Subdued Stringband Jamboree founder Robert Sarazin Blake, 46, has spent almost half his life organizing the outdoor music festival held every August near Bellingham. Suffice it to say he’s learned a few things along the way.
When asked what advice he’d give to people who’ve never attended the event dedicated to showcasing mostly local and regional bands of the string-focused variety, Blake laughed.
Head to the Deming Logging Show fairgrounds, he said. “It’s a world away, but it’s only 15 minutes away. Cancel everything you have for the day, it’s that simple. Bring water. You can bring food, but there are also food vendors,” he added.
Blake suggested people plan to camp or stay past 11:30 p.m. so as to have access to after-hours jams and late-night, un-amplified concerts. Reserved camping is sold out, he said, but “freestyle” camping in three different campgrounds is still available. Pro tip: Instead of paying $30–$40 to have your car or recreational vehicle enter the campgrounds, wheelbarrows are available to cart your goods from the parking lot to your desired locale.
Blake also said if there’s a particular band you want to see to be sure and get there for that, but otherwise don’t worry about who is playing when. The two stages are near each other, so music is always at the forefront, and you can stay in the same viewing area.
For newbies, Blake suggests attending opening night, when the crowds aren’t as crazy but the vibe is flowing.
“You can’t go wrong with Thursday,” he said. “The energy is through the roof. Thursday’s a little quieter but a little bit higher energy in some ways because people are so excited to be there.”
When he’s not riding his bicycle around the fairgrounds or performing music onstage, Blake said he checks out the morning workshops, visits with friends, listens to musicians, attempts to get to bed at a reasonable hour and stops by for meals at the volunteer kitchen.
There, he’s likely to run into Amanda Apitz, aka the “Kitchen Contessa.” She, along with many others, helps feed the volunteers and musicians three farm-to-table meals a day starting on Tuesday and ending with a massive Sunday lunch.
“The Staff Canteen is its own little festival within a festival,” Apitz said. “We create a cool community vibe with live music and fresh food. It’s a sweet offering that Robert does. The musician hospitality at the SSJ is like none other. It’s a serious spread.”
Apitz, who’s been volunteering for the event since 2007, likens the Subdued Stringband Jamboree to a giant party for the community. She also enjoys the variety of music — whether it’s string band musicians, folk singers, world music, yodelers, honky tonk, prohibition-era tunes, square dancing or old-time country.
As a pro, Apitz recommends items people should bring if they plan on staying overnight or through the weekend — including “glamping” camping supplies.
“We do have a campground contest — so bring decorations too,” Apitz said. “[Bring] a comfy bed and earplugs. A cooler filled with food for the weekend, ice. Field chair and camp chair, shade structure, and sun hat.”
Apitz wants people to know kids are always welcome at the Jamboree, and there’s even a space for them — Kidsville — with plenty of scheduled activities. She said she’s seen kids attend from infancy to young adulthood, eventually ending up onstage.
“Canteen Impresario” Louis Ledford also has tips, such as attending workshops and checking late-night stages and campsite jams. The must-have items he brings to the jamboree each year include an eye mask and earplugs.
“The sun rises early, as do your neighbors’ children,” he said. “Bring something to make music on. [Plus] friendliness and good humor — I pack them first so I don’t forget.”
Ledford and Apitz are part of the core crew that makes the Subdued Stringband Jamboree tick, but Blake said approximately 300 volunteers are needed throughout the weekend. Cancellations always happen, so there’s a good chance if you want to lend your efforts to the cause, you’ll be welcome.
What will you get from it? Blake said the rewards are many.
“Some like it very simply because they don’t have to pay,” he said. “Others love the music. Others love the event themselves. Working together to create this experience is infectious, and it’s really fun to be a part of.”
The Subdued Stringband Jamboree takes place Aug. 10–12 at the Deming Logging Show fairgrounds, 3295 Cedarville Road. To get the full lineup of performers and purchase tickets, go to stringbandjamboree.com.
