Schedule :
9am-9pm - A Wonder of Songwriters (workshop/concert)
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship - 1207 Ellsworth St. Bellingham, WA 98225
A one-day gathering for songwriters filled with classes, conversation, and an evening showcase concert. All writers are welcome—from those who have only dreamed of writing a song to those who have written plenty. Classes in the art and craft of songwriting are led by seasoned songwriters who are also experienced songwriting instructors. There are two class periods during the day, three offerings per period. Instructors will workshop participants’ original songs during an afternoon session. The festival includes a communal lunch and dinner. The evening concert is open to friends, family, and the public by donation. Cost for the day is $200. Workshop is limited to 30 participants. A Wonder of Songwriters Festival is the inaugural event of the nonprofit A Wonder of Songwriters, sponsored by Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, a 501(c)(3) arts and education nonprofit organization. A Wonder of Songwriters intends to open the door to vibrant learning, to the opportunity for songwriters to support each other, and to the discovery of what nurtures us and keeps us thriving as songwriters.
register in advance here, all ages
10am-11am - Scottish Fiddle and Accompaniment Workshop with Ryan McKasson and Colin Cotter (workshop)
Welcome Road Winery - 300 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Scottish fiddle and accompaniment with Ryan McKasson (fiddle) and Colin Cotter (guitar). All instruments welcome.
$10-20 sliding scale at door, all ages
11:30am-12:30pm - Sean Connors and Sam Vogt (concert)
Welcome Road Winery - 300 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Irish tunes!
by donation, all ages
1pm-2pm - Old-Time Tune Workshop with Dear Crow (workshop)
Welcome Road Winery - 300 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Come learn some old-time tunes with Brian and Penka Jane. Fiddle and clawhammer-banjo specifics will be taught, but all instruments welcome. We'll focus on learning fun tunes and playing them together, and embracing the zen of an old-time jam.
$10-20 sliding scale at door, all ages
1pm-2pm - Ted O’Connell (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
free, 21+
2pm-3pm - Shannon Patiño (concert)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Shannon Patiño is a Mexican American singer-songwriter from Minooka, IL, and is currently based in Mount Vernon, WA. Shannon began her music journey in 2015 when she wrote her first songs, including Pressure and El Tiempo. Shannon writes about her personal struggles, thoughts, and experiences. She hopes to connect with her listeners through her vulnerability and honest songwriting.
$10-$20 suggested donation, all ages
2pm-3pm - Square Dance Workshop with the Roots Music Group (workshop/dance)
Blue Room - 202 E Holly St. #301, Bellingham, WA 98225
Learn a dance before the big night! 1pm doors, 2pm workshop.
$10 (or $20 for workshop and evening dance together), all ages
2pm-3pm - Misty Flowers (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Misty Flowers is a timeless, passionate performer blending jazz, folk, country and blues elements into her own unique style. Her smokey sweet voice and hypnotic guitar style reflects her ability to face life honestly and take only the best from all of her encounters.
free, 21+
2:30pm-3:30pm - Scandi Tunes Workshop with Mira, Elise, and Patrick (workshop)
Welcome Road Winery - 300 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Join us and learn some of our favorite Scandi polskas to jam on! We will teach the rhythmic groove, melody, and tune chords by ear. All instruments welcome!
Sliding scale of $5-15, all ages
3pm-4pm - Matney Cook (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Matney's passion for music from a love of the connection it brings to a room of strangers, the soothing it brings to an aching heart, and the joy it reinforces in dancing feet! Matney’s vocal style has grown into a charming swinging country tone with songwriting style ranges from soulful achey breaky ballads to uplifting surf rock tales of triumph.
free, 21+
3:30pm-4:30pm - Rio-style Guitar Workshop with Marco de Carvalho (workshop)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Samba and Bossa Nova are distinctive styles of music that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this workshop we will explore the foundational elements of playing these beautiful stories on the guitar which includes rhythm, harmony, and melody. First we'll use basic chords to focus on developing the cool rhythms on both the right and left hands. Then we'll play some Brazilian songs and apply the rhythm to the chord progressions, focusing on how to use the strings and frets as harmonic reference points. Finally, we will address the beautiful Brazilian melodies and bring it all together. Join Marco de Carvalho, a native of Rio de Janeiro, for an exploration of these unique styles of music and learn the secrets and differences between them that will make your music flow and groove.
