1992

Bumbershoot '92

Official Poster Artwork by Joan Stuart Ross By 1992, Bumbershoot had become one of the defining public stages for a rapidly changing Seattle. Entering its third decade, the festival continued its tradition of transforming Seattle Center into a sprawling Labor Day weekend gathering of music, dance, theater, film, literary arts, and visual art. Produced by One Reel, Bumbershoot remained committed to the formula that had guided its growth: a wide-ranging mix of nationally recognized artists alongside emerging and local talent from the Pacific Northwest. The early 1990s were a pivotal moment for Seattle’s cultural identity. The city’s music scene, particularly the explosion of alternative rock and independent music, was beginning to capture international attention. Bumbershoot reflected that energy, offering audiences the chance to experience the sounds and creative voices shaping the region while still maintaining the festival’s broader multidisciplinary approach. Despite its growing national reputation, Bumbershoot retained its civic character. The festival still felt like a public gathering, a place where Seattle’s communities, artists, and audiences came together under one cultural umbrella. By 1992, Bumbershoot was not only reflecting the creative energy of the city, but it was also helping amplify it. Bumbershoot 1992's line up included: Archie Roach / Arturo Sandoval / Austin Lounge Lizards / Bebe & Cece Winans / Bela Fleck & the Flecktones / Bobcat Goldthwaite / Carlene Carter / CJ Chenier & The Red / Hot Louisiana / Crazy 8′s / Curtis Salgado and the Stilettos / Eddie Palmieri & His Orchestra / Edward II / George Benson / Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Kevin Welch / Joan Armatrading / Joe Ely / Joe Mooney & Bluesiana / John Hammond / John Lee Hooker / John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers / Lavern Baker / Mark O’Connor / Nanci Grifith / Queen Latifah / Rebecca Wells / Ricky Van Shelton / Seattle Mens Chorus / Sonny Landreth & the Goners / Spin Doctors / Strunz & Farah / Subdudes / The Addy Family of Ghana / The Holmes Brothers / The Iguanas / The Robert Cray Band / The Ukrainians / They Might Be Giants / Third World / Thomas Mapfumo & Blacks Unlimited / Tower of Power / Tracy Nelson / Urban Bush Women / Zakir Hussain & The Rhythm Experience