The Unknown; photo by Bryan C. Parker
Anacortes, WA is a magical place. And if you’re the sort of person that delights in an intimate musical experience unfettered by the commercial onslaught of modern day festivals or even your city’s corner bar, you’re in luck, because the small Northwestern hamlet hosts a gathering each year for people just like you. Formerly What the Heck Fest and Anacortes Unknown, this year’s installment shifts slightly in approach and has yet to claim a name. No matter, the event smells just as sweet, with a lineup of great musicians set to perform in community spaces and DIY venues.
Bonnie Prince Billy performs Anacortes Unknown 2014; photo by Bryan C. Parker
Those performers include nationally known folks like Paleo, Esme Patterson (of Shakey Graves), and Advance Base (formerly Casiotone for the Painfully Alone) as well as a slew of performers from the region. While that’s all great, it’s the secluded environs and small town charm that make the festival so communal and unforgettable. Do yourself a favor and buy a pass. Guaranteed to reduce stress and maximize enjoyment of life!
