Stacy Jones is a GSB favorite and returns August 29th

Gas Station Blues™ Reprises Stellar Performances This Summer

Notable International Blues Artists Descend on Historic Shell

DIA and the Washington Blues Society (WBS) resume the hot music summer series for its 10th year.

Eric Clapton describes the blues as his inspiration and relief in the trials of life. Visitors come to Gas Station Blues to experience a joyful family-and alfresco-friendly annual favorite with artsy vibes in Centennial Park in Downtown Issaquah’s Creative District.

“Come early and picnic on the grass or enjoy one of the fantastic art galleries or restaurants along Front Street before the show, or get takeout for the full al fresco experience,” said DIA President Christina Bruning. Bring a chair and blanket and enjoy the summers night blues.”

DIA and WBS host artists every Thursday night from July 11 through August 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. The artists are internationally renowned and draw crowds from throughout Washington. Both WBS and DIA are dedicated to preserving music and maintaining culture and history.

“WBS helped bring blues to the Shell Station 10 years ago because of our love for the genre and for small towns bursting with cultural life,” said WBS President Tony Frederickson. “Gas Station Blues has been around for a decade because of the Downtown Issaquah Association’s leadership and heart.”

What to Know

• Concerts are free and suitable for all ages.
• Wine, beer, and other food & beverages available for purchase from local restaurants.
• Location: 232 Front Street North.
• Parking: Available along Front Street or behind businesses.
• Performances are also streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.

The Team bringing Film to Issaquah, From Left: Logan Sarzalejo, Beckett Hobbs and Henry Shriber

Making Films to Make a Difference

It’s tempting to tag them inexperienced until they speak and you’ve read their bios. Recent graduates from Issaquah area high schools, the three founders of the Issaquah Film Festival speak fluent film and proficient marketing. Their bios seem longer than their life spans. To wit:

Beckett Hobbs calls himself a “filmmaking Swiss army knife,” having worked as a director, writer, producer, assistant director, executive producer, cinematographer, editor, actor, and production assistant. He has finished eight productions and has nine in development. Home-grown in Issaquah and now a sophomore at Emerson College in Boston, Beckett dreams of art that “promotes deep reflection upon ourselves and our communities.” 

Henry Shriber, who attended Skyline High School, has been featured at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth, Seattle International Film Festival, Utah Film Festival, Miami Short Film Festival, and All-American High School Film Festival. He makes films “that explore the human condition, inspired by his exposure to global perspectives.” He believes adventure and risk are key to telling exceptional stories. 

Logan Sarzalejo, originally from Sammamish, has shown films at the Independent Shorts Awards, one of the fastest growing, LA-based international indie short film festivals, with several Oscar nominees in its repertoire. Logan’s bragging rights also include films at Lift Off Global Network Film Festivals, which promotes up-and-coming voices. His short film "Tex Ranger" is in pre-production.

All three are also founders of Tarot 77 Entertainment, a network of films and media for talented filmmakers, “built on the foundations of friendship, cooperation, and honesty.” Most impressive is their expressed mission: To give other young filmmakers an opportunity to shine.

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“I like giving back because I’ve been given a lot,” Beckett said, in earnest.

The trio have assembled backers just as passionate about helping local youth. Ardent supporters freely give mentorship, marketing, funding, and sponsorships, led by local businesses and organizations. Presenting Sponsors: Grand Ridge Plaza, Tarot 77 Entertainment, and City of Issaquah Arts Commission. Other businesses are also donating (see image and link below). Best of all: Taro 77 will donate 10 percent of all ticket sales to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. 

“We are grateful for Regency Center/Grand Ridge Plaza’s commitment to fostering a thriving local arts scene,” said Lindsey Pinkston, executive director of the Highlands Council. Their investment and involvement in the Issaquah Film Festival has allowed its founders to take it to the next level. Issaquah is the perfect venue to bring together aspiring filmmakers from all over the Pacific Northwest.”

The festival is in its second year, held at Regal Issaquah Highlands, and all involved are brimming with anticipation. The buzz is building. Beckett – he and Henry are the local guys for the summer -- is scheduled to do a podcast with Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauley. The films in the running have powerful pull, according to those with an insider’s view.

“We want a quality program and believe we can bring tourism to Issaquah,” Beckett said. “We plan to expand without over-expanding. We want manageable growth. Maybe we’ll do a whole West Region at some point.”

