Downtown Issaquah is taking a lively bow with the re-emergence of local treasures, ArtWalk & Music Stroll sponsored by Kaleidoscope School of Music, Issaquah's Comprehensive Music School and with the support of the Issaquah Art's Commission. Shop, dine and take a leisurely walk through the historic Olde Town as Front Street is transformed into an avenue of live outdoor performances every 2nd Saturday from 5pm-8pm, May through September. The Historically Hip Artisan Market will be front and center. The celebration of Issaquah’s bevy of local artists offers a cultural boon for both locals and visitors to enjoy the best of what Downtown Issaquah has to offer.
Issaquah’s designation as a Creative Arts District is a recognition of the multitude of talented artists who call Issaquah home. Dozens will be celebrated in Historically Hip Downtown throughout the season. Plan to spend the full three hours listening and while retail shopping and dining at food favorites along the way.
New for 2022, 'Nature Walks', a climate action series in partnership with local nonprofits will create a delightful venue to mingle, learn, and explore an important topic in Pedestrian Park (The Trellises).
May 14 – Earth, Issaquah green and recycling initiatives
July 9 – Air/Fire, forest management/carbon sequestration
September 10 – Water, local water, and fish management
The Nature Walk series combines music, animated multimedia video and images, and spoken word to evoke the energies of nature and share inspirational climate care. John Chmaj, professional musician, and multimedia artist has composed dozens of music/video pieces celebrating the beauty and power of nature, and to warn about the consequences of climate change and motivating positive action. These compositions journey through the elements and shapes in the natural world in sight and sound. They are accompanied in many cases with evocative lyrics and musical solos that match the mood and energy of the visuals.
The May 14 ArtWalk & Music Stroll features five performance stages around downtown.
Kaleidoscope School of Music Rock Academy will be performing at the Issaquah Public Library. Rock Elite is the school’s year-round intensive Rock Ensemble program which outfits five bands to perform 4-10 times a year at public events around the Eastside. Class members develop a personalized setlist of modern and classic rock, pop, metal, funk and blues, spend the winter and spring nailing their songs, then perform at venues like the ArtWalk & Music Stroll, Salmon Days, Hard Rock Café Seattle, Studio Seven, Make Music Day, and more. Check out their music Kaleidoscope School of Music - YouTube.
Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra has strong ties to the entire Eastside Community. Since its inception in 2012, LWSO is excited to showcase the talented string quartet.
Zoser's musical style cannot be easily categorized. His music shifts seamlessly between pop, folk, and hip hop with influences ranging from Michael Kiwanuka to Childish Gambino. A simple six-string, in Zo’s hands, transforms into a “beat box,” lending percussive bass to funky hip-hop rhymes. By culling and synthesizing seemingly disparate musical forms and influences, Zoser has crafted a sound that is wholly and undeniably his own. The result is something spectacular to behold: a voice that conveys a world-weary ache and a bright optimism, and a sense of musicality that is both rhythmic and infectiously melodic. He is a singer, a storyteller and something of a revelation – not necessarily a soul singer but something rarer and more precious – a singer with soul.
Seattle-based songwriter, Billy Brandt, is an alley cat singer and steel-toed storyteller. Standing as the steam rises from the street’s sewer grate, this squinting-eyed, herring bone newsboy cap-wearing lyricist reports on what he sees: a melancholy and malleable city with bents equally toward invention and woebegone worries.
Events are in the Macaroni KID Calendar! Click here!
ABOUT ISSAQUAH
Downtown Issaquah is the bright cultural beacon on the eastside of Seattle, drawing those looking for an urban scene on a human scale, situated only 15 miles to the east of Downtown Seattle. Downtown Issaquah is emerging as a hotspot for socializing and connecting with a local funky vibe on the eastside.
ABOUT DIA
The mission of the Downtown Issaquah Association is to cultivate a thriving Olde Town that builds community and celebrates our charm. Downtown Issaquah – Historically Hip
