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~ LIVE MUSIC, ARTS, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS – SINCE 2005 – SEATTLE & PNW ~
Ongoing: Open Arts Mic 1st & 3rd TUE, Improv 3rd TUE, The Moth Storytelling Most 1st THU & 3rd FRI | Undercurrent Dance (M/W) | Seattle Ladies Choir | Bandit Theatre Improv (Comedy) 4th Fridays | The Not Creepy Gatherings (Social) | Connection Feast | Wecelium Wellness Sound Baths | ALL TICKETS | CALENDAR | PAST
An invitation to a night of soul-nourishing music and community connection in the heart of Seattle’s Central District.
Join us for a special performance by MaMuse and Rebecca Elatiki at the historic Washington Hall. This gathering is more than a concert: it is an album release celebration and a space for collective healing through harmony.
Walking into Washington Hall means stepping into a lineage of artistic giants. Built in 1908 by the Danish Brotherhood, this hall has served as a cultural anchor for Seattle’s Central District for over a century.
It is a rare Seattle space where the floorboards have vibrated under the feet of legends. We are honored to present music in a venue that has hosted:
For decades, Washington Hall was one of the few places in the city where any ethnic or racial group could rent the space and gather freely. That spirit of radical inclusivity remains at the core of why we book shows here. When you attend an event at Washington Hall, you are supporting the preservation of a multicultural landmark that continues to be a home for all.
MaMuse (Karisha Longaker and Sarah Nutting) creates music that feels like a deep exhale. Rooted in folk and gospel traditions, their harmonies are designed to feed the soul and lift the heart.
Their songs often explore themes of environmental stewardship, social justice, and the quiet beauty of being alive. On August 26, they celebrate the release of their new album: a project born from years of collaboration and a commitment to “soul-nourishing” melodies. Expect a night of vocal bliss and heart-centered storytelling.
Opening the evening is Rebecca Elatiki, a Seattle-based artist whose work bridges the gap between performance and healing.
Rebecca is often described as a “grief tender.” She weaves together soulful folk and blues with body percussion, movement, and intentional breathwork. Her music doesn’t just ask you to listen; it asks you to feel.
In a world often characterized by isolation and noise, Rebecca’s performance offers a rare moment of stillness and sound healing. Her presence sets the stage for the deep connection that MaMuse brings to their audience.
At Abbey Arts, we believe that how we gather matters as much as who is on stage. This show at Washington Hall is designed to be accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Early Start Time | 7:00 PM
We know that late-night shows aren’t for everyone. By starting at 7:00 PM, we make it easier for families, early risers, and those traveling from outside the city to enjoy a full evening of music without the midnight finish.
All-Ages Environment
Like all our programming, this is an all-ages event. We believe young people should have access to high-quality live music in Seattle without the barriers of 21+ venues.
Space to Move & Sit
Small Picnics Welcome (no strong smells please or noisy packaging)
One of the unique features of this show is the ability to bring your own small picnic. We want you to feel at home. While we ask that you be mindful of the historic space, feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the performance.
Fremont Abbey has been bringing folk music to Seattle and the PNW since 2005. As a non-religious nonprofit, our mission is to create “Music, Movement, and Meaning” in historic spaces.
Shows like this help us combat the “loneliness epidemic” by providing a physical space where people can connect authentically. Your ticket purchase doesn’t just pay the artists; it supports our ability to manage these historic buildings and keep the arts accessible to all income levels.
Public Respect Policy
We strive to be a safe, inclusive space for all people regardless of race, gender, orientation, or ability. We ask all guests to follow our Public Respect Policy to ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.
Venue Address
Washington Hall
153 14th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Getting There
Washington Hall is located in the Central District. Street parking is available nearby, but we recommend carpooling or using public transit if possible.
Support Local Arts
If you’re interested in getting more involved, consider signing up to volunteer. Volunteers help us keep the magic happening and get to see shows for free!
About Abbey Arts
We manage several historic venues including Fremont Abbey, Ballard Homestead, and South Park Hall. Learn more about our venues and mission here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Washington Hall for an evening of harmony and history.
Seattle’s music scene often feels like a choice between crowded, 21+ bars or massive commercial arenas. For 20 years, Abbey Arts has been building a third option. Founded in 2005, our mission is simple: help people live more vibrant and healthy lives by increasing access to the arts for all ages and all income levels.
We aren’t just Fremont Abbey or a collection of venues; we are a community-driven nonprofit with a passion for connection.
Whether you’ve attended a quiet listening concert at Ballard Homestead, a vibrant Moth StorySLAM at Fremont Abbey, or a powerful music & dance performance at Washington Hall, you’ve seen what happens when human connection takes center stage.
