July 15: Joel Astley – Music on the Lawn

July 15 | 6:30 to 8:15 pm | San Juan Historical Museum |  405 Price St. | Friday Harbor

Since forming his first band in 2014, Joel Astley quickly established himself as a world-class bandleader, harmonica player, singer, songwriter, and entertainer. In the past year he has been on a meteoric rise on the international Blues Music scene, joining Lee Oskar Harmonicas as a featured artist in 2023 and signing with Blue Heart Records to release his first album, Seattle to Greaseland. The album debuted August 18, 2023 at Number 7 on the Blues Billboard Top Ten, and met critical acclaim worldwide. He has since received the Silver Medal Award from the Global Music Awards, Honorable Mention in the 2024 International Songwriting Competition for his song Secondhand Kid, and currently nominated for four 2024 Josie Awards, two 2024 Independent Blues Awards, and two 2024 Blues Blast Music Awards.

He has a strong Pacific Northwest following, and has collected 23 Washington Blues Society’s “Best of the Blues” Awards in just seven years. Besides festival appearances and tours dates, he still plays local venues year round and does session recording work; he has appeared on multiple recordings, and is currently working on songs for his next album.

Island Rec’s free outdoor summer concert series kicked off at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8.  This year we are bringing you an assortment of the most requested bands of 2025. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of great music on the lawn at the San Juan Historical Museum. No alcohol or dogs please. All ages. Free