Benefiting the Chemakum Longhouse Project

Departure Festival is proud to support the Chemakum Longhouse Project of Jefferson County. This Native led project, created by Naiome Krienke, is gaining momentum as more people learn the significance of what it would mean to again have a Chemakum Longhouse in our community.

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Wookiefoot’s live sets are an always inspiring and entertaining barrage of sonic and visual stimulation. The fast paced circus like set has been called “Short Attention Span Musical Theater”. These live performances are a one of a kind experience that mixes Reggae, World Beat, Hip Hop, Irish, Funk, Folk, Rock & more with a large band featuring everything from a vintage Hammond Organ to Bagpipes! Combine that with a mind-blowing stage show that may include anything (such as a light show, projection, costumes, fire, dancers, aerialists, magic, clowns, puppets, etc)... and you better buckle up! Welcome... and thank you for riding Wookiefoot!"

Nattali Rize is known for her epic, high energy, thought provoking and uplifting live performances. The predominantly female 6 piece international powerhouse band from Australia & Jamaica, deliver a raw energy and vibe like no other, channeling a deep reggae influence in a New Era Style.

This is more than genre labels. The music, message & intention transcends. Forget the borders and waters that divide us, the movement is to ignite the great remembrance of who we are, our collective power, what we can be, to break the mental conditioning and find full freedom in this lifetime. Get ready to be moved!

Torin Frost & Patterns of Saturn is a five-piece, Seattle-based funk and hip hop band who combine intricate lyricism, melodies, and story-telling into their act. Torin has taken his first solo mixtape, “Drip of the Iceberg,” and brought it to the full band setting with some members from his old Seattle-based band, Runes of Neptune. Together, Torin Frost & Patterns of Saturn are here to fill inner space and outer space with music!

THE SHIFT casts a new light on modern folk music by incorporating alternative rock, reggae, and a hint of bluegrass, with theatrics and puppetry. Their music aims to shed light on social and environmental issues while promoting unity.

The Shift has performed for many festivals up and down the West Coast, alongside acts such as Nattali Rize, Dustin Thomas, Wookiefoot, Ray Zaragoza, Tim Sider, Leon Hendricks and more.

Get ready for BIG energy when this multi-generational family band hits the stage!

What are the common threads that bridge jazz, soul, and classical music with spiritual connection and community service?

This is the question that drives international touring artist Max Ribner. The sound that answers is rich, reverent, and intimate, connecting us through the lineage of music, to the stories of our ancestors.

Come experience a harmonic gathering of hearts, mind, body & soul with Max Ribner.

The art presents itself like life, a rich, alive, sound journey that becomes an immersive experience where the audience becomes the orchestra. Bridging the gap between the stage and the audience, with a commitment to whats present in the moment, Max is an anchor for community experience.

In the tradition of our ancient ways, with a wholly modern feel, experience is a container by which disconnection is felt, and acknowledged, and healed through the power of the witness.

Sierra uses her voice to speak for the Earth mother, for the ascension of humanity into a state of harmony. She speaks for the revolution of unconditional love which begins within and ripples out into this world. She speaks of the importance of community, permaculture, and symbiotic innovation for the betterment of all. Performing as a live looping multi-instrumentalist Sierra weaves and layers sounds to create a soundscape of activating music.

Music is medicine for the soul and a powerful tool for our liberation as individuals as well as for the entire planet. Sierra Marin's mission is to remind humanity of their divinity and perfection. To remind the people that WE are the ones we've been waiting for. It's up to us to remember who we are and to be the change we want to see in this world. 

Jus Wright is a Singer/Songwriter and Reggae Artist based out of Santa Rosa, CA.  

His uplifting and empowering stage presence has taken him all over the world; playing shows and festivals like Flow Fest Hawaii, Bali Spirit Fest, Shangri-La, California World Fest, and Dry Diggins.

