Anacortes Music Project

The Skagit County Fair is excited to welcome performers from the Anacortes Music Project (AMP) for the first time. Fair goers will be treated to live performances of original songs, from amazing local artists. AMP is looking forward to sharing its music and vision at the Skagit County Fair. Said President Sommer Carter, “It’s super fun to be a part of the celebration of the work and fun of being in the Skagit Valley and to be able to cross the bridge and be a part of a long history of community fair gathering with 4-H, crafting, etc.”

Karl Blau founded AMP in 2016. Having been a major community organizer for years, it was in his blood to share his wellspring of musical abilities and encourage others to share theirs. His experience and passion manifested in AMP, with Sommer serving as president since its founding. Said Sommer, “The music scene has forever had a relationship with Skagit County and now equally or more than ever, there is an effort to shore up connections for original artists around Skagit County. We are supporting local original musicians to fill venues around the county like Farmstrong Brewery while singing the songs of the people of where we live. It’s a special thing to be a part of. It’s family like. The relationship is potent – keeping that local music vibrancy happening.”

Anacortes Music Project is a non-profit volunteer-run, community-driven organization committed to the support and development of musicians of all ages. They cultivate opportunities for people to come together and be part of Anacortes’ rich heritage of original music and a history of local music appreciation. AMP builds on the legacy of the Anacortes music scene by fostering platforms that honor the original music that musicians create together. All ages, walks of life, and music genres are welcome at AMP. Said Carter, “Anacortes has a unique reputation as a place to play and hear music. AMP is the vision of decades of local artists and musicians who have created a space and opportunities for local music. As a non-profit, our biggest effort is putting on festivals throughout the year where we feature local bands and bands from broader Skagit County. Over the years we have also brought in bands from around the country and world but mostly we support our local artists.”

In addition to being a place for musicians and listeners to display, document, perform, learn and play; AMP produces a free publication called Show Chime, sponsors music festivals, provides summer music camps for kids, a free instrument-lending library, a streaming broadcast of ever-expanding Anacortes music, and more.

What’s coming up for AMP?

Said Sommer, “More and more is happening every year. We are standing on the shoulders of others in our town who have provided musical opportunities for the youth in our community. It’s an honor to be at the helm of AMP at this stage of the journey as we continue to grow and shore up our youth by providing resources for beginners and our veteran musicians.”

This summer AMP is hosting a Rock Camp for kids 12-18 to join in, create original songs, and play in a show. Said Sommer, “The Rock Camp is an exciting aspect of what we’re wanting to amplify: original music made by our community and encouraging kids to make music and tell their stories that way.”

AMPs next big event is its flagship festival, AMP Fest, on Saturday, September 3 from noon-8:00 p.m. at Seafarers Memorial Park. This is a free, all ages event. There will be up to 20 bands of original artists from Anacortes and beyond! AMP Fest is a celebration of Anacortes and our broader community.

AMP is on the cusp of launching a campaign to have a fulltime physical space in downtown Anacortes dedicated for AMP and year-round, week-round opportunities to make and play music. The goal is for the space to be a welcoming place for everyone to visit, participate, and get involved in the local music scene. Through this space AMP will offer lessons, workshops, and rehearsal space and the community will be able to borrow from the instrument library. Keep an eye out for the organization’s full-time offerings starting spring 2023. Said Sommer, “AMP was inspired by other places that have created community music spaces. The city is very supportive because spaces like these help bring people to town for culturally rich encounters – creative tourism for something unique and wonderful.”

Founder Karl Blau will perform on Thursday on the Main Stage at 7:00 p.m., followed by The Enthusiasts at 8:00 p.m., and Young Hunks at 9:00 p.m. Learn more in the Main Stage Music write-up.

Visit AMP’s website at https:// anacortesmusicproject.org/ for more information about the organization and how you can get involved.

(AMP) KARL BLAU (AMP) THE ENTHUSIASTS

Thursday: 8:00 p.m.

The Enthusiasts bring feet stomping, homemade, and heartfull rock and roll. Based and placed in Anacortes, this band celebrates the absurd beauty of life. The band is Sommer Velin Carter, singer, songwriter, acoustic guitar; Andrew Velin, vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, and harmonica; Doug Cassidy, bass and vocals; Andy Brown, drums and percussion; Rob Carter, mandolin; and Mariah Barrett, keys and accordion.

Thursday: 7:00 p.m.

Over his 30-year career, Karl Blau has blended his funky-jazzy roots with country flavor. The success of his (45th!) solo album Introducing Karl Blau in 2016 was owed to his deep baritone crooning minor country hits and the lush production of world-renowned producer Tucker Martine. His newest effort Love & Harm was out on streaming platforms earlier this spring.

(AMP) YOUNG HUNKS

Thursday: 9:00 p.m.

Indie rock band Young Hunks is composed of vocalist and guitarist Jonah Umayam, bassist Mason Bakke, and drummer Brendan Hodgson. Their debut album, In Your Area, is the perfect balance between comedy, wit, and authenticity. Their energy is infectious!