favorable reviews from far and wide, and it received airplay at over 150 radio stations across the USA. Then more shows & a little bit of touring....

Inbetween club and festival shows around Portland, Hillstomp is currently on tour in support of their new album called "The Woman that Ended the World." It is available at the band's website and hopefully a store near you.

http://www.hillstomp.com


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Bob Krinsky's Radio Daddyo

The latest apparition from the Island's own songwriter, Bob Krinsky. Anybody that knows Bob knows that he has two true passions in his life...his family first, then his music. It shows. It's contagious. Bob's new CD is incredible and ladies and gentlemen, he's on fire! The band blends seasoned players, some dating back to the Seattle 60's and 70's scene, with some fine and talented younger members, stolen by voodoo magic from some popular current acts. Most of the music is put together specifically for Earthfair, a funky blend of notes for a dance party blaring loudly from the Radio Daddyo......


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Feed and Seed:

Jess and Mark got together in 2003 and started honing their bluegrass sound on the streets of Bellingham, WA. When the guitar and banjo duo were ready to move on, they formed their first band - The Singing Girl Scouts - with current bassist, Orin, and another friend, Andy, on washboard.

Eventually, members left town and some returned, unhappiness with the band name set in, and the line-up switched a bit. This all culminated in the birth of Feed & Seed in August, 2004. Their current mandolin player, Dave, entered the picture in December of that year after jamming with them at a local bluegrass festival.

Fans of the stripped down/non-electric/authentic style, their musical inspiration is mostly old classic bluegrass and country. Recorded by Orin in two middle of the night recording sessions, their critically-acclaimed debut album, Standard Family Reunion, was released in April 2005.

Regulars at several venues in Bellingham, Seattle, Coupeville, and Anacortes, they log an average of a dozen shows per month and get airplay in such far-away places as St. Augustine, Florida and Budapest, Hungary. Their next project is to record another album and hit the road.

http://www.feedandseed.net


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Tribal Voices:

A mainstay of Island Earthfair, Tribal Voices has consistently opened up the Main Stage early in the day on Saturday...luring everyone out of the woods with their soulful sounds. Last year they boasted the most performers onstage at one time in Earthfair history....the floorboards were creakin' to say the least. The biggest jam-band on the island, be on the lookout for Tan Cahill and friends....they will spark your interest and awaken you for the day!




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Correo Aereo

Correo Aereo (Air Mail), is a world music duo performing traditional and original music of Latin America, primarily Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina. Highly skilled musicians Abel Rocha and Madeleine Sosin combine silken vocal harmonies locked in carnal embrace with an unusual array of instruments in rich tasting styles of traditional rhythm and song. Hailed for their musical virtuosity, exciting percussive complexity and original interpretations of folkloric music as well as original compositions, Correo Aereo takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the soul and sonic riches of Latin America. Their performances propel audiences into a magical world of indigenous rhythms, passionate adventure, the lush sensuality of nature, dream, and the poetry of life and death.

Correo Aereo, favorites of the SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin TX, are the winners of 'The Austin Music Awards 2000-2001' for Best Traditional Latin Group. Correo Aereo tours nationally and internationally and have collaborated in Holland's prestigious "Moondive", an international media project produced by VPRO Television-Radio, Amsterdam, led by Joey Burns and John Convertino of 'Calexico'.

Correo Aereo's music is featured in Universal Pictures Movie and soundtrack, "The Life of David Gale", directed by Alan Parker and starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, and Laura Linney. They Composed the soundtrack for the film "Shipibo Konibo" by Dutch filmmaker Willem Malten. Correo Aereo was comissioned by The Seattle International Children's Festival 2005, to create a new work for all ages, "Para Cantarle al Rio/ To Sing A River", a musical multimedia ensemble production, which had it's world premier run in May 2005 at the Seattle Opera House. They are featured in the film and soundtrack ‘Before The Music Dies’, a documentary film by Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen of FaronWest Productions, soon to be released in March 2006, along with Erykah Badu, Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, Los Lobos, Bonnie Raitt, Branford Marsalis, Calexico, and more!

