Umbrella Fringe is a bold and exhilarating festival that celebrates the unconventional, the experimental, and the downright unexpected. But what exactly is Fringe? Fringe is raw, unfiltered, and immersive—a platform where artists push boundaries, challenge norms, and bring cutting-edge theater, dance, comedy, music, and multimedia art to life. It’s where emerging and established artists alike take creative risks, inviting audiences into worlds of imagination, innovation, and spontaneity.
From pop-up performances in unexpected places to interactive experiences that blur the line between audience and performer, Umbrella Fringe will transform Kirkland into a stage like never before. Whether you’re a theater buff, an art lover, or just curious about something different, this festival promises a one-of-a-kind adventure that will surprise, inspire, and leave you wanting more.
Dare to experience the unexpected—Umbrella Fringe is coming!
Questions? contact us at dlynx@kirklandartscenter.org
Join us for the kick-off of the first-ever Umbrella Fringe with Good Day Sunshine at the Kirkland Performance Center.
Good Day Sunshine is a dynamic five piece band from Seattle, WA. who performs the music of The Beatles. Rather than being an impersonation, Good Day Sunshine focuses on an engaging live-music experience performing The Beatles' most recognized hits as well as the albums "Rubber Soul", "Revolver", “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, “The White Album”, “Abbey Road”, and “The Rooftop Concert” in their entireties. Their high-energy, inspired performances appeal to those already familiar with or new to the music of The Beatles!
Join us for the Kirkland Urban Art Show, a vibrant showcase of local talent set against the dynamic backdrop of Kirkland Urban. This curated exhibition brings together artists from across the region, featuring an eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media works.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to explore something new, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community, meet the artists, and even take home a piece of original art. Enjoy live music, interactive installations, and special pop-up experiences that highlight the intersection of art and urban culture.
Come be inspired, connect with fellow art lovers, and celebrate the artistic spirit of Kirkland!
Been There
by Ollie Yama
11:00 – 11:45 AM
“Spoken word poetry set to music I composed and produced tied together with themes of grief and the different ways it manifests”
David Paul
1:00 – 2:15 PM
David Flaherty, Paul Barber, as well as The Dekkers. Original songs unique and recognizable covers leaning toward Classic Rock music with ba country flair manifests.
SaraBand
Sara St John has been playing for 5 decades from NYC, LA, Nashville and Seattle. Folk to Rock & genres in between including Americana & Blues
Monamor
Monamor presents a vibrant musical journey through the rich traditions of Latin America. Our performance weaves together Boleros, Son Cubano, Cha Cha Cha, Cumbias, and elements of gypsy jazz, creating an immersive experience that honors classic styles while adding our unique interpretation. The show progresses from gentle, romantic boleros to energetic dance rhythms that invite audience participation.
Zack Pass
Solo acoustic and vocal artist
Sharbani Datta
2:30 – 3:15 PM
“Sakhi – A Journey Through Time” is an evocative exploration of friendship—its innocence, complexities, distances, and lasting bonds. Set to the lyrical rhythm of the Shankarabharanam Pallavi in Odissi, the piece pays tribute to every sakhi (friend) who has weathered time, change, and silence, yet remains a comforting constant in our hearts. Through a blend of classical technique and expressive storytelling, the choreography traces the lives of two friends from their youthful beginnings to their mature reunion. From playful mischief to unspoken rifts, from separation to soulful reconnection—the dance mirrors the emotional ebb and flow that defines lifelong friendships. As the music unfolds, so does the narrative—reminding the audience that true friendship is not just about being inseparable, but about being able to find each other again after drifting apart
Beatbox Panda is the stage name of Vincent Bantasan, the 2019 and current Seattle Beatbox Champion. His performances are entirely vocal, featuring a dynamic blend of sound effects, powerful bass, lyrics, and funky rhythms- from Hip Hop, Funk, Rock, EDM, and Bass Music. He is known for creating personalized remixes of popular songs on the spot, delivering electrifying shows that captivate and energize audiences.
