PORT ANGELES — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the May 22-25 Juan de Fuca Festival has been canceled and a new artist support fund established, executive director Kayla Oakes announced last week.
The Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, which produces the event, created the JFFA Festival Artist Support Fund to help the performing artists contracted for the 2020 festival.
Information can be found at JFFA.org via the “Read more” link on the home page.
The Juan de Fuca Foundation has also changed its season concerts schedule: the Collision of Rhythm performance set for March 29 in Port Angeles has been rescheduled for Oct. 4; the LED Dance Co. show on April 11 is canceled, and the May 8 show titled Blues is a Woman will be rescheduled on a date to be announced.
There is a light on the live-music horizon, though.
The Juan de Fuca Foundation is presenting the annual Concerts on the Pier series in Port Angeles, with free evening performances on City Pier, at the foot of Lincoln Street. The concerts are set for 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 through Sept. 2.
Oakes, who received more than 30 applications from bands around the Puget Sound region, will announce the lineup April 15.
“We are so delighted about these concerts,” Oakes said, adding that they’re sponsored by four local companies: the Peninsula Daily News, Elwha River Casino, Kitsap Bank and the Red Lion Hotel.
The Juan de Fuca Foundation also will work alongside the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce to bring an expanded Fourth of July celebration to downtown, Oakes said.
One more summer event: The Discovery Arts Camp for youngsters ages 7 to 12, in collaboration with Turning the Wheel Productions, happens July 6-10. Scholarships are available.
“The coronavirus crisis has been a terribly challenging thing for artists,” Oakes said.
“More than ever, we are reminded of the importance and power of art, togetherness and collaboration.”
Oakes added that she and the festival crew look forward to getting back together with music and art lovers on the other side of the current situation.
For those who have already purchased passes to this May’s Juan de Fuca Festival, the foundation offers choices on its website, including:
■A transfer of the pass to the 2021 festival.
■Credit for a future JFFA offering such as the 2020-21 season concerts, Discovery Arts Camp or other event.
■Donate the pass value to the new 2020 JFFA Festival Artist Support Fund.
■A refund.
For information about the Discovery Arts Camp and other Juan de Fuca Foundation events and community programs, visit JFFA.org, call 360-457-5411 or email contact@JFFA.org.