The Correo Aereo track played in the movie is “River Song” from their, ‘Para Cantarle Al Rio/To Sing A River’ CD, composed and performed by Madeleine Sosin & Abel Rocha, (Correo Aereo), with guest vocalist Aiko Shimada. The track used in the Soundtrack CD of the film is, ‘Cuatrapeado’ , from the CD ‘Lo Que Me Dijo El Viento / What the Wind Told Me’. Composed by Abel Rocha. Arranged by Madeleine Sosin & performed by Correo Aereo with guest Bass player Rob Halverson ( who also engineered that album). ‘Before The Music Dies’ Soundtrack, produced by Erykah Badu, called, “ WHAT YOU LIVE FOR; A mother says to her son, sit down…” compilation inspired by BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES, will be available internationally at Starbuicks Coffee Shops, distributed by Hear music.                       

www.correoaereo.com

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Nick Vigarino:

"That slide is naaasty!!” – Bo Diddley

“You shouldn’t miss this experience. It’s cut and dried…this guy kicks ass.” – Musician Magazine

“Many a bluesman paid backbreaking dues chopping cotton in the flat Delta fields of Mississippi and Arkansas. There was no cotton crop to tend to in the grimy rust belt town of Youngstown, Ohio in the 1960’s, but there was grinding, dirty work for some, as human grist in the mills of U.S. and Republic Steels. It was this dismal blue-collar legacy that Nick Vigarino was born to.

Vigarino had his way out of this existence before he even knew it. Nick fell into possession of a battered guitar, feebly equipped with one string. As fate would have it, he learned to play the guitar in the exact same way as a hundred seminal blues musicians had two generations before him, on a homemade one-string diddley bo. With a poet’s fierce commitment to birthing his own music, he continued to play on ever-improving instruments the angry and mournful melodies in his head, carrying his music into the bars and roadhouses of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Impressed with the Northwest’s clean air and unspoiled mountain vistas, Nick drifted to Seattle, where he quickly won respect for his refreshingly original songs. Encouraged by the interest in his cutting-edge approach to the blues, he formed Meantown Blues. Now, thankfully, there is an audience for Nick’s clearheaded music as he finds himself rushing back and forth across the Northwest and beyond, serving up solo and ensemble music on the stages of bar rooms, concert halls, festivals, and regional television.” - Ray Varner - (Blues Historian, Ethno-musicologist, critic, and writer for Living Blues Magazine, Jefferson - Sweden, and Caledonia).

Vigarino has released three recordings of original material, several collaborations, has performed in 11 countries on 7 different European tours, and has garnered numerous music awards.

"He's been compared to Ry Cooder and Leo Kottke...his style is a fusion of the Chicago and the Delta blues.... hip-hopped up with an amplified acoustic bottleneck, wailing against a VERY funky bump-and-grind rhythm section. The sum of the whole is nothing less than marvelous. A must hear." - Victory Music Review

"Nick Vigarino is where country blues meets the year 2000" - Long John Baldry

"Vigarino's guitar masterwork (particularly on dobro and slide) ignites tunes like Louisiana Breakdown, and his baritone vocals range from world-weary John Doe (of X) to soulful Delbert McClinton" - Jazz Times

"Slide guitar with the virility and passion of Son House, combined with a jolt of addictive funk." NPR - KPLU, All Blues

"Vigarino manages to combine rockabilly, ballads, and the blues, giving you a feel for what this wild man is capable of on stage and in the studio." - Blues To Does

"He's original, he's unpretentious, he ain't no poseur or imitator and he's not afraid to sing his mind with 'politically incorrect' lyrics." - Real Blues

http://www.nickvigarino.com


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Scott Huckabay (AKA: The Guitar Alchemist):

Scott Huckabay's live performances are brilliant. Left-handed and soul-inspired, he has toured extensively, opening for such artists as Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jackson Browne, Sarah McLachlan, Bob Weir, Bonnie Raitt, and Joe Satriani.

With incense burning between the strings, he begins a ritual. Dancing in a circle, he shakes his blue dolphin guitar and lifts it up to his face. Bare feet pounding, the stage echoes like rolling thunder as he leads us on a mesmerizing musical journey. Scott's live presence, along with his exciting original compositions and unique use of effects, helped to earn him the honor of Guitar Player of The Year in the Los Angeles-based Bam Magazine.

