Three Reasons to Make the Expedition to Everett for Fisherman’s Music Festival

I don’t know about you, but personally, I often find it tough to journey so far as to Ballard for a show. As a carless Seattleite, leaving Capitol Hill often feels like a chore and the options my neighborhood provides are ample enough that it could even be deemed unnecessary to do so. Needless to say, making the 28.5 mile expedition to Everett is a rare occurrence. But, this weekend, it’s worth it.

Now in its ninth year, Fisherman’s Village Music Festival has been drawing music lovers to the growing port town with a consistently killer lineup featuring major touring artists as well as showcasing the robust talent coming out of the Northwest and, in particular, Everett. With many festivals coming back after a two-year hiatus due to you-know-what, Fisherman’s Village barely skipped a beat, offering a strong 2021 festival and night market in September, along with their Fisherman’s Village Broadcasts in 2020. This weekend, May 19-21st, the festival is back for its usual May schedule to take over Downtown Everett.

Still, it’s possible that you — like myself — may need some incentive to make the trek. I could likely make a list of 10 or 20 tiny reasons that it’ll be worth it but — in my mind — there are three so massive that they alone should warrant gassing up the tank or phoning your friend with a car.

3. Deep Sea Diver

Have we mentioned we kind of liked Deep Sea Diver’s Impossible Weight? As KEXP listener’s top album of 2020, the record has gotten a lot of play on our humble station and only continues to remain large in our hearts. It’s far from the first time Jessica Dobson has played Fisherman’s Village but it’s very cool to see DSD’s name rise up the bill to headliner level.

This year, they’re the main event on Thursday night, following what’s sure to be incredible sets from Seattle soul singer Shaina Shepherd and hip hop group Tilson XO and preceding an afterparty celebrating the 10th birthday of the Everett Music Initiative featuring performances by The Mother Blue and Acid Tongue.

2. Lavender Country

As the first openly-gay country band, I think it’s safe to call Lavender Country iconic. The project of Patrick Haggerty, the band recently released their sophomore record, Blackberry Rose, nearly 50 years after their 1973 self-titled debut. The long-dormant project was revived after a fan posted a video of Lavender Country track “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears” on YouTube in 2014. The fans wanted more.

Haggerty recently spoke to KEXP Emily Fox for Sound & Vision about the new record, saying: “I didn't change. Lavender Country didn't change. Those men changed. This time they came down on the right side of the line.” Don’t miss this opportunity to see an icon in the flesh this Saturday at 11:30pm at the Black Lab Gallery stage.

1. Digable Planets

I mean, c’mon right? This truly should bear no need for explanation since the importance of Digable Planets warrants an entire podcast series. It’s an absolute blessing and honor that nearly 30 years after the trio of Ishmael Butler (Butterfly), Craig (C Know/Doodlebug) Irving, and Mary Ann (Ladybug Mecca) Vieira released their Grammy-winning debut Reachin’, to be able to witness the beauty of their live performances. That’s it. Full stop.

They’ll be rocking the main stage on Saturday night at 9pm. Don’t miss it.

Fisherman's Village Music Festival kicks off tonight, May 19th. Check out the full schedule and buy tickets HERE.