“You Will Forget This” – A Pacific Crest Trail Journey
by Paul Barach
3:30 PM to 4:20PM
Through story and photographs, I recount both the funny and profound experiences hiking the Pacific Crest Trail that healed me from a loved one’s suicide and allowed me to meet my wife
“Not Your Quiet Goddess”
by Naga Lakshmi Bhagavatula
Not Your Quiet Goddess is a solo performance blending Kuchipudi—a classical dance form from South India—with recorded music and spoken word. Inspired by ancient goddess stories, the piece reimagines feminine power not as passive or divine perfection, but as bold, human, and deeply alive. Through rhythmic movement and poetic narration, the goddess emerges—not quiet, not still, but rising.
Rock Paper Scissors: A Brief History and Tournament
by Emily Pitts
This is a Brief History (powerpoint presentation) on the history of the classic hand game of Rock Paper Scissors. After a 20 minute presentation there is a tournament with participants who are competing for a Winner Certificate and glory.
A Berkshire Boar Walks Into a Bar (and Gets Shot in the Face)
Gabey Lucas
Stand-up hour w/ through-line on the San Juan Island Pig War of 1859. From show description/assets: “A dumb ol’ stand-up show with a dollop of even dumber history exploring what happens when a bunch of dolts believe in their own exceptionalism over reason and lives – and the forgotten few characters whose sense prevented a pig on a rock in the Salish Sea from reshaping the Americas forever.”
Join us for the Kirkland Urban Art Show, a vibrant showcase of local talent set against the dynamic backdrop of Kirkland Urban. This curated exhibition brings together artists from across the region, featuring an eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media works.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to explore something new, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community, meet the artists, and even take home a piece of original art. Enjoy live music, interactive installations, and special pop-up experiences that highlight the intersection of art and urban culture.
Come be inspired, connect with fellow art lovers, and celebrate the artistic spirit of Kirkland!
NST is a performance collaboration between Nate Grigg (Principal Composer at Cliffhanger Games in Kirkland), Steve Ball (polymath guitarist, composer and organizer known for his collaborations with Robert Fripp and the League of Crafty Guitarists) and Tim Root (Composer, bandleader of the ensemble TROOT and musical experimentalist). Together they perform improvised music using a wide variety of modern electronic instruments and controllers, sometimes collaborating with poets, actors, movement artists and other invited guests to create singular live art.
Ascended Reality
What Is Reality? is an immersive spoken word performance that delves into the intersections of Black nerd culture and the power of manifestation. Through a fusion of poetic storytelling and rhythmic soundscapes, the show explores themes prevalent in the Black nerd community-such as identity, empowerment, and the redefinition of societal narratives. By intertwining personal anecdotes with broader cultural references, the performance challenges audiences to question their perceptions and embrace the reality they have the power to create.
Eastside Improv
Improv show where the performers & audience write games, names and suggestions down. Whatever gets pulled from the pot will be the inspire art that will be seen once and never again.
Are you a bold, boundary-pushing artist ready to take the stage in unexpected ways? Umbrella Fringe is coming to Kirkland this October, and we’re looking for performers, creators, and visionaries to help bring this electrifying festival to life.
We welcome theater artists, dancers, musicians, comedians, spoken word poets, multimedia creators, and experimental performers—anyone with a passion for unconventional, immersive, and thought-provoking art. Whether it’s a site-specific performance, an interactive experience, a one-person show, or something that defies categorization, we want to hear from you.
Submissions are now open. Apply today and let’s make something unforgettable.
Dare to disrupt. Inspire the unexpected. Join Umbrella Fringe.
Umbrella Fringe is bringing bold, innovative, and immersive performances to Kirkland this October—and we invite you to be part of the excitement! As a sponsor, your brand will be showcased alongside a groundbreaking festival that celebrates creativity, community, and artistic expression.
By supporting Umbrella Fringe, you’ll connect with engaged audiences, gain valuable visibility, and help make cutting-edge performances accessible to all. Sponsorship opportunities range from event branding and VIP experiences to customized partnerships that align with your goals.
Join us in shaping Kirkland’s first-ever Fringe festival. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Vision
Where Art Connects Us
Mission
Cultivating Quality Arts Experiences,
Connecting Communities, and Increasing
Creative Engagement.
Kirkland Arts Center
620 Market Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 822-7161
info@kirklandartscenter.org
501(c)3 Tax ID Number: 91-6059395
Gallery Hours
Tuesday-Friday 11 am – 4 pm*
Saturday 11 am – 2 pm*
Sunday-Monday Closed
*during exhibitions
KAC Administration Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