Scott's story is both powerful and inspirational. In 1987 he was involved in a near fatal motorcycle accident. Doctors told him that he would not walk or play the electric guitar again. Fortunately, Scott ignored those dreaded words and began his inspiring recovery, which included an acoustic guitar and the will and desire to play once again. A remarkable healing process ensued which Scott attributes to the new music that flowed through his soul, along with a full year spent swimming with wild dolphins and whales. It is his mission to share this music with the world in order to help others find joy and inner peace.

A fretboard master who is reshaping the acoustic instrumental genre, Scott has developed over 200 open guitar tunings and his intricate licks incorporate elements of rock, folk, blues and fusion. He peppers a rhythmic groove with the warping and bending of notes, complete with an array of harmonic surprises. His rich and multi-textured sound includes percussive interludes, and creates the illusion of three or four musicians performing the same music.

Scott lit up the stage last year and closed out Earthfair with an incredible performance...he left such a lasting impression and made so many friends on the island that we've asked him back this year...this time on Saturday, Main Stage.

http://www.scotthuckabay.com


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Ron Hook

The man, the myth. Mysterious, captivating.....ever so talented, this man will lay down his funky grooves and make you forget about your troubles.... Front man for the infamous island band, Subconscious Population, Ron has earned the respect of many–not only with his amazing ability to play many different instruments so well...but for his love of life, his artistic world and the wisdom that he instills upon us all. His spiritual guidance has been the light for many, both young and old....and his music, well....ask anyone, it’s the backbone and inspiration of a lot of music on the island. Ron will be joined on stage by some special guests.


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Brent Magstadt:

Brent Magstadt grew in Missoula, MT, listening to the rock bands of the 70's, and studied jazz in L.A in the mid-1980's. He has a minor in composition from the University of Montana, and this is where the Classics took hold of him. "I remember one birthday my girlfriend had tickets to a string trio performance. We did dinner, and then hit the theater for this show. I was in front, the intensity was amazing. They were playing Beethoven's Sting Trio in G minor. It was one of those epiphany moments where the tears suddenly well up, it's that powerful."

Following that experience, it seemed composition was the natural choice, and that's where he's been ever since, scribing jingles, filming and scoring a short, even writing over 40 pieces in 3 days for a software sales CD-Rom, all while performing and composing.

"Brent Magstadt may be the most significant and innovative artist that you have never heard." Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck.

"In the captivating Samba De Los Rockos he synthesizes grand and picante Latin melodies and rhythms that draw an irresistibly sensuous samba line straight South across the border. Passionate diversity; at once rhythmic and joyful -- describes Brent Magstadt's latest musical iteration. Play it often. Play it loud." Susan McCabe, President, Voice of Vashon Radio.

http://www.brentmagstadt.com/


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Michelle Dedman:

Michelle Dedman has been performing jazz standards, blues, bossa nova, jump blues, and more in the Seattle area since she moved there in 1987. Chris Lunn of Victory Music described her as "the best jazz vocal discovery in years out of the Northwest." She is known for her singing, but she is also a excellent rhythm guitarist, and often accompanies herself on guitar, either solo, or with an ensemble.

Michelle was also the drummer for the swing band "Beats Cookin'", which is how a lot of her fans first heard her sing. In the Michelle Dedman Quartet, from 1993 to 1999, she teamed up with her husband Luke Painter on lead guitar. Their band produced an eclectic CD called "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues" in 1995.

Michelle has a passionate interest in recalling great songs that you may not have heard, from a body of music spanning the decades from 1920 to the present day. She may play a song by a contemporary folk songwriter, or a show tune from the 1930's.

Says Michelle, "I love to sing. It makes me feel good."


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John Browne

John Browne’s songs of the past continue to speak to us all about thoughts, ideas, and feelings which are as relevant and meaningful today as when he first wrote them. He is the living embodiment of everything a people’s revolution is supposed to be about....that working people have dignity, intelligence and value above and beyond the market’s demand for their labor. He is well known on this island....his blues and folk songs are stories that will pull you in, make you forget about everything else and definitely make you think. More often than not, he will make you laugh. Lord knows, we need some of that. Come early....if you want a seat!


