Folk and Traditional Arts Program
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s mission involves both a commitment to care for the state’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places and a desire to connect all Washingtonians to their natural, cultural, and artistic heritage through memorable experiences in the parks.
Since 2004, the Folk & Traditional Arts Program has added to those memorable experiences with events in state parks by musicians, dancers, craftspeople and storytellers who represent a wide variety of old and new Washington traditions. From tribal canoe family journeys to Cinco de Mayo festivities, from fisher poetry to Ecuadorian song, from Hawaiian hula to old-time square dances, the program brings people together — some to celebrate a common heritage and some to learn about the traditions of others.
2021 FOLK & TRADITIONAL ARTS PROGRAM EVENTS
The 2021 Folk & Traditional Arts Program season will include virtual and in person events due to the continually evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
DATE |
EVENT |
PARK |
ROOTS IN THE PARK |
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A virtual music series featuring performances, demonstrations, and interviews. |
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| June 3 | Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons | |
| June 10 | Neftalà Rivera & Trio Borikuas | |
| June 17 | Briar | |
| June 24 | Squirrel Butter | |
| June-October | Sundaes OutsideSunday family gatherings are a staple in the black community. In partnership with Golden Bricks Events, we share a series of monthly virtual programs June-October. Each week, we highlight a different state park, musical performance, share outdoor tips, and showcase local art, businesses, and community leaders. Live on YouTube. All episodes include real time captioning and live ASL interpreters. |
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| June 20 | A Celebration of Black Men Featuring emcee, Arthur Mutijima, DJ RoseThrow, and a panel of cyclists representing Bike Works, Peace Peloton, and North Star Cycling. Highlighting Riverside State Park. Sign up to tune in live at 5pm. | |
| July 18 | A Celebration of LGBTQ++ | |
| Aug 15 | A Celebration of Activism | |
| Sept 15 | A Celebration of Women | |
| Oct 17 | A Celebration of the Earth | |
PAst Virtual Programs |
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SPRING FESTIVALVirtual festival on May 22, 2021 showcasing the significance of spring in diverse cultures around the globe. Music, dance, puppet show, cooking demonstration, flower mandala making, and more. Directed by Latha Sambamurti. |
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Mount St. Helens 40th Eruption Anniversary Story CircleIn partnership with the Washington State History Museum, we brought together a group of Washingtonians with deep connections to the area to share their stories of Mount St. Helens before, during, and after the blast. Archived live program accessible here. |
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| July-October July 12 Aug 9 Aug 23 Sept 6 Sept 20 Oct 4 |
Sundae SermonPresented by Golden Bricks Events, a series of spirited programs with a diverse set of black guests and performers including youth, young adults and elders, black-owned vendors, artists, non-profits, and businesses. Each event profiles a Washington State Park in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. All episodes have a real time captioning option. The final three episodes include live ASL interpreters. A Celebration of Joy profiles Lake Sammamish State Park and features musician Zoser, visual artist Sabella, conversations with Joe Thaddeus of Black People Hike, and Caroline Villanova of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, and an interpretive talk and activity by Parks Interpretive Specialist Joy Kacorowski. Archived program accessible here. A Celebration of Community profiles Saltwater State Park and features Emcee: Lulu Carpenter, Community Organizers of Blackout Healing: Mary Hall-Williams & Reagan Jackson, members of the Friends of Saltwater State Park, a trail talk by Ranger Sage Hoag, and West African dance and drums by Kouyate Arts. Archived program accessible here. A Celebration of LGBTQIA++ profiles Dash Point State Park. Featuring: Emcee: Naa Akua, Oshun Swim School's Chandrika Francis, Dancer, Arthur Mutijima, and musician, Joe Williams. Archived program accessible here. A Celebration of Women profiles Federation Forest State Park and features emcee: Kellie Richardson, cellist, Gretchen Yanover, Seattle GirlTrek Organizers, Trina Baker & Mikia Cain, birders, Etta Cosey & Kintea Bryant of the Seattle Audobon Society, and Charlene Lysne of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Archived program accessible here. A Celebration of Activism features youth emcee, Mikayla Weary hosting a youth round table with Cedella Dean and Kailyn Jordan, singer/songwriter, Elisha, and Mental Health Counselor, Jennifer Elve. Archived program accessible here! A Celebration of Food profiles Millersylvania State Park
and features emcee, Marlon Brown, poet, Kamari Bright, Rodney Hines of Metier Brewing Co., and Interpretive Specialist Aaron Webster. Archived program accessible here! |
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| August 14-15 | Indian Independence Day CelebrationPresented by Dancing Silhouette, this virtual celebration of Indian Independence Day will feature dance, music, costumes, and participants of all ages. |
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Cape DisappointmentWaikiki beach Concert Series |
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| Date | 7-8:30PM | Waikiki Beach Amphitheater |
| July 10 | The Hackles | Roots inspired guitar and banjo duet. |
| July 24 | Grupo Borikuas | Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean tunes. |
| August 14 | Annie Staninec & John Kael | Traditional bluegrass and early country. |
| August 28 | Briar | Vintage jazz, blues, and original tunes. |
DECEPTION PASSAmerican Roots Concert Series |
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| Date | 7-8PM | North Beach Amphitheater |
| July 10 | TrÃo GuadalevÃn | Mexico meets the Mediterranean. |
| July 17 | Gallowglass | Irish jigs, reels, and airs. |
| July 24 | Briar | Vintage jazz, blues, and original tunes. |
| July 31 | Miho & Diego | Latino, Japanese, American fusion. |
| Aug 7 | Gretchen Yanover | Spacious, warm melodies on cello and loop. |
| Aug 14 | La Famille Léger | Acadian and Québécois favorites. |
| Aug 21 | En Canto | Brazilian forró. Lively dance music. |
| Aug 28 | Coty Hogue Trio | Appalachian traditional tunes. |
| Date | ||
| Sept 11-12 | Cedar Bark Weaving Class | In partnership with Arbutus Folk School, Makah master weaver Melissa Peterson leads a 2-day class in cedar bark spiral basket weaving. Registration required. Millersylvania State Park. |
Learn more!
Enjoy this short video highlighting our Folk & Traditional Arts program and a few of the many events and programs held at parks across Washington.