The Valley Voice with Jessica Self

thevalleyvoicewithjessicaself

The go to guide for what’s happening in your valley

  1. May 29

    Episode 24 "Why Live Music & The Arts Matter: Danny Kolke of Jazz Clubs NW & Boxley's North Bend

    In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, Jessica sits down with Danny Kolke, founder of JazzClubsNW and the heart behind Boxley’s in Downtown North Bend, WA. Danny shares his inspiring journey into jazz music, what brought him to the Snoqualmie Valley, and why preserving live music and supporting the arts is more important now than ever. From the impact music has on childhood brain development and creativity to the way live performances bring communities together, this conversation dives deep into the cultural importance of the arts and the role local nonprofits like JazzClubsNW play in keeping music accessible and thriving. You’ll also hear stories about the evolution of Boxley’s, the vibrant jazz scene growing in the Snoqualmie Valley, and why supporting local arts organizations directly strengthens community connection, economic vitality, and quality of life. Whether you’re a music lover, parent, artist, educator, or community advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that the arts matter — and local support makes all the difference. Topics Include: • The story behind JazzClubsNW & Boxley’s • Danny Kolke’s jazz journey • Why music education matters for youth development • The importance of nonprofit arts organizations • Building community through live music • Supporting arts & culture in the Snoqualmie Valley • The future of jazz in North Bend, WA   jazzclubsnw.org #NorthBendWA #JazzMusic #LiveMusic #SnoqualmieValley #Boxleys #JazzClubsNW #TheValleyVoice #JessicaSelf #ArtsMatter #MusicEducation #SupportTheArts #PNWMusic #CommunityPodcast

    49 min
  2. May 1

    Episode 23 "Pete Nelson | Treehouse Point, Treehouse Masters & Building Dreams in Fall City, WA"

    reehouses. Inspiration. Snoqualmie Valley.   In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Pete Nelson of TreeHouse Point - founder of Nelson Treehouse and Supply and star of Treehouse Masters - to talk about his journey from inspiration to building one of the most iconic treehouse destinations in the Pacific Northwest.   Pete shares how he made his way to Fall City, Washington, what sparked his passion for treehouses, and the story behind creating TreeHouse Point along the scenic Raging River - now celebrating 20 years since acquiring the property.   We dive into creativity, craftsmanship, and why Pete believes everyone can (and should!) be inspired to build their own treehouse.   If you love unique stays, Pacific Northwest travel, and stories that spark imagination, this episode is for you.   🎧 Search The Valley Voice with Jessica Self wherever you listen to podcasts   treehousepoint.com nelsontreehouse.com animalplanet.com treehouse podcast, Pete Nelson, Treehouse Masters, TreeHouse Point, Fall City Washington, Snoqualmie Valley, Washington State travel, Pacific Northwest destinations, unique stays Washington, treehouse building, Nelson Treehouse and Supply, Raging River, creative living, architecture podcast, cabin and treehouse design, travel Washington State, weekend getaways WA, inspiration stories, building dreams, eco living, nature stays, glamping Washington

    1h 8m
  3. Apr 30

    Episode 21 "Snoqualmie Valley Summer Festivals & Events Guide 2026 | Live Music, 50+ Bands & Things to Do near Seattle, WA"

    Snoqualmie Valley Summer Festivals & Events Guide 2026 | Live Music, 50+ Bands & Things to Do near Seattle, WA   Looking for things to do near Seattle, WA this 2026 summer?    Tune into The Valley Voice with Jessica Self for your ultimate guide to Snoqualmie Valley summer festivals, live music, and local events. Featuring insights from Morgan Henley and Travis Weatherbee, this episode highlights 50+ bands, iconic Dick’s food trucks, and unforgettable festival moments happening across the Valley.   Perfect for planning your summer weekends in North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation & Duvall, WA.   May May 9 – Sip Suds & Si   ⸻   June June 5–6 – Duvall Days (50th Anniversary) June 7 - SnoValley Pride 4th Annual Pride Picnic June 13 – Fall City Day June 20 – North Bend Art & Industry’s Art Off the Rails June 20 – Carnation Block Party   ⸻   July July 9–12 – BrodieNation Music Festival (20th Anniversary) July 10 – Jazz Clubs NW’s North Bend Haystack Festival (Americana Music) July 11 – Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Sipfest in Snoqualmie  July 18 – Downtown North Bend Block Party (Noon–10pm with a Dick’s Food Truck appearance!)   ⸻   August Aug 7–9 – Festival at Mt. Si in North Bend Aug 15 – Carnation Concert Crawl Aug 15 – Sept 15 – Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival (from North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation, Duvall & Monroe) Aug 22 – Snoqualmie Day   ⸻   September Sept 12 – Snoqualmie Street Fair on Snoqualmie Ridge Sept 30 – Fall City Apple Festival with NW Natural Horsemanship Center   ⸻   October Oct 3 – North Bend Blues Walk (15th Year)

    1h 21m
  4. Mar 20

    Episode 20 "Breaking the Silence: Search & Rescue Mental Health, Alan's Story & the Fight for Volunteer First Responder Support"

    What happens when the rescuer needs rescuing?   In this powerful episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Alan LaBissoniere, President of Regional Special Vehicles Unit and Carrie Lee Gagnon, Executive Director of King County Search and Rescue, from King County Search and Rescue KCSARA to talk about the reality behind the mission—what it really means to serve on the front lines as a volunteer first responder.   Alan shares his deeply personal mental health journey, opening up about the pressure, the crash after calls, and the moment everything came to a breaking point. His vulnerability is not only courageous—it’s already creating change.   Together, we explore:     •    The hidden mental health challenges in search and rescue     •    Why volunteer responders fall through the cracks without benefits or support     •    How Alan’s story is sparking the beginning of a larger movement     •    Efforts underway to build mental health resources locally, statewide, and beyond   This conversation goes beyond search and rescue—it’s about humanity, resilience, and redefining what support should look like for those who show up when others are in crisis.   If you’ve ever wondered what it costs to be the one who saves others… this episode is a must-listen.   jessicaself.com sarposium.com thebridgerecovery.com travishowze.com kingcountysar.org rsvu.org northbenddowntown.org olympichottub.com

    1h 6m
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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The go to guide for what’s happening in your valley