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Dave McGraw

Dave McGraw believes in the power of the stories that we tell. He believes that expression through art can define our culture, and can thereby directly influence the way in which we live our lives. Dave tells his stories through his music. His tales of the well-lived life, accompanied by his dynamic acoustic arrangements, are thoughtful and inspiring. "Dave's music is heartfelt, spiritually rich and endlessly wise... folk music of the sort that can enrapture anyone who takes the time to really listen." (blackmagicplastic)

Ranging from the simplicity of guitar and voice to pieces colored by horns and percussion, Dave's debut album, Northwest/Southwest, was released in the summer of 2005. Raw and emotional, this album invokes the dusty desert roads and lush green forests of Dave's travels throughout the American west. At age 28, he has spent much of his young adult life migrating between the mountains and islands of the Pacific Northwest and the canyons and high deserts of northern Arizona.

In addition to incorporating the musical flavors of the various places in which he has lived, Dave's music reflects his appreciation of a great diversity of musical styles. A drummer and percussionist for nearly fifteen years, he has taken stage with bands performing roots country, folk, blues, jazz-influenced rock, and world music. In the current stage of his musical journey, Dave has stepped out from behind the drumset and into clear view, molding all of these genres into a sound of his own.

Again collaborating with John Tosch at Pool or Pond Records and musician and co-producer Thomas Lord, Dave is now working on a second album slated for release in the fall of 2006. While still rooted in Dave's unique brand of folk, the new album will showcase a more rhythmically driven sound and his continuing maturation as a songwriter and musician. In the meantime, look for increased attention as Dave plays shows throughout the Northwest, Southwest, and places in between.

http://www.davemcgraw.net


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Colin Spring

Colin Spring is a Northwest musician who played about 90 shows in 2005 from festivals to dive bars. As a solo performer, he plays guitar and harmonica. Colin has four plus albums of original material that has been very well received.

Colin gravitates toward classic 60’s and 70’s folk in musical style and delivery but he also enjoys conversations about early 80’s punk rock, counter culture movements and the literature and arts that defined them. He tries to make music that is intelligent and literary while maintaining the warts of crude and beautiful folk art. You come in here for the narrative and leave with a piece of proletariat wisdom.

Colin plays folk with a rock and roll attitude. From politics to love to philosophy, his lyrics are clever, insightful, cynical, and hopeful and they must be absorbed to gather their multitude of layers. He is a charismatic live performer with a humbled and quirky sense of humor.

He has shared bills with a wide array of artists including Ben Harper, the Offspring, Richard Buckner, Damien Jurado, Johnny Dowd, Gerald Collier, Stuart Davis, the Gentlemen (Chris Ballew,Duff McKagen), Jon Langsford of the Mekons, Bobby Bare Jr, Tom Freund, Matt The Electrician, Evan Dando of the Lemonheads, Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, Calvin Johnson, John Doe…and more.

http://www.colinspring.com


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Nathan Wade

Nathan Wade is busy digging up early American roots music with a rusty shovel, hooking it to the back of a pick-up, and dragging it across a broken 21st Century landscape. It's a lyrical road-trip full of loners, killers, addicts, and lost souls looking for some truth--an all-night drive where the promise of redemption and love is a blinding star that straddles the horizon line. Nathan's music finds kinship in the likes of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Chris Whitley, Tom Waits, and Italian film composer Ennio Morricone, and the songs themselves are best described as Post-Apocalypse Americana: modern murder ballads, fire & brimstone gospel, and gothic country blues. With a voice both soulful and intimate, Nathan brings an emotional honesty and light to the darkest highways of his lyrics, taking the listener on a detour down the lost roads of a forgotten countryside and finding the most beautiful sunrise you've ever seen.

http://www.nathanwademusic.com


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Maren Metke

Maren Metke is a pianist/singer/songwriter who grew up on an island in the Puget Sound. Her original, soulful music has its roots in the folk and indie genres, with an emotive, alternative, bluesy quality. Her piano playing is both percussive and melodic with a classical edge.

