Bilal

Artist

GRAMMY Award-winning artist Bilal returns to the spotlight following the success of his two album releases in 2024. Bilal: Live at Glasshaus is a mid-career retrospective featuring Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis. The live record presents Bilal within an ensemble of luminaries to reimagine standouts from his classic repertoire, shining a spotlight on his ever-evolving artistry that asserts, in 2024, he is at the height of his powers—eternally honing his craft and finding new edges in his voice. It is a powerful reminder of Bilal’s dynamic vocal abilities and songwriting mastery. That was followed by his first album of new music in eight years, titled Adjust Brightness, which marks a new chapter for Bilal. The album features 11 brand-new tracks that take listeners on his most daring musical journey yet. Adjust Brightness represents a bold step forward in Bilal’s already innovative sound, blending his deep love of soul, funk, and jazz with futuristic, electronic, and abstract elements. This album is a giant leap as Bilal merges his organic, soulful roots with experimental electronic influences inspired by artists like Aphex Twin and Stereolab. Listeners can expect an immersive sonic experience that defies genre conventions, as Bilal continues to evolve and refine his unique style.

Boeblast

Co-host

Host of Tacoma Comedy Clubs Ha Ha Tuesdays.

Devona Roy

Artist

Devona Roy, also known as Art Deity, is a Tacoma-based visual artist, Army veteran, and creative force known for her vibrant murals, bold color palettes, and powerful portraits. Her work spans canvas, walls, apparel, and body, often reflecting themes of culture, community, and identity. With nearly four decades of artistic experience, Devona uses art to celebrate stories that uplift and connect. This is her second year painting live with Friends of the Waterfront, and she’s honored to bring her energy and love for the Pacific Northwest back to the pier.

DJ Blast

DJ

DJ BLAST is a Nigerian-born creative, technologist, and cultural architect based in Seattle. As the founder of BLASTFEST, the largest Afrobeats festival on the West Coast, he has become a driving force in amplifying African culture through music, education, and community experiences. What began as a personal mission to bring Afrobeats to a city lacking cultural representation has grown into a movement. Through his nonprofit, BLAST Haus, he provides free DJ classes for underserved youth, free Afrobeats yoga to support mental health, and free tech + AI seminars to empower Black and Brown communities with future-ready skills. Beyond the booth, BLAST serves as the official DJ for the Seattle Seahawks, Storm and Mariners, and has shared stages with global icons like Burna Boy, Nas, and Asake. His unique blend of creative vision and tech-savvy strategy—shaped by his background at Microsoft—allows him to build scalable, high-impact experiences that center joy, culture, and connection. Everything DJ BLAST does is rooted in purpose: to break barriers, build bridges across the diaspora, and create spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to rise.

DJ Graham

DJ

DJ Graham (Marcus Graham) is a Seattle-based DJ renowned for his seamless blends of hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, and classic skate jams. A self-taught artist mentored by one of the city’s legendary DJs, Mr. NYICE Guy, he brings over three years of experience to the decks. From hosting signature monthly R&B nights to spinning at Vibe Bingo and local skate rinks, he continues to energize the city’s music scene.

DJ Sean Malik

DJ

Dj. Sean Malik aka SeaTown’s Finest is a Seattle raised Dj/Producer with Midwest roots. He began his professional journey at the age of 15 shortly after moving to Seattle & catching an album at a Treacherous 3 concert. At age 16 he was featured on a nationally released album while producing & Dj’ing for local Hip Hop group Di-Ra Boys .

Dj. S. Malik (as he is often referred to) has opened/held down the set for numerous national acts, was one of the 1st class of Dj’s for 206 Zulu Radio on 91.3 FM & music productions have received honorable mention from national magazine/digital publications.

You can catch him frequently up & down the I-5 corridor or follow him on social media @dj.seanmalik to stay up to date with appearances.

Double Dutch Divas

Jus Jada

Artist

Meet JusJada, a Southern girl with a heart full of dreams and a passion for music that inspires! From the lively streets of Savannah to the vibrant scene of Seattle, she’s made her mark performing at festivals and cherished venues alike. Fueled by her love for music and people, JusJada recently launched JA Productions, a dynamic team showcasing Seattle’s finest talent, celebrating musicians, singers, and artists of all kinds. Join her journey as she aims to sing her way around the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram @jusjadamusic and TikTok @jusjada!

Lega C Jones

Singer with Mach X Band

Lega’C Jones, born Marcus McLeod in Aberdeen, North Carolina, is quickly becoming a standout figure in the R&B genre. Signed to ONE FAMM MUSIC GROUP, his unique blend of soulful melodies and vibrant energy is capturing the attention of fans and industry professionals alike. Raised in a military family, Lega’C’s childhood was one of constant relocation, which influenced his musical journey and deepened his connection to diverse cultures across the U.S. Settling in Lacey, Washington, he honed his skills in church choirs, learning the intricacies of singing that would later become the foundation of his career.

Mach X

Artist

Mach X is a group of outstanding young musicians who got together in their early 20’s. All are anointed musicians playing in several local churches. They bring you an array of music from Gospel, R & B, Jazz and Fusion, the are the band who back the outstanding vocalist Zhanea June and have played for Grammy Winning Saeed Renaud, Glenn Jones, Surface and have been the focal band for the Summer musical series headed by Isiah Anderson.

This under 31 group will be forever entrenched in our community for years to come. Members are Cedric Thomas, Darry Wilmore, Max Watters and Joe Simpson

Samara Reign

Singer with Mach X Band

A dynamic young vocalist reared in the church, she shares her strong vocals and stage presence with passion and enthusiasm. When you hear her voice, you will say, “Wow.” Only 21 years old, with a desire to share the arts through her voice, Samara will be in the music mix for many years to come. She was most recently part of the Sounds of Blackness event and the Juneteenth event at Jimi Hendrix Park. Currently, she is working with the Seasells Group, Zhanea June, and Acts on Stage.

Traeanna Holiday

Host

Trae Holiday, a true Seattleite, has watched her city change in many ways. She started training in media at the young age of 9 and continued through school at Howard University and the University of Washington. Through studying abroad multiple times, earning her degree in Communications and Urban Studies, and experiencing displacement due to gentrification, she is now fueled to tell her neighborhood’s stories through film and media. She found a home for this work at Converge Media as an Emmy award-winning Media Personality, TV Show Host, and Producer, with her daily talk show, The Day With Trae. As the Communications Director for Washington State’s Office of Equity, she brings her knowledge and enthusiasm for communications and community to the state level. Flourishing with her style, passion, and drive, she dynamically creates impactful media through her work and helps the next generation find their voice in the world of media.