As the festival dates approach at roughly the pace of one day every 24 hours, the Central Committee has been busy getting everything ready behind the scenes. There is so much to do! Once again, the wonderful Nat Damm has designed our poster this year, and once again he’s come through with flying colors (mostly pale yellows, dark browns, and a kind of reddish tinge we don’t have a name for).
Seaprog 2018 poster by Nat Damm
Two recent additions to the line-up are now posted on the artist and schedule pages. On Friday at 8:00 in the front room we’ll have a pulsating set of space rock from Star Cradle. Check out their video for a taste of what to expect. And then on Sunday, the front room will host A Word in Edgewise, a unique duo featuring Clark Battle and his custom electronic cello and Kevin Cook on drums. They’ll mix improvisation and prepared compositions in a sonic stew unlike anything you’re likely to have heard.
Advance ticket sales are humming along (in odd meters, no doubt), putting Seaprog well above previous years, proving that perseverance in the face of difficulties can pay off. If you haven’t made your arrangements yet, now is the time! And if you can’t attend, please consider making a charitable contribution to help support creative music. Use the Donate button above.
Today we have two announcements regarding this year’s Seaprog festival. First, we are happy to present Tiny Orchestral Moments performing on Sunday, June 3. This group is organized by Steve Ball, and is related to Seattle Guitar Circle. In addition to members of the Circle, musicians from around the world have collaborated with TOM, in performances that combine composition and improvisation. The exact lineup is yet to be determined, but it’s bound to be good – some who have been involved recently are Matt Chamberlain, Igor Abuladze, Alex Anthony Faide, Carl Germain, Beth Fleenor, Amy Denio, Nora Germain, Kathy Moore, and Jaxie Binder.
Second, due to uncertainties surrounding the international border crossing, Vancouver’s Marching Mind has had to bow out. We’ll be making further announcements as we work out the revised schedule.
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.
The dates are set — Seaprog will happen again on the first weekend of June, 2018. We’re working on getting some artists lined up and will make announcements as soon as details are nailed down.
Four weekends of amazing music over the course of the last five years presents the promise of more great things to come. Thanks to all who have supported us, especially those who have attended multiple times.
And once again, heartfelt thanks to the management and staff at both the Columbia City Theater and the Royal Room, all of the artists who graced us with their performances, and the volunteers who made it work.