Throw in the famous CATHEDRALS Concert series at St Mark’s, or small sound baths that help regulate your system… and we’re really talking about a healthy landscape of options.
To keep this work moving and help us maintain quality, we need more than just ticket buyers: we need members and volunteers.
Since our start in 2005, Abbey Arts has been rooted in the idea that art shouldn’t be a luxury. We believe creative expression is a human right, regardless of age or bank account balance.
Living in a city that is rapidly changing, spaces that prioritize community over profit are becoming rare. We manage and curate events in historic buildings: former churches and community halls: preserving these spaces for public use. By choosing these venues, we provide an alternative to the traditional nightlife scene.
When you support Abbey Arts as a donor or member, your money goes directly into programs that remove barriers to the arts. We don’t just put on shows; we build pathways for people to participate in them.
Our ArtsConnect program is the backbone of our inclusivity mission. Each year, we provide over 300 free tickets to low-in
come families, veterans, and other nonprofit partners. By removing the financial barrier, we ensure that our audiences reflect the true diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Support from our members allows us to keep these seats open for those who need them most.
The next generation of artists needs more than just a stage; they need mentorship and space. Cascadia Voices Rising is our initiative dedicated to young PNW artists. We provide collaborative workspaces, professional mentors, and performance opportunities. In a time when many young creators feel isolated, this program fosters a sense of belonging and helps them navigate the complexities of the creative industry.
We are a small team doing big things. Currently, we welcome over 40,000 visitors a year across our various venues and partner spaces and events. As we look toward the future, our goal is to strengthen the foundation of our community so we can continue to offer all ages concerts in Seattle for another 20 years.
Membership is the most direct way to sustain this mission. Whether you contribute monthly or annually, your support ensures that:
Note: We cover most admin & building costs through rentals for community events, so if you know of someone wanting to host a wedding, party or corporate event – please send them our way! www.fremontabbey.org/rent
In closing, if you value the intimate, the authentic, and the inclusive, we invite you to move beyond the role of a spectator. Become a part of the Abbey Arts story.
Support local arts and help us keep Seattle creative. Whether you are looking for a live music venue to enjoy a quiet set or looking for an event venue rental in Seattle that supports a good cause, your involvement makes a difference.
Perks include reserved seating and more!
or
We look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey soon.
Sincerely,
Nathan Marion (Creative Director) and the Abbey Arts Team
Saturday, May 16, we have two very different but equally special opportunities to experience music in unique Seattle spaces. Whether you are looking for a massive, immersive cathedral experience or an intimate indie folk/rock night, we have a seat for you.
Ambient Church Series | Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 PM
We are incredibly excited to welcome the legendary Laraaji to the soaring sanctuary of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral on Capitol Hill. This is part of the Ambient Church series, a non-religious touring project dedicated to hosting curated ambient music in architecturally significant spaces. (Not related to St Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral)
Laraaji is a pioneer of celestial music. A multi-instrumentalist who specialized in the zither, he was famously “discovered” by Brian Eno while busking in Washington Square Park in the late 1970s. That chance encounter led to the recording of Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, a cornerstone of the ambient genre.
Tomorrow night, Laraaji revisits this landmark work. Expect shimmering, rhythmic zither patterns and deep, meditative drones. He will be joined by his long-time collaborator and sound healer, Arji OceAnanda, adding layers of percussion and therapeutic soundscapes to the evening.
Preview via his NPR Tiny Desk –
https://youtu.be/apUE3nAeszw?si=0RTJmKE5jBZzP5UQ
This is going to be quite a full sensory immersion. The internal architecture of St. Mark’s Cathedral will be transformed through large-scale, architecturally-mapped projections. The light and visuals are designed to respond to the frequency of the music, turning the concrete walls and high ceilings into a living, breathing environment.
Tickets for Laraaji: Purchase via Humanitix
Intimate Indie Folk Rock | Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 PM
If your soul is craving something more grounded and lyrical, join us across town at Ballard Homestead. This venue is a converted residential-style church that offers one of the most intimate listening environments in the city.
Anjimile is a master of the “listening room” format. Known for intricate finger-style guitar work and a voice that carries immense emotional weight, their music often explores themes of identity, resilience, and transformation.
The focus of tomorrow’s show is the powerful new album, You’re Free to Go. This record has received critical acclaim for its stark honesty and beautiful arrangements. In the quiet, wood-paneled room of the Homestead, these songs take on a new life. It is the kind of show where you can hear every breath and every string squeak, a true connection between artist and audience.