Once you meet the three of them at the festival, you’ll believe they'll have a very happy ending. 

"Hot town, summer in the city… Back of my neck gettin' dirty and gritty… Come on, come on, and dance all night. Despite the heat, it'll be alright." – The Lovin’ Spoonful

I’m always struck by the fervent outpouring of enthusiasm for Downtown Issaquah and its charm. Usually, I hear it on the street. Now, for the first time, DIA took a survey to measure what this means in terms of advocacy for our small businesses and word-of-mouth recommendations. Your expressions of wonder and delight were an epiphany of consensus!

You told us you think downtown is an “excellent destination” and you recommend visiting us to friends and family. Our small, family-owned businesses depend on your support. By honoring us with your championship, you accentuate the notable distinction from malls and chain stores. We recognize that downtown is special – the very heart of our community. It’s more impactful that you do, as well. Here’s what a few of you said:

“I like the businesses and galleries along Front Street and enjoy bringing out of town visitors to stroll the downtown. My husband and I regularly enjoy having dinner and a stroll here about once a month. “

“Downtown Issy is charming! There are lots of great places to eat. There is a fun artsy vibe. Love it!”

“We found some businesses we didn’t even know about. It was great experience to know how much we haven’t explored yet. The Wine & ArtWalk we attended was perfect.”

True to our promise to listen and respond, DIA is bringing back our Wine & ArtWalk July 20. You said you wanted more space to mingle. This time around, we’re adding Village Theatre and Blazing Bagels as two more of our business hosts. You’ll also experience a charming performance by KidStage students.

We also heard your frustrations, namely, traffic and parking. We shared those with people who can make a difference. Washington Senator Mark Mullet, Senator Mark Mullet, Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Issaquah Council members Barbara De Michele

and Zach Hall are among the champions who also care about our downtown and your opinions. They visited DIA recently, met with our small businesses, and are eager to advocate for an exceptional Main Street Community.

Days in the Sun

Summertime brings out the charm of our community in a mosaic of music, art, and film. Along with the Wine & Art Walk, the 10^th Gas Station Blues begins this Thursday, and every Thursday evening through August 29 with a fabulous lineup of talented musicians (See Full Story).

Our friends in Issaquah Highlands are hosting a film festival on Aug. 3 and 4. Conceived by three Issaquah high school graduates and supported with local grants and sponsorships, the festival promises to be even more powerful than last year. (See Full Story). Eighty submissions came in from as far away as Idaho and Oregon. Out-of-state visitors to our city are sure to follow. Best of all: Taro 77 will donate 10 percent of all ticket sales to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. 

Regular summer favorites also return: The ArtWalk & Music Stroll on Aug. 10^th, with musicians and artists, and Confluence Music Festival returns for its sixth year Aug. 25. The musicians are favorites for years past!

With all Downtown Issaquah has to offer, who needs to go anywhere else? Surrounded by mountains and trails and a salmon creek and culture, summertime in our Olde Town City is an oasis unlike any other.

I’ll see you soon, dancing to the music…

Christina

Sip Wine, Enjoy Fine Arts, Crafts, Live Music and Special Performances

You asked for more, and we're bringing it! The The Downtown Issaquah Wine & ArtWalk was a hit this Spring, and we're making it even better this month based on your feedback. Make it a friends' or family night. Explore Issaquah’s Historically Hip downtown galleries, boutiques, and businesses. Meet winemakers from some of Washington’s finest wine producers. This is one of the Downtown Issaquah’s most anticipated events, so purchase your tickets early ($35 for 12 tasting tokens) and get a discount versus the day of price ($45) if not already sold out.

A VIP experience is as educational as it is fun. It includes an early-bird private reception with the owner of Capri Cellars, Brenda Audino. She's rich with stories about international farmers and their journeys, from vine to bottle.

Wide selections of bottled wine will also be available to purchase throughout the Wine Walk, tax free!

New for this event: The doors to Blazing Bagels, Troy Salon and Village Theatre, along with all the regulars, will be wide open for wineries and ticket holders. Performers from KidsStage will show off their charm with special performances. A fenced garden at Historic Shell will accommodate more people over 21. We looking forward to seeing you there!

Join the fun! Friends, wine and frivolity go together!

See you soon in Historic Downtown Issaquah!

The Downtown Issaquah Association |425.391.1112 | Execdirector@downtownissaquah.com