PORT ANGELES — Max Mania dreamed of a concert where both parents and their children could enjoy themselves.
His dream will come to life this weekend in the form of the Flipper Over Festival at the Eagles Club, 110 Penn St., Port Angeles J.
The music will begin at 7 p.m. tonight, and pick up again on Saturday — also at 7 p.m.
The two-day festival has drawn headliners from several genres — everything from country to jazz to heavy metal renditions of children’s songs — promoter Mania said.
“This really is an all-ages event — I know it sounds cornball, but there will be something for everyone.
“If parents come with their kids — teens even — this is the kind of thing where they will both find something that they like.
“And this will be a shared experience that they might not share otherwise.
“Usually if there are events kids will think, ‘Mom and Dad are going — we’re not going to that.’
“Or the parents will think, ‘My kids are going to a concert — I won’t like that.'”
Between each band, dancing music will be played to entertain attendees.
Mania — his legal name, he said — has lived in Port Angeles for 18 months.
“I have been so inspired living here,” he said.
“I am a big believer in community and doing events to pull people together.”
The bands are well-known in their genres’ musical circles, he added.
“We have been really lucky to have them all come.
“And to be honest, the whole concept of playing with a bunch of people who are so different is really appealing.
“Most of the time, if you are country, you are going to be playing with other country artists, if you are heavy metal, you’ll play with other heavy metal bands — so this is something that is really unique.”
The festival was sponsored by Jan Fuller, who owns Ambrosia and Twisted in Port Angeles.
Next year’s festival is already in the works.
“I think this year’s festival will be a good springboard for next year,” Mania said.
