Behind the Festival: South Sound Block Party 2025
Now in its fourth year, South Sound Block Party has become the summer home of the best music of Olympia, the PNW, and beyond. Last year’s headliners were Bikini Kill and X, and 2025 continues that incredible trend with L7 and Bratmobile. This year they also took some bigger swings on reggae acts, have their first country performer, and really embraced the “something for everyone” approach. Between the music, the food, and the unique location, it has become a true showcase of Olympia.
Last year, I connected with the team behind the festival to learn a little more about its history, its waterfront location, and driving values. You can find that original conversation on the blog here!
This year to change things up a bit, we decided to showcase several of the artists you can catch at this year’s festival.
I wrote a brief introduction to the musicians, and Christen Greene (owner/producer/talent buyer) and Jane Halldorson (head of Artist Relations and Ops) filled in with some cool stories and insight. Read below for why you can’t miss this gathering!
The 5th annual South Sound Block Party takes place in Olympia, WA on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025. 2-day tickets are available now starting at just $69.
L7: Formed in the late '80s, L7 have been labeled grunge, riot grrrl, punk, metal, alternative, etc. but they've never been one definable thing - besides influential. As an all-female band in the '90s, unafraid to be outwardly political and feminist in any circles, they carved a path that so many have followed. Since reuniting in 2014, they've become introduced their music to new audiences via music festivals and beyond.
Christen: Weird flex but Joan Jett actually turned me onto L7 about 20 years ago in a hotel diner on the way to Warped Tour. They clearly had a big alternative hit in the 90s but I missed that bc I wasn't really into radio at the time. At first listen I was instantly a fan: fuzzy guitars, big drums, Donita’s iconic voice - I tried to get them on last year’s event but for several reasons it wasn’t in the cards. I revisited it early with the agent for this year and we made it happen. They havent played in Olympia since 1991 I think - for the International Pop Underground Festival, so I’m honored that they said yes and I’m looking forward to showing them a good time.
Jane: Amazing flex! I learned drums to “Pretend That We’re Dead” in Girls Rock Camp when I was young. It was a great introduction to this band. They are LEGENDS. I love that they started their own women’s music festival. My friends who have seen them recently have said they cant believe how great they still sound - so this is going to be a fun one for us.
Bratmobile: Formed in Olympia, Bratmobile were one of the defining voices of the early riot grrrl movement - not only through the energy of their music, but also through the influential Girl Germs fanzine they authored. They played some of their first shows at the International Pop Underground convention in Olympia, a seminal, galvanizing moment for the riot grrrl community and beyond.
Christen: Another IPU alum! Bratmobile follows our theme of honoring Olympia’s legendary, influential music legacy. There’s so much to say about Molly and Allison - both on and off the stage - and they have been pioneers and inspirations for so many. It was amazing to see the band performing again and I’m thrilled they said yes to coming back to Olympia for SSBP. Last year the Mayor issued a “Bikini Kill Day” proclamation. Maybe this year we can work out re-naming a street, “Cool Schmool Ave" or something
Jane: What a way to follow up Bikini Kill, right? Being from Minnesota, I’m always shocked to find out that so many of iconic bands are from Olympia or have a tie to the city. This was a great booking and a great way to honor this town’s legacy.
Thunderpussy: Loud, empowering, and unapologetic, the four-piece band Thunderpussy was formed in Seattle in 2014. They say their hope for their music and performance is to "embody the change we want to see in the world, encourage others to question the status quo, and break down walls of separation."
Christen: I think you nailed it with that description and I have to say, I don’t think Oly is ready for Thunderpussy! LOL - this band is unreal live. They are amazing people to boot and I cannot wait to see people’s faces when Whitney starts to rip on guitar and Molly starts moving..this set is going to be iconic.
Jane: Ian and Christen have talked about this band for years. Ive only watched the videos and yeah... the live show looks like it’s going to blow minds.
Team Dresch: Team Dresch is a punk/queercore band from Olympia, influential for centering their queer identity in their music with no compromise, as well as for their dedication to the DIY ethos. Not only did their tight, melodic but angsty music set the groundwork for sounds to come, but it let an entire generation of queer kids to see themselves in a new light.