$10-$20 suggested donation, all ages
4pm-5pm - Sarah Goodin (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Local songwriter expressing heartfelt songs of longing and freedom for over 20 years.
free, 21+
4:45pm-5:45pm - "Coreografia" Marco de Carvalho (concert)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Marco de Carvalho is a performing artist on guitar, vocals, and music composition. Born in São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he lives in Seattle, Washington where he continues to expand his life's repertoire performing an extensive catalog of original compositions and songs from Rio de Janeiro, recording with fabulous musicians, leading workshops, and teaching lessons on guitar. Award winning artist and Maui, HI native Neal Chin, has been both an ‘ukulele educator and performer over the course of his musical career of 19 years. His clear and direct enthusiasm for music has come to life in countless workshops, concerts, and private instruction. Neal currently lives, teaches, and performs in Seattle, WA.
$10-$20 suggested donation, all ages
5pm-7 - Steve Webb (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
An eclectic mix of original Neo soul/Americana folk with a twist of lemon.
free, 21+
5:30pm-7pm - Mira, Elise, and Patrick (concert)
Honey Moon Mead - 1053 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (in the alley)
Based in Seattle, Mira Dickey (fiddle, hardanger fiddle), Elise Snoey (fiddle, hardanger fiddle) and Patrick Gunning (fiddle, guitar) bring vibrant harmonies and driving groove to traditional fiddle tunes from Norway and Sweden.
free, 21+
6pm-6:50pm - Samba no Pé Workshop: Mastering the Art of Rebolado (Hip Circles) with Adriane Rodrigues (dance/workshop)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Join us for a vibrant and energetic Samba no Pé workshop, where we’ll dive deep into the essence of Rebolado, the signature hip circle movement that brings Samba to life! This workshop will focus on refining your hip isolations, fluidity, and grace, teaching you how to infuse your style while staying true to Samba's lively rhythm and culture. What to Expect: Technique Breakdown: Learn the mechanics of Rebolado, from small, subtle circles to dynamic, expressive movements. Samba Groove: Connect your Rebolado to the infectious Samba beat, emphasizing musicality and rhythm. Styling Tips: Add flair to your movements with arm and body coordination, creating a complete Samba look. Drills and Choreography: Practice exercises to perfect your Rebolado and integrate it into a short, fun Samba routine. Whether a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this workshop will enhance your Samba skills and boost your confidence on the dance floor. Let's celebrate the joy of movement and the vibrant spirit of Samba together! Wear comfortable clothing, bring your energy, and get ready to dance!
$10-$20 suggested donation, all ages
7-8pm - Ledford, McLaughlin and Company (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Ledford, McLaughlin and Company will perform close harmony songs both known and unknown for your pleasure and their own.
$10-$20 suggested, 21+
8pm-9pm - Dear Crow (concert)
Ramble Tamble - 1313 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Old-time tunes, original and trad songs, sweet double fiddles and lyrical banjo, tight vocal harmonies: a sound that is both nostalgic and bright with possibility. Dear Crow is the musical partnership of Brian Lindsay and Penka Jane Culevski. Penka Jane began playing fiddle as a child and has been singing since she first heard the radio. Her forthright and emotive fiddle playing pulls the listener along the journey of every tune, and since she began songwriting in earnest in 2018 she’s become known for her timeless and lyrically potent songs. When she started playing with Brian Lindsay, they found kindred spirits in each other. Brian is half of the powerhouse acoustic duo Countercurrent, and is nationally sought after as a contra dance fiddle player, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. In the heartfelt and vulnerable arrangements of Dear Crow, the harmonies ring easily, the songs pluck your heartstrings, and the tunes roll and tumble with the energy that only dance musicians can muster.
$10-$20 suggested, 21+
7pm-10pm - Contra/Country Dance! + Maybe some Yiddish Squares! (dance)
Fairhaven Library - 1117 12th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
$12-$15 suggested, all ages
7pm-7:50pm - Technique and Partnerwork in Rueda de Casino (dance/workshop)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
This beginner/intermediate level Cuban salsa dance workshop will explore the concept of stepping forward in Casino, contextualizing it through both basic and complex moves to see how these variations can transform the Rueda de casino experience.
$10-$20 suggested donation, all ages
8pm-10pm - Steeplechase (concert)
Honey Moon Mead - 1053 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (in the alley)
free, 21+
8pm - All Ages Square Dance featuring the Roots Music Groups (dance)
Blue Room - 202 E Holly St. #301, Bellingham, WA 98225
7pm doors, 8pm dance.
$15 (or $20 for workshop and evening dance together)/all ages
8:30pm-10:30pm - Social Dance with Live Salsa Band (dance)
Cofand - 1209 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Doors at 8 pm, music 8:30-10:30 pm.
$10 advanced, $15 at the door
9pm - 11:30pm - BFF AFTERPARTY: Sweater Weather Stringband w/ Nathaniel Talbot (dance)
The Shakedown - 1212 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Doors at 8:30 pm, music 9-11:30 pm.
$10 advanced, $15 at the door
10pm-late - Trad Session hosted by Steeplechase (jam)
Honey Moon Mead - 1053 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (in the alley)
free, 21+
