By Kathryn Millhorn
Jazz great Wynton Marsalis once decreed that “the bandstand is a sacred place.” Celebrating 20 years of free family fun, the Lacey In Tune Summer Concerts in the Park shows the enduring wisdom of his words.
A summer staple which began with little more than an improvised flatbed trailer stage, over the years the series has encompassed local filmmakers, Elvis impersonators, reptile acts, movies on a giant screen, and musicians of all sorts, from far and near. Huntamer Park fills with laughter, music, surprises, and fun for all ages.
This year’s offerings promise to be equally thrilling. Says Jeannette Sieler, Recreation Supervisor for Lacey Parks and Rec, “The concerts and movies in the park are a great asset to the community as they provide a place for family and friends to connect, have fun and make lasting memories. This year we have some returning favorites as well as some new talent that we are excited to share!”
“We also have two double feature nights,” adds Sieler. “On July 19th families will enjoy ‘Mary Poppins’ followed by the new ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ and then our season finale with ‘Despicable Me’ 1 & 2. Also I am very excited about our Christmas in July movie on July 26 where we will be showing the movie ‘ELF’ but before the movie we will have some wintery fun with snow and Santa.”
Musically, there are two different timeframes available throughout the summer. Shows happen Wednesdays at noon and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and highlight artists from our region and beyond. The Wednesday shows include jazz, rock, country, and patriotic tunes.
June 25: Tapwater—Americana World- July 2: Hankabillies—Musical Comedy Patriotic show
- July 9: Full Metal Racket (133rd Army Band)—American Pop
- July 16: Feelin’ Groovy—Simon & Garfunkel Tribute
- July 23: Jaspar Lepak—Heartfelt Folk/Americana
- July 30: Ko Ko Jo—Rock and Country
- August 6: Darren Motamedy—Smooth Jazz
The Saturday evening concerts promise sizzling tunes for summer nights and precede the big screen movies.
- July 12: LuLu LaFever & the Hot Tamales—Swing, Jazz, and Blues
- July 19: Olympia Jazz Senators—Classic big-band jazz
- July 26: David Correa & Cascada—Latin guitar/world music
- August 2: Terry Holder—Heartfelt original songs
- August 9: Global Heat—Hip hop, soul, world beat…with break dancing!
As always these events are BYOB (bring your own blanket or chair) and all ages are welcome. In the Pacific Northwest, we seldom pass up the opportunity to be outdoors.
Free, family-friendly picnic opportunities are seldom so ready-made so don’t miss out! Call Lacey Parks and Recreation with any questions: 360-491-0857.
