Folklife Festival Memorial Day Weekend

Northwest Folklife festival happens every year over the Memorial Day holiday. Some years Larry and I have attended all four days--there is so much to experience...

Bluegrass, world music, drumming, 6 or so main stages have different kinds of music. There are intimate stages and a big band amphitheater space where there is lots of room for dancing around to the beat, or just watching.

Folklife is free (suggested donation of $10 a day, or $20 for families. Workshops include learning more about different instruments, guitar tunings, and music styles as well as performance and dancing.



Pictured (right) are David Maloney and Ginny Reilly singing in the Lopez room at a workshop on duetting.

This is one of the best events in Seattle for people watching too. From street performers, both musical and theatrical, professional buskers, amateur players, and incredibly talented kids, there is much to see, hear and experience.

Pictured on the right is a musical instrument invention. He said it took about 4 months to make and 10 years to learn to play it!

And when the sun comes out and it gets too hot--whether folklife is on or not, the fountain in the center of the Seattle Center keeps folks cool.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker (and Musician!) Photos by Larry Baumgartner, Realtor (also Musician!)

Exotic Garden Spot

Elandan Gardens, located on Kitsap peninsula in Bremerton sprawls over 5 acres of reclaimed log dump and landfill that was transformed over the years into an exotic garden museum filled with bonsai and both ancient and familiar trees, stone sculptures and winding paths. The gallery houses artifacts from the Orient, Native American art, and unique gift items including clothing and jewelry. None of this is the usual gift shop fare. Fine furnishings and accessories surround the interior design studio housed within the gallery. The whole place is simply filled with eye-catching artifacts of various ages and prices. You will find antlers next to antique chinese stick puppets and coral beads in Native american baskets.

Dan Robinson, an international bonsai master, along with his family have created this wonderful tranquil and surprising place to visit and enjoy.

Located just past the mile marker 28 on Highway 15 in Gorst, 3050 State Hwy 16, Port Orchard. 360-373-8260. Hours at the time of this writing are: Tuesday-Sunday 10-5. There is an $8 admission fee (Adults) to walk the gardens. http://www.elandangardens.com/

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker