The idea for the Urban Art Festival came about in 2004. A group of friends wanted to create a grassroots festival for artistic expression in Tacoma. Joey Morrison, Johanna Gardner, Linda Honeck, and Laura & Matt Eklund

In January of 2005 Joey Morrison passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. Joey was a gifted & amazing artists, glass blower, and DJ. He was an inspiration to so many people!

The group decided to continue with the plans for U.A.F and pay tribute to Joey's memory. AND THEY DID.....

Joining the team was Mandi Martin and Lisa Fruichantie. The first year was a little bumpy and definitely a learning process!

Our mission was and IS to share, teach, and learn with our community through Art & Music. Bringing every type of music and art into one place at one time. Breaking down stereotypes that surround different art forms.

Graffiti, Hip Hop, Rock, Djing have all been misunderstood or disliked by one person or another.

WE BRING EVERYTHING & EVERYONE TOGETHER IN THE HOPES THAT THEY WILL DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW AND DIFFERENT.

Johanna Gardner

Event Coordinator
Booking
Fundraising
urbanartfestival@yahoo.com

Mandi Webster Martin

Vendor Coordinator
Photagrapher
Fundraising

Lisa Fruchantie

Performance Art Coordinator
Fashion Designer

Bands the Performed at the 2010 Festival F*CKING EAGLES:
This Tacoma band branches out by injecting some seriously catchy power pop into their potent blend of '60s garage-rock and high-energy R&B on their excellent 2nd album. 'Midnight Sour' is a loosely conceptualized album diarizing looming cracks in the Tacoma party time continuum and the alcohol infused, misery-guzzling heart-sick bruisings of Tacoma's thirtynothing set...PARTY DOOM!! But T-Town's sweatiest party-faithful aren't looking to clear the room with gloom, but rather rollick in celebratory stride and full drunken-savant embrace of the dooming T-Town social narrative. 'Sour' aspires to provide a triumphant hilltop house-party soundtrack not just for the T-Town alcohoi polloi, but all the party worn un-pretty gritty city mutantry hanging on to not hang over across the realm.

HOTELS:
Hotels fuse elements of new wave, goth, and surf so seamlessly that genre tags will be the last thing on your mind when you hear their bittersweet, atmospheric pop songs"

THE NEW LAW:
URB Mag Review "It's refreshing to find a talented new ambient electronic artist. This duo is versatile as can be. They've been toiling in the Seattle underground for three years, now finally preparing to release their sophomore album. From the surreal saxophone of "Seattle Lights" to the foreboding death march of "Hell's Gates," they paint pictures with sound. Ambient is a word that's thrown around a lot. The New Law has proven that they know the meaning."

PIONEERS WEST:
Matt Driscoll of the Weekly Volcano says: "Much as the name suggests, Pioneers West is a band forging new territory in Tacoma. An artistic and at times borderline experimental mix of indie rock sensibilities, punk edge and pop overtones, Pioneers West harnesses a sound that Larsen references as "Western doom.""

BLAME IT ON THE GIRL:
Conflicting tempo, and gripping vocals harmonize with lyrics in an edgy way that's beautifully chaotic and shows off strength." ---The Current

CLINTON FEARON BAND:
Clinton Fearon is counted among Jamaica's most talented musicians by peers and professionals in the Reggae music industry. His infectious bass riffs, guitar licks, percussion accents and powerful vocals make Bassie a living legend amongst reggae musicians and fans.

VOXXY VALLEJO:
Expect your ear to wander from blues to rock and some southern bar room get down in between. The sound and style is beautifully varied from sweet loving ballads to knock down in your face ROCK&ROLL AND R&B.... but the voice and guitar work are unmistakably Voxxy Vallejo

BASEMINT:
This fun surf-pop/ rock band will be sure to have you moving!