It’s a bad idea to lump all folk music into one stereotype because the performer’s personality plays such a huge role. A folk song is a snapshot of the thoughts of the songwriter. It can be a political statement, a love story, a clever play on words, a somebody-did–somebody-wrong song, a funny joke or all those things rolled into one. There are as many types of folk songs as there are topics of conversation possible in the world, and that’s why they are always entertaining.



Gig Harbor Folk Festival organizer Steve Lundquist says people may not instantly recognize the names scheduled to play his festival Aug. 25 and 26 on Gig Harbor’s Harbor Hill, but they are among the most highly acclaimed acoustic songwriters and performers in the country. He says the people chosen for this lineup are masters of the craft of songwriting, award winning performers renowned for their ability to hold thousands enraptured with just an acoustic guitar and the sound of their own voice.

The festival started three years ago when Lundquist, a regional music promoter, wandered into a funky little music store in Gig Harbor called Allstar Guitar, where he met the owners, Dan and May Wilson.



“We hit it right off,” says Lundquist. “We shared a passion for live music. I mentioned I promote musical events in the West and wanted to produce a show in the area. Dan expressed an interest to help get it off the ground. So I booked the talent, we found a suitable outdoor park, and we began planning our first year. The rest, as they say, is history.”



Lundquist has produced similar festivals in the San Juan Islands; University of Washington; Park City, Utah; and in San Diego, Calif. He is also musician Cliff Eberhardt’s manager.



“This year the festival takes place in a new location. We’ve got this wonderful natural amphitheater,” says Lundquist, “It’s a great little outdoor park between the YMCA and Costco on Harbor Hill in Gig Harbor.” Even though it’s centrally located, he says it still has the tranquility of an open meadow.



There will be two sections of lawn seating available, preferred and general seating. People are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets. In the past, the festival has been free, but as it grew, so did the costs; so this year it has become a gated and ticketed event. VIP ticket holders will also get a catered dinner, seating in the first five rows and backstage access.



Every year prior to the festival they hold a national songwriting contest. This year’s top three winners (Rebecca Troon, Ryan Shea Smith, Shawnee Kilgore) and last year’s first-place winner, (Kristin Connell) will perform at the festival alongside more established artists such as Jesse Winchester (whose songs have been recorded by Elvis Costello, Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, Jerry Garcia, Wilson Pickett, Reba McEntire, Bonnie Raitt and the Everly Brothers) and Cheryl Wheeler (whose songs were covered by Bette Midler, Juice Newton, Maura O’Connell, Linda Thompson and others).

Musicians’ workshops taught by industry pros will be offered both days for an additional $15-$30. Eberhardt will teach songwriting, melody and chord composition. Kelly Joe Phelps will teach advanced guitar. Chuck Pyle will cover advanced fingerstyle guitar. Joel Tepp-Sideman and Doug Mcleod will teach blues guitar.



[Harbor Hill, Saturday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $20-$40, children younger than 12 are free, 10770 Harbor Hill Dr., Gig Harbor,  www.gigharborfolkfestival.com]