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!"

Born of the woods, rivers and waterfalls of Oregon, reggae-fusion group Sol Seed sports diverse vocal styles, an eclectic sonic playbook and ethereal world music influences. With a broad spectrum of musical tastes, Sol Seed flips between genre influences such as rock, soul and hip-hop over a solid reggae backbone. Committing themselves to tending a fellowship between performer and listener, the audience becomes a part of the music, creating a unique and unforgettable live experience, centered in the heart space.

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. 

Shamaganish Aaron Hale is a classically trained (Oklahoma State University), multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and an enrolled member of Cherokee Nation. His music is a fusion of psychedelic, folk, jazz, and soul with a strong message of environmental stewardship and indigenous spirituality. Hale is a part of the Cherokee Nation’s language compilation album, Anvdvnelisgi (Performers), which is part of several efforts being made to help preserve the Cherokee language. Hale will be releasing his sophomore album, “Diyohsdi (Disconnect)”, via Oklahoma based Horton Records in 2025.

Powerful, honest, edgy, and refreshingly original, Champagne Sunday attacks the stage with a show that is heartfelt, engaging, and performed with a desperate enthusiasm and chemistry seldom seen in today’s rock bands. Champagne Sunday transcends genre enough to create their own, coalescing the multi-genre tastes of today’s fickle audiences into a catalog that defies traditional definition.

Formed in 2005 by husband and wife Jared and Jessi Fredeen, Champagne Sunday has always been accused of a severe “uniqueness” that is based upon the uniting of the vastly opposing backgrounds of Jared, a 90’s grunge-rock and folk disciple, and Jessi, a pop and musical theatre enthusiast.

Silly and sweet, The Harmonica Pocket is a young at heart band from Port Townsend, Washington.

Harmonica Pocket shows are upbeat and festive, but not frenetic. Audiences are drawn in by catchy, engaging songs and unexpected props. Humor, improvisation and play are generously sprinkled on top.

Shows incorporate a loop pedal to "build a band" right in front of the audience's ears. Each instrument is played one at a time to create layers of sound – acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele, wah-wah guitar solos, harmonicas, and vocal harmonies.

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.

Tim Snider & Wolfgang Timber

Dustin Thomas

Raye Zaragoza

Johnny Moses

Amber Lily

Global Heat

Nattali Rize

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.