A “chill vibe” pervades on final day of Elkfest

It was a sunny, relaxed afternoon for listeners at Elkfest in Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition on Sunday.

The festival, now in its 13th year, usually sees hundreds of patrons passing through to grab a beer and some grub, or sprawling out and listen to live music in the middle of the street-turned-concert-venue on Cannon Street. This year was no different, with Saturday drawing an even larger crowd.

Sunday, on the other hand, is typically frequented by audiences looking for a “chill” experience, explained Marshall Powell, event organizer and general manager of The Elk, where the festival is held each year.

“It’s the mellow vibe of it all,” he said.

Perhaps nobody was more mellow than 24-year-old Michael Salcido, who strung up a hammock between two trees across the street and dangled there, sipping a Top Cutter IPA from a can.

“It’s actually his hammock,” he said, pointing to his friend. “I’m just chillin’ in it.”

Salcido and his friends have been to Elkfest in the past, but this is the first time they’ve taken it in from the comfort of their own lawn.

“I’m free to do as I please in the hammock and nobody says anything,” Salcido said.

But when the horns blared and the guitar strummed from Spokane reggae band River City Roots, Salcido and company quickly paced to the front of the stage, where they joined dozens of others dancing to the catchy melody.

“What a beautiful group of people,” said lead singer and guitarist Derek Crowell. “Spokane does not suck.”

Powell said the crowd is usually composed of people who live in Browne’s Addition and walk over to catch the music or just enjoy the sunshine.

Jon Mclain, who lives about three blocks away, has been coming to Elkfest for about four years. On Sunday, he was stealing a bit of shade from a nearby tree while he listened.

“I look forward to it every summer,” he said. “I like the free entertainment.”