>
By Cynthia Jones
PORT ANGELES — The Juan de Fuca Festival of Arts makes for a rich and full experience, according to one musician participating in the festivities Saturday.
“It’s a matter of coming to a place that’s mellow and more like home,” said Vern Olsen, accordion player and band leader of the 19-member maritime chorus Shifty Sailors.
Singing at this year’s festival is a first for Olsen’s Whidbey Island group — they typically perform at Seattle’s Folk Life Festival on this holiday weekend.
Not this year.
“Folk Life is so crowded,” Olsen said. “And, it’s always hard to find parking.”
Surrounded by an enthusiastic audience, the Shifty Sailors sang a variety of maritime hymns in the open air.
The full report appears in today’s editions of the Peninsula Daily News, on sale throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties. Or click onto “Subscribe” to order your copy via U.S. mail.