Top Local Bands, Plus One National Act, Ready for the Spotlight at Taste of Edmonds

It’s not all about the food at . A big part, sure: burgers, egg rolls, pizza, gyros, shrimp, pulled pork, waffle cones, bratwurst … the list of stuff-your-face food is long and delicious.

For many locals and visitors, though, it’s all about the music. The Taste is a time to reconnect with friends. Go to the beer garden on opening night, Friday, and you’ll see several generations of Edmonds residents (those 21 and over, of course) who arrive to take it the sounds.

If you’re a newcomer, you’ll want to stick around till the end, when the Beatniks, an annual tradition on opening night, plays frenzied rock classics in front of a crowd that has long since lost its inhibitions.

To help you select which bands you want to catch—they’re all good, and props if you catch them all—here’s a look at the musical acts at the 29th annual A Taste of Edmonds. Most of the bands have websites or Facebook pages with music samples to help you choose who you want to see.

Enjoy the tunes.

MAINSTAGE

Friday
11 a.m. Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana. The group, led by Paco Garay, has been performing in Puget Sound for 23 years.
1 p.m. Scott Lindenmuth, classical jazz guitar. Lindenmuth is an Edmonds resident and, quite simply, one of the best guitarists in Puget Sound. A familiar presence at the Taste, Lindenmuth is a personable fellow who also offers guitar lessons.
3 p.m. The Halyards, new age folk. The Seattle band featuring guitarists and vocalists Carl Funk and Larry Mason recently released their debut CD, Fortune Smiles. Featured on the CD is well-known Pacific Northwest artist Eric Tingstad.
4:30 p.m. The NW Rivals: The Seattle rock group is led by Jim Basnight. They've been a familiar presence in the Pacific Northwest since the 1970s in various incarnations.
6:30 p.m. The Smithereens. The nationally known power-pop band, formed in the 1980s, in April released a new CD, 2011. The digital CD sounds like the band hasn't lost a thing—check out samples. If you go, say hi to former Edmond Mayor Gary Haakenson. He's a big fan and will be front and center.
8:30 9.m. Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs: Star Anna is a band led by Star Anna, who was raised in Ellensburg. The band's new CD, Alone in This Together, features Mike McCready of Pearl Jam.

Saturday
11 a.m. Scott Cossu. The veteran pianist is considered one of the founders of modern new age music and was a force on the famous Windham Hill new age label. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
1 p.m. The Fentons. Self-described "country twang," the Seattle altenative country band is popular at local honey-tonks.
2:30 p.m. The Uptown 4. The a capella quartet is based in Renton.
4 p.m. Riverbend, original rock from Izzy Rivers, Bryan "BB" Seeley, Cody James and Aaron Balsley.
5:30 No Rules: classic hits with Randy Hiatt and Jim Brady.
7 p.m. The Pendletones. The band is the Pacific Northwest's premier Beach Boys tribute band.
8:30 p.m. British Export, Beatles tribute

Sunday
11 a.m. Seattle Shores Chorus. The Sweet Adelines chorus group performs a capella. Think of an all-female barbershop quartet.
1 p.m. The Gothard Sisters: Irish music and dance from Edmonds with Greta, Willow and Solana Gothard. They are now recording their sixth CD.
2:30 p.m. The Hitmen, old-school R&B covers.
4 p.m. The Devilles with Ted Vigil, classic rock with a tribute to John Denver. This band features members of the Hitmen in a tribute to the late, great American singer.
6 p.m. The Coats, a cappella

BEER GARDEN STAGE

Friday
11 a.m. Bubbles and Fog, electric folk
1 p.m. Shane Cobane, the Cascade High School grad fronts and Elvis Presley tribute band. Which do you prefer: "Jailhouse Rock" or "Love Me Tender"?
2:30 p.m. Double Wide, country music with an edge.
4 p.m. Randy Hansen: Jimi Hendrix tribute from a performer with more than 30 years on the stage. "Purple Haze" is right around the corner.
5:30 p.m. Whiskey River. The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band is led by Darren Wichers. You should definitely expect to hear "Free Bird."
7: p.m. The Rhythm Nation: Top 4O hits from a band featuring lead singer April Maculanlan.
8:30 p.m. The Beatniks: This popular Seattle cover band has held the closing spot on opening night at the Taste for years. The high-energy band is known for its realistic cover of "Baba O'Riley," "Cecilia," "Brown-Eyed Girl," "You Shook Me All Night Long" and many others.

Saturday
11 a.m. The Islanders, the three-man trio from the Caribbean plays authentic calypso and reggae on their steel drums.
12:30 p.m. Red Cup Band. Funky cajun blues from a rock band featuring Mike Summerfield, who owns in Woodinville.
2 p.m. Latigo Lace: The Seattle band band plays current and classic country
3:30 p.m. Underride. Original rock from a five-man band whose latest CD is titled Distorted Nation.
5 p.m. Alex Duncan: High energy reggae. You should not miss this show.
6:30 p.m. VANITY: Las Vegas #1 dance band
7:30 p.m. KISS 106.1 dance party. Today's hottest hits, courtesy of the Seattle radio station.
8:30 p.m. Problem Child. AC/DC tribute band expecting to tear down the house when it plays "You Shook Me All Night Long."

Sunday
11 a.m. Two of Us: Breakfast with The Beatles
1 p.m. Two Miles High: Electric violin and acoustic guitar
2:30 p.m. VITALOGY, a tribute Pearl Jam, the iconic Seattle grunge band that recently reunited and is releasing new music. "Jeremy," anyone?
4 p.m. Afrodisiacs: Disco tunes
6 p.m. Spazmatics: 1980s hits