Among the many messages conveyed through his lyrics, are the calls for unity, compassion, and peace of mind in a world that seems at times to be so full of the opposite.

Aaron Hale is a classically trained (Oklahoma State University), multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. 
Upon the release of his debut album “Wildflowers & Atom Bomb” in 2017; Hale began performing with and without his band )Aaron Hale & The human Beings) at music festivals nation wide taking with him a strong message of environmental stewardship, Native American Sovereignty, and global unity.

Currently Hale is recording his sophomore album, “Stardust & Campfires.” The Cherokee Nation is currently working directly with Hale on a language preservation project. One of the songs off the upcoming album has been translated into Cherokee. This song will be featured as a part of a compilation, as well as a music video produced by the tribe, and also on the album.

Ramblxr (pronounced "rambler") is the electronic dance music project of Elias Alexander. Weaving together melodies from the Scottish and Irish traditions with tasty beats influenced by disco, house, and bass music, Ramblxr speaks to themes of belonging, connectedness, and liberation.

The Ramblxr live show finds Elias alternating between bagpipes, fiddle, guitar, whistle, and keyboards, while using Ableton Live and a variety of foot and hand controllers to effortlessly lay down loops, mix in samples, and build energy.

Sampling the voices of elders and poets, Ramblxr paints a story about growing up in our settler colonialist society, disconnected from land and roots, and the vital search for belonging, connection, and healing through music.

Three Wheels Turning is a musical trio that synthesizes the skills and tunes of multi-instrumentalist songwriters Micaela Kingslight, Samara Jade and Aimée Ringle. Together, these three seasoned artists create a rich and compelling braid of voices, genres, styles and insights - gleaned from their individual paths through life and music and brought to bear through their collaboration and friendship. Don't miss a chance to sit by the stream of their wonderful work together!

Bio coming soon!

Andy Fischer-Price is a singer/songwriter living in Chimacum, WA who sings songs in recognition and celebration of our inherent oneness. He shares visionary folk and medicine songs that he has brought back from his many journeys with sacred plant medicines. Andy believes in the healing and heart-opening possibilities of music, community, and psychedelics, and hopes his music can play a part in the nurturing of a kinder, more conscious, and loving world. 

Ember Brightheart is the youngest member of THE SHIFT, having been born in 2009. She is the daughter of founding band members Kalan Wolfe and Keely Crow-Ka, and has been performing with THE SHIFT since 2018, lending her exquisite vocals to the band, while accompanying them on her ukulele. She is now taking the stage with her solo performance! Ember is a talented dancer and gymnast, as well as a gifted painter. Her first single “Sparks” can be found on all listening platforms.

// DELICIOUS + NUTRITIOUS // Somatic bliss on the dancefloor!

Tim Snider & Wolfgang Timber

Dustin Thomas

Raye Zaragoza

Johnny Moses

Amber Lily

Global Heat

Harmonica Pocket

Sweet Rebel D.

Xela Dark and The Dark Days

River City Roots

While traditional music festivals provide fertile ground for musical entertainment, we are taking our event a step further. Our aim is to ground the attendees of Departure Fest NW to a larger narrative of our community, so that all who attend can feel and see the robust energy that still exists when we come together to create something special.

We want to expand and grow, not just because of the response from our work from last August, but also because people are looking for musical outlets so that they can connect once again to live music, artisans and one another. Departure Fest NW 2023 is going to be something special.

Meet Kalan Wolfe and Keely Crow-Ka. You may recognize Keely from the Port Townsend Ferry or Kalan from American Idol 2019. You may have heard our band The Shift perform at events such as The Brinnon Shrimp Fest, The Quilcene Fair, The Sequim Lavender Festival, or the Okanogan family Barter Faire. Departure Festival strives to encompass the spirit of these festivals and pairing that with world class touring acts, storytelling, fantastic food and craft vendors, as well as weekend camping to create an event which leaves our souls feeling satisfied and our hearts replenished.