Rainier Music Festival returns for the third year

What was once a vision of creating a musical haven that connects strangers through the universal language of melodies is returning for its third year. The Rainier Music Festival, taking place on Aug. 5, will be a full day of celebrating art, talent and culture.

Festivities will begin at noon and will last until 10 p.m. at the Ashford County Amphitheater, which falls under the shadow of Mount Rainier.
The line-up consists of a variety of artists and bands. Linda Carroll and the Retro Gruve will be first to take the stage at noon. Carroll is a well-known blues and jazz vocalist within the Puget Sound Area.

Billy Stoops & the Dirt Angels will be the next to perform at 1:30 p.m. Stoops was born and raised in Louisville, KY, and has called the Pacific Northwest his home for over 30 years. The Americana singer, songwriter, and guitarist will be jamming with the Dirt Angels.

Since it’s an all-day event, there will be three food-trucks to replenish crowd energies, and will include hotdogs and BBQ, according to Win Whittaker, festival director. In between sets, attendees also will have the opportunity to explore and engage with over a dozen different vendors, or create a groove of their own in the beer garden.
“As of now, we have 15 vendors — from jewelry, to pottery, to candles, paintings,” Whittaker said.

Late afternoon performances include Monster Road, an eight-player band that formed in 2018 and plays classic dance hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Monster Road brings two lead vocalists and drummers, a drummer, a saxophone and synth player, a keyboard player, a bass and lead vocals player, and a guitarist and vocalist who also acts as musical director.

At 4:30 p.m., Brian James Was Here will hop on stage. James was brought up in the small logging community of Montesano, and incorporates bouts of witty commentary throughout his performances. James regularly performs cover songs and originals, and his most recent album, “Sessions,” was released in November of 2022 and includes ten songs.

A five-member reggae band that was formed in 2006 in Tacoma, Island Bound, will share their love of culture and music at 6:00 p.m. through the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the band members, which include Hawaiian and Samoan. At 7:30 p.mDiego Romero of the Diego Romero Band will perform. Romero was born and raised in Walla Walla Valley.

Having grown up in a Hispanic background, Romero was exposed to genres of music including Corridos, Cumbia, Rock, Hip-Hop, country, and Funk. Romero became most connected to the Blues genre, and is inspired by Freddie King and Prince, among others. Filthy Fifth will end the festival with their performance beginning at 9:00 p.m., with a blend of Funk, Soul, and Blues.

“All bands are awesome and so different,” said Whittaker. “I can’t say who I’m most excited about … all of them!”

Although the Rainier Music Festival is relatively new, locals have consistently ventured out to the arena. Whittaker said about 200 individuals attended last year’s festival, while he’s anticipating over 350 individuals this year.

“I am looking forward to an awesome turnout and perfect weather,” Whittaker said. “It is always wonderful to see a mix of people of all ages coming together to enjoy music.”

Those interested in attending the event also have the opportunity to camp at the amphitheater, located 500 feet away from the stage — and if up to it, spend the remainder of the weekend exploring the beauty Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.

Individuals ages 17 and under are able to attend free of charge, while prices for adults are $40 per an all-day pass if purchasing online, or $45 at the gate. Event sponsors include the South Sound Blues Association, and Open Range Entertainment.