SEQUIM — Erik Evans, a “Parking Lot Piper,” continues to play the bagpipes at parking lots and commercial outdoor spaces as he has done since late spring 2020 to bring cheer to passersby in Clallam County after COVID-19 prompted community shutdowns.
“Do you remember those early days when it was so quiet? It was so quiet, it was creepy,” Evans said. “So I started playing outside my house, and people came up and mentioned that it was nice to hear some music.”
After the initial positive feedback, Evans began to play regularly three or four times a week. He played in parking lots so people could listen to the music without mingling.
“It turned out really great,” he said. “It made me feel like there was something to do every day, which was kind of hard to find.”
Store owners also appreciated Evans’ music: Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm sponsored the July 16 gig at 120 W. Washington St.
On Saturday, he will be at the Airport Garden Center at 2200 W. Edgewood Drive in Port Angeles from 11 a.m. and noon.
“Please come by and say hello,” he said on his parking lot piper Facebook page, where appointments can be requested. “I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe summer.”
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Emily Matthiessen is an intern with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at ematthiessen@sequimgazette.com.
Executive Editor Leah Leach contributed to this story.
