Times/News photographer Kurt Howard stopped by Flute Quest at Saltwater Park on Aug. 21 and took photos of the festivities.

To see the slideshow, please click the photo above.

Original Preview:
Flute Quest, a musical festival celebrating the Native American flute and world instruments, will energize Saltwater State Park in Des Moines Aug. 19-21, beginning at 9 a.m. daily.

Grammy Award winner Mary Youngblood will be returning along with artists Jeff Ball, Tim Blueflint, and Rona Yellow Robe. They will be performing at the Friday and Saturday evening concerts, in the Wesley Homes Terrace Auditorium, 816 S. 216th St. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for children under 13, and may be purchased in advance online at www.flutequest.com

Flute Quest, the largest Native American flute festival in the Northwest, brings together internationally known flutists and accomplished local musicians, as well as adults and children who want to learn to play or simply enjoy listening to the Native American flute.

Washington Flute Circle sponsors the event.

Participants may sign up for workshops offered by accomplished musicians. Two-hour sessions are $35, and advance sales are online at www.flutequest.com. The 1-1/2 hour beginners' flute playing workshop is free.

Sign ups will be available in advance through the website as well. If any additional seats are available sign ups will take place at the Flute Quest booth on a first come, first serve basis 30 minutes prior to any workshop.

Flute makers will offer instruments suitable for all skill levels in booths, which will also feature arts and crafts and food sales.

Experienced musicians will lead flute, drum and didgeridoo circles under the festival teepees for adults and children. Budding performers may take advantage of the open microphone on the "New Breath" stage, which will be set up in the park.

Native American flutes, originally from the northern plains and southwest canyons of what is now the United States, are amazingly easy to play and many pick up the basics with twenty minutes of instruction without any prior musical training.

For more information, visit www.flutequest.com.