Drayton Harbor Music Festival to host public concerts

Ed Donohue plays a trumpet solo during a street performance in G Street Plaza. The Seattle musician was in Blaine to teach classes during the Drayton Harbor Music Camp in 2015.Photo by Steve Guntli

Some of the best and brightest musical talents in the Northwest will bring their skills to Blaine to help teach a new generation.

The Drayton Harbor Music Festival, previously known as the Blaine Jazz Festival, returns for its 14th year from July 10 to 16. The festival features a weeklong music camp, where teenage musicians get a chance to hone their craft with a faculty of renowned musicians from around the country.

Courses of study include jazz, vocals, a cappella choir, songwriting, rock and roll and more. This year’s faculty includes saxophonist Nick Biello, singer/songwriter Camille Bloom, jazz singer Greta Matassa and pianist (and Ferndale mayor) Jon Mutchler.

Monday through Friday, students and teachers will perform noon concerts in G Street Plaza. The concerts are open to the public and free to attend. Additionally, faculty members will perform shows each night in the Performing Arts Center.

On Thursday, July 14, the faculty will perform at the Big Band Benefit in the Blaine Pavilion. The concert doubles as a fundraiser for next year’s festival. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at draytonharbormusic.org.

The Drayton Harbor Arts Festival was founded by Blaine’s Pacific Arts Association. For more information, visit draytonharbormusic.org.