I know what you’re thinking: Really, Danny? Another music festival?
Yeah. I guess I can’t help myself.
This time, it’s not jazz. It’s something that’s been rattling around in my brain for a while—like this has been three years in the making. Something rootsy, honest, and a little dustier. It’s called Haystack Music Fest, and it’s happening right here in downtown North Bend on Saturday, July 12th, from 6 PM to midnight.
It’s all Americana—folk, blues, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, alt-country—the kind of music that feels like it was made to be played here, in a small town, under Mount Si, in a valley like this one.
Why Start a New Festival?
Because I live here. And I keep thinking about how much potential this town has to be a real home for live music—not just jazz, but all kinds of music. Music that connects people. Music that reminds you where you came from. Music that tells stories. And this is something we can do to support music, all kinds of music.
Also, I thought it would be nice to do a warm weather event for a change. Jazz Walk and Blues Walk often get v rained on, and it can get a little cold in April and October.
Teaming Up With Dave
I’m not doing this alone. In addition to our board of directors, and about 30 volunteers, I’m working with David Hill Jr, an old friend and fellow Edmonds Community College alum who’s worn just about every music hat there is—musician, writer, promoter, producer. I approached Dave a few months ago about how fun it would be to do something different in North Bend. He’s also playing in the festival with his band Greenwood Music Collective, so it’s safe to say we’re both all in.
What to Expect
It’s like the Jazz and Blues festival in town. We’ve lined up 17 venues all throughout downtown North Bend. Coffee shops, bars, storefronts, restaurants—each one becomes a stage. You buy one wristband, and it gets you into everything. Show up, walk around, and listen to whatever catches your ear.
The lineup? It’s a mix of Northwest favorites and rising talent:
- Great American Trainwreck
- Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints
- Greenwood Music Collective
- Ranger & the Rearrangers
- …and many more
Full schedule is here: jazzclubsnw.org/haystackmusicfestschedule
Why “Haystack”?
Because it’s North Bend. Because Mt. Si looms large over everything we do here. And for those of you don’t know, that rock formation at the top of Mount Si is called the Haystack. And because when we were tossing around names, Haystack just felt right. Thanks Linda and Michael!
The Details
- When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Time: 6 PM to Midnight (Box office opens at 4 PM)
- Where: All over downtown North Bend
- Tickets:
- $30 presale / $20 students
- $40 at the door / $30 students
- More Info: haystackmusicfest.com
All proceeds support music education and performance through JazzClubsNW and the Boxley Music Fund. So yes—it’s a festival, but it’s also fuel for the next generation of musicians around here.
So… You In?
We don’t know what this will turn into, but we’re doing it. The venues are booked, the posters are printed, and the bands are ready. Now we just need people to show up, walk around, and take it all in.
Hope to see you there. Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. Bring your love for live music. Let’s make something cool happen in our own backyard.
– Danny
Danny Kolke 