Maren's experience with music began at a very young age singing along with the records of various folk, rock, jazz and other various styles of music that her parents had laying around the house, then picked up the piano mostly by ear, and began to compose music and write lyrics before the age of 10. She joined her first band at the age of 14, and was involved with different blues, indie, folk, rock and eclectic music groups both on her island home and in Seattle, taking a break in 2000 to help found and build a non profit multi age holistic elementary school. In 2004 she began to pick back up playing at local venues, cafes and festivals.

Maren performs both solo and with her band (cello, stand up bass, drums, and fiddle). She is currently working on a recording project that is hoped to be finished by the fall of 06.

http://www.marenmetke.com


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Sarah Christine

Sarah Christine encompasses many styles and flavors. Soulful, bluesy, organic folk, and reggae filled with honesty and sincerity. Sarah's voice is unpredictable and intensely powerful, drawing the listener like an ancient siren. This siren however doesn't lead us into despair but rather a feeling of connectedness and joyous celebration. She has been singing since a child and taught herself guitar.

Sarah's original style communicates a profound message of truth, love and unity. Inspired by nature, beauty and especially her three young children, Sarah emanates her passion for life as she also works as a labor support doula.

“I am passionate about the healing power of music. I try to remain open and let the original intention flow from the songs.”

Sarah’s voice has been heard throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Montana and Hawaii. She has shared the stage with Prezident Brown, Trolls Cottage, Joules Graves, Pure Water, Shimshai and many more. Her debut C.D. “Freedom” is now available.

In addition to singing at several past Island Earthfair events through the years, Sarah has sung at many summer festivals including NW Folklife, Hempfest, NW World Reggae Festival, Sierra Nevada Reggae Fest and many others.

Summer Mayne

About Summer Mayne: I drive a Volvo stationwagon. My black standard poodle Abbs sits in the passenger seat. We like burritos. Sometimes I get frustrated when it's time to take my nap and there isn't a cozy space near by. I sing a bit too loud in grocery stores. I prefer windows that open and feel sad in some high rise buildings. I read before going to sleep each night even though sometimes I have trouble stopping. I try not to let the fear fester. Florida is not a place I would ever live. Whenever I try to take shortcuts I get lost. Who I'd like to meet: People who think they have the answers. People who have no idea what the answers are. People who look for answers. People who don't believe there are answers. People who are sure the answers are different for everyone. People who are sure there is only one answer. People who believe the answer is less important than how well we love. People who love to answer. People who answer to love.

http://www.summermayne.com


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Willow

"Willow's sultry new release, Lovely Love, draws you into a place where only great lyrics can take you. She weaves you through a world of human emotions that seem like a dream-state. As always, Kevin Wood's talented guitar work enriches Willow's vocal compositions." ~ Teresa Reynolds, KZFR FM 90.1

Willow is a self-taught singer/songwriter, who, in 1992 put down her Bible and picked up a pawn shop guitar. Three chords later, the songs came flowing out. Judging from the fact that she had no subsequent musical experience, one could say she's a bit of a preternatural chanteuse. Like post-Christian rocker contemporaries, Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson, Willow's papa is a preacher man and prior to her fateful leap, she was an enrollee at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland Oregon. The result of her departure from conservative religion...her musical renderings are of an evolution of a spiritual nature - an earthly, poetic dance in the dark. For those familiar with the fire and brimstone of artist Nick Cave, Willow may be the polar sweet angel of darkness, redemption and desire.

