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!
Dance
The Blue Rose
by James Grixoni
Friday, September 25, 8:30 PM
Kirkland Arts Center
The film is described as a “psychedelic love letter” to the works of David Lynch. It is set within the familiar atmosphere of the town of Twin Peaks and serves as the opening installment of a planned trilogy. The story focuses on the mystery of the woods in Twin Peaks, exploring themes of loss, memory, and the illusory nature of existence.
What’s A Blerd?
by Ascended Reality
Friday, September 25, 6:30 PM
Vision Music
“What’s A Blerd?” is a dynamic, high-energy multimedia musical performance that explores and celebrates the intersection of Black culture and nerd culture. This fully curated experience seamlessly integrates a live set of upcoming music releases with an exclusive screening of a new cinematic music video. Expanding beyond the stage, the performance offers a complete sensory and tangible experience, complete with custom signed posters created exclusively for the Umbrella Fringe Festival, ensuring audiences leave with a physical piece of the narrative universe.
Paper Moon
by Belicia and Henk
Friday, September 25, 8:00pm
Vision Music
Belicia and Henk play music from the 40’s, 50’s and music that is inspired by that time.
Apocalypse Songs
by Odyama
Saturday, September 26, 12:00 PM
Kirkland Arts Center
Songs about the end of the world, literally, figuratively, and emotionally. A Bassist, songwriter, composer, and producer and graduated with a bachelor’s of Music in 2025. Odyama has performed at Cornish and beyond, including last year’s Umbrella Fringe.
Bonesly Bookworm Presents Campfire Stories –
Original Horror Stories By Local Writers
Saturday, September 26, 1:00 PM
Kirkland Arts Center
Bonesly Bookworm (Erik Keevan) presents a reading series from local horror writers. While a reading, this will be more atmospheric and immersive than the HWA’s normal readings. This will involve sound effects, some lighting cues, etc. Stories will all be from local horror writers. Think an immersive radio play rather than a traditional reading.
TBD
by Disgruntled Bit-Players
Saturday, September 25, 2:30pm
Kirkland Arts Center
Sketch Comedy
From India, to the World
by Aiswarya Ramakrishnan
Saturday, September 26, 4:00 PM
Kirkland Arts Center
Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, is a timeless language of rhythm and storytelling. While rooted in centuries of tradition, its versatility allows it to engage with diverse musical landscapes, including contemporary and Western compositions. Through this performance, I explore how Bharatanatyam’s classical vocabulary can find new expression across genres, inviting audiences to experience it as a dynamic art form that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Kino B. Demented’s Classic Circus Sideshow
Saturday, September 26, 5:00 PM
Kirkland Arts Center
Classic sideshow stunts (bed of nails, human dartboard, straitjacket escapes, glass-walking) with a punk rock, feminist twist
Wasabi Samba
Saturday, September 25, 12:00pm
Kirkland Urban
Musical performance. Latin rock soul to the world. 5 years + experience performing as a band in Seattle
Lexi Nguyen & band
Saturday, September 25, 1:30pm
Kirkland Urban
My band & I will be performing a mix of popular pop covers and my original music. It’s sure to be upbeat and fun for the crowd.
Delete Your Account
Saturday, September 25, 2:30pm
Kirkland Urban
Tim Root is a composer, conductor, performer, improviser, sound designer and leader of his ensemble, TROOT. A founding member of San Diego’s notorious Sledgehammer Theatre, he has designed and mixed sound and acted as a musical director for theater, television, and the music industry since 1985 with clients ranging from the smallest of local theatres to ABC, MSNBC, and the San Francisco Pops. He hold a Master’s Degree in Music Composition and Electronic Media from Mills College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of California, San Diego.
“Step. Feel. Tell.” From the Feet to the Heart: A Kuchipudi Experience
Saturday, September 25, 12:00pm
Kirkland Woman’s Club
“Step. Feel. Tell.” is a Kuchipudi performance built around rhythm, expression and storytelling. The performance unfolds in three parts: beginning with rhythmic movement (Nritta), moving into expressive storytelling (Abhinaya) and culminating in a piece where movement and expression come together in storytelling. This work opens a clear and accessible pathway into Kuchipudi, revealing how movement, expression, and narrative come together on stage.
Potluck of Improv Fun
Saturday, September 25, 1:00pm
Kirkland Woman’s Club
We will perform several short form improv games – it will be fast, fun and family friendly
Odissi Dance
Saturday, September 25, 3:00pm
Kirkland Woman’s Club
The Duality of Odissi This performance offers a captivating journey into the heart of Odissi classical dance by highlighting its two foundational elements: pure technical movement and deeply expressive storytelling. The showcase is divided into two distinct pieces that beautifully complement one another: Pallavi (Technical Mastery): The performance features a purely rhythm-based piece where lyrical, graceful movements gradually “blossom” and build in complexity and tempo. This segment showcases the intricate footwork, fluid torso movements, and statuesque poses that define Odissi’s technical brilliance.Â
SaraBand
Saturday, September 25, 3:30pm
Kirkland Woman’s Club
We do Folk to Rock & genres in between including Americana & Blues
Odissi Margam
Saturday, September 25, 5:00pm
Kirkland Woman’s Club
An Odissi Margam is a curated, traditional repertoire of Odissi dance that offers a comprehensive,, and immersive artistic experience, making it a must-watch for art lovers. It represents a structured journey through classical Odissi dance, often starting with a divine invocation and culminating in a spiritual
Zack Pass
Saturday, September 25, 6:30pm
Vision Music
Zack Pass is a folk rock artist out of Spokane. 3 piece band performing Americana/folk/rock music. Band consists of singer/guitar bass and drums.
Del Rey
Saturday, September 25, 4:15pm
Aegis Waterfront
“Del Rey, who plays a syncopated style of guitar based on prewar blues and barrelhouse piano traditions, is one of the best fingerpickers of this or any generation. “ Ian Zack, Acoustic Guitar
Judd Wasserman
Saturday, September 25, 9:30pm
Vision Music
Singer-songwriter, looper. Guitar and vocals.
Fifth and Smith Jazz Band
Saturday, September 25, 3:00pm
Aegis Waterfront
Live music.
Del Rey
Saturday, September 25, 4:15pm
Aegis Waterfront
Monamor plays boleros, son cubano, cha cha chá, and original songs, all in Spanish, blending classic Latin romantic music with jazz-influenced originals. Warm, nostalgic, like a Sunday afternoon.