2025 Festival Season

In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, Jessica sits down with Danny Kolke, founder of JazzClubsNW and the heart behind Boxley’s in Downtown North Bend, WA. Danny shares his inspiring journey into jazz music, what brought him to the Snoqualmie Valley, and why preserving live music and supporting the arts is more important now than ever.

From the impact music has on childhood brain development and creativity to the way live performances bring communities together, this conversation dives deep into the cultural importance of the arts and the role local nonprofits like JazzClubsNW play in keeping music accessible and thriving.

You’ll also hear stories about the evolution of Boxley’s, the vibrant jazz scene growing in the Snoqualmie Valley, and why supporting local arts organizations directly strengthens community connection, economic vitality, and quality of life.

Whether you’re a music lover, parent, artist, educator, or community advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that the arts matter — and local support makes all the difference.

Topics Include:

• The story behind JazzClubsNW & Boxley’s

• Danny Kolke’s jazz journey

• Why music education matters for youth development

• The importance of nonprofit arts organizations

• Building community through live music

• Supporting arts & culture in the Snoqualmie Valley

• The future of jazz in North Bend, WA

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In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Travis Wetherbee of Last Lite Photography—born and raised right here in the Snoqualmie Valley. Travis shares the fascinating journey of how he picked up a camera, chased auroras, evolved into shooting musicians and festivals, and he’s most knows for his stunning, soul-stirring sunsets that have become his local trademark. With deep roots in the Valley and a passion for light, color, and community, Travis offers a glimpse into the moments behind the lens that continue to inspire both locals and fans far beyond.

reehouses. Inspiration. Snoqualmie Valley.

In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Pete Nelson of TreeHouse Point - founder of Nelson Treehouse and Supply and star of Treehouse Masters - to talk about his journey from inspiration to building one of the most iconic treehouse destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

Pete shares how he made his way to Fall City, Washington, what sparked his passion for treehouses, and the story behind creating TreeHouse Point along the scenic Raging River - now celebrating 20 years since acquiring the property.

We dive into creativity, craftsmanship, and why Pete believes everyone can (and should!) be inspired to build their own treehouse.

If you love unique stays, Pacific Northwest travel, and stories that spark imagination, this episode is for you.

🎧 Search The Valley Voice with Jessica Self wherever you listen to podcasts

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Hospitality. Customer service. Snoqualmie Valley community.

In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Laurie Hay of Snoqualmie Inn by Hotel America to talk about her journey from the California desert to Snoqualmie Valley and how she built a career rooted in connection and exceptional service.

Laurie shares how she found her place in the valley, the importance of genuine hospitality, and how Snoqualmie Inn continues to give back and support the local community.

A conversation about finding home, building relationships, and leading with heart in hospitality.

🎧 Search The Valley Voice with Jessica Self wherever you listen to podcasts

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Snoqualmie Valley Summer Festivals & Events Guide 2026 | Live Music, 50+ Bands & Things to Do near Seattle, WA

Looking for things to do near Seattle, WA this 2026 summer? 

Tune into The Valley Voice with Jessica Self for your ultimate guide to Snoqualmie Valley summer festivals, live music, and local events. Featuring insights from Morgan Henley and Travis Weatherbee, this episode highlights 50+ bands, iconic Dick’s food trucks, and unforgettable festival moments happening across the Valley.

Perfect for planning your summer weekends in North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation & Duvall, WA.

May

May 9 – Sip Suds & Si

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June

June 5–6 – Duvall Days (50th Anniversary)

June 7 - SnoValley Pride 4th Annual Pride Picnic

June 13 – Fall City Day

June 20 – North Bend Art & Industry’s Art Off the Rails

June 20 – Carnation Block Party

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July

July 9–12 – BrodieNation Music Festival (20th Anniversary)

July 10 – Jazz Clubs NW’s North Bend Haystack Festival (Americana Music)

July 11 – Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Sipfest in Snoqualmie 

July 18 – Downtown North Bend Block Party (Noon–10pm with a Dick’s Food Truck appearance!)

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August

Aug 7–9 – Festival at Mt. Si in North Bend

Aug 15 – Carnation Concert Crawl

Aug 15 – Sept 15 – Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival (from North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation, Duvall & Monroe)

Aug 22 – Snoqualmie Day

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September

Sept 12 – Snoqualmie Street Fair on Snoqualmie Ridge

Sept 30 – Fall City Apple Festival with NW Natural Horsemanship Center

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October

Oct 3 – North Bend Blues Walk (15th Year)

What happens when the rescuer needs rescuing?

In this powerful episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Alan LaBissoniere, President of Regional Special Vehicles Unit and Carrie Lee Gagnon, Executive Director of King County Search and Rescue, from King County Search and Rescue KCSARA to talk about the reality behind the mission—what it really means to serve on the front lines as a volunteer first responder.

Alan shares his deeply personal mental health journey, opening up about the pressure, the crash after calls, and the moment everything came to a breaking point. His vulnerability is not only courageous—it’s already creating change.

Together, we explore:

    •    The hidden mental health challenges in search and rescue

    •    Why volunteer responders fall through the cracks without benefits or support

    •    How Alan’s story is sparking the beginning of a larger movement

    •    Efforts underway to build mental health resources locally, statewide, and beyond

This conversation goes beyond search and rescue—it’s about humanity, resilience, and redefining what support should look like for those who show up when others are in crisis.

If you’ve ever wondered what it costs to be the one who saves others… this episode is a must-listen.

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Part Deux-Morgan Henley on Hippie Life, Music Festivals & Finding Yourself | Carnation Block Party at Tolt Commons | Duvall, Carnation, Snoqualmie, North Bend & Fall City, Washington - Snoqualmie Valley | Brodie Nation 

In Part Deux of Episode 17, we continue our heartfelt conversation with Morgan Henley as he shares his hippie life philosophy, core music principles, and the journey that shaped who he is today. From Duvall to Carnation, Snoqualmie, North Bend, and Fall City, he reflects on how the Snoqualmie Valley shaped his creativity—and how returning home led him to get involved with many of the valley’s local festivals and community events.

This episode explores authenticity, freedom, and finding yourself through music and intentional living. If you’re looking for inspiration and meaningful Pacific Northwest stories, this one’s for you.

Episode 17 – Part Deux

And a shoutout to The Real Twin Peaks February 19-22, 2026 event this upcoming weekend!

therealtwinpeaks.com

twinpeaksblog.com

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In this special episode, we sit down with three passionate Twin Peaks fans—Karl Reinsch, Mary Hütter, and Vinnie Guidera—to explore the deep history of Twin Peaks fests and fan gatherings over the years, and how they’ve helped keep the spirit of the show alive long after it first aired.

We dive into what makes these events so meaningful, how the community has evolved, and why the upcoming Real Twin Peaks Weekend is more than just a celebration—it’s a pilgrimage. From the Double R to Snoqualmie Falls, we talk about the deep importance of visiting the actual Twin Peaks: the Snoqualmie Valley, where the magic was born and still lingers.

This is a conversation about fandom, place, memory, and why, for Twin Peaks fans, some mysteries are best experienced in person.

therealtwinpeaks.com

twinpeaksblog.com

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Beyond the Stage: Getting to Know Morgan Henley

In this longer episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we slow things down and go beyond the event posters and show listings to really get to know Morgan Henley. Morgan is often seen behind the scenes bringing music, festivals, and creative energy to the Valley—but who is he when the lights are off? We dive into Morgan’s personal history, what shaped him, what drives his passion for music and community, and the moments that defined his path. This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about the man behind the music and what truly makes him tick.

www.jessicaself.com