As the days get warmer and the nights get longer, summer approaches with the promise of plenty of time spent outdoors. And that means outdoor concerts and entertainment, too. This year’s Lacey in Tune has an exciting line-up ready to bring the community together this summer at Huntamer Park.
This year’s showcase includes concerts from many different genres of music, everything from country and pop, to rock and jazz. Plus, outdoor movies and the chance to see other unique performances by a comedy hypnotist, ventriloquist, and a “Creature Teachers” show for the kids.
Tuesday Fun for Kids
In partnership with the Lacey Timberland Library, the Children’s Entertainment Series shows are every Tuesday evening at 6:30. Kid comedian and musician Norman Foote will be coming all the way from British Columbia for his performance on July 10. On July 24, JenUwin the unicorn will perform a musical spectacular, Unicorns Believe. And the Seattle-based “Kindie Rock” band, The Not-Its, will close the season on August 9 with their high-energy and dance inspiring songs that even parents love too.
“It’s so fun on Tuesdays watching the families with the little kids up there dancing,” shares Jeannette Sieler, recreation supervisor for Lacey Parks and Recreation.
Wednesday Lunchtime Concerts
On Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. catch a lunchtime concert in the park. The popular National Guard rock band Full Metal Racket kicks-off the season on June 27. “Every year they’re always a huge hit,” says Jeannette.
Other performances include a show by two-neck guitarist Mark Kroos, and country/pop singer Kaitie Wade. Mark and Kaitie are coming to Lacey in Tune all the way from North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee, respectfully. Though like many of the event performers, Kaitie is originally from the Pacific Northwest.
Saturday Evening Music & Movies
The fun continues on Saturday evenings with music at 7:00 p.m. followed by movies at dusk. “Having kids come out in their pajamas and sleeping bags, after the concert is over they get all comfortable and watch a movie in the park, it’s just the best in summer time fun,” Jeannette adds.
See American Idol singer Lovey James on July 14, The Beatles tribute band British Export on July 28, as well as dance-hits group SWAY on August 4. Afterward, get cozy and watch some classic, family-friendly movies as the sun goes down. July 21 is sure to be an evening of laughter, a screening of the recent Jumanji movie will follow a performance by Vegas-based hypnotist-comedian Justin James.
It’s a special sense of community and belonging that draws people back to Lacey in Tune every year. “If you go to a movie, you’re sitting in the chair, you don’t really get to connect with other people,” says Jeannette. “You go to a drive-in, everybody’s in their own car. But here in the park there’s people close by and you’re laughing at the same thing in the movies, or it’s a familiar song and everybody starts singing. It’s just a neat connection within the community.”
Photo courtesy: City of Lacey
Over 20 years ago, the Lacey Parks and Recreation staff decided to set up a flat-bed truck with some speakers and musicians during the lunch hour at Huntamer Park. Two years later, a permanent stage was built, and since then it has grown into an annual event that draws hundreds of people to the park each year.
“We want to thank our sponsors and partners who made this possible so that we can offer it for free to everybody,” Jeannette adds.
The first concert begins Tuesday, June 26. The schedule can be found on the City of Lacey website. All you need is some chairs or a good blanket, and you and your neighbors can enjoy the sights and sounds of this years Lacey in Tune.
Huntamer Park is located on the corner of 7th avenue SE and Woodland Square Loop in downtown Lacey.
