With health restrictions lifted, organizers of KSQM 91.5 FM’s Music in the Park series are looking forward to a summer full of top tunes, dancing and fresh eats.
The 2022 series, held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at the James Center for the Performing Arts, 350 N. Blake Ave. — just north of Carrie Blake Community Park — features free entertainment from local or regional music acts with concessions by Sequim Valley Lions and Ulivo Pizza.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the outdoor venue.
Susan Sorensen, KSQM’s public relations representative, said the community connections is what’s fun about this series, one that kicked off a couple of years ago. In 2020, because of the pandemic, the inaugural series was shifted to Music Where You Park and saw attendees stay in their cars to enjoy music; in 2021, a portion was moved to Music In the Park when health officials deemed it safe.
“You’d see the same people week after week; it’s nice to connect with the listeners,” Sorensen said.
“It’s just a fun thing to do.”
This year’s series, a partnership between KSQM and the Sequim City Arts Advisory Commission, brings a number of local favorites such as the Buck Ellard Band, Bread & Gravy Quintet and Black Diamond Junction.
“Some have a following; they bring their own groupies,” KSQM administrative director Tama Bankston said.
Acts were selected based on originality and appeal by a community group of about nine or 10 people, Bankston said, with highest rated acts able to select their spot on the 2022 schedule.
Some events will have 50/50 drawings, with half going to the community radio station.
The series kicks off on June 28, Family Jazz Night, featuring crooners Sarah Shea and Jean Lenke. This evening of family-friendly jazz will hear the pair highlight Disney, Raffi, Sesame Street, Weird Al, the American Songbook and more.
Photo courtesy of Jean Lenke Jean Lenke, left, and Sarah Shea team up for Family Jazz Night on June 28, kicking off KSQM 91.5 FM’s 2022 Music In the Park series.
“We have some great jazz performers here on the peninsula,” Bankston said. “Fortunately they are buddies … and we have a chance to have another band [in the lineup].”
The rest of the 2022 lineup includes:
On July 5, the Buck Ellard Band offers traditional country tunes with a modern flair along with classic rock, blues and original tunes. Ellard, a singer, songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, has toured Europe, Canada and the United States.
Submitted photo Led by Brian “Buck” Ellard, the Buck Ellard Band is the second act of KSQM 91.5 FM’s Music In the Park series in 2022; the group hits the Sequim stage on July 5.
John Hoover and the Mighty Quinns take the Music In the Park stage on July 12. The group performs as a tribute to the songs, music and spiritual connection of John Denver in addition to family, folk, oldies, rock and original tunes.
On July 19, enjoy Music by The Shift. This seven-piece group, who regularly tours in Hawaii and all over the West Coast, incorporates alternative rock, bluegrass and reggae.
The Backwoods Hucksters, is a Port Angeles group featuring three-part harmonies, two lead instrumentalists (harmonica and fiddle) with guitar, bass and drums, offers Americana music, bluegrass, country, folk, rock and country blues on July 26.
On Aug. 2, the Bread and Gravy Quintet offers nearly all styles of music, including classic rock, blues, bluegrass, soul and one disco song.
Submitted photo Ranger and the Re-Arrangers play KSQM 91.5 FM’s Music in the Park series on Aug. 9.
Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” of Bainbridge Island offer tunes that evoke the spirit of a Parisian cafe and the raucous energy of hot club swing on Aug. 9.
The Navy Band Northwest’s Ensemble/Concert Band plays the series’ Aug. 16 date, with musicians on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments performing patriotic favorites and works from the rich American heritage along with contemporary music.
On Aug. 23, Black Diamond Junction, a five-piece group voted Olympic Peninsula’s “Best Live Band” and “Best Live Performer” the past five years, bring a high-energy show of classic hits from 1960-2000.
Rounding out the series is Sound Advice on Aug. 30. This Sequim-based group of four musicians play the tunes of Motown, classic soul and dance tunes from the 1960s and 1970s.
For sponsorship opportunities email to office@ksqm.com or call 360-681-0000.
“It should be an exciting summer,” Sorensen said.
And more …
KSQM also host the Music Where You Bark event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, held in conjunction with the Sequim City Band; the community music group starts at 1:30 p.m.
The event is in conjunction with Sequim’s annual Pet Lovers Day, complete with a “Cutest Pet” contest and other pet-related activities.
Music in the Park’s 2022 schedule
Events are 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at Carrie Blake Community Park, with food provided by Sequim Valley Lions, Ulivo Pizza
June 28 — Jazz in the Park/Family Night with Sarah Shea and Jean Lenke
July 5 — Buck Ellard Band
July 12 — John Hoover & The Mighty Quinns
July 19 — Music by the Shift
July 26 — Backwoods Hucksters
Aug. 2 — Bready & Gravy Quintet
Aug. 9 — Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers”
Aug. 16 — Navy Band Northwest Ensemble/Concert Band
Aug. 23 — Black Diamond Junction
Aug. 30 — Sound Advice
