The Squeak and Squawk Music Festival (SQSQ), which is set for Sept 12 to 16 at The New Frontier Lounge and Broadway Center's Studio 1 the Library at Sanford and Son Antiques, boasts more than 30 bands, and in its fourth installment is becoming a Tacoma tradition known for letting its freak flag fly.

This year's production would have evolved in a very different way if it weren't for help from the community.

Last year SQSQ producers Rev. Adam McKinney and Jena Stedler - after adopting the festival from founder Sean Alexander - pulled up their big kid pants and pushed through with a $2,000 budget.

Despite monetary limitations, last year's SQSQ was still a success. Heather Rowland, who volunteered at last year's event, said the festival embodied the spirit of summer.

"The bands were as eclectic as the people watching the show," she said. "I was introduced to some great new bands, mingled with the famous, got a haircut by a performing band member and received the best kiss of my life by then boyfriend - he pulled me up on stage and kissed me for all of Tacoma to see, or so it felt. There was an overwhelming sense of freedom those few days."

This year, Stedler and McKinney strived to kick it up a notch, so they did what many creatives do - they started a Kickstarter campaign. Within 30 days, SQSQ met its goal of raising $7,500.

This allowed them to bring in many more talented bands, including Carletta Sue Kay, who perhaps speaks for us all.

"We are beyond excited for SQSQ," he said. "We can't wait to see and hear The Hoot Hoots, Lake, La Luz, and lots of others. It's going to be a really fantastic line-up that is I believe very well rounded, eclectic, bold, odd, and super cool. So everyone HAS to come out and check out the shows. SQSQ is going to be very special and we just can't wait."

Read Nikki McCoy's cover story feature on Squeak and Squawk, which includes ticket details, in today's Weekly Volcano, which also happens to be online.