WINTER MAGIC 2026: A RECAP
Written by Amy Hall
Music is where the magic happens. Our annual winter showcase, Winter Magic, features the talents of Totem Star’s up and coming Youth Artists. The continuation of our 12+ year tradition celebrated and uplifted our growing community.
“…I got to meet so many incredible people who I hope to see again in the future for other shows, to collaborate with or just talk to. Truly all wonderful people and I'm so thankful y'all let me do this show with you” - Raven Sinclair
Totem Star Youth Performers and The Rhapsody Songsters on the Baba Yaga Stage post-Magic! (L-R: Mariah Roberson, Raven Sinclair, Reitor, Cal Constellation, MkMuzz, Samuel Kemp.) Photo by Daniel Pak.
During the cold Washington winter months, everyone needs a little magic. That’s why Winter Magic, our annual artist showcase , has remained one of our most beloved events for over 12 years!
Like all our showcases and other live performances, Winter Magic is part of Totem Star’s program “The Stage,” one of the main pillars of Totem Star programming. In combination with our work in The Studio, building community through The Jam, and participating in workshops and open mics, The Stage hones artistic skill and confidence, while featuring our unique and talented artists for exciting performance opportunities!
My name is Amy Hall, events coordinator and youth artist at Totem Star, and I’m here to cover the magic of Winter Magic 2026, hosted at the heart of Pioneer Square at Baba Yaga on January 21. Through the support of the Office of Arts and Culture, we teamed up with the Baba Yaga team to produce a free, all ages show on their lively stage!
Our lineup this year included both musicians who’ve been well-known in our community for years, as well as newcomers, all bringing a beautifully diverse presence to the show.
“I am very honored to be a Totem Star artist and love being able to perform at shows like The Winter Magic.” - Cam october
Cam October is a singer/songwriter who has been an active Totem Star artist since 2023. With her captivating and energetic vocals, she kicked off Winter Magic with a bang. Performing original work, many included on her recently released EP created at The Studio “A Poem for Pine Needles”, and with a one-song duet performance featuring Totem Star Artist, SAE—Cam sets an example in the way she draws in the audience through her sonic energy.
Singer/songwriter Reitor followed Cam with his passionate vocals, signifying an exciting new step in his musical career. He is an experienced singer, and through Winter Magic, he saw the opportunity to share his original work on stage for the first time, and took it with drive and emotion. “But I know you’ll taste the bitterness before you melt in sweet” from his original ballad “Memories of Love” captured his true uniqueness in his songwriting, and his powerful performance highlighted who he is as an up-and-coming musician.
Mkmuzz then brought even more brilliant ballads to the floor. An active performer and songwriter who has been a cherished Totem Star artist for 3 years, his riveting originals and breathtaking voice will pull on your heart strings every single time. Whether it’s just him and his guitar, or layered with the beautiful backing tracks produced with our mentors in The Studio, MkMuzz brings his all in delivering his heartfelt messages through song.
“Everyone did amazing, the vibes were great from all parties. Winter Magic was my first ever show and it’s always great to relive those memories and keep going. Can’t wait for the next one.” - MkMuzz
Cal Constellation (singer/songwriter), although a new Totem Star Artist, is no stranger to the music scene. Most recently releasing her single “Passenger Seat”, and actively working on her self-produced work in The Studio, I was so excited to introduce her to The Stage! Her ambient vocal and piano performance and absolutely electric songs, Cal showed us that she is the future of pop music.
“I’ve also been lucky enough to be given opportunities to perform, something I wouldn’t have been able to easily do otherwise. I’m so grateful for Totem Star and the doorways that it has given me.” - Cal constellation
Raven Sinclair’s hypnotic EDM brought folks to their feet. Over this past year, they’ve been hard at work utilizing The Studio, self-producing their original songs, with a recent release in October 2025 of their debut album “Do You See Me in the Stars”.
Raven’s past experience as a local performer brought us the pure energy of their electronic production, melodic synths, and driven vocals brought alive on the stage. Raven’s performance was beautifully dynamic and transcendental. Their set was just another example of Totem Star’s mission to give Artists the opportunity to bring themselves where they belong—on the stage, letting the world hear their voice.
And what is Totem Star without our community? After showcasing our wonderful young Artists, we were thrilled to partner with our Station Space Arts Hub neighbor organization, The Rhapsody Project, to feature a special set from The Rhapsody Songsters. Bringing a full band to the stage, from the rhythmic guitars to the harmonious violin, the Songsters gave us an invigorating blues/jazz experience to close out the showcase. The Rhapsody Project is another community that supports musicians through accessible education and community, and we are blessed with every opportunity to include them as we bring musicians to the stage.
It was no surprise that this evening was so special. In the time leading up to the showcase, I saw it at our dress rehearsal at The Studio, and our huddle up in the Baba Yaga green room just minutes before we kicked off the show. Especially during times like these, we need music to bring people together. A little bit of nerves, a hint of chaos, overshadowed by the incredible excitement of each performer, eager to show the world exactly who they are. In the green room, in the crowd, and on the stage- we were able to share our feelings with each other, providing love and comfort.
Winter Magic is just the beginning to another year of bringing your next favorite musicians to The Stage, recording in The Studio, and connecting through The Jam.
You can hear some of these Artists along with more up and coming artists on our Youth Artist Mixtape (shhh), set for release this spring. To keep up with us, stay connected on Instagram, @totemstar, and Learn More here.
Stay warm and keep creating music!
- Amy Hall (Events & Communications Associate)
