Sumner, Washington. Population 4,000. Sits in a low valley between two high ridges. Sleepy little bedroom community for the most part; some warehouses just north of downtown, and then miles of sod farms north of that.

First platted in the late 1800's. Original home of Whitman College, which later moved to Walla Walla.

A very community-oriented town. Funky little parades and street fairs draw out virtually the whole population, as well as out-of-town visitors.

Outdoor music at the gazebo friday nights during the summer.

Always a music stage at the street fairs.

Open mic every Wednesday through Saturday night at the Acoustic Cafe. Acoustic here is something of a misnomer; although I've yet to hear an electric guitar there, electric basses are in use as well as amplified voices and those acoustic guitars with the built-in pre-amps.

Occasionally singing at A Good Book Cafe and Bookstore, just about half a block away from the Acoustic Cafe on Main Street.

Alex