SWAMP: New Community Group Mentoring Young Musicians in Skagit County

If you haven’t already heard, there’s a new music community group in Skagit county; SWAMP (Sedro Woolley Arts, Music and Performance).

Created by Wes Jones (Lazy Acres and Friends For The Ghost) and Clay Christofferson (hernamewasprincess), SWAMP is inspired by AMP (Anacortes Music Project) and headquartered at the YMCA Recreational Center in Sedro Woolley.

SWAMP’s focus has been on mentoring the youth music movement in Skagit County by creating a space for young musicians (up to age 20) to be able to perform on an actual stage with lighting and a sound system. Every other month, SWAMP hosts a concert where young musicians/bands are able to perform along with local professional bands in similar genres.

SWAMP’s next concert will be held this Friday, January 10th, 2025 beginning at 6:00pm. The theme will be Hip-Hop/R&B/Latin and will feature performances by Jonathan Blaze and Jairo G, with local stars ECHOS & Dank Zavala opening and finishing off the evening. This is an ALL AGES show and there is no cover charge, however, donations are greatly appreciated. There is no alcohol at SWAMP events; snacks and water will be available for purchase.

If you know some young musicians that would like to participate, or if you would like to donate time or money to the organization, you can message SWAMP on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/15TZMwNYmJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For a more in-depth look at SWAMP, please see the following article by co-creator, Clay Christofferson, which original appeared in the January 2025 issue of Show Chime.

The SWAMP: A Rising Tide of Youthful Expression in Sedro-Woolley                                By Clay Christofferson

In the heart of Sedro-Woolley, a former library has been transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. Inspired by the success of the Anacortes Music Project, the Sedro-Woolley Arts, Music, & Performance group is making waves, fostering a space for the musical talents of the town’s youth to flourish.

The SWAMP (Sedro-Woolley Arts, Music, & Performance) concert series, now approaching its third installment on January 10th, takes place every other month at the YMCA Rec Center. This series acts as a platform, shining a spotlight on the burgeoning talents of young performers.

Conceived by local musicians and AMP collaborators, Wes Jones and Clay Christofferson, SWAMP was born out of a recognized need. “We noticed a lack of local, all-ages venues for music,” Wes explains. “The existing options were often tied to schools, religious institutions, or required alcohol sales to stay afloat.” Partnering with Katt Lohman from the YMCA, they found an ideal space at the Sedro-Woolley Rec Center.

Each concert in the series has embraced a different genre – the upcoming event on January 10th will feature hip hop and electronica – but the focus remains consistent: showcasing performers under 21 who rarely have the opportunity to play on a proper stage with quality sound and lighting and a packed and engaged audience. While these young artists have sometimes shared the bill with more established musicians, the ultimate goal is to have an entirely youth-led production, from performance to behind-the-scenes operations.

The inaugural SWAMP concert celebrated country and Americana, with Haley Suiter and Lilly Hobbs sharing the stage with Cascade Cody and Friends for the Ghost. SWAMP 2 saw emerging bands After School Detention and Surreal carry the torch of punk and grunge alongside local heroes Fanny Alger. The upcoming show on January 10th will be another genre change and will feature a blend of hip hop, R&B, and Latin music with ECHOS, Jonathon Blaze, Jairo G, and Dank Zalvala.

As community support for SWAMP continues to grow, its organizers are eager to expand the platform beyond music to encompass all forms of performance that young people are seeking to share.

While currently focused on producing concerts, the long-term vision for SWAMP is to provide educational opportunities for interested youth, covering the fundamentals of live music, including songwriting, mixing, instrument lessons, graphic design, promotion, and other relevant skills. Drawing inspiration from AMP, SWAMP aims to nurture and amplify the creative voices of the Skagit Valley, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

In essence, SWAMP represents more than just a concert series; it’s a burgeoning movement, a testament to the power of community and the boundless potential of youth. As the series continues to evolve, it holds the promise of shaping the future of the local arts scene, fostering a generation of confident, skilled, and passionate artists ready to make their mark on the world.

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