For the first time, the Strawberry Festival will have a musical stage dedicated to Vashon’s youth performers.

Hosted by Vashon Youth Council and Vashon Youth & Family Services, the youth performing stage at the Village Green will be home to varied musical acts representing some of the best youth talent Vashon has to offer.

“We’re very, very excited about this opportunity,” said Amy Ezzo, Vashon Youth Council director. “There’s a huge

interest in music among the youth.”

Organizers are now seeking recorded music samples from youth musicians interested in performing on the festival stage during this year’s festival on July 16, 17 or 18.

Several of Vashon’s young people have already voiced their interest in performing, Ezzo said, and she’s looking forward to listening to musicians’ music samples to choose the festival’s performers.

Ezzo said at least 20 people are needed to help set the stage up, manage the lineup, introduce the performers and generally make sure everything goes smoothly on the stage throughout the weekend.

Both adults and youth are invited to be part of the crew that sets up and runs the stage, she said.

Anyone interested in performing at the Village Green youth stage during Strawberry Festival should contact Amy Ezzo at 463-7350 or Amy.VYC@gmail.com. She and others will review music submissions on May 15 and 16. Performers who do not have recorded music samples are invited to perform their music live.