Local Townsend’s Solitaire band opens the show!
Tickets for Anjimile: Purchase via Humanitix
Cathedrals Concerts Series | Saturday, September 26 | 7:30 PM
Doors: 6:30 PM
Part of the Cathedrals Concerts Series, this evening brings together two distinct voices in a spacious, quiet setting at St. Mark’s Cathedral.
YAIMA blends nature-inspired rhythms, spacious vocals, and electronic production into music that feels immersive and transportive.
Nessi Gomes brings British-Portuguese songwriting, subtle detail, and a quiet intensity that fits this kind of listening room well.
Tickets ON SALE NOW for YAIMA & Nessi Gomes Sep 25:
With Abbey Arts Presents, our mission is to create “curated spaces” where the community can experience art in a way that feels human and connected. Whether it’s the massive scale of a cathedral or the cozy warmth of a homestead, the space itself becomes a bit of a character in the performance. And you’re invited!
St. Mark’s Cathedral offers a sense of awe. Unfinished during the Great Depression, it sits as a now renovated iconic Cathedral on the hill overlooking Seattle. It has acoustics that allow sound to hang in the air for seconds, creating a natural reverb that digital pedals can only dream of. It is the perfect home for Laraaji’s “celestial” sounds or Yaima’s flowing ethereal music.
Conversely, Ballard Homestead is about proximity. It removes the barrier between the performer and the guest. In a world that often feels loud and disconnected, these quiet, seated shows allow for a different kind of discovery up close and personal. Plus newer padded chairs now!
Every ticket purchased for an Abbey Arts event helps sustain our mission as a nonprofit. We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, which is why we prioritize all-ages programming and work to keep our venues welcoming for all.
Our venues, including Woodlawn Hall in Green Lake and other partner venues like Washington Hall, Palindrome Pt Townsend, Victorian Valley Chapel Orcas Island and more are maintained through the support of our community. When you aren’t attending a show, these spaces are often used for community gatherings, dance workshops, and private rentals that help fund our youth arts programs and local artist grants.
If you can’t make it tomorrow, we have a packed calendar of unusual and moving performances coming up:
Seattle has always been a city that grows musicians. The rain, the coffee, the moody skies… and now sometimes a lot more sunshine than people think… something about this place makes people pick up guitars and write songs in their bedrooms.
But here’s the thing about indie music seattle has to offer: the best artists aren’t always the ones with the biggest Instagram followings or the flashiest marketing. They’re playing Tuesday night shows at small venues. They’re opening for bands you’ve never heard of. They’re tuning their guitars in the corner while you’re grabbing a drink.
Finding them takes a little intention. A willingness to wander.
Fremont Abbey & Ballard Homestead have been hosting live music seattle audiences with fresh new music people have come to love.
And we’ve noticed something: the people who discover the most interesting artists aren’t necessarily the ones with the best taste. They’re the ones with the open minds and taste for new.
Speaking of new, have you tried that amazing gelato place next to Fremont Abbey?
Here are four unusual ways to find your next favorite musician in Seattle.
This feels counterintuitive. Why pay money to see someone you’ve never heard of?
Because that’s exactly how discovery works.
Think about it. Every artist you love right now was once a stranger. Someone took a chance on them before they were a sure thing. That someone could be you.
How to do it:
Small venues are perfect for this. The intimacy changes everything. When you’re standing fifteen feet from someone pouring their heart into a song they wrote in their apartment, it hits different than arena seats.
At Fremont Abbey, we cap most shows at around 200 people. Sometimes fewer. It’s the kind of room where you can see the artist’s hands shake a little. Where you can hear the breath before the first note.
That closeness? That’s where discovery lives.
Pro tip: Check out our upcoming events and pick one you know nothing about. Trust the curators.
Most people treat opening acts like background music. Something to talk over while waiting for the main event.
This is a mistake.
Opening slots are where artists prove themselves. They’re playing to rooms full of strangers who came to see someone else. Every person they win over is earned.
Why openers are goldmines:
Some of the best indie music seattle has produced started exactly this way. Playing 25-minute sets to half-empty rooms. Slowly building an audience one converted skeptic at a time.
What to do:
The headliner already has fans. The opener is looking for them.
Sound engineers. Bartenders. Door staff. Box office workers.
These folks see every show. They hear every soundcheck. They know which artists are special before the rest of us catch on.
And most of them are happy to share recommendations if you ask.
Questions that work:
This isn’t about networking. It’s about tapping into institutional knowledge. The people who work at live music seattle venues have seen hundreds of shows. They’ve developed filters. They know what translates live versus what only sounds good recorded.
