The bands are coming, from Chicago, New Orleans, Florida, Hawaii, Los Angeles, New Mexico and Nashville.

And they’ll be at South Whidbey’s Playground in the Park Saturday and Sunday for the Geoduck Festival, a musical gathering of nationally known artists who are also playing for a cause.

Now in its second year, the August festival has had two names: In 2001, it was called Deception Pass Music Festival, scheduled to be held in Deception Pass State Park. But bureaucratic obstacles, said organizer Jay Nehf, required a last minute change. South Whidbey Parks and Recreation offered Community Park as a site.

“They have been so very helpful both last year and this year,” Nehf said. “We think the world of these guys.”

The name change came next.

Why “Geoduck Festival?”

“Because of the Deception Pass debacle, we decided to go with a name that was not connected to a place,” Nehf said. “Tandi Roberts, one of our most important volunteers, came up with ‘Geoduck’ and it passed a vote.”

Nehf said that the Geoduck will be a “sensational” musical event.

Music will inlcude Cajun, bluegrass, traditional folk, Celtic rock, contemporary rock, Hawaiian slack key guitar, Native American music and more.

Nehf ticked off some names:

l John Tristao of Credence Clearwater Revisited.

l Jo-El Sonnier, born in Rayne, La., has been been “King of Cajun” for the past 20 years.

l Cherokee Rose brings a blend of contemporary folk, flavored with traditional Native American themes. Her song writing has been compared to Buffy St. Marie and Joni Mitchell.

l Tom Landa and the Paperboys will return with their fusion of Celtic, bluegrass, Latin and roots pop.

l Janie Cribbs has played around the world. Her music has earned her Washington Blues Society nominations for Best New Band and Best Female Vocalist.

l George Kahumoku, Jr., Hawaiian born and a master of the slack key guitar, has appeared on Prairie Home Companion and entertained world dignitaries .

l Dana Lyons, “The Godfather of Grange,” is responsible for the hit-song, “Cows With Guns.”

“People who don’t come to this festival will really miss out,” Nehf said. “Where else can you get so close to the performers?”

Last year the festival had about 800 people over both days, Nehf said. “We want to continue attracting people from off the island and compete with Seattle. Our attendance goal is $150,000.”