The city of Kent has released its Summer Concert Series, free events at three locations across town from July 10 to Aug. 21.
Here’s a look at the lineup and each artist as provided by Kent Parks:
WEDNESDAY PICNIC PERFORMANCES
West Fenwick Park, 3808 Reith Road
Noon to 1 p.m.
• July 10: Roberto the Magnificent
Roberto the Magnificent rides very tall unicycles; bounces on industrial strength pogo sticks; and juggles sharp knives, flaming torches, and spinning hand saws – all while keeping audiences in fits of giggles.
• July 17: 123 Andrés
Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively performances get the whole audience dancing, singing, and learning! This high-energy, joyful show celebrates the Latinx experience and incorporates Spanish, English, and ASL languages.
• July 24: Red Yarn
Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson) weaves music and puppetry into high-energy shows for all ages. With traditional and original songs that blend folk, rock’n’roll, country, and blues, Red Yarn’s shows are a raucous, inclusive celebration of the multicultural musical heritage of the USA. As Red rambles through the landscapes of American folklore, he introduces his “critter” friends – lovable, handmade puppets.
• July 31: The Harmonica Pocket
Silly and sweet, The Harmonica Pocket is a young at heart band from Port Townsend. Audiences are drawn in by upbeat songs and unexpected props. Humor, improvisations, and play are generously sprinkled on top. Shows incorporate a loop pedal to “build a band” right in front of the audience’s ears.
• Aug. 7: Joanie Leeds
This New York-based singer/songwriter has won first place in the USA Songwriting Competition, an Independent Music Award, a GOLD Parents’ Choice Award, and a Family Choice Award to name a few. She has performed at venues including Lollapalooza, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and more. Her music has been featured in the New York Times, People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Billboard and The Washington Post, and has risen to number one on Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live. Her 9th children’s album, “All the Ladies,” won a Grammy award.
• Aug. 14: The Not-Its!
This Seattle “Kindie Rock” quintet will have children and their parents on their feet rocking out to power-packed songs about bugs, haircuts, reading, the 80s and more. The Not-Its! are Sarah Shannon (former singer of 90s Sub Pop band Velocity Girl), Danny Adamson (rhythm guitar), Tom Baisden (lead guitar), Jennie Helman (bass player) and Michael Welke (former drummer of Harvey Danger).
WEDNESDAY FAMILY DATE NIGHT
Presented by Kent Station
Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way
6 to 8 p.m.
• July 10: Darren Motamedy
Saxophonist Darren Motamedy has released 15 smooth jazz albums since 1989. His newest, “Grateful” was released in March 2023. His albums have been played nationally and two of his albums were named “Jazz Album of the Year.” A native of Kent, Darren Motamedy returns from his home in Las Vegas to perform for his local fan base.
• July 17: Nite Wave – 80s Nite
Everything from Prince to Depeche Mode to Duran Duran to INXS and more. Seattle-based Nite Wave pays homage to the artists who designed a decade and brings an energy to their shows that is unique and infectious. The group was hand-picked by Billy Idol to open for his tour, and they have also shared the stage with Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, Clive Farrington of When in Rome, and Multi-Platinum selling artist Tiffany.
• July 24: Jewel Tones
The Jewel Tones perform all of your favorite Motown hits with sass and flair. Sing and dance along to favorites by The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Jackson 5 and many more. This is an upbeat, family friendly, throwback show that all ages can enjoy.
• July 31: Eden
This Seattle-based rock/blues/pop band is fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Savanna Woods, a recent Top 20 artist from Stanwood on NBC’s “The Voice.” Savanna’s unique voice is paired with incredibly talented musicians to create an impactful and energetic sound: Aaron Hiebert on electric guitar, Jason Edwards on drums, and Ethan Gibbons on bass. They play a dynamic range of original music, paired with covers from the 60s through today. From Fleetwood Mac, to AC/DC, to Stevie Ray Vaughan, they are guaranteed to get you grooving!
• Aug. 7: School of Rock Kent
School of Rock is a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education. Students perform music from 70+ years of rock and roll, blues, jazz, alternative and indie bands.
• Aug. 14: Aaron Crawford
Molded by his love for classic country, but influenced by the Seattle grunge scene, Aaron Crawford has written and recorded 5 studio albums, creating a sound that is undeniably unique to the Pacific Northwest. Consistent tours throughout the last 10 years, paired with his genuine desire to connect to each fan, create an experience the listener is drawn to, and a live show that is as dynamic as it is impressive.
• Aug. 21: Oncore
This high energy Top 40/Pop/R&B cover band gets the party started and never lets it stop. The band is composed of talented musicians who have been members of famous acts such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and The Rolling Stones to name a few. Oncore believes that a party should be for the people, and they aim to please.
THURSDAYS AT THE LAKE
Sponsored by Cogir of Kent Senior Living
Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St.
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Free shuttle bus from Fire Station 75 – 6 to 9 p.m.
• July 11: Good Co
Traversing funk, pop, electro swing, and more, Good Co is a dance party soundtrack. Coming straight out of the Jazz Age, Good Co brings a speakeasy sound with an added dash of the electronic funk. Brassy, flashy, and always a little sassy, Good Co is reimagining the dance music of today by taking the sound and style of the past and flipping it on its head.
• July 18: Sean Hatton Band
This Idaho-based band offers Americana at its best, blending roots, rock, and pop. They have been touring the Northwest over 25 years in various formats including Grateful, New Transit, Exit 51, and the Sean Hatton Band. Audiences love band’s complex guitar portfolio and introspective lyrics. Hatton has performed on stage and in support of notable touring acts: Chris Isaak, Leon Russel, Dr. John, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Guster, Dawes, Trace Adkins and many more.
• July 25: Men of Worth
In 1986, Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher came together to perform Irish and Scottish folk music, combining traditional and contemporary styles. They blend their voices with harmony and a variety of instruments. Their show is a unique combination of humor, upbeat tunes and heartfelt ballads.
• Aug. 1: James Coates
James Coates and His Band are an entertaining music group who perform a signature brand of “Funky Country and Americana Soul,” blending country, funk, rock and R&B to create a unique sound that audiences love.
• Aug. 8: Diyet & The Love Soldiers
This multi-instrumental trio from the Yukon delivers alternative country, folk, roots and traditional music with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. She sings in both English and Southern Tutchone (her native language).
• Aug: 15 The Powell Brothers
Texas-based modern country and rock fronted by brothers Taylor Powell (lead vocals, guitar, bass) and Blake Powell (vocals, bass, guitar). With a unique blend of genres and thoughtful lyrics the group has garnered a large and diverse following. Releases include 11 singles, four EPs and one full-length album.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
Nite Wave, of Seattle, will plays its 80s cover songs on July 17 during Wednesday Family Date Night at Kent Station, part of the city of Kent’s Summer Concert Series. COURTESY PHOTO, Nite Wave