At places like Fremont Abbey, our staff genuinely cares about the music. They’re not just working a job: they’re part of a community that believes in what’s happening on stage.
One more thing: These conversations are easier at smaller, nonprofit venues. The vibe is different. People stick around because they love it, not because it’s the only gig available.
Single-artist headlining shows are great. But if you want maximum discovery per dollar, multi-artist events are unbeatable.
Songwriter rounds typically feature 3-4 artists sharing a stage, trading songs back and forth. You get variety. Context. The chance to compare styles in real time.
Multi-artist showcases pack even more into one night. Sometimes five or six acts. Different genres, different energies, different stories.
Why this format works for discovery:
We host songwriter rounds and curated multi-artist nights regularly at the Abbey. Events like The Round bring together musicians who might never share a bill otherwise. It’s like a sampler platter for your ears.
Check our events calendar for upcoming showcases. Come with an open mind and leave with a list.
Algorithms are fine. Spotify recommendations work sometimes. But they’re built on what you already like. They reinforce your existing taste rather than expanding it.
The methods above force you outside the bubble.
They put you in rooms with strangers. They make you listen to things you didn’t choose. They introduce friction: and friction is where discovery happens.
Indie music seattle is rich. Weird. Varied. You could spend years exploring and never hear the same thing twice. But only if you’re willing to wander a little.
If you’re new to the Seattle indie scene: or if you’ve been around but feel stuck in a rut: here’s a simple challenge:
This month, try one show where you don’t know the artist.
That’s it. One ticket. One evening. One chance to hear something unexpected.
Fremont Abbey hosts live music throughout the week. Acoustic shows, folk nights, storytelling events, curated showcases. All-ages options available. The bar serves local drinks. The room is beautiful: a converted church with actual history.
Browse our upcoming events and pick something that sounds interesting. Or pick something that sounds confusing. Either works.
That’s how you discover your next favorite artist.
We hope to see you soon!
Photo courtesy of Abbey Arts.
Imagine Music & Arts Festival 2026
Fri–Sun, Sep 11–13 | Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, Orcas Island
Festival details, tickets, schedule, and travel information
Abbey Arts and the Wecelium Network are sponsoring Imagine 2026, including the Imagine Dome, one of the festival’s prime stages, and the Council Tent.
Our support is part of a broader effort to make room for live music, dance, creative practice, rest, and meaningful connection in a setting outside the usual city routine. Abbey Arts supports Imagine as a sponsor and community partner; the festival is produced by the Imagine team.
Abbey Arts is a nonreligious nonprofit presenting inclusive, intimate arts experiences across the Pacific Northwest. Our work connects people through live music, creativity, and community.
Imagine brings together live music, visual and performance art, workshops, dancing, fire circus, beach time, and opportunities to slow down. The festival is designed for participation, but there is also room to step away from the schedule.
The setting matters. Doe Bay Resort & Retreat sits on Orcas Island among forest, shoreline, and open views across the water. The resort includes two beaches, a cove, a café, a store, and an outdoor soaking and sauna area available to festival attendees for an additional fee. Festival programming also includes yoga, movement, paddleboarding, art-making, and time to rest.
The site is historically a special gathering place for Lummi people, according to the festival’s venue information. Being at Doe Bay calls for care : toward the land, the water, neighboring homes, and one another.
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat. Image courtesy of Imagine Music & Arts Festival.
This is only a selection. See the full current music lineup for updates and artist details.
The Imagine Dome offers a central place to gather around the music. As a sponsor, Abbey Arts is glad to help support a stage where people can listen, move, discover artists, and share time together.
Imagine 2026 lineup artwork. Artwork by Sophie Wilkins.
The festival’s workshop program extends beyond performances. Current offerings include:
The full workshop schedule will help attendees plan around music, meals, sleep, and time outside.
A short walk, a swim, an hour at the café, or a quiet place on the beach can be as important as the next set. Some festivalgoers may want to explore nearby trails or take a trip to Mount Constitution. Mountain Lake, with its clear water and forest setting, offers another possible destination on Orcas Island.
For those who want more time outdoors after the festival, Moran State Park is a natural extension. Check current Washington State Parks camping availability, regulations, and ferry schedules before making plans.
The Council Tent will provide a gathering point for conversation, reflection, and connection. Nearby, the Wecelium / Abbey Arts wellness booth will offer a quieter place to pause within the larger festival.
Stop by to:
These offerings are invitations, not treatment. Sound, movement, time in nature, and creative participation can each provide a different way to reconnect with our inner self, nature and embodied presence.
