Summer at SAM Returns for July 2026
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
This summer marks the third year of partnership between Sonic Guild and the Seattle Art Museum for the Summer at SAM series. Summer at SAM is a long-running program at the Olympic Sculpture Park that offers free, art-focused activities to the Seattle community. Since 2024, Sonic Guild has brought music to the event by curating the artist lineup. This year, there are four opportunities to see shows in this beautiful location. Sonic Guild will bring a wide range of artists to the Sculpture Park - everything from dreamy art rock that feels like a Northwest forest to neo-soul played by a group of UW alumni, plus grand finale collaborations between the acclaimed Passenger String Quartet and four more local musicians.
Read on to get to know Sonic Guild’s Summer at SAM lineup.
Kenshi Killzzz
Kenshi Killzzz makes art that is as captivating visually as it is sonically. She layers smooth vocals over jazz and soul infused lo-fi beats. Given her background in photography, it is no surprise that accompanying music videos demonstrate a clear visual identity. She oozes cool, mixing streetwear with traditional Indian attire at shows and online.
I///U
Many of the members of alternative soul band i///u met while they were students at UW, and they have been fueled by love for and from the Seattle music community ever since. The title of their debut album “Play For Someone You Love” reflects a group philosophy of community and love. This isn’t just a band, but a musical collective, and that can be felt in the energy at their shows. Their jazz-infused neo-soul is played with a palpable sense of joy.
RUB
RUB makes feel good music. Blending synth rock and pop with soul influence, this band makes you want to dance. RUB was formed in 2022 and is made up of six seasoned Seattle musicians who boast tenures in other great local bands. Since then, they have released two records; their debut in 2024 and a live album recorded at the Neptune from January of last year. The joy is infectious at their shows, as will certainly be the case during Summer at SAM.
Shelby Natasha
Shelby Natasha combines lo-fi beats and gorgeous vocals with a traditional Chinese instrument, the Guzheng. She grew up between China and the Pacific Northwest, so her work blends folk music from both places, alongside modern production and instrumentation. The result is music that is fresh yet grounded, and entirely unique.
Mt Fog
The sonic and visual identity of the band Mt Fog is aptly paired with their name; evoking the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, their dreamy synth-heavy art rock feels otherworldly at times. Led by the ethereal vocals of singer and multi-instrumentalist Carolyn B., who started the band as a solo project before she was joined around 2024 by Andy Sells and Casey Rosebridge, Mt Fog incorporates broad influence, from prog rock to jazz. The result is something magical.
somesurprises
Layered guitars, delicate vocals, ambient synths, and a healthy amount of reverb come together beautifully in the work of Natasha El-Sergany and Josh Medina, or somesurprises. Leaning into shoegaze and dream pop sensibilities, somesurprises create soaring yet intimate songs that are even more enchanting when performed live.
The Passenger String Quartet with Kate Dinsmore, Iris Kymm, Brittany Davis, and Gabriel Teodros
On July 30th, the Passenger String Quartet will perform new string arrangements to accompany the songs of four Seattle artists. They will work with Kate Dinsmore, Iris Kymm, Brittany Davis, and Gabriel Teodros. Kate Dinsmore is a singer-songwriter who pulls from wide-ranging influences to create songs that are personal and powerful. Iris Kymm boasts a global audience that loves her often jazzy pop songs showcasing captivating vocals. Brittany Davis is a Seattle Jazz legend who incorporates rock, soul, hip-hop, pop, and R&B to make music that just feels good. Gabriel Teodros is an emcee, producer, and DJ who collaborates often, telling stories and making music that is always relevant.
Can't wait for this!