"Her recent release, Sweet Dark Demon (recorded at Seattle's Studio Litho, produced by Tucker Martine), shares the disc with innovative guitarist Kevin Wood, who compliments Willow's lush, lyrical and introspective vocals. The beautiful eerie, atmospheric rock ensemble also includes a Hammond organ, cello, harmonium and rhythm/percussion section. Tunes like 'Down', 'Dead Days', and 'Absinthe' are filled with sparse textures, and sometimes all we hear is Willow's breathy poetry. As well, the music will craftily shift into full orchestration. Prior to the formation of this musical collaboration, Willow was capturing Seattle audiences with her solo performances - no doubt the quintessential, metaphorical murky muse we all long for on the soul's stage." ~ HipFish

With the release of Sweet Dark Demon, Willow took to the road, bringing her songs through California and the Southwest. The allure of the album has gained both indie and commercial airplay regionally, nationally, and in far away corners like Perth, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Willow has been featured in the national magazines Performing Songwriter(D.I.Y. Picks) and Lip Service, her performance at Bumbershoot 2001 was included in the RollingStone.com review of the festival, and her release has found a home in the ever-emerging world of the internet (Rollingstone.com, SoundsofSeattle.com, EctophilesGuidetoGoodMusic, Femmusic.com). On August 10th 2002 Willow's music was heard by over a thousand people when she opened for Chris Isaak at Seattle's 'Summer Nights at the Pier' !

Haunted and haunting, Willow's voice and songwriting have received favorable critical reviews in California, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon as well as in home state Washington where the Seattle Times lists Willow as one of the ten local bands to "collectively represent the next Seattle". The Seattle Times also calls Sweet Dark Demon, "a collection of songs that are lyrically charged, gathering raw energy like a lightning rod in an electrical storm."

On May 9th, 2003 Willow celebrated the release of her latest 4-song EP, Lovely Love, with a film-noire-carnival style cabaret. Lovely Love captures the alluringly haunting music she creates with guitarist, Kevin Wood. Bittersweet, lilting lullaby's...a sultry, loopy trip through poetic lyrics and textured guitar...almost art rock, almost folk noir, almost emo...beautifully eerie, ethereal rock. The new release is a lovely precursor to her full length album slated for a winter recording!

"A kind of folk noir that's as eerie as it is soothing. Think David Lynch goes to Lilith Fair..."
~ Salt Lake City Weekly

http://www.willowsmusic.com


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Kate Mann

Kate Mann's songs take you on a southwestern journey of the nighttime world with snapshots of love lost and dangerous encounters.

Kate grew up at the foot of the Sandia mountains in New Mexico, and the texture of the desert subtly sculpts her music. A deeply resonant, unique vocal quality, unusual chord progressions, and compelling and intelligent lyrics combine to conjure comparisons as varied as PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, and Tom Waits.

Kate has been living in Portland, Oregon, for the last decade. She fronted several short-lived collaborative musical projects and taught at a public alternative high school before embarking on a full-time solo music career in autumn 2005.

November Songs is Kates debut CD. The album is a live recording done in a single weekend at Dancing Needles Studio. Accompanied by Bernardo Gomez (McKinley, Latin Quarter) on upright bass, Kates vocals and guitar work on each song capture a raw, minimalist aesthetic as her lyrics dance along the edge of darkness. A second album is currently being recorded at 8-Ball Studios and co-produced by Kate and stuido owner Rob Stroup.set to be released in the fall of 2006.

Kates unique brand of moody Americana has been cultivating a loyal local fan base as she performs several times per week in a wide range of venues, from farmers markets to the Roseland Grill to the White Eagle to City Hall. She is continuing the trend regionally with performances throughout the Pacific Northwest. She has also been getting attention in Belgium and Holland, where her album has gotten airplay, positive reviews, and sales from CD Baby.

http://www.katemann.com


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Wingin It

Wingin It combines the lyric and music talents of Vakila Marjo ter Veld and Robert Halim Friedman, partners for over twenty years. Halim has played various instruments in rock bands since his early teens, and guitar in bands and as a solo singer since the 1970’s.

A few years back, the two of them started playing and singing at jam sessions with other musicians centered around bluegrass and country music. But then, their spiritual path of Sufism began to mature - and Bob Marley with his music tumbled into their lives.

During the year 2000, the couple began writing their own songs. After testing the waters in late 2001 and early 2002, they began playing at open mic shows in 2003. People wanted to hear more and they began to be invited to perform for more extended shows as the folk/reggae duo Wingin It, singing at various venues around Marin County and Sonoma, California, and at a few Northern California music festivals.

http://www.jahnur.com


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