The much-anticipated Yelm Jazz in the Park is marking its sixth year with such a notable line-up of local and regional musicians, you won’t want to a note of the two-day festival. Happening August 4-5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day, Jazz in the Park knows how to provide a relaxing, fabulous time for the entire family.
Yelm Jazz Evening Provides European Ambiance without the Travel
“I was always fascinated by living there – being able to go to the park, drink wine, and listen to music,” says Marian Licxandru, Pizzeria La Gitana owner and founder Yelm Jazz in the Park. Summertime is meant for a stroll with your sweetheart and a chance to sit in the park to listen to the heart and soul-touching music wafting through the evening breeze. Originally from Romania, Marian has traveled in depth through countries including France and Italy. “I want to bring that flavor to my home community in Yelm,” he continues.
While you are at Jazz in the Park, you can leave your cares behind. Refresh yourself in the welcoming beer and wine garden. Consider counting your blessings.
Yelm Jazz in the Park is a not-for-profit that manages the one annual event. “It does my heart good,” notes Marian, who wants others to have an European experience right in the middle of Yelm. It’s an event for all ages, and there is no admission fee.
“We’ve learned from the past,” explains Marian. The stage has grown, and attention has been given to know the location of the sun to make conditions optimal for guests. Gordon’s Garden Center will again be decorating the stage. “It’s out of this world,” exclaims Marian. The beer and wine garden will also be decked out. Marian himself will be putting up and taking down over 1,300 string lights in the entire park. Totally worth it!
Just bring your picnic blanket, friends, family and come in for a great time. At dusk propane fire pits surrounded by haybales will add to the already cozy ambiance and who knows, maybe you to will notice a good feeling taking over inside you. It is going to last a few days we heard.
The two evenings of jazz is all about community and feeling good. Life is filled with challenges and opportunities. We’ve all been through a lot, and Marian believes it is essential to find moments to recharge. It’s even easier to make the time when you don’t have to buy a ticket to attend. You’ll be able to engage with your friends with great background music. Gather your family and friends and head to the park for a jazz-filled evening.
Featured Music at Yelm Jazz in the Park (and Good Eats)
The Rainier Quartet: Jazz fusion
Jean Lenke Quartet: Pacific NW Jazz, Folk & Blues
Cat’s Pajamas
You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket or leave it behind and let others cook for you. There will be food to purchase from local favorites including Stacks burgers, El Taco Amigo 3 and Steele Barrel Barbecue. The kids you bring or the kid in you can have ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn and hot dogs. Adult beverages will be in the beer and wine garden.
Yelm City Park
The event is staged at Yelm City Park, a destination all its own. There’s a playground with new equipment, grassy areas for playing, a covered picnic area and restrooms. You can even charge your electric car. Locals will know about the splash pad, a delightful family attraction with its multiple water fountains and jets, rings and more for youngsters to cool off in the summer heat. The Splash Pad stays open until 7 p.m.
The Yelm Water Tower
Jazz in the Park has done what it can to create a memorable ambiance. Though you won’t have a view of the Eiffel Tower, you can be impressed with the Yelm Water Tower. In 2017, it was listed by the WA State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation on the WA Heritage Register of Historic Places. Funds to restore and preserve it were secured in 2019. Special lighting was installed to be used on special occasions. Jazz in the Park is ever so special.
Summer slips by! Be sure you’ve circled your calendar or made appropriate electronic reminders for the first weekend in August. There’s a grand time to be had the Yelm Jazz in the Park. It’s family friendly and free. Check the Yelm Jazz in the Park Facebook for updates.
Thank You to All Those Making This Possible:
Event Hosts
Pizzeria La Gitana (Yelm & Olympia)
City of Yelm
Sponsors
Today’s Dental Center
Oly Fed
Castle Realty
Uptown Lounge
Yelm Cinemas
Prairie Hotel
Media Sponsor
D Zigns Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs
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