How Folklife is Like a John Hughes Film (and Why You Should Go)

You know in "Sixteen Candles", how everyone forgets Sam's birthday, and she's totally overshadowed because her prettier, more successful older sister is putting on a big splashy wedding? And even though Sam maybe isn't stacked or popular, you're still rooting for her? We think that that's a pretty good metaphor for Folklife.

Consider: this year, Sasquatch! is turning 10. Which is great. Happy birthday, Sasquatch! Way to get a whole lot of Seattleites out of the city and into the Gorge. However, there's another milestone birthday this this year; 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Northwest Folklife Festival, which happens right at Seattle Center and is free. But much like Molly Ringwald, it's kind of ginger kid with hidden beauty. It often gets rained on, it is at times awkward and, let's face it, sometimes you forget about it.

The Little Old Festival that Could has gotten very little play in the media in general; The Stranger even put out a piece outlining exactly which bands "won't suck," which highlights some surprisingly rocking groups, including a couple of Seattlest favorites.

We hope Folklife gets to feel this special sometimes.

And we admit-- we're just as guilty. Seattlest Music's attention has been paid mostly to Sasquatch! and our own upcoming show. We've hardly mentioned Folklife on our site (though it is featured in today's Can't Miss It), and for that, Folklife, we're sorry. We're sorry we almost forgot your birthday.

To be honest, Folklife is actually pretty great. There's food from carts, the people are all pretty nice, and it gives a lot of local kids something to do with their extra day off. Plus, it's put on by a lot of people we really like, like 4Culture, the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and the NEA.**

So why does it get passed over? Is it simply poor timing that the festival, for the last decade, has had to share its special weekend with the bigger, headline-packed concert extravaganza to the East? Or is it because Folklife, unlike Bumbershoot, which also takes place at the Center and is also on a three-day weekend, remains free, and thus, can't pull the big names? Or is it simply because Folklife is perceived to be overrun with buskers, drum circles, hemp garments and the commercialization of hippie culture?

Whatever the reason, if you're staying in town this weekend, we suggest you head to the Center and pay homage to this old-school Seattle festival. Check out today's Can't Miss It to see what's awesome, plan accordingly and celebrate the music festival that's still free and almost old enough to be your dad.

**And since it is free...maybe consider kicking some cash to some of these very awesome organizations, hmm? A donation is very good for your karma.