by Molly Walsh
One of the region’s newest festivals, Northern Sky, has descended upon Olympia’s Oyster Bay Farm on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 when the grounds of the farm were transformed into a stunning backdrop for the inaugural Northern Sky at Oyster Bay, a festival featuring live music, visual art displays and interactive art projects suitable for families and all ages.
The three main organizers of Northern Sky all share ties to Olympia’s bustling music community, including Mariella Luz, a ceramic artist, Lois Maffeo, a musician and artist, and Hayes Waring, member of The Moving Pictures and operator of record label Perennial.
Luz formerly worked at the Olympia-based K Records for nearly two decades and was no stranger to planning music-related events, like the annual Helsing Junction Sleepover at Helsing Junction Farm in Rochester. Luz was also a past operator of Northern, an Olympia all-ages art gallery and concert locale, which Luz said served as inspiration when it came time to name the Northern Sky festival.
Throughout the planning process for Northern Sky, Luz said the organizing trio had two main goals: first, to foster a sense of fun that was reminiscent of past events like the Helsing Junction Sleepover, and second, to maintain a feasible size and scope for the festival in its infancy, while also establishing a planning infrastructure that will allow potential for expansion down the line.
A total of 17 bands are performing over the course of the two-day festival across two stages, including Bleeding Heart Choir, The Moving Pictures, Winston Hightower, Owl and the Pussycat and more. On day one of the festival, there will be headlining performances from Morgan and the Organ Donors, as well as Michael Hurley, and on day two, headliners include Mount Eerie, Thrones and Ragana.
According to Luz, the music lineup for Northern Sky is mainly composed of musicians and bands that are based near Olympia or have ties to the region, and there is a full spectrum of genres represented ranging from singer-songwriters, to metal acts.
In addition to taking in local sounds, and enjoying time outdoors before the shifting seasons, Northern Sky attendees are also able to explore some of the striking features of Oyster Bay Farm, including the Oyster Bay waterfront. For local music enthusiasts, Luz said there is a steady stream of performances across both days of the festival, with additional art displays and activities tucked into other areas of the farm.
“If you need to take a break, you can absolutely…walk around, see the art installations that are up in the glade, or you can work on an art project that’s closer to the event stage,” said Luz.
Northern Sky has planned the festival for all ages, including families, and has incorporated a number of art activities into the schedule that encourage younger attendees to join the festivities. Interactive art projects include a group banner, collage, screen printing and flower pounding.
A second festival stage sets a more tranquil scene surrounded by a number of visual artists such as Golden Sather, Jolie MA, Fern Tallos, Grace Duda and Al Larsen, all of whom will be displaying their work. The second stage features performances from acts like Angelo Spencer and Double Mirror.
Festival attendees may want to pack a picnic to enjoy during the festival, but for those looking to purchase a treat, attendees can also be on the lookout for a number of onsite food and drink vendors including coffee from Bar Francis, hand pies from Wattle, gelato from Sofies Scoops, as well as options from the Shelton-based Marmo.
According to Luz, the organizers of Northern Sky have also been conscientious of accessibility, looking for ways to make the festival welcoming for all members of the community.
“Even though it is on a farm, we’ve been really mindful about trying to be accessible to people with all physical abilities,” said Luz.
Leading up to Northern Sky, the organizers were hard at work plotting out last-minute logistical considerations, like amassing bales of hay, as well as tents and tarps in case of rain during the festival. According to Luz, the organizers are also becoming more acquainted with updated technology, like payment systems that are now in common use at current festivals. After months making preparations for the festival, Luz is especially looking forward to a gathering of friends, and seeing different musicians take the festival stage.
“I’m really super excited to see some of these bands putting something special together for this first time event,” said Luz.
WHAT
Northern Sky at Oyster Bay Farm
WHEN
Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7
WHERE
Oyster Bay Farm
4931 Oyster Bay Road NW
Olympia
COST
$35-75
LEARN MORE
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6307886
https://www.instagram.com/northern_sky_festival
https://northernskyfestival.com/wp/