Christen: This is another band I’ve been trying to book for years and I’m thrilled to have finally gotten it over the finish line. On a personal note to say that they have been influential in my life and musical journey is a massive, massive understatement. A friend I hadn’t heard from in 20+ years saw the lineup and texted me something like, “I know 22 year old cg is FREAKING OUT right now!” I can’t wait for this set.
Jane: Yeah she’s *really* excited about this one. I’d never heard of them, but got a very fast education after I admitted that haha.
Midnight High: Seattle’s Midnight High is a rising indie-pop band with a sound both modern, but full of '80s synth nostalgia. The six-piece band released their debut album in 2023, and have organized a one-day festival of like-sounded Northwest bands on May 31st this year.
Christen: Oh gosh - this band was by far my favourite discovery when looking around locally for new talent. I texted a friend who played SSBP year 1 and asked who I should be looking at that was local that maybe I hadn’t heard about and within 2 seconds he responded, “Midnight High is the best live band in Seattle right now” - what an endorsement! I love the mutual admiration society that Seattle’s scene has so much of. I’m excited to meet these folks and see them live.
Jane: I didnt know this band but it makes so much sense that Christen likes them. The songs are fun and hooky and the synth-pop thing has gone over well for us in the past. We’ve been using their music in the promo reels and stuff and it’s a great vibe - I’m not sure what slot they’re in, but hopefully they get a little sunset action - get the people dancing and ready for the headliners.
Kate Dinsmore: Seattle singer-songwriter Kate Dinsmore has influences from jazz, rock, and americana, contributing to the unique sound beneath her powerful vocals. Her 4th EP is due for release in May 2025. She describes her music as "the perfect soundtrack to dropping off the last of your ex’s stuff and driving off into the sunset."
Christen: A voice from the heavens and one of the best wingwomen I've ever met! Kate’s been sending me demos for years and watching her roll out these new tracks has been awesome - she’s really hitting a stride. And while she’s Seattle based now, she’s no stranger to Olympia - she grew up here, her brother just took over The (legendary) Reef and she has played some great shows here - I’m siked to see her and the band on the big stage.
Jane: When I’m out West my focus us literally on 2 things: eating Oysters and working on this festival. So I knew about Kate’s brother (of The Oyster Boys and The Reef) before I knew about Kate. It was him who told us about Kate a couple years ago and she’s the nicest person and yeah - WHAT A VOICE. We’ve done a couple smaller shows with her and the band, and she’s a great performer so I’m sure she’ll crush the main stage.
The Carlile Family Band: Comprised of 17 year-old Caroline, her 15 year-old brother JayJ, and their father Jay, the Carlile Family Band is small but mighty. Having watched them literally grow up over 6 years of Girls Just Wanna Weekend festivals, I can attest that these talented siblings have definitely inherited the songwriting gene from their aunt Brandi.
Christen: These folks are always a pleasure to work with, are great live and as you’ve said it’s been fun to watch them grow over the years. I think they’re going to be a smash at the event - the songs, the stage presence - all of it.
Jane: How fun is this band? For being so young they certainly know their way around a stage and how to work a crowd. They’re going to crush.
Dannirose: A 21-year old pop singer/songwriter from Olympia, whose debut EP was released just last summer. Her first songs feature nods to her biggest influences, Taylor Swift and British pop singer L Devine.
Christen: Danni has actually volunteered at SSBP and has been to our Music Summits as well which is how we met. I remember her saying, “I write pop music” - and it stopped me in my tracks bc that’s very much not something you’d expect from an Oly musician - haha. I’m a sucker for a good pop song and I love what Danni is doing.
Jane: Christen does such an amazing job curating the line up every year. There’s always so much thought put into each artist she asks. South Sound Block Party is really bringing all that old, iconic riot grrrl, punk scene back to its home. It’s been really fun to watch the city get so excited about it and all the local businesses and restaurants wanting to be a part of it. I think this festival has done such a great job at bringing so many different genres and types of food and different kinds of businesses together. It really showcases Olympia. I can’t wait to come back and eat oysters….and do the event too. :)
Christen: Overall this was a fun year to book and I’m proud of (and love) creating a multi-genre festival. We’ve always wanted this festival to feel personal—something that belongs to and feels uniquely Olympia—and I think this lineup accomplishes that again.
South Sound Block Party is going down in Olympia, WA on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025. Tickets are available here, starting at just $69.
Thank you to Christen and Jane for your time and your work!
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