We all know a few of the bigger fests (Bonnaroo, Coachella, blah blah blah), and despite the mass grass field genocide we all partake in via attendance/dancing/running/stomping on the fairgrounds, we love them. But how about the small festivals of music around the states?

One festival lodged in the Pacific Northwest in Anacortes, Washington, hidden away from the spotlight, even though it's been called "The Greatest Music Festival of All Time, Ever," is What the Heck Fest. What exactly is What the Heck Fest? A ton of good music from Washington (and a handful of friends from elsewhere) going down over a couple days in summer. Simple. But they put it bit better:

"What the heck fest is how we care; an unconventional gathering in warm traditions of food and music. New and old friends who give as much attention as they get, while keeping plenty in reserve until this marathon of song.

Production values increase as the artist’s respect for the audience’s imagination decreases…and in direct proportion to the replacement of Idealism with titillation."

If you're up in this area on July 17, 18, and 19, within a few hour drive at least, then go. It's only $35! Washington just makes good music. A little forest, a little city, a "little" rain, good people - what else could you expect?Oh, and the line up? So good! Just a few on the list:

D+

Karl Blau

Kimya Dawson

Mirah

LAKE

Labels: anacortes, festivals, Shows