For its inaugural year in Pioneer square, the Upstream Music Festival went big — in some critics’ opinion too big. 2017’s Upstream Music Festival boasted almost 400 bands, 390 performances and 25 arenas, including a one-day music-industry summit with guests like Quincy Jones (who helped curate the festival). Main stage performers included the likes of formative alternative rock group Dinosaur Jr., South Korean rapper Jay Park, experimental musician, filmmaker, and rapper Flying Lotus, sold-
The festival was originally modeled after Austin’s South by Southwest conference, but despite starting its second year, Upstream is already transforming into something extremely entertaining and wholly unique.
During the day, about 200 artists will gather at the CenturyLink Field Event Center with music professionals, technologists and creatives to talk about how to achieve industry success. This includes breakout sessions and mentoring workshops for local artists.
By the evening, the artists will perform in venues throughout Pioneer Square and CenturyLink Field’s North Lot. The total lineup for this year’s festival was recently announced , again hitting the 200+ mark.
Miguel, the Flaming Lips, Cut Copy and Little Dragon were already announced for Upstream’s main stages. This year the festival is set to take over more than 15 bars, clubs and makeshift venues around Pioneer Square.
Other highlights from the final roster include Seattle favorites Murder City Devils, rapper BJ the Chicago Kid, Jawbreaker, Tacocat and Smino to say nothing of countless others.
With a lineup that covers a plethora of sounds and genres, the Upstream Festival aims to have a little something for everyone.
The festival will run from June 1-3. Ticket prices currently start at $65 for a single day and $160 for a weekend pass. Tickets can be purchased at the festival’s official website.
Photo credit:Mauricio Alvarado
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