Field Arts & Events Hall sets grand opening for July

By Sequim Gazette Staff • May 17, 2023 1:30 am
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell / The Field Arts & Events Hall in downtown Port Angeles opens in late July, with Grammy Award-winning artists and other top acts filling out the lineup for inaugural performances on July 29 and July 30.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell / The Field Arts & Events Hall in downtown Port Angeles opens in late July, with Grammy Award-winning artists and other top acts filling out the lineup for inaugural performances on July 29 and July 30.

A grand opening, indeed.

Port Angeles’ Field Arts & Events Hall unveiled the lineup for “From Washington to the World,” its Grand Opening weekend, last week — one that features Diane Schuur, a multi-Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and pianist.

Festivities are set to take place July 29-30 and also include Ranky Tanky, taiko drumming and dance with Unit Souzou, and outdoor performances by the BANDALOOP vertical dance company.

Tickets for the Grand Opening weekend went on sale for public purchase May 12th. Details on tickets can be found on the Field Hall website at fieldhallevents.org or by calling 360-477-4679.

“We are beyond excited to unveil our Grand Opening weekend lineup, featuring an exceptional group of performers who embody the spirit of creativity and diversity from Washington to the world,” said Steve Raider-Ginsburg, executive director of Field Arts & Events Hall.

The Field Arts & Events Hall, 201 W. Front St., is planned to host local, regional, national and international music and performance artists in a 500-seat auditorium. It also includes a conference and event center to suit groups from 20-300 people in downtown Port Angeles, overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Field Hall’s Grand Opening Celebration is presented by 7 Cedars and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

“This celebration is a testament to the incredible talent that will grace our stage and the visionary support we have received from our Founders Circle donors and patrons,” Raider-Ginsburg said. “We invite everyone to join us for this historic event and check out what Field Hall is all about.”

The Grand Opening weekend will begin with a special performance by Schuur, who is kicking off her 70th birthday tour. Founders Circle donors who have contributed their support to the Field Hall capital campaign are invited to an evening extended performance with Schuur on Friday, July 28. On Saturday afternoon, July 29, Schuur returns to the stage with a 4 p.m. matinee performance open to the public. That evening, Randy Tanky — a Grammy Award-winning quintet known for their Gullah music — takes to the stage at 8 p.m.

BANDALOOP, a pioneering vertical dance company, will perform an original piece of choreography on the exterior of Field Arts & Events Hall at three free public performances on Saturday, July 29, at noon, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July30, the Field Hall invites audiences of all ages to experience Unit Souzou, an ensemble that combines the power of taiko drumming with Japanese folk dance. The group will offer two performances, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

“Field Arts & Events Hall is a historic benchmark for our Olympic Peninsula community as the Morris/Field vision for a ‘state-of-the-art’ event center has begun its journey to display amazing entertainment, cultural and artistic talents for all to enjoy,” said Tribal chairman W. Ron Allen and 7 Cedars CEO Jerry Allen of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

“The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Cedars is honored to be a partner and contributor to this inspirational community facility.”

For more information, visit fieldhallevents.org.