The City of Sequim kicks off its 11th year of its Music in the Park series at 6 p.m. next Tuesday, June 30, with classic rock band The Strait Shots.
Every Tuesday night through Aug. 25, a new act plays at the same time at the James Center for Performing Arts, at the Water Reuse Demonstration Site north of Carrie Blake Park at 563 N. Rhodefer Road.
What’s on tap
The 2015 schedule is as follows:
• June 30, The Strait Shots, classic rock
• July 7, Lobo del Mar, Celtic, bluegrass, flamenco
• July 14, Old Sidekicks, country, bluegrass
• July 21, Andre Feriante, classical guitar
• July 28, Fourth annual Sequim karaoke contest
• Aug. 4, Stardust Dance Band, big band swing
• Aug. 11, Ranger and the Re-arrangers, gypsy jazz
• Aug. 18, Joy in Mudville, bluegrass, folk, rock
• Aug. 25, Navy Band of the Northwest, variety
Details, details
Traditionally, the winner of the karaoke contest, this year on July 28, wins $100, with second place $50 and third $25.
City Clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese, who helped start the annual event, said a committee of four people chose from 19 musicians or groups who applied this year and 25 applicants in 2014.
They make their decision based on how the musicians/bands would do on the stage and what kind of crowd they’d draw.
“Singles typically don’t do real well,” she said. “If they’ve performed in the past isn’t taken into account though. (How well they do) all depends. How well known the band is around here seems to draw more people. It really just depends on the group.”
Each musician/band is paid $400 for a two-hour performance and the whole event costs about $4,500 each summer, Kuznek-Reese estimates.
The city accepts sponsorships to cover the costs, Kuznek-Reese said, and they are nearly $2,000 short to cover their costs with those sponsors.
Traditionally, the City of Sequim pays about $1,000 to cover the final costs split from its general fund, sewer fund and lodging tax funds, she said.
From 2007-2009, the city also offered outdoor movies on an inflatable screen but found the costs too high to continue the program after some nights of music.
For each concert, city staff recommends bringing a chair or blanket for the grass as limited seating is available.
Parking is available near the bandshell and Albert Haller Playfields and Carrie Blake Park, 202 N. Blake Ave.
For more information, contact Kuznek-Reese at 681-3428 or kkuznek@sequimwa.gov.
