Downtown Olympia Celebrates 34 Years Of Music In The Park

olympia date night
Dance the night away at Music in the Park or Lacey in Tune. The free outdoor music concerts are a great way to enjoy summer in Olympia.
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By Kate Scriven

oly fed sponsorOlympia is a town steeped in history and traditions.  And, as a result, residents mark their calendars for much anticipated annual events  –  the opening of the Olympia Farmer’s Market , the traditional family outing to Lakefair, or a coveted spot to watch a local fireworks display.  One of these, for many (over 13,000 last year alone) is the Music In The Park free concert series held every July and August in downtown Olympia’s Sylvester Park.

The concerts span all genre of music and attracts people from every walk of life.   The concerts were started in 1979 in an effort to invigorate the sagging economy of the downtown neighborhood.  A group of local citizens formed a coalition called the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (RUDAT) who helped conceive of and coordinate many projects in the downtown core that we all take for granted as Olympia staples today.  Projects included the Percival Landing Boardwalk, The Washington Center for Performing Arts, and the inception of the Music In The Park Free Concert Series.

Music in the Park Dancing 2In 1991 the Olympia Downtown Association (ODA) took over the planning and execution of the concerts and, with the help of a dedicated board of local downtown merchants volunteering their time annually, the concerts have grown into a summer tradition.

Concert-goers know that there is plenty of room in the centrally located park for blankets, chairs and the occasional table set with a full spread.  Kids and adults alike dance to the music ranging in genre from R&B to Folk, Jazz to Americana.   The biggest draw?  It’s free.  Always has been.  And, the business owners in downtown Olympia are committed to keeping it that way, acting as sponsors to the event year after year.

Businesses aren’t the only ones supporting, either.  Many individuals show their love of the long-time concert series by becoming a “Friend of Music in the Park” through donations of any amount.

olympia music in the parkMark Furman, a downtown business professional, has served for over 25 years on the committee for Music in the Park.  Furman knows the value of the series to downtown merchants and the community at large.  “It is definitely a lasting event that draws a large portion of the community,” he shares.  “It’s something I enjoy helping make happen – I enjoy music, love working with other downtown merchants, and creating a free event that has become a community tradition.”

The event is led by Events and Volunteer Coordinator for the ODA, Kim Combs.  This will be Combs’ first year organizing the event and she is excited.  “It’s a true family event, one where people can experience downtown together, exploring before or after the show.  We hope that people have fun, but we really hope to raise awareness of what our downtown has to offer, bringing people back on non-concert days.”  With over 1500 attendees per concert and growing, the ODA will likely reach that goal.

olympia music in the park“The committee gets together starting in December to find talent,” explains Furman.  “We review the acts, line up the sponsors and prepare for the next season.”

And the talent gets better each year.  This season’s line-up includes a popular returning act for the kick-off concert on July 10 – Portland based Jacob Merlin with Sarah Billings.  Merlin performed several years ago to rave reviews and was thrilled to return.

For years, the concerts have been held in Sylvester Park, anchored by the iconic gazebo featured on this year’s collectable button and shirt.  However, seven years ago, in cooperation with The Port of Olympia, one concert has been held at the Port Plaza.  This Plaza concert draws a larger crowd and typically features a big-name band.  This year, the Port concert is August 2 at 7pm and will feature The Beatniks, a Puget Sound favorite since the early ‘90s.

Why have the concerts been so popular?  “Well, they are free!” laughs Furman.  “But we also work really hard to get an array of genre that appeal to everyone.”  And, when you live in our area, the precious sunny and warm months of July and August are not to be wasted.  Residents are always looking for opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm, dry days and nights.

The 2013 talent is excellent, offering the wide variety that the ODA strives for.  All events (except the Port Plaza concert) are held Wednesday evenings at Sylvester Park from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Here’s the line-up:

July 10-  Jacob Merlin w/ Sarah Billings – Rhythm & Blues

July 17 –  Bobby Medina & the Red Hot Band – All Genres

olympia music in the parkJuly 24 – Bevy – Jazz

July 31 – Fishtrap – Blues

August 2 – The Beatniks – All Genres – *At Port Plaza

August 7 – Olympia Jazz Senators – Jazz

August 14 – Longstride – Reggae/Rock

August 21 – Jeanne Jolly – Jazz/Rock/Country

August 28 – Blues County Sheriff – Blues

Parking can be tight downtown, so take advantage of the DASH free shuttle, Intercity Transit busses, or bike to the concert.  Come early to grab a great spot, bring your blankets or chairs, and get ready to enjoy the 34th season of this Olympia tradition.

 

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