WOMAD USA 2000
WOMAD USA at Marymoor Park
WOMAD USA—part of the internationally renowned World of Music, Arts, and Dance festival—returned in 2000 to King County’s Marymoor Park, once again uniting cultures, rhythms, and people from around the world for three days.
A Celebration of Music, Arts, and Dance at Marymoor Park
Each summer from 1998 to 2001, a transformative celebration of global music and culture took place under the open skies of Redmond, Washington.
More Than 40 Artists from Around the Globe
In 2000, WOMAD USA welcomed over 40 artists from more than 20 countries, bringing their unique musical, dance, and cultural expressions to the Pacific Northwest. These artists converged on 15 acres of Marymoor Park, a stunning expanse of natural beauty that became a living canvas for sound, rhythm, and motion.
Festivalgoers were able to experience a wide range of live music and attend artist-led lectures and workshops hosted at seven different venues spread across forest groves and flat green meadows. From world-renowned headliners to emerging artists steeped in tradition, the diversity of the line-up reflected the spirit of unity in difference that WOMAD has championed since its founding in 1982.
A Global Gathering for the Arts
WOMAD USA is more than a music festival—it’s a vital gathering space for international musicians and artists to connect with one another and with diverse audiences. The weekend is a dynamic blend of performances, workshops, and spontaneous artistic exchanges. At its heart, the event is about discovery and dialogue: artists from vastly different traditions and regions come together to learn from each other and, often, perform together in a breathtaking final collaboration on the Mainstage.
The Spirit of WOMAD
At the core of WOMAD USA is a commitment to music, art, and dance—regardless of origin. The 2000 festival continued this tradition by offering an open space where cultures could intersect, where audiences could discover new sounds, and where artists could collaborate in real time. Whether you came to see a favorite artist or stumbled upon an entirely new genre, WOMAD USA was designed for exploration and connection.
This emphasis on diversity and inclusion extended into the festival design itself. From the Mainstage to the more intimate Big Top, every area was crafted to allow easy movement between experiences. Audiences were encouraged to walk between stages, explore the grounds, and directly interact with artists through workshops and informal meet-ups.
WOMAD USA Teams Up with One Reel
In 1998, WOMAD USA formed a key partnership with One Reel, the Seattle arts and events producer behind major festivals like Bumbershoot. The collaboration helped solidify a permanent WOMAD presence in the U.S., with Marymoor Park serving as its beautiful and fitting home.
The Legacy of WOMAD USA
As WOMAD USA 2000 closed out another unforgettable weekend of music and culture, it reaffirmed its role not just as a festival, but as a movement for global connection through the arts. The spirit of collaboration, respect, and joyful exploration that animates every WOMAD event ensures its legacy continues to grow.
A Fusion of Sounds and Souls
A highlight of WOMAD USA 2000, as with every year, was the grand finale performance—a breathtaking moment when artists from different genres, countries, and traditions came together on the Mainstage. This was not merely a performance; it was a symbol of unity, a shared musical language created over the course of the weekend. For many attendees, this was the most emotional and unforgettable part of the entire festival.
Whether you were dancing barefoot in the meadows of Marymoor Park or watching the stream from halfway around the world, WOMAD USA 2000 offered a singular, soul-stirring reminder of what happens when the world comes together through sound.
WOMAD USA
WOMAD Peter Gabriel Sound Check
WOMAD USA 2001
WOMAD USA 2000
WOMAD USA 1999
WOMAD USA 1998 Day 1
