Geoff Duncan

Way out on one the end of the Olympic Peninsula is the little town of Port Townsend. It's something of a tourist destination because it's deliberately maintained a Victorian and turn-of-the-century character with a quaint downtown district, friendly shops, and a full schedule of regular events. It's also something of a destination for the "free spirits" who've collected there at the edge of the water. Artists, engineers, aging hippies, offbeat entrepreneurs, drifters, oddballs, dreamers, and even some head cases are among the town's standout residents and business owners…and you're pretty likely to just bump into them on the street and strike up a conversation if you try.

Port Townsend, WA

So The Bouchards did a little show in Port Townsend at Sirens, a pub with surprisingly good food that regularly features live music. Port Townsend is a little bit of a haul from Seattle, so me and my bass rig double-teamed the trip with "Country" Dave Harmonson and his pedal steel rig, stayed the night with gracious Charlie Bodony (engineer on the pedal-powered Magic Bus kinetic racer) and family, and dropped in at the Port Townsend Foundry…where there was a "banjo bass" leaning up against one wall. (The bluegrass outfit slotted for the event couldn't turn up, so, of course, I had to give it a shot.) It's not the first bass banjo in the world, but it's an interesting take on the idea, with an 18-inch bass drum head, cast aluminum rim (done by the folks right there at the foundry!), custom-designed tailpiece, and licensed Fender Jazz neck from Stewart-Macdonald. Very plunky; might benefit from a closed-back design.

Nice to get away from the Seattle hubbub, even for just a little while. Thanks to Charlie and Sirens—hope to see you again soon!