The three-day festival THING took place over the weekend, August 26-28, 2022 and lived up to the billing of featuring a unique and eclectic offering of music, comedy, food, podcasts, visual arts and more. The musical lineup of Jungle, Modest Mouse, Father John Misty, Goose, Sparks and Freddie Gibbs amongst others delivered a solid weekend of music along with tribal storytellers Elaine Grinnell (Jamestown S’Klallam) and Delbert Miller (Skokomish).
While preparing for his set at the start of Port Townsend’s THING Music Festival, Delvon Lamar (of the Delvon Lamar Organ Trio) could be seen decorating his own personal organ with stickers gifted to him by the crowd. Although he was the only one to ornament his instrument with souvenirs from the audience, all those who attended THING brought something special home with them.
Welcoming, inclusive, family friendly, with accommodating staff and volunteers, Gil Scott-Heron said, “I love Port Townsend, I’m moving. The perfect end to a Pacific Northwest Summer (perfect weather.)” With a diverse line up, many fans went into the weekend not familiar with all of the performing artists. This left room for an abundance of pleasant surprises and new favorite songs for all those in attendance.
From gangsta rap, indie folk, psychedelic rock, new age soul to Saharan rock the eclectic lineup all shared one THING: good vibes, chill atmosphere, and a love and appreciation for the power of music. These themes didn’t just stop with the artists, but permeated into all aspects of the festival. Whether one was getting trippy in the Luminarium, enjoying a variety of tasty food trucks, laughing at the late night comedy shows, or making new friends in the “red zone,” this festival had something for everyone.
