Does Orcas have its own Woodstock?

During the three days of concerts during the 2nd Annual Doe Bay Fest, around 900 locals and visitors listened to music, camped out, and enjoyed island life.

“We had zero incidents or problems,” Doe Bay Resort owner Joe Brotherton said. “Every musician I talked to said it was the coolest festival to play in the Northwest.”

Brotherton arranged for some of Seattle’s top bands to perform: The Long Winters, Goldfinch, 17th Chapter, Hey Marseilles, and more. He says the Seattle Weekly and the Stranger said the Doe Bay Fest “had the hottest line-up of the summer.”

“Virtually all the bands will be coming up on their own and playing the Doe Bay Café on Saturday nights or coming to open mic night Thursdays at the café throughout the fall, winter, and spring,” Brotherton said.

This year’s festival was in honor of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. True to form, many camped out in the large field at Doe Bay Resort. Concert-goers enjoyed falafel from Harmony Chai, meals from Doe Bay Cafe, and locally made tamales. Proceeds from the beer garden went to the Montessori School, which volunteered last year to man the booth as well.

Brotherton estimates that around 150 came from Orcas and the rest were from off-island. While many came over on the ferry, he chartered a water taxi that left Anacortes and dropped people off directly at Doe Bay. He also drove a shuttle for ferry walk-ons. Next year he hopes to work out a deal with Kenmore Air to provide flights.

“The musicians played for radically less money than they normally would have,” Brotherton said. “And Doe Bay doesn’t do it for the money; we’re already packed at this time of year. But there is no doubt in my mind that Doe Bay Festival will be one that any musician will say yes to if they can. The musicians couldn’t believe how great it was; next year it will be even better.”