Cantrip is a Seattle trio formed by guitarist Simon Henneman, whose band Northern Cantrips performed at our 2015 festival. With an explosive cross-pollination between jazz and rock, they will do their best to rid you of any socks you might be wearing.
Seaprog is pleased to announce the first confirmations for the 2018 lineup, which is shaping up to be the best yet, with a set of headliners sure to thrill and amaze: Cheer-Accident, Free Salamander Exhibit, and Bubblemath. In addition, we’ve lined up a wide variety of artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to provide proof that the Northwest is a home for creative music of all stripes.
Cheer-Accident promotional photo
Cheer-Accident (Chicago) has been one of the most prominent American bands in avant rock for more than a decade, with roots in such pioneers as Henry Cow but a disarming sense of melody and a modern anything-goes attitude.
Free Salamander Exhibit promotional photo
Carrying on the legacy of the mighty Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Free Salamander Exhibit (Oakland) is a giant among genre-bending bands, straddling avant-metal, free jazz, modern Classical and more in their unique performances.
Bubblemath promotional photo
And while Bubblemath (Minneapolis) has not been the most prolific of bands, with only two albums in 17 years, but those albums stand firmly among the best American progressive releases, bringing together tightly-arranged complexity and ambitious reach with a winking sense of humor.
Mercury Tree promotional photo
Since their 2014 appearance, The Mercury Tree (Portland) has been honing their style of adventurous rock music and bringing in microtonal sounds to create something truly unique, so we’re happy to give them an encore appearance on our stage.
Faun Fables promotional photo
Faun Fables is based in the Bay Area, but they occupy a realm far from the mundane world we live in. The duo presents a modern version of acid folk infused with a deep artistic sensibility that’s won them fans around the world.
Clearly Beloved promotional photo
Seattle’s own Clearly Beloved is a band with a vision involving violins, unpredictable songs, and baking bread.
We’re excited to be presenting our first Vancouver band, Marching Mind, to represent that city’s rich cultural scene with a sound that combines classic prog and edgy 90s rock.
Moraine promotional photo
Moraine played the very first Seaprog in 2013, but a lot has changed since then, with new personnel and new material, so they’re due a return engagement. Other Northwest area artists we’ve enlisted include Cantrip, Ocelot Omelet, and Himiko Cloud.
There are more contracts outstanding for other exciting artists, along with a yet-to-be-nailed-down project featuring members of the Seattle Guitar Circle, so make sure to keep paying attention. Ticket sales will be starting soon — look for an announcement in the next few days.
And finally… Seaprog is fiscally sponsored by Shunpike, and donations are tax deductible and eligible for employer-matching funds where available. Please consider helping creative music flourish by contributing to the cause. Ticket sales alone have never covered the costs of putting on the festival, and every little bit helps. Donate here.
We appreciate all the enthusiasm for this weekend’s show and we hope to see you in Columbia City throughout the weekend – but don’t forget tonight’s fine program at the Royal Room with three fine artists: Panther Attack, Northern Cantrips and Isthmusia. We will have band merchandise, t-shirts and posters available at the merch table, and single day and weekend passes for sale too. There is no cover, great food and a fine bar. Don’t miss a great Friday night of progressive music!
Led by celebrated Seattle guitarist Simon Henneman, the Northern Cantrips ensemble weaves a singular tapestry of improvisation-laden original compositions and reinterpretations of bebop, modern Brazilian music, tango, hip hop, and progressive rock.
Personnel:
Simon Henneman — Guitar
Kate Olson — Saxophone
Bob Rees — Keyboards, vibraphone
John Seman — Bass
Evan Woodle — Drums
Links to artist websites:
Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.