The Valley Voice with Jessica Self

Episode 27: Coffee, Community & Big Energy with Tahvia Bridgman of Vintage Baristas Drive Thru

Get ready for a high-energy conversation with Tahvia Bridgman, owner of Vintage Baristas drive thru coffee stand in North Bend, Washington! 

Tahvia has spent years in the coffee world and has deep roots in the Snoqualmie Valley. We talk about her journey in coffee, owning a local business, life in the Valley, and why giving back to the community means so much to her. Vintage Baristas and Tahvia are huge supporters of local organizations, events and causes throughout the Snoqualmie Valley.

If you haven’t met Tahvia yet, this episode gives you just a small taste of the personality, energy and heart you’re in for when you meet her in person!

🎙️ Listen to The Valley Voice with Jessica Self and get to know one of the people behind a favorite North Bend coffee stop & bringing the Grinch to town in December! 

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North Bend musician Nick Mardon joins Jessica Self on The Valley Voice with Jessica Self to talk about a life built around music-from discovering it as a kid in the Snoqualmie Valley to learning multiple instruments, teaching, performing, prodcing and making music his full-time career.

Nick shares the stories from his journey as a guitarist, vocalist, instructor and producer, his experiences performing throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and what keeps him connected to the local music scene right here at home.

Plus, hear where you can catch Nick live around the Snoqualmie Valley:

-Every Tuesday at Blackwater Brewing in North Bend

-Every 3rd Saturday, 7-10pm as Saints & Scholars Irish Pub in Snoqualmie

-Saturday, October 3rd, performing throughout the evening at Boxley's in North Bend during the Blues Walk

Learn more about Nick, his music, lessons and upcoming performances at Nick Mardon Music: https://nickmardonmusic.com

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Episode 25: The Double R Dream – When Twin Peaks Dreams Come True 🎬☕️

What happens when a lifelong Twin Peaks fan dreams of working at Twede’s Café… and that dream actually comes true?

In Episode 25 of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, I sit down with writer and filmmaker Scott Ryan to talk about the world premiere of his documentary, The Double R Dream, coming to the North Bend Theatre on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

I had the opportunity to attend a private screening, and I can honestly say it’s entertaining, heartfelt, and a must-see on the big screen. The film follows Scott’s unforgettable 2026 journey while also revisiting the story that began when he first arrived in North Bend in 2015—proving that sometimes dreams really do come true.

If you’re a Twin Peaks fan, love inspiring documentaries, or simply enjoy stories about following your passion, you won’t want to miss this conversation—or the film!

🎟️ Be sure to check out the full Thursday–Sunday event lineup at the North Bend Theatre.

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 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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