Wecelium booth photo. Image courtesy of Wecelium Network.
The booth reflects a shared interest between Wecelium and Abbey Arts: supporting environments where people can experience music and art without needing to perform, purchase, or explain themselves. Come by for a conversation, a few minutes of quiet, or an art-making session.
The standard route is the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island, followed by a drive from the Orcas ferry terminal to Doe Bay. The trip is straightforward when planned in advance, and many festivalgoers make the crossing successfully each year.
Ferry space can be limited, especially during busy travel periods. Check current sailing times, vehicle reservations, standby guidance, and arrival recommendations through Washington State Ferries.
Once on Orcas Island, the Doe Bay venue is approximately a 35-minute drive from the ferry terminal. There is no public transit on the island, so carpooling is encouraged.
Imagine also offers a foot ferry directly from Anacortes to Doe Bay through Island Express Charters. This can be a useful option for people traveling without a vehicle or looking to avoid the standard vehicle ferry process.
The launch is at Skyline Marina in Anacortes, with parking near the boat launch. Review the current foot ferry schedule and ticket information before booking. Confirm departure times, baggage limits, parking details, and reservation requirements directly with the festival.
The festival recommends preparing for changing September weather:
The festival site has water stations, showers, bathrooms, food and drink vendors, and general camping. Fires and personal sound systems are not permitted.
Dogs are not allowed unless they are service animals.
Review the official FAQ for current information on tickets, accessibility, parking, camping, safety, and accommodations.
The relationship between Abbey Arts and Imagine continues after the island weekend.
On Sat, Sep 26, Imagine presents YAIMA with Nessi Gomes at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle, produced in collaboration with Abbey Arts. Event details and tickets
Festivalgoers will be able to stop by the Abbey Arts booth and get a discount code for the Seattle concert.
Think of it as a reunion and integration space post-festival! It also brings the Imagine community back to one of the historic spaces where Abbey Arts presents concerts across the region.
For tickets, schedules, venue information, and travel updates, begin with the official Imagine Music & Arts Festival website. We look forward to welcoming you at the Imagine Dome, the Council Tent, and the Wecelium / Abbey Arts wellness booth.
PAST SHOWS
2025:
3/7 Minami, with Brittany Allyson and Tyler Hamilton | 3/8 Ankur Tewari | 3/10 Wesley Stace & Mare Winningham | 3/11 The Round: The Hipocrats, Lauren Eva Lane, Zoser, Valeria Ortiz | 3/14 Morgan Myles, Katie Hemming | 3/15 Canvas Rose EP Release | 3/20 Spring Awakening Yoga + Sound Bath | 3/22 Divorce 101 Workshop | 3/23 Victoria Canal, Jackson Lundy | 3/29 Luca Fogale, Zan Fiskum
All ages, seating available, open floor near stage for blankets
Bar w/ ID. All alcohol profits to Charity thanks to the generosity of our local sponsors
A unique open floor concert experience, quiet picnics welcome. Seating available, 
including chairs, benches, and floor space. See ticketing page for event details regarding quiet, cameras, etc.
Aug 23-25, on a river near Duvall WA
(Independent Event)
“This is soul music of the most raw and affecting type; naked but brimming with more feeling than the majority of today’s stars in the genre whose elaborate productions can’t touch Son Little’s cottage project for purity and emotional clarity. ” American Songwriter
As seen in the Seattle Times, The Evergray & more!
Curated by Jenna Bean Veatch.
It’s back! These unusual social events usually sell out in advance, so grab your tickets early! 21+
As seen in the Seattle Times, The Evergray & more!
Curated by Jenna Bean Veatch.
It’s back! These unusual social events usually sell out in advance, so grab your tickets early! 21+
As seen in the Seattle Times, The Evergray & more!
Curated by Jenna Bean Veatch.
It’s back! These unusual social events usually sell out in advance, so grab your tickets early! 21+
As seen in the Seattle Times, The Evergray & more!
Curated by Jenna Bean Veatch.
It’s back! These unusual social events usually sell out in advance, so grab your tickets early! 21+
As seen in the Seattle Times, The Evergray & more!
Curated by Jenna Bean Veatch.
It’s back! These unusual social events usually sell out in advance, so grab your tickets early! 21+
All ages, seating available, open floor near stage for blankets
Bar w/ ID. All alcohol profits to Charity thanks to the generosity of our local sponsors
A unique open floor concert experience, quiet picnics welcome. Seating available, including chairs, benches, and floor space. See ticketing page for event details regarding quiet, cameras, etc.
