News Release 12-070
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Johnny Johnson, (253) 661-4956 Saltwater@parks.wa.gov
Hilary Schult, (360) 902-8604 Hilary.Schult@parks.wa.gov
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Flute Quest returns to Saltwater State Park
OLYMPIA –
July 30, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to Flute Quest at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, celebrating the Native American flute and world instruments.
The three-day music festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 through 19 at Saltwater State Park, 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines. Flute Quest is the largest Native American flute festival in the Northwest and features internationally known flutists and accomplished local musicians. Adults and children interested in the history and culture surrounding the Native American flute or wanting to learn how to play the flute are welcome to the festival. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.
The festival features beginner and accomplished musician workshops, flute and drum circles, flute and drum vendors and live music on the New Breath stage. World-renowned instructors lead workshops for accomplished musicians (fees vary depending on program). Beginner workshops are free. Seating for all workshops is limited and participants can register in advance at www.flutequest.com.
Live flute and other indigenous music concerts are on the New Breath stage during the event, featuring recording artists and new artists. Performances are free. Musicians can sign up to play on the Live Breath stage at www.flutequest.com. An area for album sales is available.
As part of the festival, participants may attend concerts by multi-talented artists Friday and Saturday evening at Wesley Homes Terrance Auditorium, 816 South 216th Street, Des Moines. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth. To purchase tickets or for more information about concert performers, visit www.flutequest.com.
Flute Quest is organized by Washington Flute Circle, a non-profit organization founded in 2005 and dedicated to supporting Northwest individuals and organization interested in the culture and history of the Native American flute, the third oldest instrument in the world.
Saltwater State Park is a camping park featuring 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound, halfway between the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. The two cities jointly and literally buried a hatchet at the park during the 1926 park dedication as a symbol of the end of their mutual competition. The park is recreational destination nestled in the core of urban living, with forested trails and beach access. Visitors may explore marine life in tide pools at the park and the seasonal spawning of salmon in McSorley Creek. Saltwater State Park is the only state park that features an underwater, artificial reef, providing divers an opportunity to discover the diversity of sea life and marine environments of Puget Sound.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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