American Roots Music Series

2026 American Roots concert series 
Come tap your toes and enjoy the fun at one of Washington's most beloved and beautiful state parks.

Time: All concerts are 7-8 p.m.
Location: All concerts are held at North Beach Amphitheater (Directions) at Deception Pass State Park.
All concerts are free. A Discover Pass required to park.

July
Shifty Sailors 
July 11

The Shifty Sailors hail from Whidbey Island. Their music celebrates the maritime history of the Puget Sound. The Sailors have worked to preserve the heritage of sailing ships, folklore, and songs of the sea for over 30 years. Their music captures the essence of island and seafaring life, blending rich harmonies with storytelling.

Finlay MacDonald Duo 
July 18

Finlay MacDonald has been at the cutting edge of bagpiping, teaching and composing for over 20 years, gaining an international reputation as a highly skilled performer and an inspirational leader in this field. With four recorded albums, two books of music published along, touring experience across four continents with a variety of traditional music groups and competing with Scottish Power Pipe Band, he has extensive knowledge of the world of piping. The Finlay Macdonald Duo features guitarist/piper Ali Hutton (Ross & Ali, Old Blind Dogs, Treacherous Orchestra, Tryst).

Bagpipes for Beginners Table 
Always wanted to give the bagpipes a try? Now is your chance! Join us for a bagpipes workshop from 6-7 pm at Amphitheater. Visit the Celtic Arts Foundation's Bagpipes for Beginners table before the show and try them out before watching the pros in action during the concert! You can also learn more about other Celtic events and classes in the area.

August
Angel Gadzhev Folk Band 
Aug. 1

The Angel Gadzhev Folk Band is led by arranger, and gadulka performer Angel Gadzhev. The Folk Band plays authentic Bulgarian folk songs from five regions including solo vocal performances demonstrating Bulgarian ornamental singing techniques, and instrumental pieces performed on traditional Bulgarian instruments, including gaida (bagpipe), kaval (flute), gadulka (bowed instrument), and tupan (drum). Performers wear traditional Bulgarian folk costumes specific to their regional styles. Between pieces, ensemble members share cultural context, explain the significance of each dance and song, and, as part of the workshop component, invite audience members to learn basic steps of selected horo dances.  

Boka Kouyaté Arts & the Djeliyah Band 
Aug. 8

Boka Kouyaté is a singer and multi-instrumentalist (balafón, guitar, djembe) from Guinea. He is a member of West Africa’s most famous family of Mande hereditary musicians, also referred to as griots or djelys. After moving to the United States in early 2014, Boka Kouyaté co-founded Kouyaté Arts, an interactive performance company of drummers, dancers and singers.  He is the lead vocalist, composer and founder of the Djeliyah Band.  The Djeliyah Band presents West African Music & Dance, fusing traditional Griot and Djeli music with Afro-Beat and the modern music of Guinea to share the energetic Highlife sound.

Queen’s Bluegrass 
Aug. 15

Queen’s Bluegrass plays hard driving, traditional bluegrass with roots reaching back to the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Ernest Queen, the band’s founder, was born and raised in North Carolina.  As a young man, he moved to Sedro Woolley, WA bringing with him the music he heard and played throughout his youth. For thirty years, Ernie and his band entertained audiences throughout Washington and British Columbia. Ernie passed away in 2015 and left the bandmembers in charge of playing the music that he so loved.  Queen's Bluegrass is now based in Lynden, WA and plays throughout Northwest Washington.

Dream Goats 
Aug. 22

Dream Goats play American old-time, Celtic, and original fiddle tunes with some country and folk songs thrown in the mix. Celine, Stuart, Rosie and Claire are multi-instrumentalists who combine fiddles, guitars, banjos, cellos, (and sometimes more) in their interpretations of traditional music.  

Duende Libre 
Aug. 29

Duende Libre is a dynamic and uplifting quartet that blends elements of Afro-Cuban jazz with Brazilian samba, American funk, and traditional West African music into a unique sound of their own. Duende Libre features longtime collaborators Alex Chadsey (piano, keyboards & compositions), Farko Dosumov (electric bass), and Jeff “Bongo” Busch (drums & percussion), and Frank Anderson, a dynamic and engaging vocalist, drummer, and dancer.