Watching people spill out of pubs and restaurants onto busy sidewalks almost every evening, it’s hard to remember how deserted downtown Anacortes was at night just 10 years ago.
A major reason for all the activity is a thriving music scene, with jazz, blues, rock, alternative and roots music bands regularly playing at several venues. The trend is most evident during jam-packed joint cover nights, usually held in conjunction with major events such as the Anacortes Arts Festival.
“The idea was to do something downtown and elevate all of us,” said Rick Star, who books music at the Rockfish Grill.
And, in defiance of a sluggish economy, the crowds are still coming.
